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United States · Official source
2,300 records where Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified lands to the Huntley Irrigation District, Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Amends the Indian Education Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, specified Hawaiian organizations which primarily serve and benefit Hawaiian natives for the purpose of preparing individuals for teaching or administering special projects and programs designed to meet the special educational needs of Hawaiian natives, providing in-service training for persons teaching in such programs, and providing fellowships to such natives for study in graduate and professional programs at institutions of higher education. Renames the Office of Indian Education (within the Department of Education) as the Office of Native American Education. Makes various technical and conforming amendments. Redefines "Native American" (for purposes of such Act and specified other education-related Acts) to include any Hawaiian native. Amends the Indian Elementary and Secondary School Assistance Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants to, or to enter into contracts with, local educational agencies which primarily serve the educational needs of Hawaiian natives. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to make technical and conforming amendments with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, organizations which primarily serve Hawaiian natives for the purpose of providing pilot and demonstration programs for improving educational opportunities for such natives. Amends the Adult Education Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, organizations primarily serving Hawaiian natives with respect to the improvement of educational opportunities for Hawaiian native adults.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Patient and Program Protection Act for Medicare and Medicaid - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exclude from participation under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act any individual or entity: (1) convicted of a criminal offense related to the delivery of items or services under title XVIII or under titles XIX (Medicaid), V (Maternal and Child Health Block Grant), or XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of such Act; (2) convicted of a criminal offense, in connection with the delivery of health items or services, relating to fraud or theft, or neglect or abuse of patients; (3) convicted of obstructing any investigation into any offense described above; (4) convicted of unlawfully distributing or prescribing a controlled substance; (5) knowingly and willfully making any false statement in an application for payment under Medicare or a State health care program; or (6) committing certain other prohibited activities. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from Medicare participation any individual or entity: (1) whose health care license has been suspended or revoked; (2) suspended or excluded from participation in a Federal or State health care program; (3) submitting false claims under Medicare or a State health care program; (4) where ownership or controlling interest in that entity or a managing employee of that entity is a person who has been convicted of specified health care related crimes, fined for specified health care abuses, or excluded from participation in Medicare or a State health care program; or (5) which fails to supply certain information. Entitles any individual or entity excluded from participation to a hearing. Directs the Secretary to promptly notify each appropriate State agency administering or supervising the administration of a State health care program of the fact and circumstances of each exclusion. Requires a State to exclude under its programs those individuals or entities excluded by the Secretary, but permits waivers if requested of and approved by the Secretary. Permits an excluded individual or entity to apply, following the period of exclusion, to the Secretary for reinstatement. Sets forth provisions providing for civil and criminal penalties for acts involving Medicare or State health care programs abuses. Prohibits Federal payments with respect to any amount expended for items or services furnished with respect to any individual or entity excluded from Medicare because of the patient and programs protection provisions of part A of title XI. Requires a State, as a condition of Medicaid plan approval, to provide for the following: (1) a system of reporting any type of adverse action concluded against any health care practitioner or entity by the State or a local licensing authority; and (2) such access to documents as may be necessary by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide suitable safeguards for the confidentiality of such information. Requires any health care provider providing health care services for which payment may be made under the Act to assure that services or items furnished: (1) will be provided economically and only when, and to the extent, medically necessary; (2) will be quality services which meet professionally recognized standards of health care; and (3) will be supported by evidence of medical necessity and quality in such form and fashion and at such time as may reasonably be required by a reviewing peer review organization in the exercise of its duties and responsibilities. Permits a State to exclude from Medicaid participation any individual or entity excluded under Medicare pursuant to the patient and program protection provisions. Requires a State in order to receive Federal payments with respect to a health maintenance organization (HMO) to exclude any HMO that: (1) could be excluded because of the conviction of the owners or managers of certain crimes; or (2) contracts with any individual or entity convicted of such crimes. Prohibits Federal payments with respect to any amount expended for items or services furnished with respect to any individual or entity excluded from Medicaid participation because of the patient and program protection provisions. Prohibits a State under title V from making payments to any individual or entity excluded from participation pursuant to the patient and program protection provisions. Revises disclosure requirements under part A of title XI. Revises Medicare provisions concerning agreements with providers. Sets forth effective date provisions. Amends the Controlled Substances Act and part A (General Provisions) of title XI to authorize the Attorney General to suspend or revoke a registration to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance upon a finding that the registrant has been excluded from participation under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to deductions for ordinary and necessary business expenses to provide a special rule for construction workers' travel and transportation expenses. Provides that a job at a site located more than 30 miles from a worker's residence shall be considered: (1) temporary for the first two years of employment at that site; and (2) temporary or not temporary after the first two years based on an examination of all the facts and circumstances. Provides that no deduction shall be disallowed solely because a construction worker's employment at a job site is of indefinite duration. Prohibits the application of the "one-year" rule set forth in Revenue Ruling 83-82, which specifies the length of time which automatically or presumptively classifies the job as other than temporary. Defines "construction worker" for purposes of this Act as any individual employed as a skilled, semiskilled, or unskilled laborer in the building or construction industry.