United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the nonrecognition of gain from the sale of farmland development rights under a qualified State farmland preservation program if the taxpayer purchases qualified farming property within 18 months of such sale. Excludes from gross income up to $100,000 of gain from the sale of farmland development rights by an individual who is age 55 or older. Allows a charitable contribution deduction for gain from the sale of farmland development rights to a State to the extent that the fair market value of such rights exceeds the amount actually received by the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1985
Home and Community Based Services for the Elderly Act of 1985 - Amends title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize a block grant program for home and community based services for the elderly. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Allots State funding based on a State's elderly population as compared with the elderly population of the United States. Makes Indian tribes and tribal organizations eligible grant recipients. States that grants may be used to: (1) identify elderly individuals who are eligible for services; (2) plan and manage services to be provided; (3) educate the public and medical and social professionals concerning the availability of services; (4) encourage the participation of families and voluntary organizations; (5) train personnel; and (6) coordinate long-term care services. Permits States to provide services for the elderly through grants to eligible organizations. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) inpatient services; (2) cash payments to intended recipients; (3) land purchase or construction; (4) purchases of major medical equipment; or (5) satisfying any requirement for the expenditure of non-Federal funds. Set forth State application provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1985
Directs the Administrator of General Services to provide for the distribution within the United States of the U.S. Information Agency film "Hal David: Expressing a Feeling."
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985
Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973 to direct the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to provide telephone service to Senators in their State offices, except service for which the charge is based on the amount of time the service is used.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1985
International Organization Staffs' Children, Survivors, and Retirees Act of 1985 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the definition of "special immigrant" unmarried sons and daughters and surviving spouses of employees of certain international organizations ("I" status). Grants nonimmigrant status to: (1) parents of children receiving "I" status while they are minors; and (2) other children of such parents or a surviving "I" status spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit any State, or political subdivision thereof, which imposes an income tax on a corporation from taking into account income of any foreign corporation which is also a member of an affiliated group to which the domestic corporation belongs, unless such amount is subject to Federal income tax. Prohibits any State, or political subdivision thereof, from taxing or otherwise taking into account: (1) the amount of the deduction for dividends paid by a corporation which has elected the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit for the taxable year; or (2) a certain percentage (determined according to specified formulae) of any dividend received from a domestic corporation which is not treated as income from sources within the United States (or a dividend received by a corporation from a foreign corporation). Provides that nothing in this Act shall subject any dividend, other income item, or portion thereof, to taxation if such taxation is otherwise prohibited by any law of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1985
Establishes for the first session of the 99th Congress the Senate Select Committee on the Two Year Budget to review and recommend legislative proposals to improve the operation of the congressional budget process, including proposals for the two-year budget. Requires a report from such committee within 180 days after adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Agricultural Patent Reform Act of 1984 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or methods for using a product, including methods of manufacturing which primarily use recombinant DNA technology, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a five-year limitation on the extension and a 25-year maximum patent term for the earliest filing. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to notify the appropriate Federal agency upon receipt from the product sponsor of a notice of extension to determine the applicable regulatory review period and whether, within that period, the sponsor acted with due diligence. Provides for notice and informal hearings for persons interested in such determinations. Permits the setting of fees to cover the costs of review. Directs the Commissioner, upon a final determination of the applicable regulatory review period, to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for: (1) any new animal drug or antibiotic subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (2) any veterinary biological product subject to regulation under the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act; (3) any pesticide subject to regulation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and (4) any chemical substance or mixture subject to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
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
Amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act to provide that the definition of "commercial activity" include any promise to pay made by a foreign state, any debt security issued by a foreign state, and any guarantee by a foreign state of a promise to pay made by another party. Subjects a foreign state to the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States or any State in a case brought to enforce an agreement by a foreign state with or for the benefit of a private party to submit certain controversies to arbitration, or in a case to enforce an arbitration award. Restricts damages in admiralty cases for improper arrest to the damages incurred during the detention. Authorizes suits to enforce a maritime lien in rem. Provides that a decree against a foreign state may not be an amount greater than the value of the vessel or cargo upon which the lien arose. Grants to U.S. courts jurisdiction over a foreign state in a case brought to foreclose a preferred mortgage as defined by the Ship Mortgage Act. Provides that the Federal act of state doctrine shall not be applied on behalf of a foreign state with respect to any claim or counterclaim based upon either: (1) an expropriation or other taking of property (including contract rights) without prompt and adequate compensation, or otherwise in violation of international law; or (2) a breach of contract. States that the Federal act of State doctrine shall not bar enforcement of an agreement to arbitrate or an arbitral award. Authorizes prejudgment attachment to secure satisfaction against an agency or instrumentality of a foreign state in certain circumstances. Provides for execution of a judgment against a broader range of commercial property owned by a foreign state.
