United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1985
Declares that the Senate: (1) commends the President for his initiative to meet with the Soviet General Secretary in Geneva on November 19 through 20, 1985; (2) extends to him the Congress' full support; and (3) encourages the President in such meetings to pursue a framework for progress on arms control, Soviet aggressive behavior in the Third World (particularly in Afghanistan), adherence to international human rights, confidence building measures (such as the establishment of Nuclear Risk Reduction Centers and Resumption of Navy-to-Navy talks), and other specified matters.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1985
Authorizes the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to: (1) provide for educational exchanges between U.S. and Soviet youths under 21; and (2) award higher education scholarships to exceptional students under 25 who are studying in the Soviet Union in programs approved by their own higher education institutions and maintaining satisfactory proficiency. Earmarks specified funds for FY 1986 and 1987 to carry out this Act. Refers to the activities specified in this Act as the Samantha Smith Memorial Exchange Program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1985
Establishes a U.S. Commission on Elections in the Philippines to observe and monitor elections in the Philippines. Requires the Commission to make two reports to the Congress: (1) the first one to deal with the Commission's preliminary findings on the election process; and (2) the second to be filed after an election is held, to evaluate the election's integrity and fairness.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1985
Trade Policy Act of 1985 - Declares the United States should: (1) coordinate Federal activities in order to form a systematic trade policy; (2) provide for the collection and evaluation of data necessary to form such a policy; and (3) build a new system of international trade and financial agreements. Establishes the National Trade Data Committee which shall: (1) establish and maintain a National Trade Data Bank; and (2) provide for the analysis and effective dissemination of information in the National Trade Data Bank. Requires the National Trade Data Bank to consist of international economic and trade data and to serve as a clearinghouse for such data. Requires the National Trade Data Committee to report to the Congress annually on the Data Bank and the information it contains. Excludes the actions of the National Trade Data Committee from certain provisions governing coordination of activities with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to establish in the Executive Office of the President a National Trade Council which will advise the President on coordinating national and international policies relating to trade. Terminates the Trade Policy Committee upon enactment of this Act. Establishes the Commission on U.S. Trade in the 1990's which shall study and make recommendations concerning U.S. international trade and export policies. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress by July 1, 1987. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President, by December 31, 1995, to take such action as may be necessary to: (1) revise all U.S. trade and financial agreements in order to meet specified objectives; or (2) replace such agreements with new agreements that meet such objectives. Requires such agreements to: (1) provide for the reciprocal exchange of obligations that are likely to be mutually economically advantageous to the signatories; (2) provide a reasonable likelihood that the United States can enforce the obligations of such agreements; (3) complement and reinforce other agreements; and (4) be subject to certain withdrawal provisions and fulfill certain objectives. Authorizes entering into a replacement agreement only if the President, before starting formal negotiations of such agreement: (1) notified specified congressional committees of such negotiations; and (2) consulted with such committees on such negotiations. Sets forth special provisions governing congressional consideration of a bill implementing such agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1985
Amends the Arms Export Control Act to require that a congressional veto of an arms export proposal must be enacted into law. (Currently such veto may be in the form of adoption of a concurrent resolution.)
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1985
Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from reducing the assets or earnings of, or delaying payments to, the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, Railroad Retirement Account, Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, and Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund in order to avoid violating the public debt limit.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1985
Polygraph Protection Act of 1985 - Prohibits any employer from using any lie detector test or examination in the work place, for both pre-employment testing and testing in the course of employment. Requires the Secretary of Labor to prepare and have printed notices setting forth this prohibition. Requires employers to post these notices. Provides for remedies for violations of this Act as found in the Fair Labor Standards Act. Exempts the following individuals from provisions of this Act: (1) Federal, State, and local employees; and (2) personnel of contractors of the Department of Defense with access to classified information
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1985
Alternatives to Hospitalization for Medical Technology Dependent Children Act of 1986 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program to provide safe and effective systems of caring for medical technology dependent children in the home. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment to appoint a task force to develop model provisions of home care for medical technology dependent children under employee health benefit plans. Requires the task force to submit a report to the Director and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Prescribes the mandatory inclusion of certain requirements in all employee health benefit plans by a certain date if: (1) no model provisions are developed; or (2) less than 80 percent of the health benefit plans meet or exceed the model provision coverage. Defines "home care for medical technology dependent children" for the purposes of this Act and lists the services which may be provided for such care. Allows the Secretary to terminate certain payments to States and political subdivisions, and impose civil penalties on any private employer for certain violations of this Act. Provides that no employer may be required to pay more for health benefits as a result of the application of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Senatorial Election Campaign Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for public financing of Senate general election campaigns. Sets forth conditions of eligibility for, and entitlement to, payment. Establishes the formula for determining such payments, based upon State voting-age populations and whether a candidate is of a minor or major political party. Declares that eligible candidates are entitled to such payments only to defray qualified campaign expenses. Authorizes additional entitlements to opponents of nonpublicly financed candidates to match those contributions or expenditures raised, incurred, or expended which are in excess of the opponent's entitlement. Requires the Federal Election Commission to certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the full amount to which an eligible candidate is entitled. Directs the Secretary to establish the Senate General Election Campaign Fund for the deposit of funds for payments to eligible candidates. Directs the Commission, after each election, to audit the campaign expenses of publicly financed candidates. Requires such candidates to repay any excess amounts received. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Commission to report to the Senate after each election on actions taken under such Act. Provides for judicial review of such Commission actions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Declares that no letter of offer, prior to March 1, 1986, shall be valid with respect to any proposed sales to Jordan of advanced weapons systems, including advanced aircraft and advanced air defense systems, that are described in the notification pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, unless direct peace negotiations between Israel and Jordan are underway.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should begin talks with the Government of the Soviet Union aimed at creating a jointly administered U.S.-Soviet student exchange program. Sets forth certain aspects of such exchange program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1985
Prohibits the President from issuing a letter of offer relating to proposed sales to Jordan of certain advanced weapons systems before the start of direct bilateral negotiations between Jordan and Israel. Prohibits delivery of any weapons if such a letter of offer is issued and accepted before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1985
Removes the limitation on the number of persons the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution may hire without regard to certain Federal hiring procedures. Increases the number of detailees that may be assigned to the Commission. Increases the number of private donations that the Commission may accept. Authorizes the Commission to transfer funds to any Federal agency for the purpose of promoting the commemoration of the bicentennial. Declares that it is not the purpose of this Act or the law which established the Commission to preempt any other government entity from celebrating the bicentennial under its own authority. Authorizes the Commission to authorize the use of the bicentennial logo for noncommercial, educational purposes without charge when such use is essentially a public service. Sets forth terms and conditions for the Commission to grant commercial licenses for the use of such logo and penalties for violations of such terms. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Sargent Shriver, in commemoration of the Peace Corps' 25th anniversary and in recognition of his contributions as its first director. Authorizes appropriations up to a specified amount. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of the medal bearing the Peace Corps' emblem, the names of its past directors, and the likeness of Sargent Shriver.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1985
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments of 1985 - Amends title XIII (Health Maintenance Organizations) of the Public Health Service Act to repeal provisions authorizing assistance for feasibility surveys, planning, and initial development of health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Limits initial operating loan assistance to entities with existing loan eligibility as of October 1, 1985. Eliminates loans and loan guarantees for the acquisition and construction of ambulatory care facilities. Limits the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to borrow from the Treasury to cover defaults on Federal loan guarantees to obligations made before October 1, 1986. Repeals the requirements for: (1) health system agency review; (2) periodic demonstration of compliance; and (3) certain financial reports. Requires updates of the digest of State HMO laws to be made annually (presently required quarterly). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989 to meet the obligations of the loan fund. Includes organ transplants as part of the basic coverage if such transplants were required to be included in the basic health services on April 15, 1985. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the operation and impact of the provisions of title XIII of such Act. Directs the Secretary to transmit a report to the Congress on the findings of such study. Includes the services of psychologists among those which federally assisted HMOs may provide.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1985
State Comprehensive Mental Health Services Plan Act of 1985 - Amends title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the development of State comprehensive mental health services plans. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987. Sets forth the requirements for such plans, which include: (1) establishing objectives for providing mental health prevention and treatment services; (2) describing the resources devoted to, and the activities to be carried out under, such plan; (3) providing case management services for each chronically mentally ill individual; (4) establishing and implementing a program of outreach to, and services for, chronically mentally ill individuals who are homeless; and (5) providing, to the maximum extent feasible, for the delivery of services through community mental health centers. Requires each State to transmit a report to the Secretary describing the progress made by such State in implementing its comprehensive plan. Requires each State to establish an Advisory Council on Mental Health Planning. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish national goals and objectives for a community-based system of mental health care; and (2) conduct a review, at least every three years, of each State's program to determine whether it is in accordance with the national goals and objectives. Authorizes appropriations for Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Block Grants through FY 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for demonstration projects to provide services for homeless mentally ill individuals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1985