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Accepts the statue of Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the Congress, for the National Statuary Hall. Extends the thanks of the Congress to Montana for contributing the statue. Authorizes ceremonies and temporary placement of the statue in the rotunda of the Capitol on May 1, 1985. Directs that such proceedings and other pertinent matter be printed as a Senate document.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1985
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to extend the time for conducting the referendum with respect to the national wheat marketing quota for the June 1, 1986, marketing year.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to use its authority under the Net Worth Certificate Act to purchase net worth certificates of certain qualified financial institutions which have made more than 20 percent of their loans for agricultural purposes. Revises capital to adjusted total asset ratio requirements for such qualified institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Farm Emergency Credit Act of 1985 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make advance (recourse) price support loans available for 1985 to producers unable to secure sufficient credit elsewhere. Makes up to one-third of such crop eligible for advance payments. Permits loan conversion to nonrecourse status upon harvest and availability as loan collateral. Administers such program through the Commodity Credit Corporation and the local farmer committees. Requires a participating producer to: (1) obtain crop insurance if available; and (2) use his crop as loan collateral. Limits loans to any single person to $30,000. Directs the Secretary to take immediate steps to make personnel and other Department of Agriculture resources available to improve the administration of such program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Senior Citizens Independent Community Care Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize any State to establish a statewide prepaid capitation program for providing acute and long-term care services for individuals aged 65 or older who require long-term care by reason of impairments which restrict daily living activities. Limits to four the number of States which may establish such a program during the four years following enactment. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services in subsequent years to limit the number of additional States which may establish such a program in order to insure that additional programs will not require payments from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund in excess of the amounts available in the Trust Fund. Provides that each eligible individual shall be entitled to the following benefits: (1) all services to which such individual would be entitled under title XVIII; (2) homemaker-home health aide services; (3) adult day services; (4) respite care services for up to 14 days or 336 hours annually; (5) service coordination; (6) preadmission screening and assessment; (7) intermediate care facility services for up to 20 days annually; and (8) such other services as the Secretary may determine. States that services provided under the program shall be in lieu of any payments or services to which an individual would otherwise be entitled under title XVIII or under any other federally funded program. Makes any individual eligible who: (1) is entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII and enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII; (2) has attained age 65; (3) resides in a State with a program; (4) agrees to participate in the program; (5) is not in an institution; (6) is certified by a preadmission assessment and screening team (PAT) to have an unmet need for certain services; and (7) has certain physical or mental impairments which interfere with the activities of daily living. Requires a PAT to evaluate each eligible individual's health status, functional capabilities, and home and environment in order to assess and develop a plan of care for the individual before the individual can receive any benefits under the program. Requires an individual's status to be assessed on an ongoing basis, and the plan of care to be appropriately updated. Directs the Governor of each State having a program to designate the State agency or agencies which shall administer the program. Directs such agency or agencies to coordinate the designation of entities which shall provide services under the program. Directs such entities to be responsible for establishing PATs and providing services under the program. Requires each PAT to consist of at least one physician and one social worker. Directs the Secretary to pay a fixed per capita fee to each designated entity for which payment may be made under the program. Prohibits such fee from exceeding an amount equal to 60 percent of the average monthly rate in such State for services provided in free-standing skilled nursing facilities. Requires an individual receiving services under the program which are otherwise covered services under parts A or B of title XVIII to pay the entity providing the services a copayment equal to the amount which such individual would be required to pay under parts A or B for the same services. Requires an individual receiving homemaker-home health aide services, adult day services, respite care services, or a preadmission screening and assessment to pay a copayment equal to 20 percent of the reasonable charge for such services. Prohibits an eligible individual from being required to make yearly copayments which exceed a specified percent of the individual's income for the preceding year. Provides any individual the right to reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing with respect to determinations made by the Secretary under the program in the same manner as under part A of title XVIII. Sets forth the effective date. Directs the Secretary to monitor the effect of the program and submit reports to the Congress. Requires the reports to include a recommended strategy for implementing the program on a national basis. Directs the Office of Management and Budget to prepare an analysis of the budgetary impact of the implementation of the program on a national basis and to report to the Congress