United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to add Afghanistan to the list of communist countries the imports from which are subject to the column two rate of duty. Prohibits granting nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) treatment to the products of Afghanistan. Prohibits entering into a commercial agreement with Afghanistan pursuant to the Trade Act of 1974. Prohibits Afghanistan from participating in any program under which the United States extends credit, credit guarantees, or investment guarantees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide to the Soviet Union, on a reimbursable basis, equipment and services for the improvement of the United States/Soviet Union Direct Communication Link for crisis control.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to authorize the Export-Import Bank (the Bank) to provide a sufficient return to commercial lending institutions or other lenders making loans in support of exports of goods and services when financing at other than market rates is necessary to respond to subsidized financing offered by foreign export credit agencies. Authorizes a director of the Bank whose term has expired to serve until a successor has been appointed. Extends the authority of such Act through FY 1991. Prohibits the Bank from approving any new loans after October 1, 1985, provided this prohibition shall not: (1) prevent the Bank from performing any obligations incurred before such date; or (2) pertain to the Bank's guarantee and insurance activities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
National Commission on Illiteracy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Illiteracy. Provides for Commission members to be appointed by the President and by specified congressional officers. Directs the Commission to conduct a full and complete study of the causes of illiteracy, including a study of methods of teaching reading and of methods of teacher training relating to classroom reading instruction. Directs the Commission to: (1) assess the factors which contribute to illiteracy; (2) recommend programs and policies for, and the appropriate local, State, and Federal role in, illiteracy prevention; and (3) assemble, analyze, and publicize its findings. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress: (1) such interim reports as it deems advisable; and (2) within 12 months after its first meeting, a final report of the study and investigation, with recommendations. Sets forth provisions relating to Commission administration, member compensation, and powers. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Food Stamp Reform Act of 1985 - Title I: Definitions - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to provide for charging households for allotments, except households containing an elderly or disabled member and households with less than a specified income. Provides for the deposit of such charges in a separate account maintained by the Treasury. Requires State agencies to institute procedures for the deduction of household allotment charges from payments a household receives under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) of the Social Security Act and to have allotments distributed with such payments. Grants State agencies the option of determining whether or not individuals who live with others constitute a separate household. Removes certain provisions for adjusting the thrifty food plan and the excess shelter expense deduction. Title II: Eligible Households - Makes certain households ineligible for the food stamp program if such a household's income exceeds a specified poverty line. (Currently such households cannot exceed the poverty line by more than 30 percent.) Includes nonrecurring lump-sum payments and energy assistance payments as household income. Decreases the monthly household income standard deduction from $85 to $60. Permits States to establish resource limitations comparable to eligibility determinations under the Social Security Act for the AFDC program and the supplemental security income program. Title III: Eligibility Disqualifications - Reduces from six to three years the maximum age of a dependent child which exempts an individual from work registration. Continues such exemption for any individual caring for a child between three and six where adequate child care is not available. Title IV: Issuance and Use of Coupons - Prohibits the issuance of cash change from purchases made with food stamp coupons. Requires coupon users to pay cash for amounts which exceed the value of the lowest coupon denomination. Title V: Value of Allotment - Eliminates the $10 minimum value of allotments. Title VI: Administration - Grants States the option of providing expedited service to certain families in immediate need of coupons. (Currently States are required to provide such service.) Requires the issuance of photographic identification cards to all household members (currently, such cards are required only in certain areas). Requires a household member to countersign coupons at the times of issuance and use. Title VII: Collection and Disposition of Claims - Sets forth procedures for the collection of an overissuance of food stamp coupons through unemployment compensation benefits. Title VIII: Administrative Cost-Sharing and Quality Controls - Revises State agency liability provisions to make such agencies liable for payment error rates above three percent. Title IX: Effective Date - Declares the amendments made by this Act effective on October 1, 1985, unless otherwise provided.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Financial Export Control Act - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to declare it is U.S. policy to use export controls to restrict the export of capital, the extension of credit, or the transfer of financial resources to countries subject to national security export controls. Authorizes the President to restrict the export or transfer of money or other financial assets to the government of a country subject to national security export controls. Provides for negotiations with other countries to obtain their cooperation with such export controls on capital. Requires export license applications for the export of capital to be submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury who shall make all determinations with respect to such application. Requires the annual report on the administration of the Export Administration Act of 1979 to include a report on actions taken to carry out export controls on capital.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Amends provisions concerning unpatented mining claims to reserve to the United States the right to manage and dispose of surface mineral material before the issuance of a patent for such claim. Entitles the locator to the equivalent amount of surface mineral material used by the United States subsequent to the location of the claim, but before the issuance of the patent.