United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1985
Asbestos Workers' Recovery Act - Title I: Supplemental Benefits - Establishes a Federal supplemental benefit program for death or disability caused by occupational exposure to asbestos. Provides guidelines for: (1) the calculation of benefits in proportion to disability; (2) payment methods; and (3) payment priorities. Exempts such supplemental benefits from: (1) any tax or legal process; and (2) any offset for administrative benefits under State or Federal law. Sets guidelines for the offset of supplemental benefits where reorganization or liquidation proceedings occur under Federal bankruptcy laws. Makes supplemental benefits payable only out of the Asbestos-Related Disease Trust Fund established by this Act. Conditions eligibility for supplemental benefits upon such benefits' being the exclusive remedy of an individual for occupational exposure to asbestos. Prescribes guidelines for the filing and payment of asbestos-related disease claims. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to apply by analogy specified portions of the Social Security Act when making determinations of: (1) entitlement to benefits; (2) review of claims; and (3) delegations of authority to State agencies. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary to determine annually the average weekly wage for manufacturing workers in each State. Requires such determinations to govern decisions regarding all claims filed in the following calendar year. Requires the Secretary, in determining eligibility for a supplemental benefit under this Act, to rely upon: (1) prior court decisions regarding a claimant; (2) prior determinations by the appropriate workers' compensation program regarding specified eligibility criteria. Specifies exceptions. Requires the Secretary to apply the appropriate workers' compensation law when reviewing supplemental benefit claims. Creates within the Department of Health and Human Services the National Medical Panel on Asbestos-Related Diseases to: (1) decide which diseases belong to the list of asbestos-related diseases; (2) review claims to determine whether a person's disease was caused by asbestos exposure; and (3) publish certain Medical Assessment Guidance Documents. Provides guidelines for the appointment of medical scientists to the Panel from certain organizations. Directs the Panel to promulgate a list of asbestos-related diseases and to provide explanations of any decisions to include or omit a disease from such list. Outlines conditions under which the Panel shall review claims for asbestos-related diseases which do not appear on the panel's list of diseases. Requires the Panel to determine within a specified time whether the disease in the referred claim should be included on such list. Requires the Panel to publish Medical Assessment Guidance Documents including specific medical diagnostic criteria to aid parties and decision makers in determining whether a death or disability was caused by occupational exposure to asbestos. Title II: Finance - Prescribes guidelines under which: (1) assessments are imposed against each asbestos defendant; (2) assessment allocating factors are assigned to asbestos defendants; (3) assessments are imposed against asbestos insurance policies; and (4) assessments are imposed against companies undergoing Federal bankruptcy proceedings. Sets the aggregate semiannual assessment on defendants on June 30 and December 31 of 1985 and 1986 at $150,000,000. Sets forth formulas for determining the aggregate semiannual assessment on each assessment due date in 1987 and thereafter. Imposes interest upon assessments not paid by the due date. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) conduct studies determining assessment allocation factor amounts and assessment apportionment ratios; and (2) promulgate compliance regulations. States that assessment payments do not prejudice the right to recover or challenge such payments. Treats asbestos-related disease assessments imposed upon either an asbestos defendant or an asbestos insurance policy, for Federal income tax purposes, as ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in carrying on the trade or business, on the one hand, and insurance contract losses, on the other. Treats asbestos-related disease assessments as miscellaneous excise taxes. Establishes in the Treasury the Asbestos-Related Disease Trust Fund (the Trust Fund). Details the manner in which such Trust Fund shall be funded and administered. Makes the Secretary of the Treasury the Managing Trustee, and delineates trustee functions. Provides for repayable initial advances and repayable cash flow advances to the Trust Fund during specified periods of FY 1985. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and subsequent fiscal years for the Trust Fund. Establishes within the Department of the Treasury the Asbestos-Related Disease Trust Fund Conservation Committee (the Committee) comprised of the Managing Trustee and five public members appointed by the President. Includes among the consultation and review functions of such Committee: (1) claim disposition; (2) grant and contract awards; and (3) claims and assessments analysis. Directs the Committee to submit an annual report to the Congress regarding the performance of its responsibilities. Authorizes the Committee, with the advice and assistance of the Secretary of Labor, to instruct the Managing Trustee to award grants and contracts to specified organizations for the purpose of: (1) improving State workers' compensation programs; (2) assuring the availability of medical specialists to assist government agencies; (3) establishing medical