United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Declares that the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services should immediately study and report to the Congress on ways to change the benefit disparity caused by the 1977 changes in the social security benefit formula.
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 · 26 February 1985
Secondary School Basic Skills Act - Establishes a program of grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) having especially high concentrations of children from low-income families to enable such agencies to provide more effective instruction in basic skills for economically disadvantaged secondary school students. Defines "basic skills" to include reading, writing, and mathematics computational proficiency as well as comprehension and reasoning. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1992. Makes certain amounts of such appropriations available for specified activities and types of grants under this Act. Makes a secondary school eligible to receive assistance under this Act for planning grants, demonstration grants, and formula grants only if at least ten children aged 14 to 17, inclusive, are enrolled in such school and are counted under LEA basic grant provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as modified by the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA). Requires that funds made available under this Act for planning grants, demonstration grants, and formula grants be used to plan for, develop new approaches to, and carry out educational services and activities designed specifically to raise the basic skills of low achieving disadvantaged children. Authorizes the Secretary of Education, through the National Institute of Education (NIE) and from specified funds appropriated for FY 1986, to make planning grants to LEAs, institutions of higher education, and other public agencies and nonprofit private organizations. Provides that such planning grants shall be made to such entities on behalf of and for the purpose of assisting eligible secondary schools to prepare proposals for demonstration grants. Sets forth application requirements. Limits any such planning grant to $2,000. Requires planning grant recipients to submit a demonstration proposal within 60 days after the end of FY 1986, or else refund the amount received. Authorizes the Secretary, through NIE and from specified funds appropriated for FY 1986 and 1987, to make demonstration grants to enable eligible secondary schools to develop new approaches to achieving improved basic skills instruction of low-achieving economically disadvantaged secondary school students. Sets forth application requirements. Requires that the application be made on behalf of the eligible school by: (1) the LEA; or (2) an institution of higher education, public agency, or private nonprofit organization if such entity will provide educational services or conduct educational activities subject to the proposal. Requires applicants to assure their participation in a national assessment. Requires that administrators and teachers in the eligible school participate in the preparation of the proposal. Requires that the appropriate State educational agency (SEA) review and comment on the application before submission to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to assure that: (1) at least one demonstration grant is made in each State in each fiscal year; and (2) no demonstration grant exceeds $500,000 in any fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary, from specified funds for FY 1988 through 1992, to make formula grants to States to enable LEAs to carry out educational programs and activities to improve the basic skills of low-achieving economically disadvantaged secondary school students in eligible secondary schools. Reserves specified portions of formula grant funds for payments to certain U.S. territories and possessions and payments for children enrolled in Indian schools. Allots the remainder to States on the basis of the number of children aged 14 through 17, inclusive, who are counted for specified purposes under ESEA, as modified by ECIA, for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made. Requires each SEA to make allocations from the State allotment to LEAs, institutions of higher education, public agencies, and private nonprofit organizations having specified local applications approved on behalf of eligible secondary schools based on the relative number of children aged 14 through 17, inclusive, in such schools who were counted for specified purposes under ESEA, as modified by ECIA. Sets forth requirements for State assurances relating to formula grants. Limits to one percent of the State allotment State expenditures for administration, technical assistance, coordination, and planning. Limits to ten percent of the State allotment payments to institutions of higher education, public agencies, and nonprofit private organizations submitting applications on behalf of eligible secondary schools. Sets forth requirements for local applications to be filed with the SEA. Requires consultation with parents and teachers of low-achieving economically disadvantaged secondary school students in program design and implementation. Establishes a national secondary school basic skills panel in NIE to identify successful model programs and review planning and demonstration grant proposals. Directs the Secretary, through NIE, to conduct a national assessment of the effectiveness and the implementation of demonstration grants. Directs the Secretary to disseminate assessment results to LEAs having eligible secondary schools. Directs the Secretary, through NIE, to monitor grants and coordinate activities under this Act with other research activities conducted by NIE and through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. Directs the Secretary to make payments under planning and demonstration grants as expeditiously as possible after approval of applications. Prohibits any formula grant with respect to any eligible secondary school for a third or fourth fiscal year unless there is: (1) an improved performance of the economically disadvantaged students at the school on a State approved basic skills test; or (2) a decrease in the dropout rate at the school. Prohibits any formula grant with respect to an eligible secondary school for the fifth fiscal year unless the performance of economically disadvantaged students at the school is maintained at: (1) the highest performance level achieved during the first three fiscal years of the grant; or (2) the lowest dropout rate during such period. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations relating to such prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Federal Supplemental Compensation Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982 to extend the Federal supplemental unemployment compensation program for 18 months, until September 30, 1986. Revises formulas for State triggers for determination of the number of weeks for which Federal supplemental compensation is payable. Provides that, in the case of any benefit period, the applicable trigger is on for any week if: (1) the triggering long-term rate of insured unemployment (LIUR) for such State falls within a specified applicable range (14 weeks benefits if a 5.5 percent or more LIUR; 12 weeks if 4.5 percent or more; ten weeks if 3.5 percent or more; eight weeks if less than 3.5 percent); (2) in the case of a State for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles data on a month-to-month basis with respect to the seasonally adjusted total civilian rate of unemployment (TUR), the triggering TUR for such State falls within a specified applicable range (14 weeks benefits if a ten percent or more TUR; 12 weeks if nine percent or more; ten weeks if eight percent or more; eight weeks if less than eight percent); or (3) in the case of any other State, the triggering rate of insured unemployment (IUR) for such State falls within a specified applicable range (14 weeks benefits if a six percent or more IUR; 12 weeks if five percent or more; ten weeks if four percent or more; eight weeks if less than four percent). Sets forth formulas for the periods to be used in determining the triggering LIUR, TUR, and IUR. (Bases the triggering LIUR on specified periods beginning on or after January 1, 1983.) Requires modification of agreements with States to reflect the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) veterans' disability compensation payments should remain exempt from Federal income taxation; and (2) the President should reject any proposals to tax such payments.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 21 February 1985
