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United States · Official source
1,874 records where Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Amends the Clean Air Act to modify the requirements for stack height for sources of not well controlled emissions of air pollutants. Includes among dispersion methods any other measure which disperses pollutants at ground level measuring points.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Designates the rose as the national floral emblem.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Calls on the Soviet Union to: (1) release Anatoly Shcharansky, Yosef Begun, and other Prisoners of Conscience and allow them to leave the Soviet Union; (2) issue exit permits to long term "Refuseniks" including Ida Nudel and Vladimir Slepak; and (3) allow thousands of Jews who have requested such permits to leave.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Authorizes the establishment in the District of Columbia of a memorial to women who have served in the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1985
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Act of 1985 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to raise from 11 to 12 the number of Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board members who are appointed by the President from among members of the general public. (Retains the requirement that five of such appointed members shall be handicapped individuals.) Extends the term of office of each appointed member of the Board from three to four years. Sets forth transitional provisions. Permits an appointed member to continue to serve as a member of the Board until the member's successor qualifies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1985
Designates the month of November 1985 as National Hospice Month.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Amends the General Education Provisions Act to increase by two the number of members of the Assessment Policy Committee (who are appointed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress organization for purposes of its assessment of the performance of children and young adults in the basic skills of reading, mathematics, and communication, under its grant from or cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Education). Provides that one of these two new members shall be an elementary school principal and the other shall be a secondary school principal.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Designates the week of August 18 to August 24, 1985, as Health Care Expo '85 Week.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Declares that the Senate agrees to cooperate with the Jacob K. Javits Senate Fellowship Program. Directs the Senate to provide assistance as may be necessary for the success of this fellowship program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Declares that the annual report of the Secretary of Transportation to the Congress entitled, "Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program, Sixth Annual Report to Congress" shall be printed as a Senate document and additional copies shall be printed for the use of the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1985
Federal Pesticide Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to require a person defined as a "certified applicator" to have undergone pesticide safety training. Requires pesticide ingredient statements to list inert as well as active ingredients. Eliminates from the definition of "misbranded" the provision relating to an unregistered pesticide manufactured in the United States solely for export. Defines "data gap" and "adverse reproductive effect" for purposes of this Act. Requires the registration of pesticides intended for export. Permits public access to pesticide application information before a final registration decision has been reached. Prohibits the registration of a pesticide having an adverse reproductive effect. Restricts the use of conditional registration. Requires public access to supporting data for any such registration. Repeals the interim administrative review provision which required a validated test or other significant evidence of adverse effect before initiation of a formal agency review. Establishes a timetable for the registration of pesticides which have not been reregistered since September 30, 1978, and which: (1) are used on food crops or remain as residues in potable ground water; (2) have significant data gaps; or (3) cause mutagenic effects. Requires specified additional data on inert ingredients. Prohibits registration of a pesticide containing an inert element which either by itself or in combination causes harmful environmental effects. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a comprehensive plan for evaluating inert ingredients. Subjects information concerning the toxicity of inert ingredients to specified disclosure provisions. Requires reregistration determinations to be made within one year of data receipt. Requires a registrant to disclose EPA information regarding any adverse effects (human or environmental) of a pesticide. (Currently the disclosure standards is unreasonable environmental effects.) Directs the Administrator to initiate a cancellation hearing if materially false, misleading, or inaccurate supporting information has been submitted on behalf of a pesticide registration or residue tolerance. Directs the Administrator to issue a notice of intent to cancel, or to hold a cancellation hearing, based upon a pesticide's substantial question of safety. Permits any member of the public to initiate a cancellation hearing. Revises cancellation hearing provisions, including: (1) giving the parties a right to participate; and (2) setting specific time limits for hearing dates and determinations. Prohibits the reregistration of canceled, suspended, or withdrawn pesticides under conditional registration, experimental use, or special local need categories unless: (1) there is no available alternative; (2) there is a threat of significant infestation damage; and (3) data is available supporting the pesticide's effectiveness against such infestation. Sets forth additional health and safety information for the Administrator to collect and make public regarding pesticide manufacturing plants. Subjects pesticide exporters to recordkeeping requirements under such Act. Provides for the disclosure of pesticide intermediary chemicals. Repeals the prohibition on disclosure of health and safety information to foreign or multinational producers. Requires commercial applicators to maintain pesticide spraying records. Requires specified activities to reduce pesticide drift. Prohibits the use in foreign countries of U.S.