with respect to such report. Requires payments under this program to be made from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Requires payments related to services provided under this program which are not covered services under part A or B to be made from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the feasibility and desirability of establishing a program under which State Medicaid programs would provide prepaid capitation plans for providing Medicare and Medicaid (title XIX of the Act) services to those individuals eligible for both and to report the results of the study to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Health Care Coordination Act of 1985 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to authorize any State, subject to a waiver being granted, to establish as a component of its State plan a comprehensive program under which individuals who are eligible for benefits under Medicaid and under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Act (other than an individual having end stage renal disease) shall be furnished health care and other services as described by such program. Requires any such program to provide at least the following services: (1) all services for which payment would be made under title XVIII; (2) all medical assistance for which an individual would otherwise be eligible under the State Medicaid plan; (3) case management, including assessments and periodic reassessments; and (4) to the extent the State determines such services to be required by an individual enrolled in the program, homemaker and home health aid services, and adult day health care services. Authorizes a State to provide, in addition, any other community-based services necessary to maintain an enrolled individual in the community who would otherwise be institutionalized. Provides that: (1) a program established under this Act need not be in effect statewide; and (2) in any case in which more than one program is in effect in a State, each program shall be considered independently for purposes of meeting program requirements. Requires all services provided under the program to be provided by providers qualified under title XVIII or XIX. Makes any individual eligible for coverage under the program who is eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare (excluding those with end stage renal disease). Makes enrollment optional with the individual. Prohibits enrollment of any individual who is an inpatient in a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility if more than 25 percent of the individuals enrolled in the program already are inpatients in such facilities. Requires the percentage of individuals enrolled in a program who are disabled or frail elderly individuals to be approximately equal to or greater than the percentage of the population of such individuals eligible under Medicare and Medicaid in the area served by the program. Provides that the amounts and methods of payment under the program may be any one of several specified methods used under titles XVIII and XIX. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to grant a waiver of Medicaid and Medicare requirements to any State as may be necessary to establish a program or programs if such State provides satisfactory assurances that: (1) the total cost to State and Federal governments will not exceed the total cost which would have been incurred if the program were not in effect; (2) quality of and access to health care under the program will be maintained; and (3) the program meets the requirements of this paragraph. Permits a waiver of: (1) the skilled care, intermittent care, and homebound requirements for the provision of home health services under Medicare; (2) the skilled care and post hospital requirement for extended care under Medicare; (3) Medicaid requirements relating to state coverage, comparability of services, and freedom of choice of providers; (4) any Medicaid or Medicare provision relating to methods and amounts of reimbursement; and (5) specified other Medicare and Medicaid requirements relating to amount and duration of covered services, enrollment fees, premiums, deductions, cost sharing, and similar charges. Requires a State to provide for quality assurance review of any program established under this Act. Directs the Secretary to make payments to a State on a per capita basis with respect to each individual enrolled in a program. Provides that the amount of such payment shall be 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost of institutionalized individuals as determined for purposes of Medicare health maintenance organization reimbursements in the case of any individual who is an inpatient in a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility, or who: (1) has been determined to require the level of care provided in a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility, but for the provision of home or community-based services under this program; and (2) is dependent on personal assistance on a daily basis for at least two of the following activities: eating, bathing, use of the toilet, transferring to and from bed, or dressing. Requires the State to pay the premium under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII for each individual enrolled in the program. Requires: (1) each State with a program under this Act to report to the Secretary at least annually; and (2) the Secretary to report to the Congress one year after enactment, and then again three years after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Home Care Protection Act of 1985 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that nursing care and home health aid services may be provided on a daily basis as home health services for up to 60 days with monthly physician certification of the need for such services, and after the 60-day period on a physician certification of exceptional circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with specified agencies, to conduct at least ten demonstration projects to determine the feasibility of providing for alternative benefits for individuals entitled to Medicare benefits who are diagnosed as suffering from Alzheimer's disease or a related memory disorder. Directs the Secretary, in conducting such projects, to consider providing alternative benefits: (1) that encompass a range of outpatient services; and (2) in a manner that is analogous to the manner in which benefits for hospice care are made available under Medicare. Limits the cost of each such project.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Alzheimer's Disease Research Coordination Act of 1985 - Redesignates the National Institute on Aging as the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate, support, and encourage research into Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Directs the Secretary to: (1) insure that each specialized research center for Alzheimer's disease expends a portion of its budget on multidisciplinary research; and (2) report annually to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promote the establishment of family support groups to assist individuals with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder and their family members and to provide for a national coordinating network of such groups. Requires a report to the Congress within one year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Prohibits denial of payments under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for heart transplants solely on the grounds that heart transplants are not reasonable and necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