Social Security Act Mental Health Amendments of 1985 - Amends titles XVI (Supplemental Security Income), XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide benefits for chronically mentally ill individuals. Requires State plans under title XIX to include case management services and home and community-based services for such individuals. Requires any hospital receiving funds under titles XVIII or XIX to have a case plan established for, and a case manager assigned to such individuals prior to their discharge. Treats certain chronically mentally ill individuals about to be discharged from an institution as presumptively disabled for purposes of title XVI. Extends the period during which certain institutionalized mentally ill may receive SSI benefits if such individuals are expected to return home upon discharge. Provides Medicaid coverage for certain SSI recipients who are chronically mentally ill and would be institutionalized but for such coverage. Preserves the eligibility of such individuals for SSI benefits for the period during which they are in transitional living facilities. Repeals limits on coverage of outpatient services relating to mental illness under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1985
Housing for the Chronically Mentally Ill Act of 1985 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to permit State mental health authorities, or other private nonprofit or public agencies designated by a State, to use vacant residential property to provide supervised living for the chronically mentally ill. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and for each fiscal year thereafter. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to set aside specified amounts beginning in FY 1986 for handicapped family housing loans. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize a housing voucher program for the chronically mentally ill. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1988 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1985
Home Audio Recording Act - Amends the copyright law to exempt from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who makes an audio recording of a musical work or sound recording solely for private household use. Requires the compulsory licensing of manufacturers and importers of audio recording devices and media. Sets forth procedures for: (1) determining royalty fees to be paid by such manufacturers and importers; and (2) distributing such fees to the owners of copyright of sound recordings included in radio or television transmissions or distributed in the form of phonorecords. Provides for the determination of royalty fees by: (1) voluntary negotiation between importers and manufacturers and representatives of copyright owners; or (2) Copyright Royalty Tribunal proceedings when a voluntary agreement is not reached. Specifies criteria to be considered by the Tribunal in determining royalty fees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1985
Declares that the Congress deplores the President's notification to the U.N. Secretary General that the United States is withdrawing from the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, and reaffirms its support for the international rule of law and the role of the Court.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should raise with the Soviet Union the matter of Poland's suppression of speech and political activity, and that by so doing the President raises and defends the principles of human rights as embodied in the Helsinki Accords.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1985
Even Start Act - Establishes a pilot program to combine adult basic education for parents and school readiness training for children into a single educational program. Requires that funds made available to a grant recipient under this Act be used to provide a program of adult literacy training which includes as a major component involving parents and children together to enhance the likelihood of educational achievement. Requires that each such program receiving a grant include the following elements: (1) identifying and recruiting eligible participants; (2) screening and preparing parents and children for participation (including testing, referral to necessary counseling, and related services); (3) carrying out programs and furnishing support services to suit the participants' work and other responsibilities (including child care, transportation, and scheduling and locating services to allow joint participation by parents and children); (4) establishing instruction programs that promote adult literacy, equip parents to support the education and growth of their children, and prepare children for success in regular school programs; (5) providing and monitoring integrated instructional services to participants through home-based programs (including direct limited access cable television and other media, where applicable); and (6) coordinating programs assisted under this Act with programs assisted under chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Disadvantaged Children) of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA) in the area. Makes eligible for participation in such programs families that: (1) include a parent eligible to participate in an adult basic education program under the Adult Education Act; and (2) reside in a school attendance area designated for receipt of funds under chapter 1 of ECIA with a child aged two through seven who is enrolled in or will, upon reaching school age, enroll in a school in which 20 percent of the students are eligible to participate in programs assisted by chapter 1 of ECIA. Makes eligible to apply for such program grants any agency, organization, or institution that operates an adult basic education program under the Adult Education Act. Sets forth grant application requirements, including: (1) a demonstration that the applicant can coordinate programs under the Adult Education Act with program under chapter 1 of ECIA, with other related programs such as Head Start, health care, nutrition, child abuse, and substance abuse control and with State and local educational agencies; (2) a statement of methods to be used to provide program services for those most in need of them and for special populations, such as the handicapped and those with limited English proficiency; and (3) a demonstration that the applicant has qualified personnel to provide staff training and preparation. Directs the Secretary of Education to select 15 to 20 applications for final review. Requires that these selected applicants serve areas in which the unemployment rates are