Student Loan Collection Improvement Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Guaranteed Student Loan Program - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise title IV, part B provisions for the Federal Insured Student Loan (FISL) program and the Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL) program. Revises FISL provisions for conditions for Federal loan insurance to grant lenders the option of requiring endorsement of the loan by a co-signer. Deletes a 15-year limitation on the period of the loan. Revises provisions for disbursement of loans to require that the funds borrowed be disbursed by check: (1) sent to the eligible institution the student attends or plans to attend, and made payable to the order of the student and such institution as copayees, with the endorsement of both parties required; or (2) in cases where the institution is not located in a State or where the loan is an auxiliary loan to a parent, sent to the borrower and made payable to the order of the borrower, with the endorsement of the borrower required, and a notice of disbursement sent by the lender or the Secretary of Education to the eligible institution. Revises GSL provisions for agreements with State and nonprofit private institutions for subsidy payments on loans insured under the student loan insurance program of such State or institution to also: (1) delete a 15-year limitation on the period of the loan; and (2) make similar revisions of the loan disbursement procedure. Requires that such agreements provide for: (1) independent financial and compliance audits of the guarantee agency, with regard to its performance under such an agreement, at least once every two years; and (2) recovery by the Secretary from the guarantee agency of amounts, plus interest, determined by such audits to be owing. Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of State law that would set an earlier deadline for filing suit, any suit for the collection of the amount due from a FISL or GSL borrower may be filed during a six-year period: (1) after the date a guarantee agency reimburses the previous holder of the loan for its loss on account of the borrower's default; and (2) after the date on which the loan is assigned to the Secretary. Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of State law to the contrary, in collecting any obligation arising from a loan made under FISL or GSL provisions, a guarantee agency which has an agreement with the Secretary shall not be subject to a defense raised by any borrower based on: (1) a claim of infancy; or (2) the action or omission of an eligible institution or lender, if such agency did not have actual notice of such defense when such agency reimbursed the previous holder of the loan for its loss. Revises provisions for payment of excess recovery to the insured to include reasonable administrative and collection costs, to the extent set forth in regulations issued by the Secretary, in the costs of the Secretary's recovery on any FISL loan. Requires, under GSL provisions (as well as under current FISL provisions), each guarantee agency (as well as the Secretary) to enter into cooperative agreements with credit bureau organizations to exchange information concerning student borrowers. Deletes FISL program requirements: (1) for notice to the borrower before certain information is disclosed; (2) for establishment of a system for prompt notification of borrowers; and (3) relating to other conditions under Federal law, for Federal agency disclosure of individual records. Provides that a guarantee agency (or a credit bureau organization) which discloses or receives such information shall not be considered a Government contractor within the meaning of specified Federal law relating to Federal agency disclosure of individual records. Authorizes the Secretary and each guarantee agency to disclose specified information concerning student borrowers to the eligible institutions such borrowers attend or previously attended. Allows, notwithstanding specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a consumer reporting agency to make a report containing information received from the Secretary or a guarantee agency regarding the status of a borrower's account on a loan under the FISL or GSL program for a period of up to seven years after: (1) the date on which the Secretary or the agency paid a claim to the holder on the guarantee; or (2) October 1, 1984, with regard to an account on a loan which the Secretary or the agency has paid a claim but not reported the account to a consumer reporting agency on or before such date. Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of State law to the contrary, in collecting any obligation arising from a loan made under GSL provisions, the United States shall not be subjected to a defense raised by any borrower on either a claim of infancy or the action or omission of an eligible institution or lender, if the Secretary and the Secretary's agents did not have actual notice of such defense when the Secretary reimbursed the previous holder of the loan for its loss. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each of specified violations or failures to carry out student aid provisions or regulations or misrepresentations of financial charges by a lender or guarantee agency. Authorizes the Secretary to compromise such penalties. Title II: National Direct Student Loan Program - Revises HEA provisions for the National Direct Student Loan (NDSL) program. Requires NDSL agreements to provide that where a note or written agreement evidencing a loan is in default despite due diligence on the part of the institution to collect such loan: (1) if the institution has failed to maintain an acceptable collection record generally with respect to NDSL loans, the Secretary may require such institution to assign its rights under such note or agreement to the United States, without recompense; or (2) if the institution has not failed to maintain an acceptable NDSL collection record, the Secretary may allow it to assign its rights under such note or agreement to the United States, without recompense. Sets forth provisions relating to the seven-year period of reporting on the status of NDSL borrowers' accounts by consumer reporting agencies. (Such provisions are similar to those for such reporting on GSL accounts under title I of this Act.) Requires each institution to include in its information to NDSL student borrowers a description of any penalty imposed as a consequence of default (such as liability for expenses reasonably incurred in attempts by the Secretary or institutions to collect on a loan). Revises required terms of NDSL loans to grant institutions the option of requiring NDSL loans to be endorsed by a cosigner. Makes mandatory, rather than discretionary, the assessment of a charge for failure of an NDSL borrower to pay all or part of an installment when due. Requires that such charge include the expenses reasonably incurred in attempting such collection with respect to such loan. Authorizes the Secretary, in attempting to collect any defaulted NDSL loan, to use any collection means available to the United States, including referral to the Attorney General for litigation. Directs the Secretary to continue to collect any loan assigned under provisions for assignment of rights to the United States until all appropriate collection efforts, as determined by the Secretary, have been expended. Provides for a six-year statute of limitations on specified collection suits for NDSL loans, similar to that provided by the GSL amendments under title I of this Act. Title III: General Provisions - Revises general provisions for student assistance programs under HEA. Revises provisions for student eligibility for any grant, loan, or work assistance under HEA to require that a student not owe a refund on grants previously received at any institution, or be in default on any loan from a student loan fund at any institution, or a loan made, insured, or guaranteed by the Secretary for attendance at any institution. Provides for a six-year statute of limitations on specified collection suits for refunds due from a student on a grant made or work assistance awarded under HEA. Requires borrowers who have defaulted on student loans under HEA to pay reasonable collection costs, in addition to other charges specified under HEA, notwithstanding State law. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for recovery by the Secretary from the eligible institution of amounts, plus interest, determined by specified audits to be owing. Title IV: Application Provisions - Sets forth the effective dates and applicability of specified amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Prohibits ending the voluntary restraint on imports of Japanese automobiles until U.S. exports to Japan are substantially increased and the U.S. trade deficit with Japan is substantially reduced.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant) of the Social Security Act to strike out the word "crippled" wherever it appears and replace it with the term "physically disabled."
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Paraguay should carry out an investigation to locate and arrest Josef Mengele and extradite him to the Federal Republic of Germany; and (2) the United States should take actions to ensure that Josef Mengele is brought to justice.