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Youth Employment Opportunity Wage Act of 1985 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to authorize employers to pay employees under 20 years of age 75 percent of the minimum wage rate between May and September of each year. Exempts such employees from special certificate requirements. Restricts such authorization to: (1) hours worked by eligible employees in compliance with applicable child labor laws; and (2) youth employed after May 1 of each year. Prohibits the removal of employees ineligible for the subminimum wage rate in order to replace them with employees who are eligible. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to monitor the implementation of this Act and to report to the Congress concerning the employment effects of this Act. Terminates such minimum wage rate exception after September 30, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the maximum dollar amount limitation to $2,000 on deductions allowed for contributions to an individual retirement account of a spouse and to provide that the deduction for the individual retirement account shall be computed for married individuals on the basis of their combined compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Prohibits U.S. aid to Bolivia, beginning in FY 1986, unless the President certifies to the Congress that coca production in Bolivia is at least ten percent less than the level during the preceding fiscal year. Permits a carryover of the amount of reduction if it exceeds ten percent. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of specified international financial institutions to oppose aid by such institutions to Bolivia during FY 1986 or thereafter unless the President certifies that Bolivian coca production has been reduced.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) be commended for his efforts to negotiate a multilateral agreement banning chemical weapons; (2) continue to pursue such an agreement; and (3) seek the continuation and the development of bilateral discussions between the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve a verifiable ban on chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Urges the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund to work for the abolition of the Compensatory Financing Facility.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as a tax-exempt employee fringe benefit any transportation provided by an airline to parents of its employees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Insured Institution Improvements Act of 1985 - Title I: Insurance of Accounts - Savings Insurance Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC) to establish classes of accounts and to determine whether accounts in any such class constitute insured accounts. Authorizes the FSLIC to assess an additional premium against institutions which engage in activities not authorized for Federal associations or which exceed certain percentage-of-assets limitations. Title II: Enforcement - Savings Institutions Supervisory Act of 1985 - Amends the National Housing Act to extend the authority of the FSLIC concerning cease and desist proceedings to cover institution-related parties that it determines are: (1) engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice in conducting the business of an insured institution; or (2) violating an FSLIC regulation or agreement. Declares that the affirmative actions the FSLIC may order an institution or related party to take to correct the condition resulting from such practice or violation may include restitution, rescission, the disposal of loans or assets, or guarantees against loss. Extends the authority of the FSLIC to any subsidiary corporation wholly or partly owned by an insured institution. Requires the FSLIC to show some dissipation of assets or some weakening of an insured institution (currently a substantial dissipation of assets or a serious weakening) in order to constitute grounds for issuing a temporary cease and desist order. Provides the FSLIC new authority to issue a temporary cease and desist order requiring the cessation of institution activities if the institution's books and records are so incomplete or inaccurate that the FSLIC is unable to determine the institution's financial condition. Revises provisions dealing with the suspension or removal of institution directors and officers and a prohibition from participation in institution affairs by other institution-related parties. Amends the FSLIC's subpoena power to include inquiries into the affairs, assets, or ownership of insured institutions, affiliates thereof, or any entity that was such an institution or affiliate at the time of the transaction or conduct being examined. Sets penalties for failure to comply with FSLIC subpoenas. Prohibits any person who has been suspended from, or prohibited from participating in, the affairs of an FSLIC-insured institution from participation in the affairs of any federally-insured institution without the approval of the appropriate Federal regulatory authority. Prohibits any person who has been convicted of a criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust from serving as an institution-related party without the prior written consent of the FSLIC. Authorizes the FSLIC to apply to U.S. district courts for injunctive relief when administrative remedies are insufficient to deal with violations of the National Housing Act. Amends the Federal Home Owners' Loan Act to make the same changes previously prescribed under this title with respect to Federal savings and loan associations and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (FHLBB). Title III: Payment of Insurance - Insurance Amendments of 1985 - Amends the National Housing Act to state that the FSLIC, where it pays insurance on accounts of a defaulted institution, shall be subrogated to all rights of the insured member to the extent of such payment. Permits the FSLIC to withhold payment of insurance to the extent of any liability of an insured depositor to the institution or the receiver (other than a liability as a borrower under a note that has not defaulted). Title IV: Receivership Powers, Automatic Stay, and Priorities - Receivership Improvement Act of 1985 - Amends the National Housing Act to provide that the FSLIC, in connection with its activities as receiver for a defaulted institution, shall not be required to furnish bond, but may employ necessary personnel and pay related expenses from the receivership funds. Sets forth requirements for any valid agreement diminishing the right, title, or interest of the FSLIC as receiver in any asset acquired in such capacity. Declares that any property in which an insured institution in receivership has a