higher and the need for the programs for which assistance is sought is the greatest. Requires that two-thirds of these selected applicants serve urban areas and that one-third serve rural areas. Provides that applications shall be selected for receipt of funds by a review panel composed of the Secretary, and specified members of State and local directors of programs under chapter 1 of ECIA and the Adult Education Act, a chief State school officer, a representative from a local Parent-Teacher Association, and professionals with training, respectively, in early childhood education and in adult literacy training. Sets forth program agreement requirements, including: (1) participant enrollment for at least 12 months; and (2) grant recipient provision of at least 25 percent of program costs for the third year of operation, 50 percent for the fourth year, and continued program operation after the expiration of assistance under this Act, if the program has been demonstrated to be effective. Sets forth requirements for evaluation and dissemination of results of such pilot projects. Requires that the results of such evaluation be submitted by the end of FY 1992 to the national diffusion network for possible dissemination. Limits the amount of funds available for this Act which may be used to carry out such evaluation and dissemination activities. Directs the Secretary, in order to carry out this Act, to reserve specified amounts from FY 1987 through 1991 funds which would otherwise be available for programs under chapter 2 (Consolidation of Federal Programs for Elementary and Secondary Education) of ECIA.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to the parents of Father Jerzy Popieluszko in recognition of their son's accomplishments. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1985
Declares that the Congress supports the efforts of democractic forces in Chile to achieve a peaceful return to a democratic government and expresses its view that the National Accord for the Transition to Full Democracy in Chile and the dialogue between the Government of Chile and the signatories of the Accord are important steps toward reaching that goal.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Poland should comply with basic human rights agreements to which it is a signatory, such as the Helsinki accords, and initiate a policy of national reconciliation; (2) the prosecution of those responsible for the death of Father Jerzy Popieluszko should be supported by Poland; (3) human rights monitoring committees in Poland should be supported; (4) the free flow of information on the activities of such committees can improve human rights policies in Poland and the continued improvement of human rights there would better relations between the United States and Poland; and (5) the President should convey Congress' concerns to Polish officials and to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Taiwan authorities should unconditionally release Ms. Lee Ya-p'ing and officially renounce any claim to jurisdiction over lawfully performed acts in the United States, including acts involving speech and the press. Urges the President to use all peaceable means to obtain her release and to secure assurances from the Taiwan authorities that such incidents will not happen again.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Health Services Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide care and treatment without charge to any person suffering from Hansen's disease (leprosy). Designates the Public Health Service Facility in Carville, Louisiana, as the Gillis W. Long Hansen's Disease Center. Limits the applicability of the Public Health Service additional pay provisions for physicians. Provides cash awards for commissioned officers of the Public Health Service for suggestions, inventions, and scientific achievements. Provides health insurance conversion coverage for certain involuntarily separated commissioned officers and their dependents. Reduces the minimum percentage of allotments any State must use during FY 1985 for alcohol and drug abuse services for women. Provides that after FY 1985 allotments to States for comprehensive community mental health services for underserved areas or populations and for severely disturbed children and adolescents may also be used for expanding current services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the National Academy of Sciences to apply for a grant to establish a council on health care technology. Describes the qualifications for grant approval. Provides an exception to grade limitations for commissioned officers of the Public Health Service who are assigned to the Department of Defense. Provides for the continuing care of psychiatric patients who were under the care of the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Research Center when such center ceased operations. Repeals the following obsolete provisions of the Public Health Service Act: (1) allotments for State Mental Health Programs; (2) Formula Grants to States for Preventive Health Service Programs; (3) title IX (Education, Research, Training, and Demonstration in Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, and Kidney Disease); (4) Hospital-Affiliated Primary Care Centers; (5) title XII (Emergency Medical Services Systems); and (6) Settlement of Claims.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1985
School Excellence and Reform Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 to make payments for programs of: (1) general improvement and excellence in education; and (2) reform and equity in education. Provides that no funds are authorized to carry out this Act for any fiscal year in which the amount appropriated to carry out each of the following provisions of law does not equal or exceed the amount appropriated for such purpose in the preceding fiscal year: (1) chapter 1 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981; (2) chapter 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981; (3) title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, relating to bilingual education; (4) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act; and (5) the Education of the Handicapped Act. Sets forth (after reserving specified amounts for certain U.S. territories and possessions) formulas for State and local allocation of payments for general improvement and excellence in education. Provides, under such local allocation formula, for certain increases in the amount of such payments on the basis of numbers of children eligible to be counted for purposes of special needs funding under specified provisions of subpart 1 (Basic Grants) part A (Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) of title I (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Sets forth (after reserving specified amounts for payments to certain U.S. territories