National Home Health Care Clearinghouse Act of 1985 - Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services a Home Health Care Clearinghouse to gather and disseminate information concerning the various public and private agencies providing home health care and related services to the elderly. Directs the Clearinghouse to: (1) establish a computerized system for such purposes; and (2) publish current descriptions of home health care services and benefits available to the elderly under the Social Security Act, the Older Americans Act of 1965, and other related laws. Requires a cost report to the Congress within one year. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Financial System Integrity Act of 1985 - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to redefine the term "bank" to: (1) include any bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and any institution which is eligible to become so insured; and (2) exclude any foreign bank having an insured or uninsured branch in the United States, specified depository institutions as defined in the Federal Reserve Act, and institutions which function solely in a trust or fiduciary capacity and meet other specified requirements. Requires any entity which becomes a bank holding company as a result of such revised definition (except an entity whose control of what becomes a "bank" was approved before June 30, 1983) to comply with the provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 within 180 days. Prohibits any expansion of activities, but allows a quantitative increase in such activities, by such excepted entities. Prohibits such entities which are not excepted entities from retaining control of an institution which becomes a "bank" unless such retention is approved by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Textile and Apparel Trade Enforcement Act of 1985 - Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from a major exporting country to the lesser of an amount equal to 101 percent: (1) of the total quantity of textile products imported from such country if the total had increased by six percent annually during 1981 through 1984; or (2) if the United States has an agreement with such country providing for an annual growth rate of less than six percent, of the total quantity of such products from such country imported during 1984. Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from an exporting country to an amount equal to the total quantity of such products imported from such country during 1984 plus: (1) 15 percent of such quantity in the case of a category that is not an import sensitive category; or (2) one percent in the case of an import sensitive category. Provides for changing the classification of a country, except for a Caribbean country, from an exporting country to a major exporting country if the total textile imports from such country equals or exceeds one and one-quarter percent of all textiles imported into the United States. Sets forth a formula for adjusting the growth of textile imports annually. Sets forth certain minimum quantities of textile imports that all countries shall be allowed to export to the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to enforce this Act. Directs the Secretary, within six months of enactment of this Act, to establish an import licensing system under which an importer of textiles will be required to present an import permit as a condition of entry of such textiles. Directs the President to report to the Congress annually on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends Federal law to authorize the Office of Personnel Management to waive certain eligibility requirements relating to enrollment of annuitants in a Federal employees health benefits plan if it would be against equity and good conscience not to enroll them.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Declares, for purposes of survivor annuity benefits, that the named widow of a lieutenant colonel shall be paid increased survivor benefits based upon increased monthly payments to the plan made by the deceased for 21 months before his death.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1985
Performing Arts Labor Relations Amendments - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude specified types of employers and performers in the performing arts from coverage under unfair labor practice provisions prohibiting specified contracts or agreements between employers and labor organizations and prohibiting specified actions of labor organizations to force or require cessation of dealings with others, joining of labor or employer organizations, or recognition of or negotiation with labor organizations not certified as representative. Permits such employers, excluding employers in the broadcasting or motion picture industries, to: (1) agree with a labor organization to make membership in such organization a condition of performing arts employment; and (2) make agreements with a labor organization covering performing artists even if the majority status of the organization has not yet been established. Defines "employer" to include purchasers of musical performance services. Defines "employee" to include independent contractors engaged to perform musical services.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to allow a retired railroad worker to be employed in any non-railroad employment and still qualify for an annuity, subject to specified deductions, including reduction of certain benefits by $1 for every $2 earned from the last non-railroad employment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to include in its biannual report to the Congress an assessment of the effect its objectives and plans regarding monetary policy will have on agriculture and small business.