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 · 30 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) ensure that U.S. officials carry out the pledge to resolve the issue of the Americans still missing and unaccounted for in Indochina; (2) work for the immediate release of any Americans still held captive and the return of the remains of those who died in Southeast Asia; and (3) make every effort to secure the further cooperation of Laos and Vietnam in resolving this issue.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1985
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that a specified prohibition against certification of labor organizations representing both "guards" and other employees, for collective bargaining unit purposes, is to be applied only in the case of "plant guards."
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1985
Omnibus Committee Funding Resolution Amendments - Amends Senate Resolution 85, agreed to February 28, 1985, to extend through February 28, 1986, the authorization of expenditures by the following Senate Committees: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Budget; (6) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (7) Energy and Natural Resources; (8) Environmental and Public Works; (9) Finance; (10) Foreign Relations; (11) Governmental Affairs; (12) Judiciary; (13) Labor and Human Resources; (14) Rules and Administration; (15) Small Business; (16) Veterans' Affairs; (17) Aging; (18) Intelligence; and (19) Indian Affairs. Increases the amounts of such expenditures.
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 · 24 April 1985
Anti-Apartheid Action Act of 1985 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to earmark specified amounts of the education development assistance funds to finance scholarships for black South Africans who are attending universities, colleges, and secondary schools in South Africa and who are selected by a national or regional panel of educators appointed by the chief of the U.S. diplomatic mission to South Africa. Earmarks a specified amount of the funds available for human rights assistance for grants to nongovernmental organizations in South Africa. Requires such grants to be made by the Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs. Directs the Secretary of the State (the Secretary) and other heads of Federal agencies carrying out activities in South Africa to make affirmative efforts in procuring goods and services to assist business enterprises having more than 50 percent beneficial ownership by South African blacks or other nonwhite South Africans. Permits the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to issue insurance, reinsurance, and loan guaranties in connection with a project in South Africa, notwithstanding the absence of an agreement with South Africa, if such investment is otherwise eligible except that: (1) the issuance of such insurance, reinsurance, or guaranty shall only be made to promote joint ventures between businesses controlled by South African blacks or other nonwhite South Africans and businesses controlled or owned by U.S. nationals; and (2) the U.S. national holds a minority interest or agrees to relinquish its majority interest during the course of the joint venture. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to direct the Export-Import Bank to take active steps to encourage the use of its facilities to guarantee, insure, extend credit, or participate in the extension of credit to businesses in South Africa that are majority owned by South African blacks or other nonwhite South Africans. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the labor practices used by the United States Government for hiring South Africans, for paying South Africans for employment services, and for the employment of South Africans arranged by contract should represent the best American labor practices and should serve as a model for the labor practices of U.S. nationals in South Africa. Requires such Government labor practices to be governed by specified principles of labor practices. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any U.S. national that employs more than 25 persons in South Africa should take the necessary steps to insure that certain principles relating to employment practices are implemented. Prohibits any Federal agency from interceding with a foreign government regarding the export marketing activities in any country of a U.S. national employing more than 25 persons in South Africa that is not implementing those employment principles. Prohibits any such national from making any new investment in South Africa. Sets forth such principles. Authorizes the Secretary to issue guidelines and, upon request, advisory opinions on compliance with such principles. Provides for implementing and enforcing this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Declares that it shall be U.S. policy to impose economic sanctions against South Africa if within two years significant progress has not been made toward ending apartheid. Urges the President to raise the issue of reform in South Africa during the May 1985 economic summit and to establish with the other industrialized democracies in Inter-Allied Working Group on South Africa to monitor reforms and, if necessary, develop multilateral economic sanctions against South Africa. Directs the President to submit to the Congress on March 1, 1987 and every six months thereafter a report on the extent to which significant progress has been made toward ending apartheid, including: (1) a detailed assessment of the extent of progress made in South Africa in housing black workers with their families, abolishing the pass laws, ending the migrant labor system, allowing unrestricted labor union rights for all, and increasing local investment in black education and training; (2) a statement of any conclusions drawn by the Inter-Allied Working Group on