legal or equitable interest is property of the receivership estate. Provides, upon the appointment of a receiver by the FHLBB for an insured institution under such Act or the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933, for an automatic stay on claims against the receivership estate. Excludes from such automatic stay certain security interests of Federal Home Loan Banks. Sets forth the rights and powers of an appointed receiver (which shall include the rights of a lien creditor, bona fide purchaser, or equity receiver) to avoid transfers of property or obligations of the insured institution. Specifies the payment priority of unsecured claims against the receivership estate. Title V: Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation - Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation Improvements Act of 1985 - Redefines the FSLIC (currently a wholly owned Government corporation) as a mixed-ownership Government corporation. Amends the National Housing Act to direct the FSLIC to determine its expenditures without regard to restrictions of any other law concerning personnel or apportionment of expenditures. Authorizes the FSLIC to issue regulations governing risk-taking by insured institutions. Declares that FSLIC expenditures to carry out such Act shall not be deemed to be appropriations. Provides that insured institution funds paid to, or on deposit with, the FSLIC shall not be subject to attachment, garnishment, or other legal process by creditors of such institution. Provides that any action to which the FSLIC is appointed by a State authority as receiver of a State-chartered institution shall be a State matter. Title VI: Holding Companies - Holding Company Amendments of 1985 - Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit savings and loan holding companies and insured institutions from directly or indirectly engaging in the activities of an underwriter or market-maker in: (1) equity securities; or (2) debt securities other than those secured by interests in real estate or that are eligible to be underwritten by national banks. Extends prohibitions on transactions between a savings and loan holding company and subsidiary insured institutions to transactions between subsidiaries of such subsidiary insured institutions and such holding company. Provides for transaction exceptions with respect to service corporation subsidiaries of insured institutions. Prohibits the FSLIC from approving: (1) a transaction which would result in a savings and loan holding company that is itself uninsured or that has control of an uninsured institution, unless certain conditions are met; and (2) an acquisition of an insured institution by a company engaged in the activities of an underwriter or market-maker in equity or debt securities other than those representing interests in real estate or that are eligible to be underwritten by national banks. Authorizes the FSLIC to bring actions in U.S. district court to require the rescission of transactions in violation of the National Housing Act or the restitution to persons suffering damages as a result of such violations. Excludes from the requirement for approval by a State official any emergency acquisition of a federally-chartered insured institution. Title VII: Qualified Thrift Lenders - Qualified Thrift Lender Act of 1985 - Amends the National Housing Act to condition eligibility for FSLIC insurance of non-federal associations and Federal savings banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) upon meeting the definition of a qualified thrift lender. Defines a qualified thrift lender as an institution that maintains at least 60 percent of its assets in certain liquid assets and specified housing and housing-related investments. Provides a 20-year period during which a State-chartered mutual savings bank maintaining at least 50 percent of its assets in such categories (with specified increases every five years) shall qualify as a qualified thrift institution. Prohibits any institution which loses its status as a qualified thrift lender from regaining such status for five years. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to limit the eligibility for Federal Home Loan Bank advances by members with deposits insured by the FSLIC or the FDIC to qualified thrift lenders. Increases from three to five percent of assets the maximum service corporation investment authority of qualified thrift institutions. Requires a Federal association to be a qualified thrift lender in order to establish and operate a branch outside of its home State. Requires that a bank or bank holding company making an out-of-State acquisition of an insured institution conform to the branching limitations applicable to banks in the State in which the acquired institution is located if the institution is not a qualified thrift lender. Limits the business activities of a savings and loan holding company whose subsidiary insured institution fails to qualify as a qualified thrift lender. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to authorize the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and the FSLIC to accept payment from Federal or non-Federal entities for expenses incurred by officers and employees in attending meetings concerning Board or FSLIC activities or functions. Permits Federal associations to accept deposits without limitation. (Currently demand deposits are accepted only from persons with a business relationship with an association.) Allows former employers of participants in the Board's professional accounting fellows programs to pay such participants' actual expenses for relocating to Washington, D.C. Amends the Garn-St Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 to extend the Deposit Insurance Flexibility Act and the Net Worth Certificate Act for three years. Amends the National Housing Act to set forth provisions concerning the transfer of insurance coverage between the FSLIC and FDIC insurance funds. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prescribe notification requirements for mergers involving an insured Federal savings bank or an FSLIC-insured institution. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to authorize the Board to provide for staggered terms for Federal home loan bank directors. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the FSLIC to define "control" of an insured institution.