and possessions) formulas for State and local allocation for reform and equity in education. Provides, under such State allocation formula, for certain increases in payments based on numbers of children eligible to be counted under the aforementioned ESEA provisions for special educational needs funding. Authorizes the State educational agency to establish the relative weights of factors under such local allocation formula, but requires that such formula be composed of only the following factors: (1) the number of children aged five to 17, inclusive, who are eligible to be counted under the aforementioned ESEA provisions for special educations needs funding; (2) the graduation rate; (3) the absentee rate; and (4) the number of low-achieving students. Permits those general improvement and excellence funds which are allocated to local educational agencies to be used for: (1) pursuit of general educational excellence and improvement of instruction in mathematics, the sciences, communications skills, foreign languages, and technology; and (2) where necessary, for guidance and counseling. Permits those reform and equity funds which are retained by a State under specified provisions of this Act to be used to administer and carry out categorical programs and projects. Permits those reform and equity funds which are allocated to local educational agencies to be used for the development, expansion, or improvement of any of the following categorical programs and projects: (1) early childhood education; (2) school day care; (3) in-service teacher training; (4) dropout prevention; (5) effective schools; and (6) improvement of secondary schools basic skills instruction. Requires State applications for allocations of general improvement and excellence payments and reform and equity payments for any fiscal year under this Act to: (1) meet specified requirements under the General Education Provisions Act; and (2) in the case of reform and equity payment allocations, describe the intended use of funds to be retained by the State to enhance State reform efforts. Allows a local educational agency, in any fiscal year, to submit a single application for an allocation of general improvement and excellence funds or an allocation of reform and equity funds, or both. Permits two or more local educational agencies that propose to conduct joint programs and projects from funds for general improvement and excellence to file such application as a consortium or other combination. Prohibits a local educational agency from applying for an allocation of reform and equity funds unless the total number of children age five to 17, inclusive, in the schools of such agency who are eligible to be counted under the aforementioned ESEA provisions for special educational needs funding exceeds the lesser of 5,000 or 20 percent of the total enrollment of such schools. Requires local educational agencies, in order to receive either general improvement and excellence or reform and equity allocations, to have on file with the State educational agency an application which includes a description of the programs and projects to be funded and a plan for the improvement of the selected educational areas covered by such programs and projects. Requires such local educational agency or consortium applications, or application renewals, to also contain assurances that: (1) the programs and project are designed and implemented in consultation with the parents and classroom teachers of the children to be served; (2) the funds received under this Act will supplement and not supplant non-Federal funding; and (3) the local educational agency will comply with specified maintenance of effort requirements which the State educational agency must enforce. Requires each local educational agency receiving an allocation under this Act for any fiscal year to submit to the State educational agency evidence of progress in particular areas for which funds were expended or evidence of general improvement in the educational system, such as: (1) reductions in, or maintenance of acceptable levels of, absenteeism, discipline problems, and dropouts at the secondary level; (2) more instructional time; and (3) smaller class size. Authorizes the State educational agency, at the State's discretion, to conduct audits on a sampling basis to verify the accuracy of such submissions. Terminates a local educational agency's eligibility to obtain an allocation under this Act for more than three fiscal years, unless the evidence submitted demonstrates progress as verified by the State. Authorizes the Secretary, from specified amounts reserved from reform and equity funds, to make business involvement matching grants to local educational agencies. Sets the maximum amount of any such grant at 50 percent of the fair market value of any donation by local business concerns to the local educational agency for the conduct of programs and projects under this Act. Allows such donations to be in cash or in kind, and may consist of equipment, the services of business personnel, or training provided to the local educational agency.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should make available to the Government of Mexico and to Mexico City emergency humanitarian assistance and relief for the victims of the earthquake.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1985
Unfair Foreign Competition Act of 1985 - Amends the Clayton Act to include a specified antidumping provision among U.S. antitrust laws. Amends such antidumping provision of the Unfair Competition Act of 1916 to allow any person who is injured in her or his property or business by the sale or importation of an article made in a foreign country to bring a civil action against the manufacturer, exporter, or related importer of such article if: (1) the article is imported or sold in the United States at less than its foreign market or constructed value; and (2) such sale or importation causes or threatens material injury to U.S. industry or labor or prevents the establishment or modernization of U.S. industry. (Currently, the cause of such an action is predicated on the intent of the importer to injure or prevent the establishment of U.S. industry or to monopolize trade.) Restricts the court jurisdiction of such an action to the district court of the District of Columbia or the Court of International Trade. Entitles a prevailing plaintiff in such an action to appropriate equitable relief or, if such relief is inadequate, to compensatory damages, and legal expenses (currently, treble damages and legal expenses). Declares that the standard of proof in such an action is a preponderance of the evidence. Places the burden of proof for rebutting a prima facie case on the defendant. Includes within the meaning of prima facie case a finding by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that dumping