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Child Sexual Abuse and Pornography Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal criminal code with regard to the sexual exploitation of children. Makes it a Federal offense for any person to advertise: (1) any product depicting sexually explicit conduct with a minor; or (2) the opportunity to participate in any such conduct with a minor. Establishes guidelines to assist the courts in determining the age of the child appearing in such pornographic materials. Eliminates any requirement that the government must identify the minor in order to obtain a conviction. Amends the Mann Act to include the transportation of males within its coverage and makes other changes so that the offense is sex neutral. Increases the penalty for the transportation of minors. Provides for a fine of not more than $75,000 or imprisonment for not more than 15 years, or both. Increases the fine to not more than $150,000 or imprisonment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 20 years for a subsequent conviction. Repeals the requirement that the prohibited conduct be considered lewd or be for commercial purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend indefinitely the income tax exclusion for employee educational assistance programs. (Present law terminates such exclusion as of December 31, 1985.) Limits the maximum amount of such exclusion (beginning in 1986) to $5,000 of amounts paid or expenses incurred for educational assistance furnished to an employee during a calendar year. Exempts graduate students engaged in teaching or research activities from such maximum limit. Provides for annual cost-of-living adjustments in such maximum limit beginning in 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Emergency Reye's Syndrome Prevention Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require drugs containing a salicylate (aspirin) to carry a conspicuous label warning that such product should not be used by persons under 21 years who have chicken pox, influenza, or flu systems because of such product's association with the development of Reye's Syndrome.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Bipartisan Commission on Congressional Campaign Financing Act - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on Congressional Campaign Financing to consider and study laws, regulations, and public commentary relating to the financing of congressional elections. Requires such study to give particular attention to the extent to which current campaign financing practices undermine public confidence in the Government. Requires the Commission to consider the following changes in the present system of campaign financing: (1) increasing or decreasing allowable contributions; (2) increasing the income tax credit for campaign contributions; (3) initiating a plan of public financing; (4) making available free or subsidized broadcasting time; or (5) examining the role of independent expenditures. Directs the Commission to make reasonable efforts to achieve the broadest bipartisan consensus in arriving at its recommendations. Requires the Commission, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress its final report. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of such report. Requires the Director of the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress and the Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, not later than two months after enactment of this Act, to transmit briefing papers to the Bipartisan Commission which catalog and synthesize pertinent reports, analyses, and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Grants a Federal charter to the Retired Enlisted Association, Incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Highly Erodible Land Conservation Act of 1985 - Makes persons who cultivate crops on highly erodible land ineligible for price supports, crop insurance, and other specified agricultural loans. Provides exceptions for: (1) crops produced using approved conservation methods; and (2) certain previously cultivated land. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) use the agricultural stabilization and conservation committees to help administer this Act; and (2) complete specified soil capability surveys.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Federal Employee Anti-Sex-Discrimination in Compensation Act of 1985 - Establishes the Commission on Compensation Equity to provide, by contract with a consultant, for a report on whether executive agencies are in compliance with laws and regulations prohibiting sex-based wage discrimination. Requires submission of the results of such study to the appropriate congressional committees and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management within 18 months after the effective date of this Act. Requires the Director to submit to such committees and the Commission, 90 days after receipt of such report, a response specifying plans for carrying out the report's recommendations and reasons for not carrying out any recommendation. Allows the Commission to comment on the Director's response. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its comment. Directs the Comptroller General to submit a list of at least five consultants to the Commission from which the Commission shall make its selection. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the rights or remedies provided under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, or any other provision of law relating to discrimination. Provides funding for the Commission from sums appropriated to the Office of Personnel Management for general operating expenses for FY 1986 and 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Directs that proceedings in the Senate Chamber be broadcast by radio and television: (1) continuously when the Senate is in session (except when a closed door meeting is ordered); and (2) subject to certain provisions of the Standing Rules of the Senate pertaining to the Senate gallery. Requires that broadcasts be supervised and operated by the Senate and made available on a live basis and free of charge to specified entities. Requires the television broadcasts to follow the Presiding Officer and Senators who are recognized to speak. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to provide for the construction and acquisition of broadcasting facilities and equipment. Sets forth duties of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate with respect to the operation and maintenance of such equipment and the disposition of audio and video tape recordings. Directs the Librarian of Congress and the Archivist of the United States to receive, store, and make such recordings available to the public at no cost for viewing or listening on the premises. Authorizes the charging of a fee equal to the cost involved through distribution of taped copies. Provides for a test period of Senate broadcasting equipment. Prohibits the use of tape duplications of broadcast coverage for political or commercial purposes. Requires that changes in regulations made by this resolution be made only by Senate resolution. Authorizes expenditures, limited to a specified amount, to carry out this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Job Corps has been a cost effective and successful program that should be continued as a separate component of the Job Training Partnership Act; (2) the commitment of the Congress to the program is reaffirmed; and (3) sufficient appropriations should be made available to maintain the youth program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1985