evaluation units to determine occupational sources of asbestos-related diseases; and (4) medical treatment research. Title III: Miscellaneous - Makes the supplemental benefits under this Act and the applicable workers' compensation programs the exclusive remedy for occupational exposure to asbestos. Exempts certain persons from liability for occupational exposure to asbestos. Removes jurisdiction from State or Federal tribunals to adjudicate any claim of liability for occupational exposure to asbestos after enactment of this Act. Confers jurisdiction for judicial review of administrative acts under this Act only upon the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Confers jurisdiction for questions of assessments and constitutionality under this Act only upon a special three-judge district court established in the District Court for the District of Columbia. Requires all administrative costs and expenses of this Act to be paid out of the Trust Fund. Directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury, and the Attorney General to submit an analysis and certification of their respective costs under this Act to the Managing Trustee for reimbursement.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Natural Gas Utilization Act of 1985 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal: (1) prohibitions on the use of natural gas and petroleum as a primary energy source in new electric powerplants and new major fuel-burning installations; (2) the prohibition on the construction of new powerplants without alternate fuel capability; (3) the authority of the Secretary of Energy to prohibit the use of natural gas in certain boilers; (4) the prohibition on the use of natural gas for decorative outdoor lighting; and (5) the authority of the Secretary to restrict increased uses of petroleum by existing powerplants. Makes conforming amendments. Repeals the incremental pricing provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to revise the humane standards for animals transported in commerce. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards to govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals by dealers, research facilities, and exhibitors. Requires each research facility to establish an institutional animal committee with sufficient expertise to assess the appropriateness of animal care and treatment in experimental research. Requires the committee at each facility to: (1) inspect at least semiannually all animal study areas and animal facilities at the research facility; (2) file an inspection certification report of each inspection at the research facility; (3) notify the administrative representative of the research facility of any deficiencies; and (4) notify the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the funding Federal agency if such deficiencies remain uncorrected. Requires each research facility to provide for annual training in the humane treatment of animals for scientists, animal technicians, and other personnel involved with animal care and treatment in such facility. Directs the Secretary to establish an information service at the National Agricultural Library to provide information on improved methods of animal experimentation, including: (1) employee training; (2) preventing unnecessary duplication of animal experimentation; (3) reducing or replacing animal use; and (4) minimizing pain and distress. Requires a funding Federal agency to suspend or revoke Federal Support for a project if it is determined that conditions of animal care, treatment, or practice in a particular project have not been in compliance with standards promulgated under this Act. Requires the Secretary to inspect each research facility at least once each year. Requires such follow-up inspections as may be necessary until all deficiencies which may be found are corrected. Imposes penalties for the release of any confidential information or trade secrets by any member of an Institutional Animal Committee. Increases penalties for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) should not sell advanced weapons to Jordan; (2) should ensure that Israel retains its qualitative military edge in the Middle East; and (3) should focus its efforts on bringing Jordan into direct peace negotiations with Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1985
Korean War Veterans Memorial Act of 1985 - Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to erect a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in the Korean war. Subjects the selected site, design, and plans for the construction of such memorial to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Directs that, upon its completion, the memorial shall be turned over to the Department of the Interior which shall then be solely responsible for its maintenance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 20 May 1985