-submitted registration or licensing data. Makes it unlawful to: (1) fail to disclose findings of additional risk; and (2) violate EPA regulations. Repeals the provisions requiring Federal indemnification of holders of canceled or suspended pesticides. Provides a private right of action for violations of such Act. Prohibits the export of a pesticide whose U.S. registration has been canceled on withdrawn unless: (1) the exporter notifies the Administrator regarding quantity and destination; and (2) the Administrator has received a request for such pesticide from such country (after having provided such country with the appropriate data regarding the pesticide's cancellation). Prohibits the importation of agricultural commodities with detectable residues of U.S.-prohibited pesticides. Authorizes the Administrator to provide foreign countries with technical assistance to develop pesticide research and regulatory programs. States that in exercising any authority under such Act, the Administrator shall not be preempting Department of Labor authority under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Places additional requirements on applications for special local needs registrations. Authorizes EPA to establish and enforce standards for indoor pesticide residues. Authorizes the Administrator to change pesticide use classifications or package labeling. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish a worker health and safety program; (2) establish within EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs a separate administrative unit responsible for pesticide workers' health and safety; and (3) issue pesticide worker safety regulations. Directs the Administrator: (1) upon detection of pesticide groundwater contamination to notify the affected State and each registrant of such pesticide; and (2) to issue a notice of intent to cancel such pesticide's use registration unless the affected State acts to control further contamination or the registrant amends such use. Requires the imposition of registration fees sufficient to run the registration program. Protects employees from being dismissed or penalized for reporting violations of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985
Junk Bond Limitation Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit an insured bank with a net worth of less than six percent from investing in noninvestment grade securities if the investment would be prohibited for a national bank. Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit an insured institution with a net worth of less than six percent from investing in noninvestment grade securities if such investment would be prohibited for a Federal savings and loan association. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to apply margin requirements to noninvestment grade securities. Declares that it shall be unlawful to extend or obtain credit to purchase or carry margin securities in the context of a tender offer, or a request or invitation for tender, other than in compliance with Federal Reserve System rules. Provides for the civil enforcement of such provisions by the Securities and Exchange Commission or an aggrieved individual.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1985
National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Amendments of 1985 - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965 to raise the maximum monetary amount which a grant application may involve for purposes of certain unilateral grant approval action which the Chairman of the National Council on the Arts may take pursuant to a delegation of authority from the Council. Revises provisions relating to administration of humanities grants in cases where a State Governor does not submit an application with a State plan for such administration. Raises from four to six the number of members of the governing body of a grant recipient who must be appointed by an appropriate State officer or agency in such cases. Raises from 20 to 25 percent the maximum percentage of the total membership which the number of such members may equal. Adds to provisions for the selection of members of the National Council on the Humanities the requirement that they be U.S. citizens who are recognized for their broad knowledge of, or expertise in, the humanities. Authorizes appropriations for specified purposes in FY 1986 through 1990 for: (1) the National Endowment for the Arts; and (2) the National Endowment for the Humanities. Limits, for FY 1986 through 1988, the amounts of such appropriations for specified purposes, as well as the total amounts of appropriations to carry on the activities of the Endowments. Deletes provisions relating to specified studies and reports which have been submitted. Amends the Museum Services Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for grants by the Institute of Museum Services to museums to increase and improve their services. Amends the Art and Artifacts Indemnity Act to provide that, for purposes of such Act, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the Director of the National Gallery of Art, the member designated by the Chairman of the Senate Commission on Art and Antiquities, and the member designated by the Speaker of the House shall not serve as members of the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. Increases the aggregate of loss or damage covered at any one time by indemnity agreements made under such Act. Appropriates up to $1,000,000 annually to pay certified claims of up to $100,000 each under such Act (in addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated to pay certified claims under such Act).