South Africa; (3) a determination by the President on whether significant progress has been made in achieving the purposes decribed in clause 1; and (4) if the President determines that significant progress has not been made, a recommendation on which of specified sanctions should be imposed. Provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution calling for such sanctions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Declares that it shall be U.S. policy to impose economic sanctions against South Africa if within two years of enactment of this Act significant progress has not been made toward ending apartheid. Urges the President to: (1) raise the issue of reform in South Africa during the May 1985 economic summit; and (2) establish with the other industrialized democracies an Inter-Allied Working Group on South Africa to monitor reforms and, if necessary, develop multilateral economic sanctions against South Africa. Directs the President to submit to the Congress a report by March 1, 1987, on the extent to which significant progress has been made toward ending apartheid. Sets forth information to be included in such report including: (1) an assessment of the progress made by South Africa in specified areas; (2) a statement of any conclusions drawn by the Inter-Allied Working Group on South Africa; (3) a determination by the President as to whether significant progress has been made in specified areas; and (4) if the President determines that significant progress has not been made, a recommendation as to what sanctions should be imposed. Provides for expedited consideration in the Congress of any joint resolution that would enact such sanctions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985
Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Persons Act of 1985 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State should review and revise its law to ensure that mental health patients receive the protection and services they require. Declares that States should consider the recommendations of the President's Commission on Mental Health in making such revisions. Sets forth a bill of rights for mental health patients which includes the right to: (1) appropriate treatment; (2) an individualized treatment plan; (3) freedom from restraint or seclusion; (4) confidentiality of and access to records; and (5) privacy. Declares that a patient's attorney or legal representative shall have access to: (1) the patient; (2) the facility; and (3) subject to the patient's written authorization, the records. Permits States to apply for an allotment to establish a system to protect the rights of the mentally ill. Requires such a system to include the establishment of an advisory board to advocate the rights of the mentally ill. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe a formula for making such allotments. Directs the Secretary to report on the activities, accomplishments, and expenditures of such systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987. Repeals title V (Mental Health Rights and Advocacy) of the Mental Health Systems Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that an obligation issued by a State to finance a solid waste disposal facility shall not be treated as an obligation which is federally guaranteed for purposes of determining the tax-exempt status of the obligation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1985
Authorizes the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Subjects the Fraternity's design and plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Directs the Secretary to: (1) select a site for the memorial with the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission; (2) prohibit its construction unless sufficient funds are available for its completion; (3) provide for the maintenance of the memorial upon its completion. Provides that U.S. funds may not be used to establish the memorial. Directs that the authority to establish the memorial is contingent upon its construction beginning within five years.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1985
Agriculture Act of 1985 - Title I: Dairy - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set milk price support levels at 90 percent of the previous three year average. Provides for: (1) automatic price support revisions on April 1 and October 1 of 1986 through 1989; and (2) additional adjustments based on Government purchase levels. Extends authority through 1989 for: (1) the dairy indemnity program; and (2) the program of dairy product transfers to the military and veterans' hospitals. Amends specified milk marketing order provisions. Title II: Wool and Mohair - Amends the National Wool Act of 1954 to extend the wool program through 1989. Title III: Wheat - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set loan and purchase levels for the 1986 through 1989 wheat crops at 75 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limits annual adjustments to not more than ten percent. Sets 1986 target prices at not less than 1985 levels. Sets target prices beginning in 1987 at 110 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limts annual adjustments to not more than five percent. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to require compliance with an acreage reduction or paid land diversion program as a condition of eligibility for program benefits. Requires the Secretary to implement an acreage reduction program if carryover stocks exceed four percent of annual world utilization. Suspends specified marketing quota and producer certificate provisions. Title IV: Feed Grains - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set loan and purchase levels for the 1986 through 1989 corn crops at 75 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limits annual adjustments to not more than ten percent. Sets loan and purchase levels for grain sorghum, barley, oats, and rye in relation to corn levels. Sets 1986 target prices at not less than 1985 levels. Sets target prices beginning in 1987 at 110 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limits annual adjustments to not more than five percent. Authorizes the Secretary to require compliance with an acreage reduction or paid land diversion program as a condition of eligibility for program benefits. Requires the Secretary to implement an acreage reduction program if carryover stocks exceed four percent of annual world utilization. Title V: Cotton - Suspends specified base acreage allotment and marketing quota provisions for the 1986 through 1989 upland cotton crops. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set upland cotton loan rates at the lower of: (1) 85 percent of the average U.S. spot market price (weighted by market and month) for the preceding five years, excluding the high and low years; or (2) 90 percent of the average of comparable cotton prices, quoted C.I.F. northern Europe. Limits annual adjustments to not more than ten percent. Sets 1986 target prices at not less than 1985 levels. Sets target prices beginning in 1987 at 110 percent of the same average market price used to determine loan rates. Limits annual adjustments to not more than five percent. Directs the President to establish a special limited global import quota for upland cotton if average spot prices exceed specified levels. Authorizes the Secretary to require compliance with an acreage reduction or paid land diversion program as a condition of eligibility for program benefits. Requires the Secretary to implement an acreage reduction program if upland cotton carryover stocks exceed normal supply by more than 15 percent. Title VI: Rice - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set loan and purchase levels for the 1986 through 1989 rice crops at 75 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limits annual adjustments to not more than ten percent. Sets 1986 target prices at not less than 1985 levels. Sets target prices beginning in 1987 at 110 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limits annual adjustments to not more than five percent. Authorizes the Secretary to require compliance with an acreage reduction or paid land diversion program as a condition of eligibility for program benefits. Requires the Secretary to implement an acreage reduction program if rice carryover stocks exceed normal supply by more than 15 percent. Title VII: Peanuts - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish the national poundage quota for the 1986 through 1989 peanut crops at the level of the previous three-year average of domestic edible and seed use. Authorizes modifications of up to five percent. Extends price support provisions for the 1986 through 1989 peanut crops. Permits changes in support levels based upon changes in the prices paid index. Title VIII: Soybeans - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set loan and purchase levels for the 1986 through 1989 soybean crops at 75 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Stipulates that such level may not be less than $5.02 per bushel. Limits annual support reductions to not more than ten percent or below $4.50 per bushel. Title IX: Sugar - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set loan levels for the 1986 through 1989 sugarcane crops at 18 cents per pound. Bases sugar beet support levels on sugarcane prices. Title X: Miscellaneous - Subtitle A: Advance Diversion Payments - States that if the Secretary makes land diversion payments to assist in adjusting acreage for the 1986 through 1989 crops of wheat, feed grains, cotton, or rice, at least 50 percent of such payment shall be made available as soon as possible after program signup. Subtitle B: Grain Reserves - Terminates the producer-owned reserve storage program. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Commodity Provisions - Limits annual deficiency payments to $50,000 per person for the 1986 through 1989 crop years. Subtitle D: General Provisions - Extends the special grazing and hay program through 1989. Title XI: Agricultural Export and Public Law 480 - Subtitle A: Export Provisions - Amends the Food for Peace Act of 1966 to extend authority through 1989 for the Agricultural Export Credit Revolving Fund. Exempts export sales financed or guaranteed by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) from cargo preference laws. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to exempt the special standby export subsidy program from cargo preference laws. Directs the Secretary to use bonus commodities from CCC to offset the adverse effects of competing countries' subsidies and currency exchanges. Exempts such exports from cargo preference laws. Subtitle B: Public Law 480 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to increase minimum export tonnage levels. Exempts such exports from cargo preference laws. Extends such programs through 1989. Title XII: Resource Conservation - Subtitle A: Conservation Reserve - Directs the Secretary to establish a conservation reserve program to convert cropland and highly erodible land to less intensive use. Subtitle B: Program Eligibility on Highly Erodible Land - Makes any person who cultivates crops on highly erodible land ineligible for price support and other agricultural loans and benefits. Subtitle C: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations. Title XIII: Effective date - Makes the provisions of this Act effective upon enactment, unless otherwise so provided.