Public Housing Comprehensive Grant Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize a public housing agency to use any amounts made available from contributions by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (the Secretary). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 and 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to make financial assistance available to public housing agencies. Directs the Secretary to determine from appropriated annual amounts the amount necessary to fund the annual accrual of capital improvement needs of public housing agencies and to allocate such sums to each public housing agency based on specified formulae reflecting capital improvement needs. Requires the Secretary to approve a five-year comprehensive plan submitted by a public housing agency before financial assistance may be made available under this Act (except where conditions constitute an immediate threat to the health or safety of tenants. Details the requirements of such a comprehensive plan and the basis upon which it will be disapproved. Requires the Secretary to notify the public housing agency in writing if the plan is not approved, indicating the reasons for disapproval and the modifications required to make the plan approvable. Permits a smaller public housing agency (including an Indian housing agency) to apply for grants for projects which cannot be funded with other available resources. Requires the Secretary to give preference to public housing agencies which: (1) have conditions constituting an immediate threat to the health or safety of tenants; (2) have the most severe need for improvements and replacements; and (3) have a demonstrated capability of implementing the work proposed in the agency's application for assistance. Limits the purposes for which a public housing agency may use financial aid received under this Act. Requires a public housing agency which receives assistance to submit to the Secretary: (1) an annual statement of activities and expenditures projected to be funded by such assistance during the immediately following fiscal year of the public housing agency; and (2) a performance and evaluation report regarding the agency's activities. Requires the Secretary to review on at least an annual basis the activities of recipient agencies (including their capacities for implementing their comprehensive plans and their progress in satisfying performance standards prescribed by the Secretary). Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance for FY 1987 unless the Secretary has determined that the public housing agency has made reasonable progress in implementing certain modernization projects. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold assistance or require a public housing agency to take corrective action in accordance with the Secretary's review. Requires that audit examinations be made of recipients. Requires the Secretary to prescribe by regulation: (1) the formula for determining the annual accrual of capital improvement needs of certain public housing agencies; (2) the formula for allocating assistance among larger public housing agencies; (3) criteria for determining whether proposed improvements will reasonably assure the long-term viability of a project; and (4) the performance standards to be applied in the Secretary's reviews and audits.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Authorizes the Society of the Third Infantry Division to erect a memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia or its environs in honor of the men of the "Rock of the Marne" of the Third Infantry Division who served in both World Wars, Korea, and maintaining peace. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to select a site for the memorial subject to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts, the National Capital Planning Commission, and, under certain circumstances, the Mayor of the District of Columbia. Subjects the design and plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary, the National Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Directs that the maintenance and care of the memorial shall be the Secretary's responsibility unless the memorial is on public grounds under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia in which case these duties fall on the District of Columbia. Provides that funds of the United States or the District of Columbia may not be used to erect the memorial. Directs that the authority to establish the memorial is contingent upon its erection beginning within five years with funds sufficient to ensure its completion.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Amends the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act and the Walsh-Healey Act to require overtime compensation only for hours of employment in excess of 40 hours in a workweek for employees of Federal Government contractors or subcontractors.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 to be used by the Secretary of Commerce to assist in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities. Repeals a provision that requires 75 percent of the funds appropriated for such purposes in a fiscal year to be available to extend delivery of public telecommunications services to areas not receiving such services. Authorizes appropriations, to match up to a specified amount of non-Federal contributions to public broadcasting entities, for the Public Broadcasting Fund for FY 1987 through 1990. Repeals a provision that requires that a specified portion of the amount made available to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting from the Fund be earmarked for expenses of research, training, technical assistance, engineering, instructional support, and the payment of interest on indebtedness. Repeals provisions requiring a public telecommunications entity to refund to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting an amount of Federal funds equal to the amount of any unrelated business income tax paid by such entity.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1985
Expresses, on the 40th anniversary of V-E Day, the Nation's deep gratitude and recognizes the enormous debt owed to the American servicemen who fought in World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1985