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to revise the humane standards for animals transported in commerce. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards to govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals by dealers, research facilities, and exhibitors. Requires each research facility to establish an institutional animal committee with sufficient expertise to assess the appropriateness of animal care and treatment in experimental research. Requires the committee at each facility to: (1) inspect at least semiannually all animal study areas and animal facilities at the research facility; (2) file an inspection certification report of each inspection at the research facility; (3) notify the administrative representative of the research facility of any deficiencies; and (4) notify the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the funding Federal agency if such deficiencies remain uncorrected. Requires each research facility to provide for annual training in the humane treatment of animals for scientists, animal technicians, and other personnel involved with animal care and treatment in such facility. Directs the Secretary to establish an information service at the National Agricultural Library to provide information on improved methods of animal experimentation, including: (1) employee training; (2) preventing unnecessary duplication of animal experimentation; (3) reducing or replacing animal use; and (4) minimizing pain and distress. Requires a funding Federal agency to suspend or revoke Federal Support for a project if it is determined that conditions of animal care, treatment, or practice in a particular project have not been in compliance with standards promulgated under this Act. Requires the Secretary to inspect each research facility at least once each year. Requires such follow-up inspections as may be necessary until all deficiencies which may be found are corrected. Imposes penalties for the release of any confidential information or trade secrets by any member of an Institutional Animal Committee. Increases penalties for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1985
Korean War Veterans Memorial Act of 1985 - Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to erect a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in the Korean war. Subjects the selected site, design, and plans for the construction of such memorial to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Directs that, upon its completion, the memorial shall be turned over to the Department of the Interior which shall then be solely responsible for its maintenance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1985
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set sugar price supports at not less than: (1) 13 cents per pound for 1985 (presently set at 18 cents per pound); (2) ten cents per pound for 1986; (3) nine cents per pound for 1987; and (4) eight cents per pound for 1988 and subsequent crop years.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1985
Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985 - Title I: Extension of Business Energy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the energy investment tax credit for solar energy property from 1985 to 1990. Sets the amount of such credit during such period at 15 percent for low temperature solar property and 25 percent for all other solar property. Extends the energy investment tax credit for wind property from 1985 to 1988. Sets the amount of such credit at: (1) ten percent during 1986 and 1987; and (2) five percent during 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for geothermal property and biomass property from 1985 to 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for ocean thermal property from 1985 to 1990. Revises the definition of "solar property" for purposes of such tax credit. Sets forth special rules for geothermal equipment to qualify for such credit. Title II: Affirmative Commitment Rule to Extend the Business Credit for Certain Long-Term Projects - Extends the time period during which an affirmative commitment must be made in order for long-term energy projects to be eligible for the energy investment tax credit. Allows such an extension: (1) from 1990 to 1993 for solar energy property; (2) from 1988 to 1990 for geothermal energy property; and (3) from 1985 to 1990 for hydroelectric generating property. Title III: Extension of Residential Energy Credits - Extends the residential energy income tax credit for solar renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Provides that solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet certain additional standards in order to qualify for such credit. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for wind renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for geothermal renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Revises the definition of geothermal deposits for purposes of such credit. Revises the definition of energy conservation expenditures for purposes of the residential energy income tax credit to limit the amounts taken into account to $700. Limits the energy conservation income tax credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Indoor Air Quality Research Act of 1985 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a research program with respect to indoor air quality. Requires that such program be designed to: (1) gather data and information on all aspects of indoor air quality in order to contribute to the understanding of health problems associated with the existence of air pollutants in the indoor environment; and (2) coordinate Federal, State, local and private research, development, and demonstration efforts relating to the improvement of indoor air quality. Authorizes the Administrator to establish committees of representatives of appropriate Federal agencies and advisory groups of representatives of the scientific community, industry, and public interest organizations as may be necessary to assist in carrying out such indoor air quality research program. Directs the Administrator to consult and coordinate with State and local officials and other interested parties having concerns related to such program. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress an indoor air quality research implementation plan within 90 days after enactment of this Act and a final report, after consultation with the National Academy of Sciences, within two years of such enactment. Requires such report to assess the risks to human health associated with indoor pollution including the known or potential effects of radon and other naturally occurring chemical elements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1985