exists. Authorizes the court to: (1) issue subpoenas to be enforced in any judicial district; (2) enjoin importation of articles allegedly dumped pending the defendant's compliance with any court order; (3) review, in camera, confidential or privileged material; (4) accept material under seal; and (5) disclose such material. Requires expedited treatment of such actions. Sets a four-year statute of limitations for actions under this Act. Requires the foreign market value or constructed value of an article to include the amount of any subsidy provided to the manufacturer, producer, or exporter of the article. Expresses the sense of the Congress that this Act is consistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Allows any person who is injured in his or her business or property by the fraudulent, grossly negligent, or negligent entry or introduction of merchandise into U.S. commerce to bring a civil action in the district court of the District of Columbia or the Court of International Trade, without respect to the amount in controversy. Entitles a person prevailing in such an action to appropriate equitable relief or, if such relief is inadequate, compensatory damages, and legal expenses. Permits the United States to intervene in an action under this Act as a matter of right. Subjects any court order under this Act to nullification by the President pursuant to authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1985
Expresses the Senate's support for the agreement reached by opposition political parties in Chile for a transition to full democracy and urges the Government of Chile to carry out this transition.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the kidnapping of President Duarte's daughter is to be deplored and the individuals responsible for such terrorism are to be condemned; (2) the prayers of the American people are with the Duarte family and the El Salvadoran people; (3) the individuals responsible should release her; and (4) the President should provide assistance to the Government of El Salvador or to the Duarte family to achieve her safe return and to bring the kidnappers to justice.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1985
Federal Railroad Employees Safety and Health Act - Title I: Transfer of Certain Railroad Safety Functions - Transfers from the Secretary of Transportation to the Secretary of Labor specified railroad safety functions including those regarding: (1) safety appliances and equipment on railroad engines and cars and the protection of railroad employees and travelers; (2) hours of service of railroad employees; and (3) railroad safety appliances, methods, and systems. Title II: The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to increase the number of members of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission from three to five. Requires the two new members to represent labor and management and to be especially qualified in the field of railroad safety and health. Sets forth terms of members and the size of quorums for different meetings. Permits the Commission to compose a special panel of three members for railroad safety and health proceedings. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets guidelines for the transfer of functions and personnel from the Secretary of Transportation to the Secretary of Labor. Establishes in the Department of Labor a Federal Railroad Safety and Health Administration to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the President to set forth as separate appropriation accounts in a specified budget message amounts for appropriation for railroad health and safety. Terminates the Federal Railroad Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1985
Medicare Budget Reconciliation Amendments of 1985 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for an additional payment to an urban hospital of 100 or more beds that serves a disproportionate share of low-income patients. Prohibits including in the reasonable costs of inpatient hospital services the return on equity capital for hospitals. Permits, in other cases, payments for a return on equity capital, provided that such rate of return equals the average of the rates of interest on obligations issued for purchase by the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Increases from 15 to 23 the number of members of the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission. Directs the Chairman of the Commission to provide for two subcommittees of the Commission, one with functions and responsibilities relating primarily to hospital payment issues and the other with functions and responsibilities relating primarily to physician payment issues. Directs the Commission to: (1) annually make recommendations to the Congress regarding adjustments to the reasonable charge levels for physicians' services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII and changes in the methodology for determining the rates of payment, and for making payment for, physicians' services; and (2) advise and make recommendations to the Secretary respecting the development of the relative value scale. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a relative value scale that establishes a numerical relationship among various physicians' services for which payment may be made; and (2) report to the Congress concerning such scale. Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration program designed to reduce disability and dependency through the provision of preventive health services to Medicare beneficiaries. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) preventive health services to be made available under the demonstration program; (2) the conduct of the program; (3) evaluation of the program; (4) report to the Congress; (5) funding; and (6) waiver of Medicare requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1985