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Federal Deposit Insurance Improvements Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to make technical revisions to definitions. Provides that deposits owed to a federally insured depository institution or owned or placed by a Federal agency shall not be eligible for insurance by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Requires the FDIC, in deciding whether to decline to insure a national or State bank that becomes a member of the Federal Reserve System, to base its decision only on such bank's financial and managerial resources. Eliminates as insurance assessment base deductions specified percentages of a bank's adjusted demand deposits and adjusted time and savings deposits. Directs the FDIC to allocate annual assessment credits to insured banks on the basis of the risks each such bank may present to the Permanent Insurance Fund. Eliminates a requirement that the FDIC Board of Directors provide an insured institution and its supervisory authority up to 120 days to correct any violation of law or any unsound or unsafe practice or condition before terminating the bank's insured status. Declares that a temporary cease and desist order issued by the appropriate Federal banking agency may place limitations on the activities or functions of an insured bank or its directors, officers, employees, agents and other persons participating in bank affairs or may bar any such person from conducting bank affairs. Authorizes a Federal banking agency that has removed a person from office at one insured bank to prohibit such person from participating in the affairs of any insured bank without the agency's prior written approval. Authorizes such an agency to proceed against any person who has acted as an officer or director of an insured bank during the year preceding the date on which the agency institutes proceedings against such person or bank. Provides that the FDIC shall have enforcement powers over any insured bank or any insured branch of a foreign bank. Requires the FDIC to notify the appropriate Federal banking agency of its intent to initiate enforcement proceedings involving a national bank, district bank, insured Federal branch, State member bank, or an insured Federal savings bank or any director or officer or other person participating in the conduct of the bank's affairs. Allows the FDIC to proceed unless such agency takes corrective actions within a specified time. Provides for a six-month continuation of the insurance of deposits of an institution insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation that are assumed by an FDIC-insured bank. Authorizes the FDIC Board to set reasonable fees for examining or investigating insured banks and bank affiliates (as redefined by this Act to include subsidiaries of insured banks). Sets forth the order of payment of unsecured claims against the estate of a closed bank or branch by the FDIC as receiver of such bank or branch. Subrogates the FDIC to the rights of any depositor of any closed insured bank or any closed insured branch of a foreign bank to the extent of the deposit payments made to such depositor. Eliminates provisions that require new banks (organized by the FDIC to assume the insured deposits of closed banks) to: (1) accept as new deposits only demand deposits aggregating not more than $100,000; and (2) maintain funds in cash, invested in Government or federally-guaranteed obligations, or deposited with the FDIC, a Federal Reserve bank, or an insured bank. Provides that, so long as an executive officer appointed by the FDIC Board has authority to manage such a new bank, such bank shall not be subject to any limitations imposed by law that restrict the activities of a national bank by measuring the amount of investment that the bank may devote to such activities by the amount of the bank's capitalization. Permits the business of such a new bank that has assumed the insured deposits of a closed bank with total assets of $500,000,000 or more to be acquired by, or transferred to, an insured depository institution located in the State where the closed bank was chartered but established by an out-of-State bank or holding company. Deletes the requirement that the stockholders of the closed bank be provided the first opportunity to purchase common stock of the new bank. Extends from two to five years the period within which the stock of a new bank must be sold or its assets acquired. Permits the FDIC to waive its right to receive unclaimed deposits transferred to a new bank or to another insured bank from a closed bank. Authorizes the FDIC to purchase the voting or common stock of an insured bank in order to provide emergency assistance to such bank. Exempts any insured bank: (1) while receiving assistance under an emergency assistance agreement, from any State or local taxes that are determined on the basis of the bank's deposits; and (2) which has received emergency assistance to increase its capital or net worth and which has a net worth exceeding one-half of one percent of assets, from any Federal, State, or local law limiting the authority of the bank to continue operations because of the level of the bank's capital, net worth, surplus fund, or guarantee. Authorizes the merger or acquisition of any insured bank with $500,000,000 or more in total assets if such bank is in danger of closing or has emergency assistance outstanding. Sets forth the conditions under which a representation or warranty made to a borrower by a bank in connection with the investment of the proceeds of a loan shall be valid against the assets of a closed bank acquired by the FDIC. Eliminates the requirement that one Federal banking agency request reports from the other banking agencies when evaluating bank mergers. Requires a State nonmember insured bank to notify the FDIC (current law requires FDIC approval) concerning moving any domestic branch or establishing and operating a new domestic branch. Amends the Garn-St Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 to repeal the termination dates of specified emergency assistance provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Export-Import Bank of the United States shall continue to provide preliminary and advance commitments for loans which may require approval on or after October 1, 1985, unless and until the Congress directs the Bank to alter its programs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Commends Lieutenant General Lincoln D. Faurer for exceptionally distinguished service to the U.S. Air Force, the national and defense intelligence communities, and the national security of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Textile and Apparel Trade Enforcement Act of 1985 - Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from a major exporting country to the lesser of an amount equal to 101 percent: (1) of the total quantity of textile products imported from such country if the total had increased by six percent annually during 1981 through 1984; or (2) if the United States has an agreement with such country providing for an annual growth rate of less than six percent, of the total quantity of such products from such country imported during 1984. Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from an exporting country to an amount equal to the total quantity of such products imported from such country during 1984 plus: (1) 15 percent of such quantity in the case of a category that is not an import sensitive category; or (2) one percent in the case of an import sensitive category. Provides for changing the classification of a country, except for a Caribbean country, from an exporting country to a major exporting country if the total textile imports from such country equals or exceeds one and one-quarter percent of all textiles imported into the United States. Sets forth a formula for adjusting the growth of textile imports annually. Sets forth certain minimum quantities of textile imports that all countries shall be allowed to export to the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to enforce this Act. Directs the Secretary, within six months of enactment of this Act, to establish an import licensing system under which an importer of textiles will be required to present an import permit as a condition of entry of such textiles. Directs the President to report to the Congress annually on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1985
Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Community and Neighborhood Development - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize FY 1986 through 1987 appropriations for: (1) the community development block grant (CDBG) program; and (2) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development's discretionary fund. Modifies the definition of "Indian tribe" for community block grant purposes to mean an Indian tribe, band, nation, or Alaskan Native Village, and not a tribal organization. Provides for a statewide rather than a county-by-county, basis for determining nonmetropolitan low-and moderate-income levels for CDBG State program purposes. Amends the CDBG statement of activities and review provisions to: (1) repeal provisions requiring a description of a grantee's past use of funds; (2) exempt States from the community development plan requirement; (3) substitute for the housing assistance plan certification a certification that the grantee will cooperate in providing low-and middle-income housing; and (4) repeal the limitation on assessments to recover the cost of CDBG-assisted public improvements. Provides that 60 percent of CDBG funds shall be for metropolitan cities and urban counties, and 40 percent for the State's program. (Current law requires a 70/30 distribution.) Requires (current law authorizes) State administration of the State CDBG program. Repeals the requirement that the Governor sign the necessary State program certifications. Sets forth transition funding provisions for communities which lose their classification as a city or urban county for FY 1986 or thereafter. Makes a FY 1985-eligible metropolitan city that loses such classification for FY 1986: (1) eligible for 50 percent funding in FY 1986; and (2) eligible for parallel State funding. Stipulates that any city that elects to have its population included in an urban county for FY 1986 shall be ineligible for such transition funding. Makes a community that loses its metropolitan city or urban county classification as a result of population loss eligible for full transition funding for the first year and 50 percent funding for the second year. Authorizes parallel State funding. Stipulates that: (1) a comunity that elects to have its population included in an urban county shall be ineligible for such transition funding; and (2) a community that receives such funding for the first year cannot join with an urban county in the second eligibility year. Amends State allocation provisions to include, for cities or counties receiving transition funding, 50 percent of the values relating to population, poverty, housing age, and housing overcrowding for the year or 50 percent funding. Reduces from $102,000 to $100,000 the amount of administrative expenses that a State may deduct from amounts received for distribution in nonentitlement areas. Makes the existing CDBG annual reporting requirement a triennial reporting requirement, with the first such report due within 180 days of the end of FY 1985. Repeals the provisions authorizing: (1) discretionary grants for new communities; (2) advance drawdowns of rehabilitation-designated funds; (3) loan guarantees; and (4) the urban development action grant program. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to repeal the direct rehabilitation loan program. (Retains revolving fund provisions until transferred or until the end of FY 1986, whichever is earlier.) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize FY 1986 and 1987 appropriations for the urban homesteading program. Authorizes States and localities to charge for the conveyance of homestead property to non-lower income people. Directs that such funds be transferred to the Treasury. Title II: Housing Assistance Programs - Part A: General - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to increase budget authority for specified lower-income housing projects. Limits FY 1986 contract authority for public housing improvement assistance to $175,000,000, to be used only for emergency needs. Authorizes the Secretary to require applicants and participants in Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): (1) programs involving loans, grants, interest or rental assistance, or mortgage or mortgage loan insurance to provide their social security number or employer identification number as a condition of eligibility; or (2) programs involving initial or periodic income review to sign a consent form as a condition of eligibility. Amends the Social Security Act to give HUD and public housing authorities access to State unemployment and wage information. Amends the definition of "disabled" in a specified section of the United States Housing Act of 1937 and the definition of "developmentally disabled individual" in a specified section of the Housing Act of 1959 to conform to the Developmentally Disabled and Bill of Rights Act. Part B: Public and Indian Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit the Secretary from making low income housing project loans except for projects for which funding has been reserved before October 1,1986. Provides, with regard to such loans, for the cancellation of: (1) principal and interest, except for those loans not intended to be repaid from annual contributions or involving third parties; and (2) the Secretary's debt to the Treasury. Replaces the existing annual contribution method of financing public housing with a one-time capital contribution method, effective as of October 1, 1987. Increases the portion of income that may be used for rent for public housing home ownership programs. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) apply to a Federal or State court for appointment of a receiver for a public housing authority if such authority is in substantial default of the covenants and conditions to which it is subject; and (2) petition the court for temporary or preliminary relief pending the default determination. Part C: Other Assisted Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to make permanent borrowing authority for direct loans for housing for the elderly or the handicapped. Provides with regard to the section 8 assisted housing program that FY 1985 fair market rents shall continue through FY 1986. Makes the housing voucher program permanent. Authorizes the Secretary to increase maximum rents above the amounts otherwise permitted if necessary to assist in the sale of HUD-owned multifamily projects. Repeals the moderate rehabilitation program. Permits lower-income families whose rent exceed 30 percent of their adjusted income to participate in the housing voucher program. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to repeal: (1) the provision providing for local review of housing applications where the local authority has a HUD-approved housing assistance plan; and (2) the notice and comment exemption for specified State-financed housing assistance. Requires the Secretary, beginning in FY 1988, to allocate housing funds equally between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 to require a rent supplement project owner (currently the Secretary) to give housing priority to persons who are displaced, in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of their income for rent. Repeals the requirement that HUD issue tenant eligibility certificates to requesting project owners. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to repeal the requirement that entities receiving loans to develop housing for the elderly or handicapped include community representatives in their governing boards. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Part A: Federal Housing Administration - Amends the National Housing Act to extend through FY 1987 the following HUD-Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage and loan insurance programs: (1) property improvement and manufactured home loan insurance; (2) basic home mortgage insurance; (3) rental housing insurance; (4) cooperative housing insurance; (5) rehabilitation and neighborhood conservation housing insurance; (6) moderate income and displaced families housing; (7) miscellaneous housing insurance, including insurance in older urban areas and for existing multifamily housing projects and hospitals; (8) housing for the elderly; (9) experimental housing; (10) condominium insurance; (11) special mortgage insurance; (12) homeowner fee simple purchases; (13) supplemental loans for multifamily housing projects, health facilities, and energy conservation improvements; (14) middle income home ownership; (15) coinsurance; (16) mortgage insurance or graduated payment and indexed mortgages; (17) single family mortgage insurance on Hawaiian and Indian home lands; (18) adjustable rate single family mortgages; (19) shared appreciation mortgages; and (20) mortgage insurance for land development. (Permits expiration of the following HUD-FHA mortgage insurance programs: (1) mortgage insurance for servicemen; (2) mortgage insurance for nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and board and care homes; (3) homeownership for lower income families; (4) countercyclical economic stimulus; (5) mortgage insurance for hospitals; (6) armed forces housing; and (7) group practice facilities.) Makes conforming and technical amendments to the National Housing Act. Amends the National Housing Act to revise the Secretary's authority in setting insurance premium charges under the property improvement and manufactured home loan programs. Provides that Hawaiian and Indian home lands mortgages shall be General Insurance Fund obligations. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1977 to repeal the requirement that HUD publish prototype housing costs for one- to four-family housing units. Amends the National Housing Act to increase mortgage limits for multifamily projects in high-cost areas. Civil Recovery Double Damages Act - Provides a double damages civil remedy for the unauthorized use of multifamily housing project assets and income. Gives the Attorney General, upon the Secretary's request, exclusive authority to initiate such proceedings (which may be brought up to six years after any misuse of funds has been discovered). Part B: Other Programs - Authorizes FY 1986 and 1987 appropriations for HUD research programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, State or local governments or private or public institutions for programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices. Authorizes FY 1986 and 1987 appropriations. Repeals specified congressional reporting requirements under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act and the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Act. Amends the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to expand HUD's fee-collection authority. Amends the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act to eliminate the maximum fee amount for interstate land sales registration. Title IV: Rental Rehabilitation and Development Grants - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to repeal the housing development grant program. Permits States to use rental rehabilitation grants in rural areas.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1985
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend through FY 1991: (1) new flood control contracts; (2) the emergency implementation of flood insurance programs; (3) the establishment of flood-risk zones; and (4) estimates of flood-related losses for such zones. Authorizes the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to use the National Flood Insurance Fund to: (1) identify flood-prone areas; (2) conduct studies regarding the adequacy of State and local measures in flood-prone areas; (3) purchase insured properties damaged beyond repair by flood; (4) provide the owners of such properties with low interest loans; and (5) reimburse individuals and communities for certain expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