Home and Community Based Services for the Elderly Act of 1985 - Amends title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize a block grant program for home and community based services for the elderly. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Allots State funding based on a State's elderly population as compared with the elderly population of the United States. Makes Indian tribes and tribal organizations eligible grant recipients. States that grants may be used to: (1) identify elderly individuals who are eligible for services; (2) plan and manage services to be provided; (3) educate the public and medical and social professionals concerning the availability of services; (4) encourage the participation of families and voluntary organizations; (5) train personnel; and (6) coordinate long-term care services. Permits States to provide services for the elderly through grants to eligible organizations. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) inpatient services; (2) cash payments to intended recipients; (3) land purchase or construction; (4) purchases of major medical equipment; or (5) satisfying any requirement for the expenditure of non-Federal funds. Set forth State application provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1985
Designates the week of December 1 through December 7, 1985, as National Home Care Week.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate recognizing the centennial anniversary of the Holstein-Friesian Association of America.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1985
Nuclear Waste Policy Improvements Act of 1985 - Title I - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to require that the nomination of sites for repositories of high-level radioactive waste be accompanied by an environmental assessment which includes the environmental impact of transporting high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel through the region surrounding such site. Requires the Secretary of Transportation and the President to include, in their consideration of recommended sites, the effect of transportation of high-level radioactive waste on States containing possible transportation routes. Requires the Secretary to include, in a public site recommendation statement, specified details of the effect of such transportation on those States. Requires the Secretary, when considering alternative nuclear waste sites, to take into consideration such transportation routes and the impact of such transportation on routes in States adjacent to the State in which a repository has been selected. Title II - Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to any State that contains likely transportation routes to a high-level nuclear waste repository in such State, if the State's application demonstrates assistance is needed to upgrade or maintain such routes in order to provide adequate public protection from accidents involving high-level nuclear waste.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985
Orphan Drug Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to repeal the requirement that exclusive marketing rights may only be granted to an orphan drug (a drug used in the treatment of a rare disease or condition) if the drug is not patentable. Establishes a National Commission on Orphan Diseases. Requires the Commission to assess the activities of the National Institutes of Health, the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, other public agencies, and private entities in connection with: (1) basic research relating to rare diseases; (2) the use in research on rare diseases of knowledge developed in other research; (3) applied and clinical research relating to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of rare diseases; and (4) the dissemination of knowledge developed in research relating to rare diseases. Requires the Commission to submit a report by September 30, 1987, to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to each House of the Congress containing the Commission's findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Makes funds available to the Commission. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the date of such report. Amends the Orphan Drug Act to allow Federal grants and contracts for preclinical and human clinical testing of orphan drugs. Authorizes appropriations for such grants and contracts for FY 1986 through 1988. Makes technical corrections to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Appropriation Act, 1985 in order to allow the expenditure of funds for personnel training under the Education of the Handicapped Act until September 30, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985
Amends the Flood Control Act of 1936 to direct the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to design, construct, operate, and maintain facilities at Townshend Dam, West River, Vermont, to enable salmon to bypass that dam and Ball Mountain Dam. Requires, prior to such construction, that non-Federal interests hold the United States harmless for any damages incurred in the construction and operation of such facilities, and provide all necessary lands, easements, rights-of-way, and relocations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 to be used by the Secretary of Commerce to assist in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities. Repeals a provision that requires 75 percent of the funds appropriated for such purposes in a fiscal year to be available to extend delivery of public telecommunications services to areas not receiving such services. Authorizes appropriations, to match up to a specified amount of non-Federal contributions to public broadcasting entities, for the Public Broadcasting Fund for FY 1987 through 1990. Repeals a provision that requires that a specified portion of the amount made available to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting from the Fund be earmarked for expenses of research, training, technical assistance, engineering, instructional support, and the payment of interest on indebtedness. Repeals provisions requiring a public telecommunications entity to refund to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting an amount of Federal funds equal to the amount of any unrelated business income tax paid by such entity.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Designates May 25, 1985, as National Holstein Day.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1985