Commends the Rural Electrification Administration and dedicated individuals for their contributions to the progress made by the Nation during the past 50 years in achieving the electrification of rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should pay honor to the memories of the innocent civilians and American and Allied soldiers who died at the hands of the Nazis; (2) it is fitting and appropriate for the President, in a gesture of reconciliation, to visit the Federal Republic of Germany; (3) the President should recognize the importance of the relationship between the two countries; and (4) the President should reassess his planned itinerary for his forthcoming trip to the Federal Republic of Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1985
States that the Congress condemns: (1) Nicaraguan actions that hinder freedom of religion; and (2) the association of the Nicaraguan Government with international terrorist organizations, including the Palestine Liberation Organization. Calls upon the President, in communications with Nicaragua, to raise the issues of religious persecution and compensation for members of the Jewish, Miskito, and other communities who have been forced to leave because of interference with freedom of religion.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985
Amends the Davis-Bacon Act to require the Secretary of Labor to base the determination of the prevailing wage for a class of laborers or mechanics or helpers on the wage paid to 50 percent or more of the corresponding class employed on private industry projects of a character similar to the contract work in the urban or rural civil subdivision of the State in which the work is to be performed. Requires that such determination be based on a weighted average if the same wage is not paid to at least 50 percent of such corresponding class. Increases from $2,000 to $1,000,000 the threshold dollar amount subjecting certain contracts to such Act and requiring them to specify the minimum wages to be paid to laborers, mechanics, and helpers. Establishes a separate classification for helpers of laborers or mechanics, for purposes of such Act.
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 · 3 April 1985
Proclaims October 23, 1985, as A Time of Remembrance for all victims of terrorism. Urges Americans to wear a purple ribbon in honor of the sacrifices made in pursuit of peace and freedom. Authorizes and requests the President to call upon U.S. departments, agencies, and other interested parties to fly U.S. flags at half staff.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the administration should comply with the automatic appropriation and earmarking provisions of the Wallop/Breaux Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund and support adequate appropriation for the Boating Safety Account in such Fund. States that funds owed to the States from such Fund should not be withheld or delayed.
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
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
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, in recognition of his work on behalf of veterans who served in Vietnam. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
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 · 20 March 1985
Nevada Wilderness Act of 1985 - Title I: Short Title, Findings, and Purposes - Sets forth the short title, findings, and purposes of this Act. Title II : Designates the following lands in Nevada as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (1) the Mount Charleston Wilderness in the Toiyabe National Forest; (2) lands in the Humboldt National Forest which shall be incorporated in the Jarbidge Wilderness; (3) the Mount Moriah Wilderness in the Humboldt National Forest; and (4) the Boundary Peak Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest. Title III: Release of Lands for Multiple Use Management - Provides that the RARE II (second roadless area review and evaluation) final environmental statement (dated January 1979) with respect to national forest system lands in Nevada shall not be subject to judicial review. Releases national forest system lands in Nevada which were reviewed in the RARE II program from further review by the Department of Agriculture, pending the revision of initial national forest management plans. Releases lands in Nevada reviewed in the RARE II program and not designated as wilderness from management as wilderness areas. Prohibits the Department of Agriculture from conducting any further statewide roadless area review and evaluation of national forest system lands in Nevada without express congressional authorization. States that the provisions above shall also apply to national forest system roadless lands in Nevada which are less than 5,000 acres in size. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Permits livestock grazing in such wilderness areas, subject to mandatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture. Permits the expressly authorized use of motorized equipment for the maintenance of such livestock. Requires the Secretary to report periodically to the Congress on livestock grazing in these wilderness areas. States that this Act does not exempt the Federal Government from the Nevada water laws, nor does it preempt State jurisdiction over wildlife and fish in the national forests. States that the Congress does not intend the creation of buffer zones around the designated wilderness areas or any abrogation of the standards of the Clean Air Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to continue mineral assessments in such lands, permitting the use of motorized equipment and roads for such purposes. Continues access by local municipalities for maintaining watershed facilities and other health and safety concerns. Continues unaffected the Federal responsibility for predator control activities.