Maternal and Child Health Preventive Care Amendments of 1985 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide that the making available to pregnant women of any pregnancy-related services shall not require the making available of such services to any other group of Medicaid individuals, provided such services are available to all covered pregnant women; and (2) permit a State to extend the eligibility of pregnant women for 60 days following the end of a pregnancy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to installment sales and the regulations relating to such sales should not be modified or amended in any way that will alter the manner in which mortgage-backed builder bond transactions are currently taxed.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Consumer Rail Equity Act - Reaffirms the intent of the Congress that the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 and the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 be implemented in a manner which provides both greater competitive alternatives and adequate railroad revenues. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to consider only transportation of the same commodity from the same origination point to the same destination when it makes a determination regarding the presence of effective competition. Establishes a rebuttable presumption of rail market dominance if a person challenging a transportation rate shows that alternative noncircuitous rail service from the same origination point to the same destination is unavailable. Shifts the burden of proof regarding transportation rate reasonableness from the shipper to the rail carrier establishing the challenged rate. Amends the rate-reasonableness determination process to require the Commission to find unreasonable a challenged transportation rate differential which exceeds the fully allocated cost of transportation unless the excess differential is not greater than an amount calculated according to a specified formula. Declares that it is Federal policy to encourage and promote competitive transportation rates for both domestic energy supplies and domestically produced agricultural commodities in order to enhance such commodities' competitive position in the import and export markets. Directs the Commission to establish a rail cost adjustment factor which includes actual cost experience and changes in railroad productivity, volume, and product mix. Provides that certain rail carrier rates shall be reduced to the extent of any subsequent decreases in rail cost adjustment factors. States that the revenue-variable cost percentages for the transportation of any particular rail carrier shall be determined using the Commission's Rail Form A cost-finding methodology in effect as of February 20, 1985. Requires Commission-prescribed rate increases intended to compensate for inflationary cost increases to take into account changes in railroad productivity, volume, output mix, and actual cost experience. Requires the Commission to complete and render final decisions on rail rate proceedings within 12 months after such proceedings have commenced. Includes within the standards used to determine railroad revenue adequacy: (1) identification of revenues, expenses, and investment base reasonably related to rail transportation service; (2) straight-line depreciation of assets reasonably related to rail transportation service, minus deferred tax revenues resulting from accelerated depreciation; and (3) actual cost of debt capital and reasonable estimates of the current cost of equity capital. Requires the Commission, when making revenue adequacy determinations, to consider specified indicators of a rail carrier's financial status, including merger and acquisition actions and the cost of capital used in such actions. Requires the Commission to determine, on an annual basis, which rail carriers are earning adequate or inadequate revenues and to determine for each rail carrier the revenues required to achieve or maintain revenue adequacy. Authorizes (currently, requires) the Commission to exempt persons from application of this Act when: (1) such application is not necessary to implement Federal transportation policy; and (2) the Commission finds there is no market dominance involved in the affected transaction. Requires any rail carrier providing service under certain line rates to participate in competitive joint rail rates through practicable interchange connections (or publish a competitive proportional rate) if requested to do so by a rail carrier (or shipper or receiver) who has an actual or practicable interchange connection. Directs the Commission, upon petition of any interested party, to require certain terminal facilities owned by a rail carrier in interstate or foreign commerce to be used by another rail carrier if the Commission finds: (1) it is in the public interest to do so; and (2) that the owner of such terminal facility will not suffer substantial impairment of its own business interests. Directs the Commission to require, upon petition by an interested party, that rail carriers enter into reciprocal switching agreements if such an agreement is in the public interest or necessary to provide alternative competitive rail service. Directs the Commission to establish reciprocal switching compensation at a level not to exceed the current percentage of the system overage variable costs for such service (unless the carrier demonstrates that a higher level is reasonable and necessary). Revises railroad line abandonment procedures to provide that a rail carrier must wait one year before resubmitting a previously denied abandonment application, unless a substantial change in circumstances can be shown. Requires the Commission to hold hearings in communities affected by a proposed railroad line abandonment if requested to do so by community protestants. Requires the Commission to base its abandonment determination upon financial data regarding the facility proposed to be abandoned rather than upon financial data regarding industry-wide averages. Subjects to Commission review any State decision regarding intrastate rates, rules, and practices if a party to such State proceedings petitions for Commission review. Requires the Commission to take action on such petition within 120 days of its receipt. Authorizes the Commission to vacate a State decision found inconsistent with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Designates the month of June 1985 as Youth Suicide Prevention Month.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Reserve Board, in cooperation with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, should provide $3.5 billion in direct credit to distressed agricultural lenders at discount window interest rates under the procedures used in the Continental Illinois Bank package so as to avoid adding to the budget deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Senate Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit to $200 ($400 on a joint return) for contributions made to candidates for the Senate. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report to specified congressional committees and the Federal Election Commission on the use of political tax credits. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to establish eligibility criteria entitling Senate candidates to receive campaign payments on a matching basis. Establishes formulae to determine such sums. Limits expenditures of personal funds to $35,000 per election. Waives spending limits for eligible candidates: (1) whose opponents have spent sums exceeding the limit imposed upon such candidates; or (2) whose opponents have refused to agree to spending and contribution limitations. Entitles such candidates to mail campaign matter at postal rates established for nonprofit organizations. Requires any candidate who exceeds spending limitations or whose contributions aggregate more than specified amounts to report to the Federal Election Commission within specified time periods. Requires the Federal Election Commission to certify the eligibility of candidates. Requires Senate candidates who receive contributions that qualify for the tax credit to maintain and manage such contributions in a separate account. Requires such candidates who do not become eligible for the general election to transfer applicable funds to the Secretary of the Treasury for deposit in the special account established in compliance with such requirement. Directs the Commission to audit campaign accounts. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes the use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Commission to institute repayment actions in U.S. district courts. Authorizes appropriations. Treats as a contribution to a candidate for the Senate any extension of credit for advertising which exceeds $1,000 and more than 60 days. Requires the principal campaign committee of a candidate to notify other election candidates of contributions received in excess of $1,000. Prohibits either Senate candidates or their authorized political committees from accepting contributions from non-party multicandidate political committees aggregating more than 20 percent of certain spending limits in any calendar year. Establishes separate formulae for contribution limits for candidates in general and special elections. Provides guidelines limiting expenditures by candidates. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require broadcast licensees who permit individuals to advertise in opposition to, or support of, a candidate, to grant equal and free time to the candidate opposed or opponents of the candidate supported.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Emergency Farm Credit Assistance Act of 1985 - Title I: Emergency Farm Credit Assistance - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize additional FY 1985 loan guarantee authority. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to release liens on loan-securing assets of up to $10,000 to assist certain borrowers facing foreclosure in the transition out of farming and ranching. Requires a borrower to convey the remaining property or the proceeds of its sale to the Government. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants through FY 1986 to States for interest rate reductions (for at least three years) on loans made by commercial or cooperative lenders. Requires the Secretary to make such grants without a State matching requirement whenever it would not be practicable for a State to provide such matching funds. Provides for interest recapture upon sale or title transfer. Permits lenders to qualify for loan guarantees without principal or interest reductions. Provides for 90 percent guarantees. Sets the Farmers Home Administration loan and set-aside cash flow requirement at 100 percent. Provides reduced interest rates for farm ownership and operating loans through FY 1986. Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) personnel and other resources are made available to administer such assistance programs; and (2) "approved lender" applications are reviewed within 15 days. Title II: Task Force on Agricultural Credit - Agricultural Credit Task Force Act of 1985 - Establishes a National Task Force on Agricultural Credit to study and make recommendations regarding the problems confronting U.S. agricultural producers and related businesses. Requires a final report to the President and the Congress by September 1, 1985. Terminates the Task Force 60 days after submission of such report. Title III: Restraint in Adversely Classifying Agricultural Loans; Protection of Farm Credit System Borrower Capital - Directs Federal bank regulators to exercise restraint in adversely classifying agricultural loans. Requires a report to the Congress within 90 days. Directs the Farm Credit Administration to conduct a study of the need to establish a fund to protect Farm Credit System borrower capital. Requires a report to the appropriate committees within 180 days.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a new license to an existing licensee for a hydroelectric project authorized under such Act if the United States does not, upon the expiration of the existing license, exercise its right to take over, maintain, and operate such licensee's project, unless the Commission determines that such licensee's project will not meet the licensing standards under such Act. Provides that if the Commission determines that such licensee's project does not meet such standards, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to a new licensee which may cover the existing licensee's project provided that the new licensee pays just compensation determined by the Commission and enters into any contracts required under the Federal Power Act. (Under current law, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to the original licensee or to a new licensee if the United States does not exercise its rights with respect to an expired license.)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1985 - Amends the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide a definition of the phrase "program or activity." Defines such term as all of the operations of: (1) a department or agency of a State or of a local government; (2) the entity of such State or local government that distributes Federal assistance and each such department or agency to which the assistance is extended; (3) a university or a system of higher education; (4) a local educational agency or other school system; (5) a corporation, partnership, or other private organization; or (6) any other entity consistent with the coverage provided above.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Act of 1985 - Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Institute (Institute) of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for such establishment and related functions transfers. States that the Institute shall conduct research and related activities concerning arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases, including sports-related disorders. Requires the Director of the Institute, with the advice of the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Advisory Council, to establish a plan to coordinate such activities within 180 days. Requires the periodic review and revision of such plan and the transmission of such revisions to the Congress and the Director of NIH. Establishes within the Institute a National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Advisory Council. Establishes within the Institute a National Arthritis Advisory Board (Advisory Board). Defines the responsibilities of the Advisory Board. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Terminates the existing National Arthritis Advisory Board. Establishes within the Institute: (1) an Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee; and (2) a Skin Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee. Requires annual reports to: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (2) the Director of NIH; (3) the Director of the Institute; and (4) the Advisory Council. Establishes within the Institute: (1) the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Data System; and (2) the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988 for arthritis and musculoskeletal demonstration projects. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988 for new and existing multipurpose arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases centers. Requires the Institute to submit a biennial report to the President and the Congress. Transfers arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases functions, funds, personnel, and assets to the Institute from the existing National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Redesignates the existing National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Designates 1986 as the Year of the Teacher.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Declares that the President direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a modified debt recovery program to make structural changes in the agricultural loan programs designed to benefit family farmers.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in an area, from: (1) entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State; or (2) limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in such area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of any State law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize Small Business Administration (SBA) program levels for FY 1986 through 1988 for direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Makes funds available out of such authorization for direct and immediate participation loans to handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped and Vietnam veterans. Authorizes funding for FY 1986 through 1988 for deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion and small business development companies under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Makes funds available out of such authorization for deferred participation loans to: (1) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (2) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals; (3) small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures; and (4) guarantees of debentures with respect to State and local development companies. Authorizes funding for FY 1986 through 1988 for: (1) direct purchases and guarantees of debentures and purchases of preferred securities with respect to small business investment companies; (2) surety bond guarantees under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; and (3) payment guarantees for the installation of pollution control facilities by small businesses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for disaster loans to small businesses and permits the transfer of funds from the disaster loan revolving funds for the payment of SBA administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations to the SBA for FY 1986 through 1988. Makes such funds available for: (1) direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion; (2) loans to handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (3) Vietnam veterans' loans; (4) deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion and small business development companies; (5) deferred participation loans to handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (6) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals; (7) small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures; (8) guarantees of debentures with respect to State and local development companies; (9) direct purchases and guarantees of debentures and purchases of preferred securities with respect to small business investment companies; (10) surety bond guarantees under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; and (11) SBA salaries and expenses. Repeals specified provisions relating to disaster loans to small businesses that are affected by Federal action.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to require that all telephones provide internal means for use with hearing aids. Requires (currently authorizes) any common carrier or connecting carrier providing telephone exchange service to provide specialized terminal equipment for persons whose hearing, speech, vision, or mobility is impaired. Requires State regulatory commissions to require any such carrier to provide such equipment at affordable rates.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should act to make additional agricultural credit available, through measures including additional loans, supplemental appropriations, reduced interest rates, and revised agricultural credit administrative procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Expresses the Senate's commendation of the Soil Conservation Service on its 50th anniversary, and the Senate's commitment to vigorous soil and water conservation efforts. Expresses the Senate's commendation of the Soil Conservation Service on its 50th anniversary, and the Senate's commitment to vigorous soil and water conservation efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1985
Federal Acquisitions Officers Ethical Conduct Act of 1985 - Prohibits an acquisition officer who has officially engaged in a procurement contract from accepting compensation from contractors receiving funds under such contracts for a period of two years after termination of employment with the Federal Government or with the District of Columbia. Sets forth: (1) exceptions to such prohibition; (2) criminal penalties for violations; and (3) defenses for cases brought against violators. Authorizes an acquisitions officer who is offered compensation to apply to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for advice on the applicability of this Act. Sets forth provisions to be included in such application. Requires OPM to issue a final advisory opinion within 30 days of receipt of an application. Requires the Director of OPM to inform the Congress, and publish notice in the Federal Register within 30 days of issuance of an advisory opinion. Directs OPM to coordinate and review the implementation and administration of this Act.