Designates October 1985 as National Head Injury Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1985
Expresses, on the 40th anniversary of V-E Day, the Nation's deep gratitude and recognizes the enormous debt owed to the American servicemen who fought in World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985
Designates May 7, 1985, as Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1985
Public Buildings Authorization Act of 1985 - Prohibits any appropriation or obligation of funds for real property management and related activities unless it has been authorized by the Congress in accordance with this Act. Prohibits any public building construction, renovation, repair, or alteration unless an appropriation for the estimated costs of such construction has been authorized in the same fiscal year. Prohibits entering into any lease, beginning in FY 1987, unless the authority to enter into contracts has first been made for the maximum cost of such lease. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the real property management and related activities of the Public Buildings Service, with specified outlays for: (1) construction of public buildings at specified locations; (2) construction of public buildings of less than 10,000 gross square feet of space; (3) renovations, alterations, and repairs of public buildings at specified locations and costs; (4) design and construction services; (5) rental increases due to lease expirations and for expansion space; (6) payments in FY 1986 to provide for space under lease prior to FY 1986; (7) FY 1986 real property operations; (8) FY 1986 program direction; and (9) FY 1986 payments of principal, interest, taxes, and any other obligations for public buildings acquired by purchase contract. States that funds appropriated for construction or repair shall remain available without fiscal year limitation, provided that such construction or repair has commenced in the same year in which funds for such work were authorized. Regards commencement of design as commencement of construction. Requires that ten percent of the funds made available for renovation, alteration, and repair of public buildings and for payment of leases on buildings, shall be available for repair or alteration projects and leases, respectively, not otherwise authorized by this Act, if the Administrator of General Services certifies such to be the result of emergency building conditions or changing or additional programs of Federal agencies. Prohibits the obligation of funds for such projects until 30 days after submission by the Administrator of an explanatory statement to the appropriate congressional committees which include the reasons why such project or lease cannot be deferred for authorization until the next succeeding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1985
Designates the first Sunday in August as National Day of Peace.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1985
Designates the week of June 23 through June 29, 1985, as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Grants a Federal charter to the organization known as the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985
Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Persons Act of 1985 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State should review and revise its law to ensure that mental health patients receive the protection and services they require. Declares that States should consider the recommendations of the President's Commission on Mental Health in making such revisions. Sets forth a bill of rights for mental health patients which includes the right to: (1) appropriate treatment; (2) an individualized treatment plan; (3) freedom from restraint or seclusion; (4) confidentiality of and access to records; and (5) privacy. Declares that a patient's attorney or legal representative shall have access to: (1) the patient; (2) the facility; and (3) subject to the patient's written authorization, the records. Permits States to apply for an allotment to establish a system to protect the rights of the mentally ill. Requires such a system to include the establishment of an advisory board to advocate the rights of the mentally ill. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe a formula for making such allotments. Directs the Secretary to report on the activities, accomplishments, and expenditures of such systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987. Repeals title V (Mental Health Rights and Advocacy) of the Mental Health Systems Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985
Extends through the school year ending June 30, 1987, a school district's eligibility under the school lunch program to continue receiving all cash or all letters of credit in lieu of commodities. Makes such districts eligible for bonus commodities on the same basis as other districts participating in the school lunch program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into agreements with private companies for processing donated commodities into end food products at the expense of the eligible recipient agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985