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 · 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
Liberty Double-Eagle Bullion Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold double-eagle coins. Sets forth specifications for and the design of such coins. Makes such coins legal tender. Permits the sale of such coins at a price equal to the cost of minting and issuing such coins plus a surcharge equal to the amount by which the fair market value of gold bullion held by the United States and used in the minting of the coins exceeds the statutory maximum value of any gold certificates outstanding against the bullion. Requires the revenue from such surcharges to be used to reduce the national debt. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the election with respect to the special use valuation of family farms and small businesses to be made on amended returns.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Highly Erodible Land Conservation Act of 1985 - Makes persons who cultivate crops on highly erodible land ineligible for price supports, crop insurance, and other specified agricultural loans. Provides exceptions for: (1) crops produced using approved conservation methods; and (2) certain previously cultivated land. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) use the agricultural stabilization and conservation committees to help administer this Act; and (2) complete specified soil capability surveys.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Consumer Rail Equity Act - Reaffirms the intent of the Congress that the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 and the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 be implemented in a manner which provides both greater competitive alternatives and adequate railroad revenues. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to consider only transportation of the same commodity from the same origination point to the same destination when it makes a determination regarding the presence of effective competition. Establishes a rebuttable presumption of rail market dominance if a person challenging a transportation rate shows that alternative noncircuitous rail service from the same origination point to the same destination is unavailable. Shifts the burden of proof regarding transportation rate reasonableness from the shipper to the rail carrier establishing the challenged rate. Amends the rate-reasonableness determination process to require the Commission to find unreasonable a challenged transportation rate differential which exceeds the fully allocated cost of transportation unless the excess differential is not greater than an amount calculated according to a specified formula. Declares that it is Federal policy to encourage and promote competitive transportation rates for both domestic energy supplies and domestically produced agricultural commodities in order to enhance such commodities' competitive position in the import and export markets. Directs the Commission to establish a rail cost adjustment factor which includes actual cost experience and changes in railroad productivity, volume, and product mix. Provides that certain rail carrier rates shall be reduced to the extent of any subsequent decreases in rail cost adjustment factors. States that the revenue-variable cost percentages for the transportation of any particular rail carrier shall be determined using the Commission's Rail Form A cost-finding methodology in effect as of February 20, 1985. Requires Commission-prescribed rate increases intended to compensate for inflationary cost increases to take into account changes in railroad productivity, volume, output mix, and actual cost experience. Requires the Commission to complete and render final decisions on rail rate proceedings within 12 months after such proceedings have commenced. Includes within the standards used to determine railroad revenue adequacy: (1) identification of revenues, expenses, and investment base reasonably related to rail transportation service; (2) straight-line depreciation of assets reasonably related to rail transportation service, minus deferred tax revenues resulting from accelerated depreciation; and (3) actual cost of debt capital and reasonable estimates of the current cost of equity capital. Requires the Commission, when making revenue adequacy determinations, to consider specified indicators of a rail carrier's financial status, including merger and acquisition actions and the cost of capital used in such actions. Requires the Commission to determine, on an annual basis, which rail carriers are earning adequate or inadequate revenues and to determine for each rail carrier the revenues required to achieve or maintain revenue adequacy. Authorizes (currently, requires) the Commission to exempt persons from application of this Act when: (1) such application is not necessary to implement Federal transportation policy; and (2) the Commission finds there is no market dominance involved in the affected transaction. Requires any rail carrier providing service under certain line rates to participate in competitive joint rail rates through practicable interchange connections (or publish a competitive proportional rate) if requested to do so by a rail carrier (or shipper or receiver) who has an actual or practicable interchange connection. Directs the Commission, upon petition of any interested party, to require certain terminal facilities owned by a rail carrier in interstate or foreign commerce to be used by another rail carrier if the Commission finds: (1) it is in the public interest to do so; and (2) that the owner of such terminal facility will not suffer substantial impairment of its own business interests. Directs the Commission to require, upon petition by an interested party, that rail carriers enter into reciprocal switching agreements if such an agreement is in the public interest or necessary to provide alternative competitive rail service. Directs the Commission to establish reciprocal switching compensation at a level not to exceed the current percentage of the system overage variable costs for such service (unless the carrier demonstrates that a higher level is reasonable and necessary). Revises railroad line abandonment procedures to provide that a rail carrier must wait one year before resubmitting a previously denied abandonment application, unless a substantial change in circumstances can be shown. Requires the Commission to hold hearings in communities affected by a proposed railroad line abandonment if requested to do so by community protestants. Requires the Commission to base its abandonment determination upon financial data regarding the facility proposed to be abandoned rather than upon financial data regarding industry-wide averages. Subjects to Commission review any State decision regarding intrastate rates, rules, and practices if a party to such State proceedings petitions for Commission review. Requires the Commission to take action on such petition within 120 days of its receipt. Authorizes the Commission to vacate a State decision found inconsistent with this Act.
