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United States · Official source
541 records where Sen. Evans, Daniel J. [R-WA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1986
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend the trade adjustment assistance programs for workers and firms through March 15, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1986
Expresses the deep sorrow of the Senate for the fate of the space shuttle Challenger.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1985
Higher Education Amendments of 1985 - Revises and reauthorizes through FY 1991 specified programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Title I: Student Assistance - Part A: Grants to Students - Subpart I: Pell Grants - Extends the Pell Grant program. Revises program eligibility requirements. Revises maximum grant limits and cost of attendance formulas and rules. Sets forth a separate new family contribution schedule for Pell Grants. Sets forth a procedure with respect to award errors and overpayments. Subpart 2: Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants - Authorizes appropriations for the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program. Revises program provisions relating to: (1) the maximum amount of such grants; (2) priority for needy students; and (3) apportionment. Subpart 3: State Student Incentive Grants - Authorizes appropriations for the State Student Incentive Grants Program. Sets forth a Federal share limitation under such program. Subpart 4: Student Support Service Programs - Authorizes appropriations for Student Support Service Programs. Revises program provisions, including provisions for veterans and for outreach and staff development. Subpart 5: Special Programs for Students Whose Families are Engaged in Migrant and Seasonal Farmwork - Authorizes appropriations for the program referred to under this subpart. Part B: Guaranteed Loans - Extends and revises the Guaranteed Student Loan Program (including the Federally-Insured Student Loan Program). Part C: Work Study Programs - Extends and revises work study programs (including work study for community service learning on behalf of low-income individuals and families). Part D: Direct Loans - Extends and revises the Direct Student Loan Program (including loan priority for needy students and interest rates on loans made after July 1, 1986). Part E: General Student Aid Provisions - Revises various provisions relating to HEA title IV (Student Assistance) programs generally. Title II: Institutional and Program Assistance - Part A: Continuing Postsecondary Education Program and Planning - Repeals title I (Continuing Postsecondary Education Program and Planning) under HEA. Provides for a National Advisory Council on Continuing Education. Part B: Libraries - Reauthorizes HEA provisions relating to libraries. Revises provisions relating to college library resources. Authorizes a study of the effectiveness of the needs criteria for the College Library Resource Program. Strengthens research library resources. Repeals specified provisions relating to libraries. Part C: Institutional Aid - Reauthorizes provisions relating to institutional aid. Part D: Teacher Training and Development - Subpart I: Teacher Training Programs for Higher Educational Personnel - Repeals part B (Teacher Training Programs) of Title V (Teacher Corps and Teacher Training Programs) of HEA. Subpart 2: Training for School Teachers To Teach Handicapped Children - Repeals part C (Training for Elementary and Secondary School Teachers to Teach Handicapped Children in Areas with a shortage) of title V of HEA. Subpart 3: Coordination - Repeals part D (Coordination of Education Professional Development) of title V of HEA. Subpart 4: Carl D. Perkins Scholarship Program - Authorizes specified appropriations for the Carl D. Perkins Scholarship Program for FY 1987 through 1991. Subpart 5: National Talented Teacher Fellowship Program - Authorizes specified appropriations for the National Talented Teacher Program for FY 1987 through 1991. Part E: International Education - Reauthorizes provisions related to international and foreign language study (including provisions on language and area centers, foreign language resource centers, summer institutes, and research). Authorizes specified appropriations for the provision of international education for FY 1987 through 1991. Part F: Construction and Renovation - (Reserved.) Part G: Cooperative Education - Authorizes specified appropriations for cooperative education for FY 1987 through 1991. Authorizes grants (and contracts for demonstration projects) for cooperative education programs. Part H: Graduate and Professional Programs - Subpart I: Grants to Institutions of Higher Education - Repeals part A (Grants to Institutions of Higher Education) of title IX (Graduate Programs) of HEA. Subpart 2: Fellowships for Graduate and Professional Study - Increases the maximum institutional and individual grant amounts for graduate and professional study under HEA for institutions and individuals. Establishes a minimum institutional payment. Authorizes specified appropriations for fellowships for graduate and professional study for FY 1987 through 1991. Subpart 3: National Graduate Fellows Program - Extends and limits the authorization of appropriations for the National Graduate Fellows Program through FY 1991. Requires that awardees under such program be known as Jacob J. Javits Fellows. Subpart 4: Training in the Legal Profession - Authorizes specified appropriations for HEA legal training programs for FY 1987 through 1991. Subpart 5: Law School Clinical Experience Programs - Authorizes specified appropriations for Law School Clinical Experience Programs under HEA for FY 1987 through 1991. Part I: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education - Authorizes specified appropriations for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education for FY 1987 through 1991. Establishes a program of grants to and contract with higher education institutions and other agencies and organizations for innovative projects for community services and student financial independence. Authorizes specified appropriations for such program for FY 1987 through 1991. Establishes a Community College Unit in the Office of Postsecondary Education. Authorizes specified appropriations for the Minority Institutions Science Improvement Program for FY 1987 through 1991. Part J: Urban University Program - Repeals title XI (Urban Grant University Program) of HEA. Title III: Regional Education Laboratories and Research and Development Centers - Amends a specified provision of the General Education Provisions Act to reauthorize appropriations for regional educational laboratories and research and development centers through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1985
Extends the condolences of the Senate to the family members of soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division who died in service to their country.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1985