Securities, Safety, and Soundness Act of 1985 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit any person from acquiring certain equity securities between April 23 and December 31, 1985, if: (1) such person would then be entitled to cast 15 percent or more of the securities holders' votes in an election of directors of the issuer; (2) such acquisition is disapproved by a majority of those members of the issuer's board of directors who are not issuer officers or employees; and (3) 20 percent or more of the acquisition is financed by the issuance of takeover securities the proceeds from which exceed $25,000,000. Defines "takeover securities" as certain low-rated or unrated bonds or preferred stock, other debt instruments subordinated in right of payment to the payment of any substantial amount of unsecured indebtedness, or equity or quasi-equity instruments other than common or preferred stock. Prohibits any insured bank or institution from purchasing non-investment grade securities. Directs the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to prevent insured institutions from carrying non-investment grade securities as loans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1985
Inland Waterways Development Act of 1985 - Amends the Inland Waterways Revenue Act of 1978 by requiring transfer to the Inland Waterways Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the revenue from the tax on fuel used in commercial transportation on inland waterways and the user fees on vessels in such transportation (previously equivalent only to the tax on fuel). States that the funds derived from the fuel tax shall be expended for new construction of navigational features on inland and intracoastal waterways described in this Act. Directs funds derived from the user fees to be expended on Federal navigation projects in such waterways and to pay the costs of collecting such fees. Directs the Secretary of the Army to transfer a portion of the trust fund to the Tennessee Valley Authority. Redefines the inland and intracoastal waterways of the U.S. to consist of specified waterways. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a user fee on vessels used in commercial waterway transportation. Excludes the following from liability for such fees: (1) vessels not engaged in commercial activity which are owned or under the control of the U.S. or another nation; (2) vessels used by a State or political subdivision; and (3) vessels engaged in dredging activities. Creates the Inland Waterways Users Board. Describes the board's composition and duties. Authorizes the Secretary to study, plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain new improvements and rehabilitations and modifications of existing improvements on specified waterways. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a final environmental impact statement and a statement of compliance with the Clean Water Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and other laws before the initiation of such plans. States that such improvements shall be eligible for appropriations and may be undertaken unless a Joint Resolution disapproving the environmental impact statement becomes law within 180 days. Declares that claims brought regarding work authorized by such plans may be filed only in a U.S. district court for the district in which the work is located or the injury occurs. Declares that injunctive relief may not be granted, unless specified conditions are met. Authorizes the following improvements: (1) Gallipolis locks and dams, Ohio River, Ohio and West Virginia; (2) White River Navigation to Batesville, Arkansas; (3) Bonneville Lock and Dam, Columbia River, Oregon and Washington; (4) Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Bridges, North Carolina; and (5) locks and dams 5 through 14, Kentucky River, Kentucky.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1985
Superfund Revenue Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the environmental excise tax on petroleum and certain chemicals after FY 1990, unless certain conditions are met. Imposes an excise tax on: (1) the receipts of hazardous waste at a qualified hazardous waste management unit; (2) the receipt of hazardous waste for transportation from the United States for the purpose of ocean dumping; and (3) the exportation of hazardous waste. Establishes a rate of tax to be imposed on each ton of hazardous waste, with such tax rate increasing periodically from FY 1986 through March 31, 1991. Excludes from this tax waste which: (1) is removed or treated pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; (2) has been generated at a Federal facility and is subsequently received at a qualified hazardous waste management unit; or (3) is exported. Provides that owners and operators of qualified hazardous waste units or vessels or aircraft that dispose of ocean waste and exporters of hazardous waste shall be liable for the excise tax on hazardous waste. Sets forth the procedure the Secretary of the Treasury shall use to adjust the tax rates annually. Provides for a credit against the excise tax where the hazardous waste tax has been paid on hazardous waste and such waste is subsequently received at another qualified hazardous waste management unit, received for transport for ocean dumping, or exported. Provides that the Secretary shall establish certain information requirements with respect to each person who is liable for the excise tax on hazardous waste. Imposes penalties for failure to supply such information. Eliminates the Post-Closure Liability Trust Fund. Establishes within the Treasury the Hazardous Substance Superfund. Transfers taxes received with respect to petroleum, certain chemicals, and hazardous wastes to the Hazardous Substance Superfund, in addition to amounts from other sources.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1985
Amends the Water Supply Act of 1958, with respect to municipal and industrial water supplied from Federal projects, to require that any letter of assurance from State or local interests desiring a water supply project under such Act state when: (1) the future water supply storage will be used; and (2) the costs will be repaid. Decreases from 30 percent to 20 percent the estimated costs which may be allocated to future demands for any water storage project under such Act. Limits the payment-free period to a maximum of ten years. Requires all annual operation, maintenance, and replacement costs for municipal and industrial water supply storage to be reimbursed from State or local interests on an annual basis. Revises the method for determining the interest rate used in computing the interest during construction and the interest on the unpaid balance of any repayment obligation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1985