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
Amends current law creating a Federal cause of action for the violation of a person's civil rights under color of State law to limit such actions to those for deprivation of constitutional rights or of legal rights under laws providing for equal rights of citizens or all persons within U.S. jurisdiction. Prohibits the award of damages against any Federal, State, or local governmental entity in any action for the deprivation of rights where the court finds that the officials involved acted in good faith. Grants Federal jurisdiction in these cases only after all administrative and judicial remedies have been exhausted.
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 · 6 February 1985
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in an area, from: (1) entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State; or (2) limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in such area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of any State law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to require that all telephones provide internal means for use with hearing aids. Requires (currently authorizes) any common carrier or connecting carrier providing telephone exchange service to provide specialized terminal equipment for persons whose hearing, speech, vision, or mobility is impaired. Requires State regulatory commissions to require any such carrier to provide such equipment at affordable rates.
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
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 · 29 January 1985
Neutrality in Federal Expenditures Act of 1985 - Prohibits the disbursement of Federal funds to any tax-exempt organization which engages in political advocacy or to any affiliate of such an organization. Prohibits the use of Federal funds for political advocacy. Requires any organization which violates such prohibition to reimburse the Treasury the total amount of Federal funds received for any program, grant, contract, or other source from which the funds used for political advocacy were obtained. Prohibits any recipient of Federal funds from laundering such funds or contributing them to organizations which engage in political advocacy. Directs each Federal agency and instrumentality disbursing Federal funds to require each recipient organization to disclose the following information to the public: (1) its bylaws and articles of incorporation; (2) a list of all government agencies from which it receives or has requested funds, the funding level, and the purpose of the funding; (3) the names, addresses, and resumes of the board of directors and operating officers of the organization; (4) the businesses conducted by any other entity upon whose board of directors any of the directors of the organization also serve; (5) a list of the lobbyists of the organization and its affiliates; and (6) a copy of each of its publications. Requires each agency and instrumentality to audit each recipient organization to assure compliance with this Act. Requires any organization to satisfy such disclosure requirements and to certify noninvolvement in political advocacy prior to the receipt, renewal, or extension of any source of Federal funds. Makes any intentional misrepresentation under such disclosure or certification requirements a felony. Makes it the duty of each agency and instrumentality to establish that any prospective recipient organization does not and will not engage in political advocacy and to require that recipient organizations comply with disclosure and certification requirements, including a requirement that any individual recipient certify that he or she has never been disbarred from receiving Federal funds. Sets forth the penalties for intentional violations of this Act. Authorizes the United States or any private citizen to commence a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court against any recipient organization or individual for violations of this Act. Entitles a prevailing plaintiff to recover: (1) the amount of funds expended for political advocacy, or three times such amount if the judgment is entered for the United States; (2) equitable relief; (3) an order disbarring such recipient from receiving any other Federal funds; (4) legal fees and investigatory costs; and (5) punitive damages.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Act of 1985 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require every individual allowed unescorted access to a nuclear power facility to be fingerprinted. Provides that all fingerprints shall be submitted to the Attorney General for identification and appropriate processing. Authorizes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by rule to waive such requirement under certain conditions. Allows the Commission to prescribe regulations regarding the use of information received by the Attorney General.
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
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. Hecht, Chic [R-NV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000439_200.jpg)