National Copper Policy Act of 1985 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to negotiate agreements temporarily limiting copper production by foreign copper producers in order to: (1) ensure an adequate supply of domestic copper; (2) expand employment in the copper industry; and (3) stabilize foreign copper production. Declares that if such an agreement is not reached an additional tariff should be applied to all imported copper for at most five years. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to conduct a study to determine how the recent closures of U.S. copper mines and smelters affected the U.S. copper reserves and production capacity. Requires the Secretary to submit the results of the study to the Congress within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the President, acting through the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), to undertake negotiations during the six months after enactment of this Act with all major copper producing countries for the purpose of achieving voluntary restraint agreements. Directs the President to report to the Congress whether such voluntary restraint agreements will take effect between the United States and the major copper producing countries. Directs the USTR, if such voluntary restraint agreements take effect, to monitor the production of unwrought copper by those countries during each 12 month period within the copper import restraint period. Directs the USTR to report the results of such monitoring to the Congress. Imposes a surcharge on all copper imports if voluntary restraint agreements do not take effect for the copper import restraint period. Imposes a surcharge on copper imports if the USTR reports that major copper producing countries during a specified 12 month period did not satisfactorily comply with the voluntary restraint agreements. Directs the Secretary to determine if the U.S. copper mining and smelter industry, during any 12 month period when copper surcharges are in effect: (1) improved productivity through facility modernization or invested in such modernization, or both; and (2) provided retraining and relocation of displaced workers. Prohibits imposing further copper surcharges if the U.S. copper mining and smelting industry did not meet such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute to extend the statute's coverage to the sexual exploitation of children. Provides for a civil action for treble damages by any person injured personally or in his or her business or property as a result of a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan and construct facilities for the Cooper-Hewitt Museum. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes effective October 1, 1988. Prohibits any such funds from being obligated or expended until there is available to the Board, from private donations or other non-Federal sources, a sum which, when combined with such appropriated funds, is sufficient to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides for transfer of any portion of such funds to the General Services Administration to carry out such purposes. Provides that, effective on enactment of this Act, the Cooper-Hewitt Museum shall also be known as the National Museum of Design.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Amends the National Museum Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 to the Smithsonian Institution for museum programs under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan and construct facilities for the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes effective October 1, 1986. Provides for transfer of any portion of such funds to the General Services Administration to carry out such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) veterans' disability compensation payments should remain exempt from Federal income taxation; and (2) the President should reject any proposals to tax such payments.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Prohibits ending the voluntary restraint on imports of Japanese automobiles until U.S. exports to Japan are substantially increased and the U.S. trade deficit with Japan is substantially reduced.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Authorizes the President to award a prisoner of war medal to any member of the Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force who has been taken prisoner and held captive by a hostile opposing armed force.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a new license to an existing licensee for a hydroelectric project authorized under such Act if the United States does not, upon the expiration of the existing license, exercise its right to take over, maintain, and operate such licensee's project, unless the Commission determines that such licensee's project will not meet the licensing standards under such Act. Provides that if the Commission determines that such licensee's project does not meet such standards, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to a new licensee which may cover the existing licensee's project provided that the new licensee pays just compensation determined by the Commission and enters into any contracts required under the Federal Power Act. (Under current law, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to the original licensee or to a new licensee if the United States does not exercise its rights with respect to an expired license.)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Business Accounting and Foreign Trade Simplification Act - Changes the name of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA) to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require securities issuers to maintain an internal accounting system that provides reasonable assurance that specified accountability and accuracy goals are met. Prohibits imposing criminal liability for failing to maintain such an accounting system. Prohibits imposing civil injunctive relief with respect to: (1) an issuer who fails to maintain the required accounting system if the issuer tried in good faith to meet the requirements; or (2) any person other than an issuer in connection with an issuer's failure to comply with such requirements, unless such person knowingly caused the issuer to fail to comply. Prohibits anyone from knowingly circumventing such an accounting system for a purpose inconsistent with the accountability and accuracy goals of such system. Requires only good faith efforts at ensuring compliance by issuers who hold 50 percent or less of the equity of domestic or foreign firms. Transfers from the Securities and Exchange Commission to the Department of Justice jurisdiction to enforce the bribery prohibitions of the FCPA with respect to issuers. Revises the prohibition against domestic concerns using any means of interstate commerce to further payments to obtain business with a foreign official. States that such a payment made "directly or indirectly" to a foreign official is illegal. Prohibits such payments that are made to: (1) influence a foreign official's act or induce such an official to violate a legal duty; or (2) induce a foreign official to affect a foreign government's act. Prohibits domestic concerns from using interstate commerce to direct or authorize an agent to further such a payment to a foreign official. Exempts from such prohibitions: (1) payments to foreign officials to expedite or to secure the performance of routine governmental action; (2) payments to such officials that are lawful under the foreign country's laws; (3) payments which constitute tokens of regard or