Restricts smoking to designated areas in all United States Government buildings, including leased buildings. Requires that the rules and regulations prescribed under this Act: (1) be developed in consultation with the Surgeon General; (2) be implemented after consultation with employee representatives; (3) make reasonable accommodations for the needs of smokers and nonsmokers; (4) provide for conspicuous sign display specifying where smoking is allowed or prohibited; (5) provide for effective enforcement; and (6) be published in the Federal register. Prohibits such rules and regulations from superseding those that provide more stringent restrictions on smoking.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1985
Designates the week of December 1 through December 7, 1986, as National Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1985
Expresses the Senate's condolences to Barry Goldwater and the Goldwater family upon the death of Peggy Goldwater, the wife of Senator Goldwater.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1985
Calls upon the President to direct the Agency for International Development to work in a global effort to provide universal access to childhood immunization by 1990 by: (1) assisting in the delivery, distribution, and use of vaccines; and (2) performing and supporting research and development activities that will be targeted at developing new vaccines and at modifying existing vaccines to make them more appropriate for use in developing countries. Declares that the President should appeal to the public to provide the necessary resources to achieve universal access to childhood immunization by 1990. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1987 for the Child Survival Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1985
Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 to extend from August 1, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the special rules concerning the allocation of research and experimental expenditures to income from sources within the United States. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the income tax credit for increased research and experimental expenditures. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the income tax deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the moratorium on net operating loss carryover rules. Extends from January 1, 1986, until July 1, 1986, the moratorium on the issuance of regulations relating to faculty housing. Extends the targeted jobs income tax credit from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986. Extends the authorization for appropriations for administrative and publicity expenses through FY 1986. Extends from December 31, 1985, through June 30, 1986, provisions relating to the awarding of attorney's fees to a prevailing taxpayer in a Federal tax case. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the limited income tax exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the income tax exclusion for amounts received under qualified group legal services plans. Extends from January 1, 1986, until July 1, 1986, the income tax exclusion for certain employer-provided commuting transportation. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the limited exclusion of dividends from a public utility that are reinvested in common stock of the utility. Extends from December 31, 1985, (until June 30, 1986, the investment tax credit for specified types of energy property. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the residential energy income tax credit. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, social security coverage of retired Federal judges on active duty.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1985
Public Lands Cleanup Act of 1985 - Designates the first Saturday after Labor Day as Public Lands Cleanup Day. Requires each Federal land management agency to organize and participate in intergovernmental and private efforts to clean and maintain Federal public lands under their jurisdiction in observance of such day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow construction workers to take an income tax deduction for travel expenses incurred while away from home in pursuit of a trade or business if: (1) the job site is at least 30 miles from the residence of the construction worker; and (2) the job site is a temporary job site or a remote job site.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1985
Authorizes and requests the President to designate April 20 through April 26, 1986, as National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1985
Designates the week of January 26 to February 1, 1986, as Truck and Bus Safety Week.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1985
Designates 1986 as the Centennial Year of the Gasoline Powered Automobile.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Declares that no letter of offer, prior to March 1, 1986, shall be valid with respect to any proposed sales to Jordan of advanced weapons systems, including advanced aircraft and advanced air defense systems, that are described in the notification pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, unless direct peace negotiations between Israel and Jordan are underway.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1985
Dedicates the Cumberland terminus of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park to J. Glenn Beall, Sr., in recognition of his outstanding efforts to protect the canal and tow path from development. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to design, locate, erect, and maintain a memorial to J. Glenn Beall, Sr., within the exterior boundaries of the park. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 25 September 1985
Designates November 1, 1985, as National Philanthropy Day.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1985
Recognizes the National Camp Fire Organization for its 75 years of service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Hydrogen Research and Development Act - Title I: Hydrogen Production and Utilization - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive program management plan for a research and development program designed to permit the development of a domestic hydrogen fuel production capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Secretary to send the Congress annual reports which include any necessary plan modifications. Directs the Secretary to establish such program within the Department of Energy. Requires that the areas to be addressed in such program include production, liquefaction, transmission, distribution, storage, and utilization. Requires priority to be given to production techniques that use renewable energy sources as their primary energy sources. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstrations to evaluate technical and nontechnical parameters to determine commercial applicability of hydrogen technology and to prepare a comprehensive large-scale hydrogen demonstration plan. Requires the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive technology application plan which shall include: (1) the potential applications for the use of hydrogen; (2) technical market and economic readiness assessments for such potential applications; (3) an assessment of Government actions needed to develop such application; and (4) an analysis of the impact of such applications on domestic energy supplies. Requires the Secretary to consult with other Federal agencies and departments in carrying out this program. Requires the establishment of a Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel to advise the Secretary on the conduct of the hydrogen program. Requires the Panel to submit an annual report on the program to the Energy Research Advisory Board which shall subsequently report to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Title II: Hydrogen-Fueled Aircraft Research and Development - Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive program management plan for a research and development program for the development of a domestic hydrogen-fueled aircraft capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Administrator to transmit to Congress annual reports which include any necessary modifications with respect to the plan. Requires the Administrator to establish such program within NASA and to prepare and transmit to the Congress a comprehensive flight demonstration plan which shall confirm the technical feasibility, economic viability, and safety of liquid hydrogen as a fuel for commercial transport aircraft. Provides that the research and development program under this title shall include, at a minimum, the development of the systems associated with the production, transportation, storage, and handling of liquid hydrogen for commercial aircraft application. Provides that the Administrator shall consult with other Federal agencies and departments in carrying out the program. Establishes a Hydrogen-Fueled Aircraft Advisory Committee to advise the Administrator on the programs established by this title. Requires the Committee to report annually to the Administrator on its activities and on the status of such programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco and Health Education Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop educational programs and materials and public service announcements respecting the dangers to human health from the use of smokeless tobacco, and to make such programs, materials, and announcements available to States, local governments, and school systems. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the activities undertaken in this regard. Requires specified warning labels on all smokeless tobacco products and advertisements. Declares that failure to comply with provisions of this Act shall be a misdemeanor. Grants district courts of the United States jurisdiction and injunctive power to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate regulations to implement this Act based on the findings and conclusions of the Advisory Committee on the Health Consequences of Using Smokeless Tobacco.
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
Expresses the sense of the Senate that it condemns the growing incidence of violence against health care facilities (most of which provide abortion services). Encourages the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Department of Justice to intensify their efforts and apprehend and convict the perpetrators of such violence. Urges the Department of Justice to use all applicable Federal criminal statutes against such persons.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Synthetic Fuels Fiscal Responsibility Act - Amends the United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation Act of 1980 to abolish the United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation (the Corporation) 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Terminates the Corporation's authority to enter into any legally binding commitments (including any additions to existing commitments) after the date of enactment of this Act. Designates the Secretary of Energy as the Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation. Directs such Secretary to: (1) dispose of all Corporation assets not necessary for operating the synthetic fuels assistance program; (2) transfer to the Department of Energy all other Corporation assets; (3) administer the synthetic fuels assistance program and the modified synthetic fuels assistance program; (4) submit an assistance plan to the Congress setting forth the methods and schedules for implementation of the synthetic fuels assistance program on the smallest, least expensive practicable scale; and (5) solicit proposals for the construction and operation of synthetic fuel projects. Sets forth a congressional review procedure under which binding obligations above a certain amount and synthetic fuel actions must be submitted by the Secretary for congressional approval. Deems any such action or obligation approved if not disapproved by enactment of a joint resolution within 90 days after submittal. Requires that certain user fees, loan guarantee fees, and all receipts collected by the Secretary shall be deposited in the Treasury general fund. Authorizes appropriations for the synthetic fuels program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1985
Highway Beautification Act of 1985 - Amends Federal law regarding outdoor advertising to require the Secretary of Transportation to submit an annual report to the Congress detailing the extent to which each State is in compliance with the outdoor advertising requirements. Provides that a State shall be deemed as failing to provide effective control of outdoor advertising if the State allows vegetation located on State rights-of-way for interstate or primary system highways to be altered or removed if the purpose of such alteration is to improve the visibility of certain outdoor advertising. Specifies exemptions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1985
Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from exempting from such Act any class of credit transactions that are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. Permits the Board to exempt (for five years) a type or class of business or commercial transactions only after determining that application of such Act to such transactions would not contribute substantially to effecting the purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1985
Designates the month of March 1986 as Music In Our Schools Month.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1985