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
Jacob J. Javits Gifted and Talented Children's Education Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to add this Act as part A (Gifted and Talented Children) of title IX (Additional Programs) of ESEA. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for programs for gifted and talented children. Directs the Secretary of Education to reserve a specified portion of such funds for discretionary programs. Requires that the remainder of such appropriations be available for State programs. Sets forth provisions for State programs. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) for the Federal share of the costs of planning, developing, operating, and improving programs to meet the educational needs of gifted and talented children at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. Permits such programs to include inservice training of personnel to teach such children. Directs the Secretary to allot such funds in accordance with specified provisions. Requires SEA applications for such grants to contain specified assurances, including the assurance that appropriate consideration will be given to the particular educational needs of disadvantaged gifted and talented children. Prohibits an SEA from reserving more than ten percent of grant funds for program administration, technical assistance, coordination, and statewide planning. Requires an SEA to distribute, on a competitive basis, at least 90 percent of grant funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) which apply, with due regard for the quality of the proposed activities. Requires an SEA to use at least 50 percent of grant funds for programs and projects which include a component for the identification and education of disadvantaged gifted and talented children from low-income families. Permits use of grant funds for instructional equipment only if such equipment will enhance the program or project. Prohibits SEA approval of an LEA application unless the needs of children in nonprofit private elementary and secondary schools have been taken into account. Requires the SEA to provide technical assistance for proposals and programs of LEAs which are unable to compete due to smaller size or lack of financial resources. Requires that an opportunity for a hearing be afforded before the Secretary may disapprove an application which does not meet specified requirements. Sets forth provisions for discretionary programs relating to education of gifted and talented children. Authorizes the Secretary, from amounts reserved for discretionary programs, to pay the Federal share of the costs of grants or contracts to SEAs, LEAs, institutions of higher education, and other public or private organizations for: (1) programs or projects designed to meet the needs of gifted and talented children; (2) training of personnel engaged in the education of gifted and talented children; (3) model projects for identification and education of gifted and talented children; (4) an information clearinghouse; (5) statewide planning, development, operation, and improvement; and (6) research, evaluation, and related activities. Sets forth application requirements for discretionary program grants and contracts. Applies specified requirements relating to private school pupil and teacher participation in such discretionary programs, unless such requirements cannot be legally met in the State. Authorizes the National Institute of Education (NIE) to carry out a program of research and related activities pertaining to the education of gifted and talented children from funds which the Secretary may transfer from discretionary program funds. Sets forth provisions for State allotments of appropriations for programs for gifted and talented children. Directs the Secretary to allot up to one percent of such appropriations, in accordance with their respective needs, among: (1) Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands; (2) programs in schools operated for Indian children by the Department of the Interior; and (3) programs in overseas dependent schools of the Department of Defense. Directs the Secretary to allot the remainder among applicant States on the basis of: ((1) number of children aged five through 17, with a $50,000 minimum allotment to each State; and (2) number of children who are counted for purposes of determining basic grants to LEAs under ESEA. Sets forth provisions for reallotment of any State allotment exceeding the amount a State needs and will be able to use in a fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to designate an administrative unit within the Office of Education to administer and coordinate programs for gifted and talented children and youth. Provides that any Indian tribe which operates schools for its children shall be deemed an LEA for purposes of this Act. Prohibits any financial assistance to an LEA for a period in excess of five years, but provides that such limitation shall not apply to any financial assistance extended prior to the date of enactment of the Education Amendments of 1978. Makes the Federal share for any fiscal year 90 percent, but 100 percent for: (1) programs and projects involving participation of private school students; (2) clearinghouse activities; and (3) research, evaluation, and related activities. Directs the Secretary to reestablish the Office of Gifted and Talented in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.
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 · 6 February 1985
Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to authorize the award of a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs to a parent or legal representative of a handicapped child or youth who is the prevailing party in a civil suit under such Act to protect the child's right to a free appropriate public education. Provides that such amendment shall apply to actions and proceedings brought on or after July 4, 1984, and actions and proceedings brought prior to such date which were pending on such date. Provides that nothing in the Education of the Handicapped Act shall be construed to restrict or limit the rights, procedures, and remedies under the Constitution, title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or other Federal statutes prohibiting discrimination.
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
Homeless Housing Assistance Act of 1985 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make competitive noninterest bearing advances to States, local governments, and private nonprofit organizations to renovate and convert facilities for emergency housing use. Waives repayment if the facility is used as a shelter for at least ten years. Requires 25 percent non-Federal matching funds and a three-year use commitment. Limits payments for any single facility to not more than $200,000. Directs the Secretary to coordinate activities with the Federal Interagency Task Force on Food and Shelter, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and to identify vacant and surplus Federal facilities for emergency housing conversion. Requires a report to the Congress within three months after the end of FY 1986. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1988 appropriations. Directs the Secretary to constitute an emergency housing and food program national board of volunteer agencies to carry out an emergency housing and food program. States that such board shall distribute program funds to localities (which shall constitute local boards) with the greatest need for emergency food and housing assistance. Requires the local board to submit to the national board an annual local homeless housing assistance plan. Limits administrative costs to not more than two percent of appropriations. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1988 appropriations. Directs the Secretary to make grants for demonstration projects to assist the homeless in the transition to independent living. Limits Federal participation to up to 75 percent of project costs. Requires interim and final reports to the Congress. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1988 appropriations.
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 · 6 February 1985
States that the Congress supports the restoration of democratic institutions and human rights in Chile. Calls upon Chile to negotiate with the democratic opposition. Provides that until Chile returns to democracy: (1) U.S. military and economic assistance to Chile should be denied and all joint military activities ceased; (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation should not issue additional investment insurance to Chile; and (3) the United States should oppose all loans and grants to Chile by certain international financial institutions unless such assistance is directed to programs which serve the needs of the people.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1985