esteem; (4) expenditures associated with selling, purchasing, or demonstrating goods; or (5) ordinary expenditures associated with performing a contract with a foreign government. Revises the fines and criminal penalties for violations of such Act. Empowers the Attorney General to undertake all civil investigations necessary to enforce the Act. Prohibits prosecution of a domestic concern or specified agents of such concern for violating the Federal mail or wire fraud provisions by making a payment to a foreign official if the prosecution is based on the theory that the official, by receiving the payment, violated a duty to or defrauded the foreign government or the citizens of a foreign country. Authorizes the Attorney General to issue guidelines specifying: (1) permissible conduct associated with common types of export sales arrangements; and (2) precautionary procedures which would create a rebuttable presumption of compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Business Practices and Records Act Review Procedure to answer specific inquires concerning enforcement of such Act. Requires the Attorney General to issue opinions regarding compliance. Makes such opinions final and binding on all parties if the opinion states that the conduct does not involve a violation. Directs the Attorney General to protect the confidentiality of materials submitted in the review procedure. Requires annual reports to the Congress by: (1) the Attorney General concerning actions taken pursuant to such Act; and (2) the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate an international agreement on illicit payments, including a dispute resolution procedure. Directs the President to report to the Congress on: (1) the progress of such negotiations; (2) the steps the United States could take if the negotiations fail to eliminate the competitive disadvantage of U.S. business; and (3) possible methods of promoting international cooperation to prevent bribery in third world countries. Requires the report to contain recommendations for new legislation and an analysis of the potential effect on U.S. interests of the corruption of foreign officials and political leaders.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Interstate Compact - Grants congressional approval to the Rocky Mountain Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact which provides for cooperation among the States of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming in the management of low-level radioactive waste on a continuing basis.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Amends the Education Amendments of 1980 to extend through FY 1988 the authorization of appropriations for grants to the Robert A. Taft Institute of Government in New York, New York, under the Robert A. Taft Institute Assistance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it would be in the best interests of allied security and unity for each member country of the security treaty (ANZUS) between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States to reinstate the practice of permitting all naval ships of other member countries access to the ports of such member country; and (2) the President should continue discussions with New Zealand regarding the access of U.S. ships to its ports, explore with Australia the desirability of a bilateral security treaty, preclude New Zealand from participating in military activities with the United States until the present impasse is resolved, and exercise the right of the United States to withdraw from New Zealand the benefits of the injury test provided under the Tariff Act of 1930.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Interstate Compact - Grants congressional approval to the Northwest Interstate Compact on Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management, which provides for cooperation among the States of Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming in the management of low-level radioactive waste on a continuing basis.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Amends Federal law relating to maximum speed limits on any public highway to direct the Secretary of Transportation to disapprove State highway projects seeking Federal proportional contribution if: (1) such highways have a maximum speed limit in any urbanized area (currently, any State public highway) exceeding 55 miles an hour; and (2) the maximum speed limit on any other public highway in the requesting State exceeds 65 miles per hour. Directs the Secretary to reduce the Federal-aid highway funds apportioned to a State if data submitted by such State indicates that the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding 55 miles an hour in any urbanized area (currently, any area) is greater than 50 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 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: (1) not to exclude Federal jurisdiction on the ground that conduct involving force, violence, 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) not to chill legitimate labor activity by authorizing Federal prosecution for offenses occurring during a labor dispute not involving extortion. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this section 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 · 24 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat the use of a public safety vehicle by a public safety employee as a working condition fringe for purposes of the tax exclusion of certain employee fringe benefits. Defines "public safety employee" to include any person working in law enforcement, fire protection, or emergency medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Commemorative Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of: (1) five dollar gold coins, emblematic of the centennial of the Statue of Liberty; (2) one dollar silver coins, emblematic of the use of Ellis Island; and (3) half dollar coins, emblematic of the contributions of immigrants to America. Sets forth certain features of such coins; and provides for their sale and issuance. Provides for the distribution and use of such sale funds to the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. Terminates the minting of such coins on December 31, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Disqualifies for appointment to any civil service position in the executive branch any individual who fails to register as required under the Military Selective Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the substantiation requirements for the deductibility of business expenses for passenger automobiles or other means of transportation shall be met by providing adequate records or sufficient corroborating evidence rather than contemporaneous records.
![Official portrait of Sen. Garn, E. J. (Jake) [R-UT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000072_200.jpg)