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Authorizes appropriations for the Patent and Trademark Office for FY 1986 through 1988. Requires available funds to be used to reduce the fee schedule for filings by independent inventors and nonprofit organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Alternate Strategic Defense Initiative Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1986 - Provides that funds authorized under this Act for the Strategic Defense Initiative and for advanced strategic missile systems for FY 1986 are in lieu of any other authorization for such fiscal year for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations to the defense agencies for FY 1986 for research, development, test, and evaluation in connection with the Strategic Defense Initiative under the following programs: (1) Surveillance, Acquisition, and Tracking Program; (2) Directed Energy Weapons Program; (3) Kinetic Energy Weapons Program; (4) Hard Point Defense Technology Development Program; (5) Systems Concepts and Battle Management Program; (6) Threat Analysis Program; (7) Survivability, Lethality, and Key Technologies Program; and (8) Management Headquarters of the Strategic Defense Initiative. Authorizes appropriations to the Air Force for FY 1986 for research, development, test, and evaluation in connection with the Advanced Strategic Missile Systems program. Directs the Threat Analysis Program to be carried out as part of the Air Force Advanced Strategic Missile Systems Program, and requires the Secretary of the Air Force to report results of research conducted under such program to the Congress and other specified officials. Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) the Strategic Defense Evaluation Panel (the Panel). Requires the Panel to report to the Congress annually, with the first such report due by April 1, 1986. Requires certain Strategic Defense Initiative projects to be designated as major defense acquisition programs for purposes of reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary of Defense, simultaneously with the submission of the annual budget presentation materials to the Congress for each of FY 1987 through 1991, to report to specified congressional committees on all DOD programs which constitute or relate to the Strategic Defense Initiative, Specifies information to be included in such report. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to conduct a study on the impact of proposed expenditures of the Strategic Defense Initiative programs for FY 1986 through 1991, and to submit the results of such study to the Congress within 180 days after enactment of this Act. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to conduct a similar study, with the same reporting date. Reaffirms the commitment of the Congress to the 1972 U.S. - Soviet Treaty on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems and to full compliance with such treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Peace Corps Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Peace Corps Act to establish a Peace Corps National Advisory Council which shall advise and consult with the President and the Director of the Peace Corps on policies and programs designed to further the purposes of the Act and shall report periodically to the Congress. Requires members of the Council to inspect Peace Corps' activities in the United States and abroad. Requires the Council to submit a report to the President and to the Director of the Peace Corps once every two years. Declares that it is a U.S. policy and a purpose of the Peace Corps to provide to the maximum extent appropriate sufficient opportunities for service to maintain a volunteer corps of at least 10,000 individuals. Prohibits using any political test or qualification in selecting persons for enrollment as a volunteer or in taking any other action with respect to volunteers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission, not to exceed $2,300,000 in any fiscal year, for FY 1986 through FY 1988. Permits the Commission to lease office space through FY 1988. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of highways in the Appalachian region for FY 1986 through FY 1992. Increases from 70 percent to 80 percent the maximum Federal share of such highway construction costs. Allows for Federal supplements to the Federal grant-in-aid programs to continue through FY 1988. Permits the Commission to provide assistance for demonstration projects showing the development of the region's economic resources. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Sets forth an October 1, 1988, termination date for specified sections of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Prohibits the obligation of funds during FY 1985 and 1986 for the testing of anti-satellite weapons against objects in space unless the President certifies to the Congress certain findings on actions taken by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense for any person to operate or direct the operation of a common carrier while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Imposes a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present gold medals to Jan Scruggs, Robert Doubek, and Jack Wheeler in recognition of their efforts to give the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Nation. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, from March 1, 1985, through February 28, 1986, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund; (2) employ personnel; (3) utilize, on a reimbursable basis, the services of department or agency personnel; (4) procure consultant services; and (5) provide for the training of its professional staff.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Elects: (1) Mr. Mathias of Maryland, Mr. Hatfield of Oregon, Mr. Stevens of Alaska, Mr. Ford of Kentucky, and Mr. DeConcini of Arizona to the Joint Committee on Printing; and (2) Mr. Mathias of Maryland, Mr. Hatfield of Oregon, Mr. Warner of Virginia, Mr. Inouye of Hawaii, and Mr. Pell of Rhode Island to the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Senate to pay a gratuity to named sons and grandchildren of a deceased employee of the Architect of the Capitol who was assigned to duty in the Senate at the time of her death.