Title I: General Accounting Office Investigation and Report - Directs the General Accounting Office to investigate the situation of displaced nationals of El Salvador, including determinations of those Salvadorans in Central America, unlawfully in the United States, or returned from the United States to El Salvador. Requires a report to the Congress. Title II: Congressional Review - Provides that such report shall be referred to the appropriate committees for hearings and committee reports. Title III: Temporary Stay of Deportation - Provides for a temporary stay of detention and deportation for specified Salvadorans presently in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Congress: (1) rejects the proposals of the President for further reductions in education programs; and (2) should provide sufficient resources for education programs to ensure that the United States will continue in a leadership position in the world.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Requires the chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees in successful veterans' claims brought before a court as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Water Resources Development Act of 1985 - Title I - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to obligate no sums in excess of those specified in this title for the combined purpose of the "Construction General" account and the "Flood Control, Mississippi River and Tributaries" account. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Title II: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with landowners who are benefitted by local flood control projects to assure that such owners will contribute 50 percent of that project's cost. Limits the commencement period for any such flood control project to ten years from the date of authorization of such project unless the Secretary shows that such project remains needed and justified. Allows for the submission of Federal projects with a cost of up to $10,000,000 provided, however, that any project with a cost exceeding $10,000,000 must be authorized by Act of Congress. Provides further that each such project must contain benefits directly related to agriculture that account for at least 20 percent of the total benefits of the project. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the feasibility of requiring full public access to all water impoundment facilities that have recreation-related potential. Amends Federal law to provide for the compatibility of Federal flood control projects with any existing or planned local flood control improvement programs. Directs the Secretary of the Army to undertake a program for the control of river ice, to assist communities in the breakup of such ice, and to provide technical assistance to local units of government to control or break up such ice. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Directs the Secretary of the Army to undertake a demonstration program for the control of river ice at Hardwick, Vermont. Authorizes appropriations for such program. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress by March 1, 1988, on activities under this section. Directs the Secretary, upon request, to survey the potential of rehabilitating former industrial sites, millraces, etc. already constructed for use as hydroelectric facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1970 concerning agreements made between Federal and State governments for cooperation in payment of mutually-beneficial flood control projects. Requires a favorable report from the Chief of Engineers before any flood control facility construction may begin. Provides that the Secretary shall not require non-Federal interests to assume operation of any federally-run facility as a condition to the construction of new recreational facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with area Federal Project Repayment Districts for the recovery of appropriate shares of project costs. Requires the Secretary to determine that revenues derived from such contracts will be sufficient to meet cost recovery requirements under Federal law. Expresses the sense of the Congress that all parties to various lawsuits concerning the issuance of Federal permits necessary for the construction of a coal slurry pipeline development which would use Missouri River water should work to resolve such issues in an expeditious and reasonable manner. Prohibits the Secretary from initiating construction of any water resources project if such project has been modified to increase any of the following project parameters by more than 25 percent: (1) acreage of land acquisition; (2) linear miles of stream channel innundated; (3) width or depth of any navigation channel; (4) displacement of dwelling units; (5) hydroelectric generating capacity; or (6) linear miles of stream channelization. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress, within 180 days of proposal, a report on any such project modification together with his recommendations thereon. Amends the Water Resources Research Act to establish the High Plains Study Council to: (1) review research work conducted by State advisory committees; and (2) coordinate such research to avoid duplication of efforts by States of the High Plains. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish within each State of the High Plains region an Ogallala Aquifer technical advisory committee (the State Committee). Directs such State Committee to: (1) review existing State laws concerning water management and recommend appropriate changes; (2) establish State priorities for water resources research and demonstration projects; and (3) provide information and technical assistance concerning the need for water conservation and management. Directs the Secretary to allocate annually funds to States of the High Plains region for research in water-use efficiency, cultural methods, irrigation technologies, water-efficient crops, and water and soil conservation. Directs that such funds shall be distributed to State institutions of higher learning on the basis of merit. Directs the Secretary to divide funds among the States of the High Plains region for research into: (1) precipitation management; (2) weather modification; (3) aquifer recharge opportunities; (4) saline water uses; (5) desalinization technologies; (6) salt-tolerant crops; and (7) local water-transfer opportunities. Directs the Secretary to allocate annually funds to High Plains region States for grants to farmers for demonstration projects in: (1) water-efficient irrigation technologies and practices; (2) soil and water conservation management systems; and (3) the growth and marketing of more water-efficient crops. Provides that such grants to farmers shall be made on the basis of merit. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to study the feasibility of water transfers into the High Plains Region, and report annually to the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to monitor the levels of the Ogallala Aquifer, and to report annually to the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to make grants to States for programs in water conservation and nonstructural flood control alternatives. Outlines the qualifications for States receiving such grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on this program by October 1, 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study of shoreline protection and beach erosion control policy in view of the prospect for long-term increases in the level of the ocean. Requires the Secretary, within three years of the date of enactment of this Act, to transmit the study together with recommendations to the appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to require a review of the cost effectiveness of design of each water resources project which has a cost in excess of $10,000,000. Requires the Secretary to prepare a feasibility report for each such project being reviewed, after conducting a reconnaissance of the water resources problems, in order to identify potential solutions. Requires such reconnaissance to be limited to 18 months. Requires non-Federal interests to contribute 50 percent of the cost of any such study. Requires the mitigation of fish and wildlife losses to be undertaken before construction on the project involved begins. Authorizes the Secretary to mitigate damages to fish and wildlife to the extent that such mitigation costs do not exceed $7,500,000 per project. Requires a report to the Congress when mitigation costs are expected to exceed $7,500,000 per project. Requires the Secretary to submit with each proposal for the authorization of a water resources project, either: (1) a recommendation with a specific plan to mitigate fish and wildlife losses; or (2) a determination that such project will have negligible adverse impact on fish and wildlife. Directs that when the Secretary recommends activities to enhance fish and wildlife resources, the cost of such enhancement shall be a Federal cost when its benefits are determined to be national in character. Authorizes the Secretary to plan, design, and construct streambank erosion control projects not specifically authorized by Congress when such work is economically feasible and environmentally acceptable. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years beginning with FY 1985. Prohibits the cost of any single project in this section from exceeding $2,000,000. Title III: Project Provisions - Directs the Secretary to undertake the following flood control improvement projects: (1) Warrior River, Mound State Park, Moundville, Alabama; (2) Fort Toulouse National Historic Landmark and Taskigi Indian Mound, Alabama; and (3) Tangier Island, Virginia. Directs the Secretary to undertake the following navigation and channel improvement projects: (1) Indian River Inlet, Delaware; (2) Abiquiu Dam, New Mexico; (3) Winooski River Basin, Waterbury, Vermont; (4) Tacoma Harbor, Washington; and (5) Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin. Directs the Secretary to study and draft plans for development, utilization, and conservation of water and related land resources in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Provides that the operation and maintenance of Jackson Hole Snake River project, Wyoming, shall be the responsibility of the Secretary, provided that non-Federal interests contribute the initial $35,000 in construction costs. Modifies the Rio Grande Floodway project, Truth or Consequences Unit, New Mexico, to authorize the Secretary to construct a flood control dam on the Cuchillo Negro Creek. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to undertake restoration measures for the Acequia Systems in New Mexico, provided that the State contribute 20 percent of any project costs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to consider the Acequia Systems as public entities for purposes of contractual agreements. Authorizes the Secretary to institute cropland irrigation research for the St. John River Basin, Maine. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes bank protection activities in Starr County, Texas, in accordance with certain specifications. Authorizes the Secretary, upon completion of recording of plats for townsites, to: (1) sell lands in accordance with a certain preference scheme; (2) transfer municipal facilities to the appropriate local government entity; and (3) transfer all facilities used for educational purposes to the appropriate school district. Outlines the preference scheme for land sales. Authorizes the Secretary to accept notes secured by mortgages and to provide temporary financial assistance to local government entities in order to facilitate such land sales. Defines "townsite" as including the areas of Riverdale, North Dakota, and Pickstown, South Dakota. Authorizes the Secretary to begin a program for the removal of silt from Lake Herman, South Dakota. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to begin a program of silt traps and silt removal in Lake Worth, Texas. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to conduct mitigation activities in Warwick, Rhode Island. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to undertake studies of the impact on the United States of Canadian tidal power development in the Bay of Fundy, and to submit such studies to the appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Declares downstream recreation on the Gauley River to be an additional project purpose of the Summerville Lake project, West Virginia. Authorizes the construction of three flood control structures on the Johns Creek tributary in the Nonconnah Creek Basin, Tennessee. Authorizes the Secretary to participate in a project to demonstrate the feasibility of non-Federal cost sharing for rural flood protection on the James River in South Dakota. Requires a report to be submitted to the Congress concerning such project by September 30, 1987. Modifies the project for local flood protection on the Milk River at Havre, Montana. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to undertake road improvement measures at Pearson-Skubitz Big Hill Lake, Kansas. Declares a described portion of the Hudson River in New York Bay to be nonnavigable. Deauthorizes the William L. Springer Lake project on the Sangamon River, Illinois. Designates the former Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Tennessee and Kentucky, as the John Sherman Cooper National Recreation Area. Declares the Port of Houston Authority bridge over Greens Bayou, Texas, to be a lawful bridge. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake the following reconnaissance studies in the State of Utah: (1) the Provo River; (2) existing levees along Utah Lake; (3) Interstate Highway 15, adjacent to Utah Lake; (4) Rock, Little Rock, and Slate Canyons in Provo; (5) the Bear River; (6) the Weber River; and (7) the Sevier River. Directs the Secretary to make certain amendments to the contract between the State of Illinois and the United States for water supply storage at Rend Lake on the Big Muddy River, Illinois. Authorizes increased appropriations for the repair and modification of the Illinois and Mississippi Canal. Designates the Lowndesville Recreation Area in the Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake project, South Carolina and Georgia, as the Jim Rampey Recreation Area. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the delivery of water from the District of Columbia water system at the Dale cartia filtration plant to any appropriate State or local authority of Maryland. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase water from an appropriate Maryland authority which has completed a connection with the Distrct of Columbia water system. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 to authorize the Mountrail County Park Commission, North Dakota, to designate a portion of park lands for the leasing of cabin sites. Directs the Secretary to compensate landowners in Kootenai Flats, Idaho, for erosion of property caused by power generation operations at Libby Dam, Montana. Deauthorizes the Lake Brownwood modification project, Pecan Bayou, Texas. Title IV: Dam Safety - Dam Safety Act of 1985 - Amends public law concerning the definition of "dam". Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Provides for the distribution of such funds among the States. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to any State that establishes and maintains a dam safety program which includes the following: (1) a procedure for the review of dam plans to determine its safety; (2) a procedure to determine that such dam will be operated in a safe manner; (3) a procedure for inspection at least once every three years, or more if warranted; (4) the State has the power to modify the dam to assure its safety; (5) the State develops a system of emergency procedures to be followed in the event of dam failure; and (6) the State has the necessary emergency funds to make immediate repairs in order to protect human life and property. Provides for the approval of submitted programs within 120 days unless notified prior to that by the Secretary. Provides for periodic review of dam safety programs by the Secretary. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to report to the Congress on the need for federally-sponsored programs of guarantees of insurance for owners of dams. Authorizes to be established a Federal Dam Safety Review Board responsible for reviewing the design and safety of dams constructed in the United States, and to monitor State implementation of this Act. Requires the Board to file an advisory report on proposed dams prior to their construction. Directs the Board also to study the need for a Federal loan program to assist owners of non-Federal dams in rehabilitating such structures to assure their safety. Provides for the composition of Board members. Directs the Secretary to provide training for dam safety inspectors. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to begin research to develop techniques and equipment for more efficient dam inspection. Provides for State participation in such research. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary to maintain and publish information on the inventory of dams authorized under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Inland Navigation - Makes funds in the Inland Waterway Trust Fund available to the Secretary for the construction of any dam project for purposes of commercial navigation on inland waterways, if such construction was initiated after June 30, 1984. Declares such trust fund to be the sole source for Federal funding for commercial navigational projects. Authorizes the following works of improvement to the inland waterways by the Secretary: (1) Helena Harbor, Arkansas; (2) White River Navigation to Batesville, Arkansas; (3) Lake Pontchartrain, North Shore, Louisiana; (4) Greenville Harbor, Mississippi; (5) Vicksburg Harbor, Mississippi; (6) Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Bridges, North Carolina; (7) Olcott Harbor, New York; (8) Bonneville Lock and Dam, Oregon and Washington; (9) Memphis Harbor, Memphis, Tennessee; (10) Gallipolis Locks and Dam Replacement, Ohio and West Virginia; (11) Lock and Dam 7 and 8 Replacement, Monongahela River, Pennsylvania; (12) the New York State Barge Canal; provided that control and operation of the Canal continues to reside with the State of New York and that such State provides one half of all operational costs; (13) Saint Louis Harbor, Missouri and Illinois; and (14) Oliver lock replacement, Alabama. Upper Mississippi River System Management Act of 1985 - Provides that Congress recognizes the Upper Mississippi River System as a nationally significant ecosystem and commercial navigation system, and provides for the administration and regulation of such system. Provides that Congress approves of a "Master Plan" as a guide for future water policy on the Upper Mississippi River System. Provides for cooperation of several States in the System toward its growth and development. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the construction of a second lock at locks and dam 26, Mississippi River, Alton, Illinois and Missouri. Authorizes such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Directs the Secretary to monitor traffic movements on the System in order to determine any future capacity expansion. Authorizes appropriations for such monitoring. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to undertake various programs for the enhancement of the Upper Mississippi River System. Authorizes appropriations for this purpose. Authorizes such Secretary to implement a program of recreational projects for the System. Authorizes appropriations for this purpose. Title VI: Cost Sharing - States that the construction of any water resource project authorized to be constructed by the Secretary either in this Act or after the enactment of this Act can only be initiated after the Federal agency and the non-Federal sponsor have contractually agreed to share the project's costs in accordance with certain guidelines (share of cost depends upon type of project provided). Enumerates the non-Federal share for each type of water resource project. Provides for the repayment period of the non-Federal share, with appropriate interest. Provides that any cost-sharing agreement with a non-Federal private or public sponsor shall be subject to the ability of such sponsor to pay. Provides for the sharing of costs up to the date of enactment of this Act. Title VII: Adopts and authorizes the following works of improvement to rivers, harbors, and other waterways for flood control and other purposes to be undertaken by the Secretary in accordance with specified plans and provisions: (a) Flood Control: (1) Village Creek, Jefferson County, Alabama; (2) Eight Mile Creek, Paragould, Arkansas; (3) Fourche Bayou Basin, Little Rock, Arkansas; (4) Helena and vicinity, Arkansas; (5) Little Colorado River at Holbrook, Arizona; (6) Cache Creek Basin, California; (7) Redbank and Fancher Creeks, California; (8) Santa Ana River Mainstem, including Santiago Creek, California; (9) Fountain Creek, Pueblo, Colorado; (10) Metropolitan Denver and South Platte River and Tributaries, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska; (11) Oates Creek, Georgia; (12) Agana River, Guam; (13) Alenaio Stream, Hawaii; (14) Big Wood River and Tributaries, Idaho; (15) North Branch of Chicago River, Illinois; (16) Rock River at Rockford and vicinity, Illinois; (17) Little Calumet River, Indiana; (18) Des Moines River Basin, Iowa and