Health Care Improved Access Act of 1985 - Title I: Continuation of Health Insurance for Individuals Losing Employment-Related Coverage - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require employers with 25 or more employees to offer an option of continuation coverage to beneficiaries who would lose coverage under the health benefits plan because of: (1) the termination, or reduction of hours, of the covered employee; (2) the death of the covered employee; (3) the divorce or separation of the covered employee from his spouse; or (4) the covered employee's eligibility for Medicare benefits. States the terms of continuation coverage. Specifies certain notice requirements for the health benefits plan, the employer, and the employee. Requires the group health plan to provide for an open enrollment period for each married employee who is, or would be, covered under the plan whose spouse loses or will lose coverage under a health benefits plan due to the spouse's separation from employment. Requires such open enrollment period to: (1) be a period of at least 60 days; and (2) begin not earlier than 30 days before the spouse's separation from employment. States the terms of the enrollment option. Imposes civil penalties on any states notice and hearing rights for employers who do not comply with the requirements of this Act. Permits private actions for damages resulting from the employer's failure to comply with such requirements. Title II: Incentives for the Establishment of Statewide Insurance Pools - Requires the employer who offers a health benefits plan, or the entity through which the benefits are offered, to be a member of a qualified pooling association. Title III: Prohibiting Refusal of Examination or Appropriate Care to Stabilize Patients in Medical Emergencies - Requires hospitals with an emergency department to provide individuals seeking treatment with an appropriate medical screening examination to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists. States that where an emergency medical condition exists, or the individual is in active labor, the hospital must provide: (1) such treatment as may be required to stabilize the medical condition or to provide for treatment of the labor; or (2) for the transfer of the patient to another medical facility. Provides certain guidelines for the transfer of patients with emergency medical conditions to other medical facilities. Provides that the failure to meet the requirements of this Act subjects the hospital to: (1) termination of its Medicare provider agreement under title XVIII of the Social Security Act; (2) civil monetary penalties of up to $25,000 per violation; and (3) appropriate civil actions. Imposes criminal penalties upon responsible physicians under specified circumstances. Title IV: Demonstration Projects on Improving Access to Health Insurance for Small Employers and Self-Employed Individuals - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the conduct of studies and demonstration projects on ways to reduce the costs for small employers and self-employed individuals in obtaining health insurance. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the results of the studies and demonstration projects by January 1, 1988. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1985
Medicare Miscellaneous Amendments of 1985 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to change the deductible and coinsurance for inpatient hospital services and for post-hospital extended care services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission, to collect information and develop one or more methodologies to provide for area hospital wage adjustments for central cities and rural areas. Requires a report to Congress. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission, to conduct demonstration projects on the feasibility of making Medicare payments for physicians' services to hospital inpatients on the basis of diagnosis-related groups. Requires certain reports. Provides for the transfer of funds from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to the Secretary to carry out such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Permits members of the clergy and members of the uniformed services to deduct expenses related to tax-exempt housing allowances and subsistence allowances without regard to the operation of Revenue Ruling 83-3.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985 - Amends the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act to confer responsibility upon: (1) each State for the disposal of specified low-level radioactive waste either by itself or in cooperation with other States; and (2) the Federal Government for ensuring the safe disposal of specified high-level and low-level radioactive waste materials. Directs the Secretary of Energy to submit to the Congress a comprehensive report regarding the safe disposal of certain radioactive waste. Authorizes the States to enter into regional compacts to establish and operate regional low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities. Declares such compacts and regional activities inapplicable to: (1) low-level radioactive waste activities generated by the Secretary; or (2) low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities operated exclusively for federally produced waste. Subjects low-level radioactive waste generated by the Federal Government to the same conditions as any such waste which is not generated by Federal activities. Requires each compact to provide that every five years the Congress may by law withdraw its consent. Requires each State in which a regional disposal facility is located to make disposal capacity available for low-level radioactive waste generated by certain commercial nuclear power reactors. Requires the States of South Carolina, Washington, and Nevada to enter into an agreement with each other to establish which disposal facility shall accept low-level radioactive waste from which generators of such waste. Sets limitations upon: (1) the availability of disposal capacity for low-level radioactive waste from specified sources; and (2) the allocations of disposal capacity for certain commercial nuclear power reactors. Sets requirements for access to regional disposal facilities by non-sited compact regions or by non-compact member States that do not have an operating regional disposal facility. Authorizes the suspension or denial of access to regional disposal facilities if such requirements are not met. Specifies disposal capacity allocations during a three-year licensing and construction period for low-level radioactive waste generators located within a non-sited compact region, or within a State that is not a member of a compact region. Sets guidelines for the assignment of disposal capacity allocations among eligible commercial nuclear power reactors. Directs the States of South Carolina, Washington, and Nevada to enter into an agreement with each other for the allocation of additional disposal capacity among commercial nuclear power reactors whose allocations have been inadequate for specified reasons. Sets forth guidelines under which low-level radioactive waste disposal limitations or requirements are suspended due to emergency conditions. Authorizes the State in which a regional disposal facility is located to impose a surcharge upon low-level radioactive waste disposal. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and each agreement State to ensure that low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities licensed by the Commission or agreement State are bonded or covered by other financial assurance for a safe and environmentally sound radioactive waste disposal operation. Requires the Secretary of Energy to furnish technical and financial assistance to compact regions and to States seeking assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit a comprehensive report to the Congress regarding the operation of the national system for the management and disposal of low-level radioactive waste. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to promulgate criteria for: (1) the licensing of low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities that use disposal methods other than shallow land burial; and (2) the disposal of certain material classified as low-level radioactive waste.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exclude the employees of States and local governments from the provisions of that Act relating to maximum hours. Revises the definition of "employee" under that Act to exclude any volunteer for a State, local, or interstate public agency, even if such volunteer is paid expenses or a nominal fee to perform the voluntary services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Civil Rights Remedies Equalization Act of 1985 - Makes the remedies available under the anti-discrimination provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Education Amendments, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 applicable with respect to a State.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that no recess appointments should be made when the Senate stands adjourned or recessed within a session for a period of less than 30 days. Expresses the sense of the Senate that no recess appointments should be made of any person if: (1) such person has been nominated during the present presidential term; (2) the Senate has voted not to give its advice and consent; or (3) the appropriate committee has voted not to report such nomination to the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform and Extension Act of 1985 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to add as a condition for receiving a trade readjustment allowance the requirement that the adversely affected worker is enrolled in, or has completed, a training program for which a voucher is available. Suspends payment of such allowance to an adversely affected worker who has failed to begin, or has ceased to participate in, such a program when there is no justifiable cause for such failure or cessation, until the worker begins or resumes participation in a training program. Increases the maximum trade readjustment allowance to an amount equal to 78 (currently 52) times the amount of one week's trade readjustment allowance. Extends the coverage for trade readjustment allowances to 78 weeks. Deletes the provisions that permits an additional 26 weeks of trade readjustment allowances to finish a training program. Changes the provision dealing with job training. Makes each adversely affected worker covered by a certification eligible for a job training voucher. Declares that such voucher shall be in the amount of $4,000. Requires it to be used to defray the cost of any of the following training programs: (1) a training program provided by the State pursuant to the Job Training Partnership Act; (2) a training program provided by a private entity if it has been approved by a private industry council established under the Job Training Partnership Act; (3) training provided by an employer who agrees to employ the worker upon completion of the training for at least 26 weeks; (4) a training program approved by the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) if the Secretary determines that there is a reasonable expectation that the adversely affected worker will obtain employment upon completion of the program. Authorizes the State or the operator of the training program to redeem the training voucher from the Secretary when the adversely affected worker completes the training program. Prohibits an employer who provided training, and agreed to employ the worker for 26 weeks, from redeeming the training voucher if such employer: (1) is engaged in the same occupation from which the employee was separated and which was certified as an adversely affected occupation; (2) has not provided the worker with training and employment for at least 26 weeks; or (3) has terminated the employment of an employee in order to hire and train such worker. Requires any entity which redeems a training voucher pursuant to a training program purportedly approved by a private industry council to repay the amount of such voucher plus ten percent if the entity's training program was not in fact approved by a private industry council. Prohibits disqualifying a worker for unemployment insurance or for trade adjustment benefits because: (1) the individual is in training for which a voucher is provided; (2) the individual terminated employment which was not suitable employment to enter such training; or (3) of the application of certain State or Federal laws relating to availability for work, active search for work, or refusal to accept work to any week in which the worker participates in such training. Limits the amounts of subsistence expenses and travel expenses reimbursable under the job search allowance provision of such Act. Provides that adjustment assistance for firms shall be in the form of technical assistance only. (Current law provides for technical and financial aid.) Prohibits making any direct loans or loan guarantees for adjustment assistance for firms after enactment of this Act. Extends trade adjustment assistance programs for six years after enactment of this Act. Extends funding for adjustment assistance for workers and firms through FY 1988. Establishes within the Treasury a Trade Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund to carry out trade adjustment assistance for workers and firms. Provides for funding the Trust Fund. Directs the President to undertake negotiations to change the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to allow countries to impose a small uniform duty on all imports in order to use the revenue from such duty to fund trade adjustment assistance programs. Directs the President to report to the Congress six months after enactment of this Act on the progress of such negotations. Authorizes the President to submit a bill to the Congress that delays the imposition of such negotiations. Authorizes the President to submit a bill to the Congress that delays the imposition of such an import duty and that extends the funding of trade adjustment assistance for workers and firms for an additional year. Provides for expedited consideration of such a bill. Directs the President to report to the Congress as soon as the GATT allows the imposition of such a duty. Imposes an additional duty on all imports into the United States, including those imports granted duty-free treatment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from tax a job training voucher received under a trade adjustment assistance program.
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