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 · 2 April 1985
National Childhood Vaccine Injury Compensation Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program as an elective alternative remedy to judicial action for specified vaccine-related injuries. Prescribes the contents of any petition for compensation. Grants sole authority to determine eligibility and compensation to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Sets forth injuries deemed vaccine-related for compensation purposes. Sets compensation limits. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct studies on pertussis and rubella vaccines, and develop related information materials. Establishes an Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines to advise the Secretary on the implementation of such program and recommend research priorities and changes in vaccine-related injury standards. Establishes in the Treasury a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. Authorizes FY 1985 funds. Requires the Secretary to establish annual surcharges on vaccine manufacturers to finance the Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an insurance pool to cover injury claims relating to vaccines for which adequate general liability and product liability insurance is unavailable. Provides for Federal reinsurance of insurance companies participating in such a pool. Prescribes a procedure for determining the necessity of and for establishing such a pool. Authorizes the Secretary to establish in the Treasury a National Childhood Vaccine Fund to pay reinsurance claims. Requires health care providers who vaccinate patients and the manufacturers of specified vaccines to keep specified records. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make a pediatric vaccine-risk study; (2) determine the circumstances under which any such vaccine should be delayed or not given; and (3) direct pediatric health care providers to distribute such information to parents and legal guardians. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage the development of vaccines that result in fewer major adverse reactions than those currently on the market; and (2) assure improvements in the vaccine industry to reduce the risks of major adverse reactions. Directs the Secretary to provide grants for the education, treatment, and care of multiple handicapped persons, with priority given to the needs of persons with vaccine-related neurological impairments. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through FY 1990. Entitles any person to commence a civil action against the Secretary where the Secretary allegedly has failed to perform a duty under this Act. Provides for judicial review of the Secretary's regulatory actions in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Repeals title VIII (Equal Access) of the Education for Economic Security Act. (Such title makes it unlawful for any public secondary school, if it receives Federal financial assistance and allows any extracurricular student group to meet on school premises during noninstructional time, to deny equal access to any of its students who wish to conduct a meeting on the basis of the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech at such meeting.)
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Great Lakes Management Act of 1985 - Establishes within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the Great Lakes National Program Office (Program Office), to be headed by a Director. Lists as responsibilities of the Program Office, the following: (1) developing the long-term, comprehensive environmental, resource, and economic data bases required for assessing the impact of proposed decisions on the environmental health, productivity, and economic well-being of the Great Lakes; (2) conducting an inventory of all State, Federal, tribal, and international agencies with management responsibility for the Great Lakes system, and updating such information biennially; (3) identifying priority management needs to protect and rehabilitate the Great Lakes and their resources and developing management plans where needed; (4) developing a five-year plan and program for reducing the input of nutrients into the Great Lakes; (5) carrying out a five-year study and demonstration projects relating to the control and removal of toxic pollutants in the Great Lakes; (6) identifying lead agencies with primary responsibilities for each specific issue relating to the Great Lakes; (7) developing an annual report on the status of the Great Lakes; (8) promoting the adoption and execution of the management and rehabilitation plans; (9) serving as the source of issues which the Federal Government refers to the International Joint Commission for study; and (10) hosting a meeting (at least annually) for officials of the Federal, State, and tribal agencies involved with the Great Lakes. Requires the Administrator of EPA, in the agency's annual budget submission to the Congress,to include a funding request for the Program Office as a separate budget line item. Requires the Program Office to be located in a Great Lakes State. Establishes within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the Great Lakes Research Office (Research Office), to be headed by a Director. Lists as responsibilities of the Research Office the following: (1) annually identifying Federal, State, and tribal research programs relating to the Great Lakes system; (2) establishing a Great Lakes research exchange; (3) identifying priority Great Lakes research needs; (4) conducting research and monitoring activities which address priority issues and current needs of the Great Lakes; and (5) cooperating with EPA in monitoring the water quality of the Great Lakes. Provides for the coordination of certain activities between the Program Office and the Research Office. Allows the Administrator of EPA to provide financial assistance in the form of grants or contracts for research, monitoring, and planning projects and activities necessary to address Great Lakes priorities. Allows any person, institution of higher education, or instrumentality of the Federal, State, or local government, or any tribe to apply for such assistance. Requires the Administrator to act upon each grant or contract application within six months of its receipt. Permits the grants to cover, in the discretion of the Administrator, up to 100 percent of the total project costs. Directs the head of each department or agency of the Federal Government which is in any way connected with the enhancement of the Great Lakes to: (1) cooperate with the Administrators of EPA and NOAA; (2) make available such personnel, services, or facilities as may be necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act; and (3) furnish, upon written request, such data or information deemed necessary to fulfill such purposes. Directs the Chief of Engineers of the Army, the Chief of the Soil Conservation Service, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Administrator of NOAA to submit annual reports to the Administrator of EPA regarding their efforts to comply with the Water Quality Agreement of 1972. States that this Act does not affect the jurisdiction or powers of any Federal or State department or agency or of any tribe or international body created by treaty with authority relating to the Great Lakes. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990.
![Official portrait of Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000241_200.jpg)