Non-Smokers Rights Act of 1985 - Restricts smoking to designated areas in all U.S. Government buildings. Sets forth a civil penalty for anyone who smokes in a designated non-smoking area.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 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.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Designates the rose as the national floral emblem.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Calls on the Soviet Union to: (1) release Anatoly Shcharansky, Yosef Begun, and other Prisoners of Conscience and allow them to leave the Soviet Union; (2) issue exit permits to long term "Refuseniks" including Ida Nudel and Vladimir Slepak; and (3) allow thousands of Jews who have requested such permits to leave.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Authorizes the establishment in the District of Columbia of a memorial to women who have served in the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Amends the General Education Provisions Act to increase by two the number of members of the Assessment Policy Committee (who are appointed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress organization for purposes of its assessment of the performance of children and young adults in the basic skills of reading, mathematics, and communication, under its grant from or cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Education). Provides that one of these two new members shall be an elementary school principal and the other shall be a secondary school principal.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Designates the period October 1 through September 30, 1986, as the time to reflect on the achievements of the Peace Corps during its 25 years, and on ways such programs might be used in the future. Authorizes and requests the President to proclaim this period as a time to honor Peace Corps volunteers and reaffirm our commitment to such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Declares that the Senate agrees to cooperate with the Jacob K. Javits Senate Fellowship Program. Directs the Senate to provide assistance as may be necessary for the success of this fellowship program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct a study for the purpose of determining tolerable State error rates under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program (part A of title IV of the Social Security Act); and (2) contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a concurrent study. Sets forth reporting requirements. Sets the AFDC error rate at four percent (currently three percent). Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive all or any part of any sanction that would otherwise be imposed upon a State if the State is unable to reach the allowable error rate despite a good faith effort. Permits a State to request such a waiver upon a showing that: (1) it has made a good faith effort to reduce erroneous payments; or (2) its error rate was determined incorrectly and should be lower. Permits a State to appeal the Secretary's denial of a waiver. Provides for a moratorium on reducing payments for excess errors. States that it is the intent of the Congress to revise such moratorium at a time after the reports required by this Act have been submitted. Provides for incentive payments to States with error rates under four percent, but not until the moratorium is lifted. Provides that when determining a State's error rate: (1) the rate shall be fixed at the lower bound of the standard interval for errors within which the State's true error rate falls; and (2) errors which are technical in nature or have no fiscal impact shall be disregarded.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1985
Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to provide that if geothermal steam is produced or utilized in commercial quantities under an approved operation within any lease or administrative lease extension period, such lease shall continue for so long as geothermal steam is produced (or utilized) in commercial quantities, for a maximum continuation of an additional forty years. Sets forth conditions under which geothermal leases in effect as of July 27, 1984, shall be extended for a maximum of three successive five-year periods. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to review any cooperative or unit plan of development every five years after approval in order to eliminate any lease or part of lease not regarded as reasonably necessary to cooperative or unit operations. Makes geothermal leases in effect as of July 27, 1984, eligible for an administrative extension if an application is timely submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a sediment retention structure near the confluence of the Toutle and Green Rivers, Washington, to control sediment flowing from eruptions of Mount St. Helens. Directs the Secretary to undertake conforming activities downstream for flood protection and navigation maintenance on the Toutle, Cowlitz, and Columbia Rivers.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1985
Hydroelectric Relicensing Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to give preference to State and municipal license applications for original hydroelectric power projects. Extends from two years to three years the time period within which the United States has the right to take over a hydroelectric project whose license has expired. Changes the procedures for new licenses and relicensing to require an existing licensee to give notice of its intention to file for a new license three years prior to the expiration of its existing license. Permits a competing application to be filed within 180 days of the filing of the initial application for a new license by the existing license. Requires a competing application to give a detailed statement of how the plans reflected in it are as well, or better adapted, than are the plans reflected in the existing licensee's initial application to develop, conserve, and utilize in the public interest the water resources of the region. Requires that each final application for a new license be filed one year prior to the expiration of the existing license. Requires such final application to seek to improve the initial application previously filed. Requires FERC to give public notice upon receipt of final applications and to review simultaneously all final applications for a new license. Directs FERC to issue a new license to the applicant whose plans are best adapted to serve the public interest if the United States eschews its right to take over a project at the expiration of an existing license. Requires, if the plans of competing applicants are equally well adapted to serve the public interest, that FERC favor the competing State or municipality. Directs FERC to favor the existing licensee if: (1) all applicants are from the private sector; or (2) all applicants are governmental entities. Delineates standards for FERC to consider when making a determination of the public interest. Conditions the issuance of a new license to a new licensee upon: (1) assumption by the new licensee of all contracts entered into by the old licensee with the approval of the Commission; (2) payment by the new licensee of the net investment of the old licensee, up to the fair market value of the property taken; (3) payment by the new licensee of any reasonable damages; and (4) payment by the new licensee of 50 percent of the additional cost to the existing license of providing the equivalent amount of the least-cost alternative electric energy to its customers for the term of the new license. Exempts from such conditions any applications pending before the FERC as of the date of enactment of this Act, and license applications for projects for which an existing license expires prior to January 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should retain the current corporate average fuel economy standard for passenger automobiles.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1985
Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985 - Title I: Extension of Business Energy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the energy investment tax credit for solar energy property from 1985 to 1990. Sets the amount of such credit during such period at 15 percent for low temperature solar property and 25 percent for all other solar property. Extends the energy investment tax credit for wind property from 1985 to 1988. Sets the amount of such credit at: (1) ten percent during 1986 and 1987; and (2) five percent during 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for geothermal property and biomass property from 1985 to 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for ocean thermal property from 1985 to 1990. Revises the definition of "solar property" for purposes of such tax credit. Sets forth special rules for geothermal equipment to qualify for such credit. Title II: Affirmative Commitment Rule to Extend the Business Credit for Certain Long-Term Projects - Extends the time period during which an affirmative commitment must be made in order for long-term energy projects to be eligible for the energy investment tax credit. Allows such an extension: (1) from 1990 to 1993 for solar energy property; (2) from 1988 to 1990 for geothermal energy property; and (3) from 1985 to 1990 for hydroelectric generating property. Title III: Extension of Residential Energy Credits - Extends the residential energy income tax credit for solar renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Provides that solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet certain additional standards in order to qualify for such credit. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for wind renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for geothermal renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Revises the definition of geothermal deposits for purposes of such credit. Revises the definition of energy conservation expenditures for purposes of the residential energy income tax credit to limit the amounts taken into account to $700. Limits the energy conservation income tax credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that any tax reform measure enacted by the Congress should restore the value of the personal exemption by increasing it to a minimum of $2,000, and the indexing of the personal exemption should be retained in order to prevent further erosion of its value to the American taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1985
Economic Equity Act of 1985 - Title I: Retirement - Pension Vesting, Integration, and Portability Act of 1985 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to maximum age conditions under pension plans to provide for continued coverage for certain workers over the normal retirement age. Provides that pension plans may only exclude from participation, on the basis of age, an employee who has attained the normal retirement age under the plan if: (1) the plan is a defined benefit plan or a target benefit plan (as under current law); and (2) the employee's accrued benefit under the plan is greater than the normal retirement benefit to which the employee would be entitled at the normal retirement age if the employee commenced participation at the earliest possible entry age under the plan and served continuously until attaining the normal retirement age under the plan. Revises provisions relating to minimum vesting standards to reduce, from ten years to five years, the number of years of service which a pension plan participant must complete in order to earn a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of the participant's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions. Permits multiemployer pension plans to retain the ten-year minimum vesting standard if such plans meet certain conditions, including complete reciprocity for workers who move from one regional pension plan to another within the same industry. Repeals a certain "class year plan" rule. Permits participants with three (currently five) years of service to elect within a specified period to have their nonforfeitable percentage computed under the plan without regard to any plan amendment changing the vesting schedule. Revises minimum participation standards, minimum vesting standards, and benefit accrual requirements to provide for pension plan coverage of part-time workers. Revises the definition of "year of service," for purposes of minimum participation and vesting standards, to treat 500 to 1,000 hours of service per year by a part-time employee as one-half of a year of service. Provides that the date on which such employee completes such one-half of one year of service shall be the latest date until which the plan participation of such employee may be delayed. Includes service of at least 500 (currently 1,000) hours in determinations of years of plan participation, for purposes of benefit accrual requirements. Establishes minimum benefit rules for integrated pension plans. Requires such plans to offer a minimum benefit without taking into account contributions or benefits under specified provisions of the Social Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code, or any other Federal or State law. Sets forth formulas, based on specified percentages of employee compensation, for determining such minimum benefit in the case of: (1) an integrated defined benefit plan; and (2) an integrated defined contribution plan or an integrated simplified employee pension. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe necessary or appropriate regulations to carry out the purposes of such minimum benefit rules for integrated plans in any case in which the employer has two or more plans. Provides for distributions of accrued benefits of less than $7,000 to portable pension accounts (individual retirement accounts or individual retirement annuities). Requires a pension plan to distribute a participant's nonforfeitable benefit to a portable pension account if: (1) the plan is a defined benefit plan, or an individual account plan subject to specified funding standards; (2) the present value, as of the date of separation from service, of such benefit is less than $7,000; and (3) the participant elects in writing, after receiving a required notice, to have such benefit distributed to such portable pension account in a distribution which is excluded from gross income under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe by regulation the manner and form in which such election is to be made. Requires the plan administrator, upon being informed by a participant that the participant wishes to make an election pursuant to these provisions, to provide notice to the participant of: (1) the present value, as of the date of separation, of the participant's nonforfeitable benefit (with such present value to be deemed equal to the actuarial equivalent, as of such date, of the normal form of benefit under the plan); (2) the amount of the participant's benefit on the date of the participant's retirement payable under the pension plan at normal retirement age expressed in the form of a single life annuity under a defined benefit plan or in the normal form of payment under an individual account plan; and (3) the additional tax (under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions as revised by this Act) on distributions from, or disqualification, of the portable pension account before the date on which the participant attains age 59 1/2. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions relating to pension plans. Makes such revisions similar to those made to ERISA by title I of this Act with respect to: (1) continued coverage for certain workers over the normal retirement age; (2) a minimum vesting standard of five years of service (reduced from ten years), with the exception of multiemployer plans meeting certain conditions (including reciprocity); (3) repeal of the class year plan rule; (4) protection from changes in the vesting schedule for participants with three years of service; (5) coverage for part-time workers under minimum participation standards, minimum vesting standards, and benefit accrual requirements; (6) establishment of minimum benefit rules for integrated plans; and (7) distributions of accrued benefits to portable pension accounts. Revises provisions relating to additional tax on certain amounts included in gross income before age 59 1/2. Requires, in cases of early distributions or disqualification involving portable pension accounts to which accrued benefits from a pension plan have been distributed as provided under this Act, that the additional tax (for the taxable year in which the early distribution is received or the disqualification occurs) shall be equal to the amount of the early distribution, or of the disqualification, which is includible in gross income for such taxable year. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) conduct a study of the feasibility and ramifications of requiring private employee pension benefit plans to provide cost-of-living adjustments to benefits payable under such plans; (2) compile data and analyze the effect inflation is having and may be expected to have on retirement benefits provided under such plans; and (3) submit study results, with recommendations, within two years after enactment of this Act. Social Security Modernization Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the combined earnings of a married couple which are attributable to the period of their marriage shall be shared equally between them for purposes of determining the eligibility for and amount of OASDI benefits to which each spouse is or may become separately entitled. Credits the survivor of the marriage with 100 percent of the combined total wages for the period of the marriage. Provides that this Act shall not apply in specified cases where it would result in a reduction of OASDI benefits. Provides full benefits for disabled widows and widowers without regard to age. Enables an insured individual's spouse who has attained the age of 50 and is not entitled to any other monthly benefits to obtain a transition benefit for four months upon the death of the insured individual. Establishes the amount of such transition benefit at 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the insured individual or, if it is higher, 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the spouse. Repeals the separate definition of disability applicable to widows and widowers. Permits the months of a widow's or widower's entitlement to Supplemental Security Income benefits (title XVI of the Social Security Act) on the basis of a disability to be counted towards the 24 months needed to become entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) on that basis. Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Equity Act - Provides that a former spouse of a member of the uniformed services shall be entitled, unless expressly provided by a spousal agreement or court order, to an annuity: (1) equal to 50 percent of the retired or retainer pay of the member if married to the member throughout the creditable service of the member; or (2) equal to a pro rata share of 50 percent of such pay if not married to the member throughout the entire creditable service of the member. Requires that an election by a member not to participate, or to participate at a reduced level, in the Survivor Benefit Plan or to provide an annuity for a dependent child only must be made jointly with the member's spouse. Provides that such an election must be in writing. Allows a member who has a former spouse to jointly elect a spousal agreement with such former spouse or as provided under a court order to provide a survivor to the former spouse or to waive such an annuity. Treats a former spouse as a spouse for purposes of eligibility as a beneficiary, computation of annuities, and reductions in retired or retainer pay under the Survivor Benefit Plan if the member elects such treatment. (Present law treats a former spouse as a person with an "insurable interest" subject to certain restrictions and requiring larger reductions in retired or retainer pay.) Establishes a 24 month period during which members who were already divorced before the effective date of this Act may elect to have a former spouse covered under the Survivor Benefit Plan. Provides that a former spouse's share of retired or retainer pay shall be based on the gross amount of such pay. (Present law bases such share on the net amount of such pay after specified deductions.) Title II: Dependent Care - Social Services and Child Care Assistance Act of 1985 - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to set allotment amounts for FY 1984, 1985, and 1986 and each succeeding fiscal year. Allocates from the allotment set for FY 1986 and available for any fiscal year, specified amounts for: (1) funding for a National Resource Center on Family Day Care; (2) grants to States for training and child care services. Specifies amounts shall be used: (1) for the training and retraining of human services personnel; (2) for the training and retraining in the prevention of child abuse of licensed child care operations; and (3) for the provision of child day care services to children who are abused or neglected, who are members of families receiving aid under title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of such Act, or children who are members of specified low-income groups. Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to require the Governor of each State, as a condition of the State's eligibility for receiving title XX Federal payments, to establish or designate a State Advisory Committee on Child-Care Standards which shall: (1) examine, investigate, and study the State's laws, regulations, and procedures for licensing, regulating, and monitoring child-care services and programs within the State; and (2) prepare a report outlining the committee's findings and recommendations, including a description of the current status of child-care licensing, regulating, or monitoring within the State to be submitted to each State's Governor for transmittal, along with the Governor's comments, to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Establishes a National Advisory Committee on Child-Care Standards in order to assist and provide guidance to the States in improving the quality of child-care services. Requires each State Advisory Committee and the National Advisory Committee to review the options for child-care standards published by the Department of Health and Human Services in January 1985 and the final 1980 HEW Day Care Regulations. Directs the National Advisory Committee to issue recommended standards for child-care programs, after first publishing proposed standards and receiving comments. Terminates the National Advisory Committee 90 days after the publication of the final recommended standards. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for grants to States to carry out their plans for correcting the deficiencies in or improving the licensing, regulating, or monitoring of child-care programs. Requires each State, in order to receive a grant, to submit a plan to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out the recommendations contained in its report. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) construction, reconstruction, and renovation of facilities, located at such institutions, to be used to provide child care services (free for students from families with incomes less than 150 percent of the poverty level, and with a sliding-scale of fees based on income for other students participating); (2) child care services through vouchers for disadvantaged college students (with two-thirds of the participants to be low-income students who are first generation college students, and the remainder to be either low-income or first generation college students); and (3) child care personnel work-experience programs (which provide experience for students by arranging part-time employment for them in licensed child care programs). Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide grants to public housing authorities to assist them in providing child care services for lower income families. Requires a program report to the Congress within two years. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1988 appropriations. Title III: Insurance - Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Prohibits any insurer from establishing auto insurance rates for women or any particular group of women which are higher or lower in relation to the rates offered men or any similarly situated group of men, except for non-gender related risk-based reasons. Grants to States having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce the prohibitions of this Act. Permits an aggrieved person to file a civil action in State or Federal court against an insurer, if a State which has received notice of a complaint fails to act within 60 days (120 days in certain circumstances) or has terminated all proceedings under State law without any final resolution. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights granted by this Act and that such denial raises an issue of general public importance. Authorizes the Court to: (1) order the defendant to amend any relevant contract to comply with the provisions of this Act (no premium payment may be increased and no benefits may be reduced); (2) require the defendant to pay punitive damages in addition to actual damages; and (3) award the aggrieved person reasonable attorneys' fees. Continued Access to Group Health Insurance Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require continuation coverage under group health plans for certain spouses, former spouses, and dependent children of employees insured under such plans. Makes such continuation coverage a requirement for the allowance of a tax deduction for employer contributions to group health plans. Provides that the spouse and dependent children of an insured employee may be entitled to five years of continuation coverage under a group health plan if the insured employee: (1) dies; (2) becomes separated or divorced from his or her spouse; or (3) becomes entitled to Medicare. Makes such coverage available only if it is elected within a specified period by or on behalf of the spouse or child to be covered. Sets forth notification requirements. Sets forth a special rule relating to collective bargaining agreements. Title IV: Employment - Establishes the Commission on Compensation Equity to provide, by contract with a consultant, for a report on whether executive agencies are in compliance with laws and regulations prohibiting sex-based wage discrimination. Requires submission of the results of such study to the appropriate congressional committees and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management within 18 months after the effective date of this Act. Requires the Director to submit to such committees and the Commission, 90 days after receipt of such report, a response specifying plans for carrying out the report's recommendations and reasons for not carrying out any recommendation. Allows the Commission to comment on the Director's response. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its comment. Directs the Comptroller General to submit a list of at least five consultants to the Commission from which the Commission shall make its selection. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the rights or remedies provided under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, or any other provision of law relating to discrimination. Provides funding for the Commission from sums appropriated to the Office of Personnel Management for general operating expenses for FY 1986 and 1987. Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to assist in carrying out programs which: (1) prevent long-term dependency upon AFDC; (2) permit pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers to remain in school; (3) provide job counseling, employment readiness, job placement, and academic and vocational education services to pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers; and (4) integrate and coordinate services otherwise available to pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers. Sets forth: (1) requirements a State must meet in order to receive a grant; and (2) reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a systematic reporting system capable of yielding comprehensive data on which service figures and program evaluations shall be based. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Women's Business Ownership Act of 1985 - Establishes the National Commission on Women's Business Ownership to review: (1) the status of women owned small businesses nationwide; (2) the role of the Federal Government in aid to and the promotion of women owned small businesses; (3) data collection procedures and the availability of data relating to women owned businesses, women owned small businesses, and small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women; (4) other Federal initiatives relating to women owned small businesses, including those relating to Federal procurements; and (5) special impediments suffered by small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women. Directs the Commission to recommend: (1) new private sector initiatives which would provide management and technical assistance to women owned small businesses; (2) ways to promote greater access to financing and procurement opportunities for such businesses; and (3) other measures relating to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women. Terminates the Commission on the date that it transmits its final report to the President and to each House of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Tax Reform - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the zero bracket amount for heads of households shall be the same as the zero bracket amount for joint returns and surviving spouses. Increases the amount of the earned income tax credit from 11 percent to 16 percent of the first $5,000 of earned income. Provides for a phaseout of such credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes between $11,000 and $16,000. Provides that governmental payments shall be disregarded for purposes of determining support and maintenance of a household. Provides that any refund of Federal income taxes or advance payment made to an individual by reason of the earned income credit shall not be taken into account as income for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits or assistance under any Federal program or any State or local program financed in whole or part with Federal funds. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments for the amount of the earned income credit and the phase-out thresholds of such credit beginning in 1987. Allows a refundable income tax credit for: (1) employment related dependent care expenses, plus (2) expenses for the respite care of a dependent. Sets the amount of such credit at 50 percent of the sum of such expenses. Reduces such percentage (but not below 20 percent) by one percent for each full $1,000 amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $11,000. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments to such adjusted gross income amount. Limits the amount of employment-related expenses and respite care expenses which may be taken into account for purposes of such credit. Allows such credit for expenses incurred for the care of: (1) a dependent of the taxpayer who is under the age of 15; (2) a dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself; or (3) a spouse who is incapable of caring for himself. Repeals present provisions relating to the income tax credit for dependent care expenses necessary for gainful employment. Increases the amount individuals may contribute on behalf of their spouses for purposes of the deduction for retirement savings. Provides that no deduction from gross income shall be allowed to a taxpayer for entertainment expenses for food, beverages, lodging, or entertainment incurred in connection with a facility which discriminates on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Exempts facilities operated by a religious organization where access is limited to members of a particular religion. Treats dues and fees paid to discriminatory facilities as nondeductible expenses. Requires the submission of a statement to the Secretary of the Treasury that a facility not open to the public does not discriminate in order for amounts paid to such facility to qualify for the entertainment expense deduction. Requires the posting of a public notice in the facility stating the nondiscriminatory policy. Permits the Secretary to revoke the acceptance of the statement of nondiscrimination. Requires the taxpayer to report on his or her income tax return any amounts paid or incurred for food, beverages, lodging, or entertainment in any facility which is not open to the public or does not serve the public in order to deduct such amounts from gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1985
Iran Claims Settlement Act - Authorizes the U.S. Foreign Claims Settlement Commission to determine the validity of claims by U.S. nationals against Iran which are settled en bloc by the United States. Requires the Commission to apply in the following order: (1) the terms of any settlement agreement; (2) the relevant provisions of the Declarations of the Government of Algeria of January 19, 1981, giving consideration to the interpretations of the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal; and (3) applicable principles of international law, justice, and equity. Requires the Commission to certify to the Secretary of the Treasury any awards made. Authorizes the Secretary to make payments of the lesser of $10,000 or the principal amount of an award. Deducts one and one-half percent of the amount of an award of up to $5,000,000 and one percent of any award over such amount as reimbursement to the U.S. for expenses incurred in the arbitration of the claim and the maintenance of the Security Account established to cover such awards. Declares that such deduction shall not apply to an amount awarded for an en bloc settlement. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for expenses incurred in the settlement or arbitration of such claims. Prohibits the disclosure of records pertaining to the arbitration of claims before the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal except for certain U.S. documents.
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 · 14 May 1985
Space Tax Investment Equity Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for any tangible property which is predominantly used or operated in space and which is either a qualified spacecraft (a craft predominantly used or operated in space and controlled from locations within the United States) or is used or operated upon such a spacecraft. Treats any tangible property used in space as five-year depreciable property for purposes of the accelerated cost recovery system (ACRS). Allows an income tax credit for increasing research activities for research conducted in space. Treats income derived from commercial activity in space aboard a qualified spacecraft as income derived from sources within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1985
Designates the week of June 16 through June 22, 1985, as National Safety in the Workplace Week.
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
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.