Minnesota; (19) Mississippi River, Iowa; (20) Perry Creek, Iowa; (21) Halstead, Kansas; (22) Atchafalaya Basin Floodway system, Louisiana; (23) Bushley Bayou, Louisiana; (24) Louisiana State Penitentiary Levee, Mississippi River; (25) Quincy Coastal Streams, Massachusetts; (26) Mississippi River at St. Paul, Minnesota; (27) Redwood River at Marshall, Minnesota; (28) Root River Basin, Minnesota; (29) South Fork Zumbro River Watershed at Rochester, Minnesota; (30) Horn Lake Creek and Tributaries, Tennessee and Mississippi; (31) Sowashee Creek, Mississippi; (32) Brush Creek and Tributaries, Missouri and Kansas; (33) Maline Creek, Missouri; (34) St. Johns Bayou and New Madrid Floodway, Missouri; (35) Robinson's Branch of the Rahway River at Clark, Scotch Plains, and Rahway, New Jersey; (36) Rahway River and Van Winkles Brook at Springfield, New Jersey; (37) Green Brook Subbasin, Raritan River Basin, New Jersey; (38) Middle Rio Grande Flood Protection, Bernalillo to Belen, New Mexico; (39) Puerco River and Tributaries, Gallup, New Mexico; (40) Cazenovia Creek Watershed, New York; (41) Mamaroneck and Sheldrake Rivers Basin and Byram River Basin, New York and Connecticut; (42) Hocking River at Logan and Nelsonville, Ohio; (43) Miami River, Fairfield, Ohio; (44) Miami River, Little Miami River, Ohio; (45) Muskingum River Basin, Ohio; (46) Scioto River at North Chillicothe, Ohio; (47) Fry Creeks, Oklahoma; (48) Mingo Creek, Tulsa, Oklahoma; (49) Parker Lake, Muddy Boggy Creek, Oklahoma; (50) Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; (51) Lock Haven, Pennsylvania; (52) Saw Mill Run, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; (53) Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania; (54) Big River Reservoir, Rhode Island; (55) Nonconnak Creek, Tennessee and Mississippi; (56) Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries, Texas; (57) Boggy Creek, Austin, Texas; (58) Lake Wichita, Holliday Creek, Texas; (59) Lower Rio Grande, Texas; (60) James River Basin, Richmond, Virginia; (61) Sims Bayou, Texas; (62) Chehalis River at South Aberdeen and Cosmopolis, Washington; (63) Yakima Union Gap, Washington; (64) Threemile Creek, Mobile, Alabama; (65) Upper Little Arkansas River Watershed, Kansas; (66) South Quincy Drainage and Levee District, Illinois; (67) Tonawanda Creek Watershed, New York; (68) Park River, North Dakota; and (69) Centralia, Chehalis River and tributaries, Washington; (b) Hydropower Development: (1) Scammon Bay, Alaska; (2) South Central Railbelt Area, Alaska, Hydroelectric Power, Valdez and Copper River Basin; (3) Murray Lock and Dam, Hydropower, Arkansas; (4) Arkansas River and Tributaries, Hydropower, Arkansas and Oklahoma; (5) Metropolitan Atlanta Area, Water Resources Management Study, Georgia; (6) W.D. Mayo Lock and Dam 14, Hydropower, Oklahoma; (7) Blue River Lake, Hydroelectric Power, Willamette River Basin, Oregon; (8) McNary Lock and Dam Second Powerhouse, Columbia River, Oregon and Washington; and (9) Gregory County Hydroelectric Pumped Storage Facility, South Dakota; (c) Shoreline Protection: (1) Charlotte County, Florida; (2) Indian River County, Florida; (3) Panama City Beaches, Florida; (4) Saint Johns County, Florida; (5) Jekyll Island, Georgia; (6) Casino Beach, Illinois Shoreline, Illinois; (7) Atlantic Coast of Maryland and Assateague Island, Virginia; (8) Atlantic Coast of New York City from Rockaway Inlet to Norton Point, New York; (9) Maumee Bay, Lake Erie, Ohio; (10) Presque Isle Peninsula, Erie, Pennsylvania; (11) Folly Beach, South Carolina; (12) Dade County, North of Haulover Beach park, Florida; (13) Monroe County, Florida; (14) Indiana Shoreline Erosion, Indiana; (15) Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina; (16) Willoughby Spit and vicinity, Norfolk, Virginia; and (17) Cape May Point, New Jersey; (d) Mitigation: (1) Fish and Wildlife Program for the Sacramento River Bank Protection Project, California; (2) Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake, Savannah River, Georgia and South Carolina; (3) Davenport, Iowa Local Protection Project-Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan; (4) West Kentucky Tributaries Projects, Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan, Obion Creek, Kentucky; (5) Downstream Measures at Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir, Missouri; (6) Smithville Lake, Little Platte River, Missouri-Plan for Replacement of the Trimble Wildlife Area; (7) Cape May Inlet to Lower Township, New Jersey; and (8) Cooper Lake and Channels Project, Texas, Report on Fish and Wildlife Mitigation; (9) Missouri River, fish and wildlife mitigation, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri; and (10) Yazoo backwater project, Mississippi, fish and wildlife mitigation report; (e) Bank Stabilization: (1) Bethel, Alaska; (f) Demonstration: (1) Cabin Creek, West Virginia; and (2) Lava Flow Control, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to undertake a feasibility study of the water supply and irrigation features of the Gregory Facility and prohibits construction of such facility until such study, together with a favorable certification by the Secretary of the Interior, is submitted to the Congress, and the Congress has authorized appropriations for construction of such facility. Title VIII: Water Supply Loans - Water Supply Rehabilitation and Conservation Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to departments, agencies, units of State or local government, or any person operating a water supply system for the purpose of improving such system. Directs the Secretary to allocate one-half of the funds in proportion to each State's population, the other half to be allocated at the Secretary's discretion. Prohibits loans for purposes other than water supply or water conservation. Requires operators of water supply systems to submit loan applications to the Secretary. Lists requirements for loan applications, including: (1) a detailed plan and estimated cost of the project; (2) a showing that the applicant holds all necessary rights to land and water use; and (3) an assessment of the improvements the proposed project will make. Permits the Secretary to make only such loans which the Secretary determines to be technically feasible and which constitute a reasonable financial risk. Directs the Secretary, in making loans, to give priority to: (1) water supply systems unable to obtain financial assistance; and (2) water supply systems using such loans to pay for the cost of installing a new system or improving an existing system in order to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. Authorizes the Governor of each State to submit by April 1, 1985, and annually thereafter, a priority list of water supply projects in such State to be financed by loans under this title. Allows the granting of loans only if the operator of a water supply system to whom the loan is granted implements a model water conservation program. Defines a "model water conservation program." Requires the agreement reached between the Secretary and any loan grantee to include: (1) the amount of the loan and its interest rate; (2) a repayment period; and (3) such provisions as are deemed necessary to assure prompt repayment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress by September 30, 1989, a report concerning loans granted and water supply improvements made under this title. Enumerates specific information and recommendations to be included in such report. Authorizes appropriations. Declares the improvement of water supply and distribution systems to be a legitimate Federal purpose. Title IX: Harbors - National Harbors Improvement Act of 1985 - Establishes a National Commission on Harbor Maintenance (the Commission) to report to appropriate congressional committees on the annual and long-term costs of maintaining the Nation's harbors and make recommendations for the sharing of such costs by non-Federal interests. Authorizes the establishment of a Shipping Advisory Board to aid the Commission in its work. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986. Prohibits the Secretary from obligating more than $420,000,000 in any single fiscal year for maintaining harbors until such time as the report of the Commission is submitted to Congress (i.e., within two years of the date of enactment of this Act). Directs that non-Federal interests shall pay 50 percent of surveying, planning, designing, and engineering costs prior to the construction of any harbor. Allows non-Federal interests to undertake feasibility studies for improvements to any harbor, and submit such study to the Secretary. Provides for the review of such studies by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, within 180 days after receiving any such study, to transmit to the Congress the results of such study together with any recommendations the Secretary may have. Directs that the non-Federal share of the cost of construction of general cargo harbors on which construction has not commenced shall be 30 percent. Directs the Secretary and the non-Federal interest to enter into a cooperative agreement prior to Federal initiation of construction. Sets forth conditions which any non-Federal interest must assume in such agreement. Authorizes any non-Federal interest to undertake navigational improvements in deep-draft harbors of the United States upon obtaining the proper permits. Authorizes the Secretary to complete and transmit to the appropriate non-Federal interest any study for improvements to deep-draft harbors of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to complete deep-draft harbor construction projects for which construction was initiated prior to the enactment of this Act, upon certain conditions. Sets forth the responsibilities of the non-Federal interest in such projects. Declares that nothing in this title shall be construed to interfere with Federal authority to operate, maintain, or improve any harbor for military purposes or national defense requirements. Authorizes any appropriate non-Federal interest to collect fees for the use of its navigation projects for specified purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee the payment of the principal amount and interest on loans made or bonds sold to finance projects for the deepening of a draft harbor of the United States. Prohibits the total outstanding amount of such loans guaranteed in any fiscal year from exceeding $2,000,000,000. Authorizes necessary appropriations to make payments under such loan guarantee program. Requires the Secretary, upon receipt from a non-Federal interest of a notice of intent to construct improvements, to establish procedures for the joint processing of all required Federal permits for such construction. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register such intent to construct within 15 days of receipt of such intent. Requires the Secretary to enter into agreement with the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and any other appropriate local authority to establish expedient processing of all required construction permits. Sets forth provisions to be included in such agreement. Requires, within six months of the final date of a project's compliance determination schedule, a report by the Secretary to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires notification of non-Federal interests as to whether permits will be issued. Requires the Secretary, on or before March 1, 1987, to prepare and transmit to Congress a report, together with recommendations, on the amount of time required to issue Federal environmental permits related to construction of harbor improvements. Adopts and authorizes the following works of improvement to general cargo harbors: (1) Kodiak Harbor, Alaska; (2) Oakland Outer Harbor, California; (3) Richmond Harbor, California; (4) Sacramento River, Deepwater Ship Channel, California; (5) New Haven Harbor, Connecticut; (6) Jacksonville Harbor, Mill Cove, Florida; (7) Manatee Harbor, Florida; (8) Tampa Harbor, East Bay Channel, Florida; (9) Savannah Harbor, Widening, Georgia; (10) Grand Haven Harbor, Michigan; (11) Monroe Harbor, Michigan; (12) Gulfport Harbor, Mississippi; (13) Wilmington Harbor, Northeast Cape Fear River, North Carolina; (14) Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River Basin, Maine and New Hampshire; (15) Gowanus Creek, Channel, New York; (16) Kill Van Kull and Newark Bay Channels, New York and New Jersey; (17) San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico; (18) Charleston Harbor, South Carolina; (19) Brazos Island Harbor, Texas, Brownsville Channel; (20) Crown Bay Channel-Saint Thomas Harbor, Virgin Islands; (21) Blair and Sitcum Waterways, Tacoma Harbor, Washington, (22) Grays Harbor, Washington; (23) Hampton Roads and vicinity, Virginia; (24) Barnegat Inlet, New Jersey; (25) Saint Paul Island Harbor, Alaska; and (26) Duluth-Superior Harbor, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Authorizes the following works for improvement of deep-draft harbors, if the non-Federal interest possesses specified necessary legal and financial capabilities: (1) Norfolk Harbor and Channels, Virginia; (2) Mobile Harbor, Alabama; and (3) Mississippi River Ship Channel, Gulf to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee Act of 1985 - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to permit a county committee, by majority vote, to petition the Secretary of Agriculture to change the number of local areas in a county. Directs the Secretary to make such change, except that the number of such areas (from which agricultural stabilization and conservation committees are elected) shall not be fewer than existed as of of December 31, 1980. Requires with regard to such committees that: (1) all members, as of January 1, 1986, be elected to three-year terms; and (2) they meet at least four times a year. Sets forth committee duties and makes them effective as of January 1, 1986. Provides that if there is an increase in a county's local areas and local committees as a result of this Act, any member of a local committee elected before January 1, 1986, shall reserve the unexpired portion of his or her term of the committee for the area in which he or she resides. Expands the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to use local and county committees. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to require the Secretary to pay: (1) travel expenses for members of State, county, and local committees; and (2) hourly compensation for work actually performed by county members (at GS-11 rate) and by local members (at GS-9 rate).
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
African Famine Relief and Recovery Act of 1985 - Title I: Authorizations of Appropriations - Authorizes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 for famine relief in Africa for: (1) agricultural development programs; (2) international disaster assistance programs; (3) development program operating expenses; and (4) the Migration and Refugee Assistance account of the State Department. Title II: Appropriations - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 to: (1) the Department of Agriculture for Public Law 480; (2) the Agency for International Development for specified agriculture, rural development, and nutrition programs, for international disaster assistance, and for operating expenses; and (3) the Department of State for migration and refugee assistance. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in order to prevent waste of commodities acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation through price support operations, to make at least 300,000 metric tons of agricultural commodities available for FY 1985, provided that at least one third of such commodities are wheat or wheat products. Declares that funds appropriated for Public Law 480, for agriculture, rural development, and nutrition programs (other than funds for rehabilitation and recovery projects), and for international disaster assistance shall be available only for those African countries which suffer from exceptional food supply problems in 1985 due to drought and other calamities. Permits the use of Public Law 480 funds to reimburse certain ongoing famine relief programs. Permits FY 1985 funds to be carried into FY 1986. Declares that funds for rehabilitation and recovery projects and for migration and refugee assistance shall be available only to those African countries which have suffered in the last two years from exceptional food supply problems due to drought and other calamities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Revises the substitution guidelines under the Federal aid highway program to provide that when the Secretary of Transportation has withdrawn approval of an Interstate route (or portion thereof) upon the joint request of a State Governor and local officials, the Federal share of the cost to complete such withdrawn route shall be available for specified substitute projects selected by local officials of the area from which the route was withdrawn. Establishes guidelines under which the Secretary is authorized to approve Interstate route withdrawals and substitute projects after September 30, 1983, in certain circumstances, but not later than September 30, 1986. Directs the Secretary to use the Federal share of certain adjusted cost estimates in making apportionments for substitute highway projects on October 1 of the year of adjustment if the Congress has not approved the appropriate cost estimate to make such apportionment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 1987 in the following areas: (1) grants for operation of health projects; (2) acquisition or development of public works and development facilities; (3) public works and development facilities loans, business loans, and loan guarantees within redevelopment areas; (4) redevelopment area loans; (5) direct grants for economic development planning; (6) supplemental and basic grants under specified titles of such Act; (7) grants to economic development districts; (8) assistance to Indian tribes; and (9) economic development and adjustment assistance programs for states and local areas with severe unemployment. Extends through FY 1987 the authorization for emergency financial assistance to areas with unusually high unemployment.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1985
Interstate Cost Estimate Act of 1985 - Revises Federal procedures regarding the establishment of interstate cost estimates to direct the Secretary of Transportation to apportion interstate construction funds and interstate substitute highway and public mass transit funds at the beginning of each fiscal year if the Congress has not approved such cost estimates to make such apportionment by that time. Directs the Secretary to apportion: (1) the interstate cost estimate sums remaining to be apportioned for FY 1985 and 1986; and (2) the interstate substitute cost estimate sums remaining to be apportioned for FY 1984 and 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Indian Health Care Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Indian Health Manpower - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to authorize appropriations for specified Indian health programs for FY 1986 through 1989, including scholarship programs. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) from denying scholarship assistance solely on the basis of an applicant's scholastic achievement if such applicant has been admitted to, or maintained good standing at, an accredited health professions institution. Directs the Secretary to grant Indian Health Scholarships to Indians enrolled full-time in certain schools for health professionals. States that the active duty service requirements of the Public Health Service can be met by specified services, including: (1) service under a contract pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act; and (2) the private practice of a health professional if such practice is in a health professional shortage area and addresses the health care needs of a substantial number of Indians. Directs the Secretary to maintain a Community Health Representative Program to provide for the training and the use of Indians as health paraprofessionals to Indian communities. Title II: Health Services - Enumerates the health services for which the Secretary is authorized to expend Indian Health Care Improvement Fund appropriations. Prohibits the use of such funds to offset or limit appropriations made under other Acts. Conditions the allocation of such funds upon the health resource deficiency level of the affected Indian tribes. Permits the allocation of such funds on a service unit basis. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a current health services priority system report, including the methodology for determining tribal health resources deficiencies, and the funds needed to raise all tribes to a zero level deficiency. Directs the Secretary to establish a review mechanism for tribal petitions regarding the health resource deficiency level of a tribe. Requires the Secretary to provide a current update of tribal specific health plans. Requires at least one percent of the Indian Health Care Improvement Fund appropriation to be expended for research. Makes programs administered by tribal organizations under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act eligible for specified funds on an equal basis with programs administered directly by the Indian Health Service. Directs the President to include with the submission of the budget a separate statement which specifies the amounts obligated to implement enumerated health services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989 for specified health services. Designates such appropriations the Indian Health Care Improvement Fund. Establishes an Indian Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund to meet extraordinary medical costs for victims of disasters or catastrophic illness. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the competitive procurement requirements for health services upon certification by the responsible Chief Medical Officer that such requirements would compromise the quality of health services. Requires the Secretary to provide health promotion and disease prevention services to Indians. Requires each Indian tribe to include within any tribal specific health plan that such tribe is required to submit to the Secretary a comprehensive plan developed by such tribe for health promotion and disease prevention among its members. Title III: Health Facilities - Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a health facilities priority system report regarding the construction or renovation needs of the ten top priority inpatient and ambulatory care facilities. Requires the Secretary to consult with any Indian tribe that might be affected by an expenditure for health facilities before the Secretary makes a commitment for such an expenditure. Conditions the closure of any health care facility upon the Secretary's submission to the Congress of an impact assessment one year prior to the contemplated closing. Enumerates the data to be included in such assessment. Directs the President to include with the budgets submitted for FY 1986 through 1989 planning information documents for the construction of ten Indian health facilities. Directs the Secretary to implement a ten-year plan to provide safe water and sanitary sewage and solid waste disposal facilities to Indian homes and communities. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the Indian Health Service's current Indian sanitation facility priority system and the funds needed to raise all communities or tribes to a zero level of deficiency. Authorizes specified appropriations to provide sanitation facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance for the operation and maintenance of sanitation facilities, utility organizations, and emergency repairs of sanitation facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Authorizes tribes to expend certain non-Indian Health Service funds for the renovation of Indian health facilities, subject to specified conditions. Title IV: Access to Health Services - Extends the authorization for specified appropriations for grants and contracts with tribal organizations from FY 1986 through 1989. Amends the Social Security Act to make certain providers of the Indian Health Service eligible for Medicare and Medicaid payments. Directs the Secretary to ensure that each service unit of the Indian Health Service receives at least half of the amounts to which its facilities are entitled, if such amounts are necessary to bring the facilities into compliance with this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project in which certain Indian (and Alaska Native) health organizations which provide health care services shall bill for Medicare and Medicaid payments directly. Requires the Secretary to monitor such organizations and to require quarterly reports on their operations. Sets forth eligibility and participation guidelines for such health service facilities. Requires a final report to the Congress by September 30, 1989. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study in consultation with Indian tribes regarding barriers to Indian participation in Medicare or Medicaid programs. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such study. Title V: Urban Indian Health Services - Directs the Secretary to contract with urban Indian organizations to administer health services programs in urban areas. Sets forth specified requirements to be included in such contracts. Details eligibility criteria for the selection of such organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with urban Indian organizations to determine the health status and unmet health care needs of urban Indians in affected urban areas. Delineates the requirements of such contracts. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop evaluation procedures for the performance of such contracts; and (2) conduct annual onsite evaluations of each contracting urban Indian organization. Prescribes guidelines for the renewal of health care or referral services contracts. Prohibits renewal of contracts for determination of unmet health needs if their performance has been non-compliant or otherwise unsatisfactory and problems cannot be resolved. Requires certain reports to the Congress. Title VI: Organizational Improvements - Requires the Secretary to establish an automated management information system for the Indian Health Service. Establishes the Indian Health Service within the Public Health Service of the Department of Health and Human Services (thus terminating the Indian Health Service as part of the Health Resources and Services Administration). Places the Indian Health Service under the direction of a Director of the Indian Health Service who shall report only to the Secretary through the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Health. Directs the Secretary to implement through the Director all health programs and authorities which are provided specifically for Indians. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a plan for the implementation of the amendments made by this section. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into legal agreements with Indian tribes or tribal organizations in order to provide compensation for facility space costs associated with the administration and delivery of health services by the Indian Health Service or tribally operated programs. Directs the Secretary to coordinate efforts with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Education to develop programs to combat alcohol and drug abuse among Indian juveniles, including preventive education programs in schools operated by or under the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse within the Indian Health Service. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the Office of Technology Assessment, to conduct a study of health hazards faced by Indians and Indian miners exposed to nuclear resource developments on or near Indian communities. Directs the Secretary and the Indian Health Service to develop a health care plan which addresses the results of such study. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress both the health hazard study and the ensuing health care plan, within certain times. Authorizes appropriations for such study. Extends from FY 1984 to 1989 the time during which Arizona is designated as a contract health service delivery area. Authorizes appropriations. Extends eligibility for health services of specified Indians in the State of California from FY 1984 through 1988. Establishes eligibility guidelines for certain California Indian and for certain persons who are otherwise ineligible for medical benefits provided by either the Indian Health Service or by tribes contracting with the Service. Designates the State of California as a contract health service delivery area. Lists programs eligible for Indian Health Service funds. Restricts circumstances under which the Secretary may remove a member of the National Health Service Corps who is performing obligated service in a health facility operated by or under the Indian Health Service. Sets a deadline by which the Secretary must develop and implement a plan to reduce Indian infant and maternal mortality rates to that of the general population. Requires the Secretary to: (1) complete within one year implementation of a program to prevent and control hepatitis-B in Alaska; (2) report to the Congress about the status of such program; and (3) request budget authority for a hepatitis-B control program in Alaska. Directs the Secretary to provide contract health services to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians who reside in the Trenton Service Area of specified counties in the States of North Dakota and Montana. Directs the Secretary to conduct a population survey of Indians residing in such Service Area in order to determine the basis for distributing equity health care funds and providing contract health care. Provides for the designation of additional counties in the Trenton Service area based upon the population survey results. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the physical and mental health care needs of Native Hawaiians and other Native American Pacific Islanders, and to report the results of such study to the Congress by a certain time.
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