Urges the President to: (1) institute a total boycott and embargo of U.S. trade with Nicaragua; (2) call upon the Organization of American States to institute a total trade boycott and embargo of Nicaragua; (3) call upon other countries not to trade with Nicaragua; and (4) maintain the boycott and embargo until the President finds and certifies to the Congress that Nicaragua has ceased to threaten its neighbors, reduced its military strength, and eliminated the presence of all Soviet Bloc and Cuban military advisors.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to add Afghanistan to the list of communist countries the imports from which are subject to the column two rate of duty. Prohibits granting nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) treatment to the products of Afghanistan. Prohibits entering into a commercial agreement with Afghanistan pursuant to the Trade Act of 1974. Prohibits Afghanistan from participating in any program under which the United States extends credit, credit guarantees, or investment guarantees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion the funds authorized to be appropriated for FY 1987 for expenditure on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Directs the Secretary to use the apportionment factors from the Interstate Cost Estimate submitted to the Congress in January 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985
Designates 1985 as the Oil Heat Centennial Year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations through FY 1988 for the following programs: (1) project grants and contracts for family planning services; (2) training grants and contracts; and (3) informational and educational materials.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Veterans' Administration Health Care Programs Improvement Act of 1985 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish and conduct a pilot program in five geographic areas to furnish medical, rehabilitative, and social services care to eligible veterans in lieu of nursing home care. Outlines eligibility requirements for veterans participating in such program. Gives priority for such program to veterans who are either over 65 or catastrophically disabled. Requires each Veterans' Administration medical facility administering such pilot program to furnish unified care management services for each veteran receiving services under such program. Prohibits the cost of the pilot program from exceeding 60 percent of what it would have cost the VA to furnish nursing home services instead of such program. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of the benefits of the pilot program as an alternative to nursing home care and report the findings of such study to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Congress within 18 months after the commencement of the pilot program. Requires the Administrator to submit to the same Committees a final report on the program within 90 days after the termination of such program. Commences the pilot program on January 1, 1986, and terminates it on December 31, 1988. Directs the Administrator to monitor the performance of VA programs of treatment and rehabilitation for alcohol or drug dependence or abuse to determine various benefits of such programs. Requires the Administrator to report findings to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Congress on an annual basis. Prohibits the Administrator from entering into contracts under such programs which exceed a total program level of $10,000,000 in any fiscal year. Directs the Administrator to establish and conduct in five geographic areas a pilot program under which the Administrator may contract for community residential care for chronically mentally ill veterans. Outlines eligibility requirements for veterans participating in such program. Requires each VA medical facility administering the pilot program to furnish unified care management services for each veteran receiving care under such program. Requires the Administrator, within 18 months after the commencement of the pilot program, to provide an interim report to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Congress. Requires the Administrator to submit to the same Committees a final report on the program within 90 days after the termination of such program. Commences the pilot program on January 1, 1986, and terminates it on December 31, 1988. Directs the Administrator, through the Office of the Inspector General of the VA, to establish and conduct a comprehensive quality assurance program to monitor and evaluate the quality of health care furnished by the Department of Medicine and Surgery to eligible veterans. Requires the Chief Medical Director of the Department of Medicine and Surgery to provide certain standards, statistics, and information on the surgery programs within the Department and to make evaluations and recommendations. Requires the Inspector General of the VA to review certain mortality and morbidity data collected, make certain determinations as to the appropriateness of the mortality and morbidity rates within the Department of Medicine and Surgery, and report such findings to the Congress. Requires the Administrator to establish the Advisory Committee on Veterans' Administration Facility Planning. Requires the Committee to review the criteria for sizing VA medical facilities. Directs the Committee, not later than October 1 annually, to report its findings to the VA, together with recommendations. Requires the Administrator, not later than six months after each such annual report is submitted, to transmit such report together with comments and recommendations for proposed legislation to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Agricultural Productivity Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make an inventory of existing research and extension materials and recommend further areas of research regarding crop rotation, intercropping, biological pest control, and other related farming and soil conservation systems; and (2) make such information available to the public. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on 24 pilot farms (having specified mixes of livestock and crops) to examine the effects of the transition from practices relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and traditional soil tillage to systems relying on organic and biological pest control, crop rotation, and conservation tillage. Requires such farms to be chosen within 140 days. Directs the Secretary to make a parallel study of 24 farms which have been using such farm systems for at least five years. Sets the term of such projects at five years each. Sets forth on-farm study data, including soil profile changes, crop yields, energy and water use, and farm income. Directs the Secretary to make payments to the owner of a pilot farm if the Secretary determines such payments are justified. Stipulates that these payments may be made only during a project's last four years. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such pilot farms project with specified Federal and State agricultural services, colleges, and farmers. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) within 15 months regarding the information inventory; and (2) by April 1 of each year regarding the pilot farms, with a final project summary and recommendations by April 1 of the year following completion. Provides for a five-year program of intercropping assistance under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Prohibits the obligation of funds during FY 1985 and 1986 for the testing of anti-satellite weapons against objects in space unless the President certifies to the Congress certain findings on actions taken by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Community and Family Living Amendments of 1985 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a State plan to provide a severely disabled individual who is entitled to medical assistance and who is residing in a family home or community living facility with an array of community and family support services which will provide for the health, safety, and effective habilitation or rehabilitation of such individual. Includes community and family support services for severely disabled individuals as "medical assistance" under Medicaid. Permits the inclusion of such services as medical assistance only if such services are provided: (1) to a severely disabled individual residing in a family home or in a community living facility; and (2) in accordance with an individually written habilitation or rehabilitation plan. Specifies services included and excluded as community and family living services. Requires a State, in order to receive payment for community or family support services provided, to: (1) enter into a community and family living implementation agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and (2) submit required reports to the Secretary. Requires a community and family living implementation agreement to include, among others, the following provisions: (1) community living facilities will not be unduly concentrated in any residential area; (2) all the staff with appropriate training; (3) parents of the severely disabled will have training available; (4) case management; (5) an individual will reside as close to his or her family as possible; (6) hearing procedures for individuals who feel they have been inappropriately placed; and (7) suitable State supplementary payments as authorized under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. Requires such agreement to include other specified provisions with respect to severely disabled individuals living in residential facilities which are not family homes or community living facilities. Requires the agreement to include descriptions of methods to be used to achieve the following objectives: (1) to advise severely disabled individuals of alternative arrangements and services available to them, of their right to choose providers, and of their right to a fair hearing; (2) to assure fair and equitable provisions to protect the interests of public employees who will be affected by the transfer of severely disabled individuals from public institutions to community or family living facilities under the agreement; (3) to assure application of fair employment standards and equitable compensation to workers in facilities offering care and services for which payments are made under this Act; and (4) to assure timely submission of any reports required by the Secretary. Sets forth provisions providing for: (1) auditing a State's compliance with this Act; (2) noncompliance; and (3) review by the Comptroller General. Includes, under Medicaid, within the definition of "intermediate care facilities" services in an institution for mentally retarded persons or persons with related conditions if: (1) the individual needs of each newly admitted individual are ascertained by an interdisciplinary team within 30 days; (2) the State has in effect and is implementing an implementation agreement with the Secretary for progressive reduction in the number of severely disabled individuals living in facilities which do not meet the size and location criteria for community living facilities; and (3) the institution, if not operated by the State, has a written agreement with an appropriate State agency to cooperate in the implementation of the agreement. Limits, effective FY 2000, the amounts payable under Medicaid to any State for skilled nursing facility services and intermediate care facility services furnished to severely disabled individuals under age 65 in facilities having not more than 15 beds. Provides that such limitations shall not apply, if: (1) payments are for services for individuals in a facility which meets the size and location requirements for a community living facility; (2) payments are for services for individuals in a facility which was in operation on September 30, 1985, which has not increased the number of beds since September 30, 1985, and which has no more than 15 beds; (3) payments are for services for individuals in a cluster home; or (4) payments are for necessary therapeutic services which are not available in a family home or community living facility in the State. Reduces, effective FY 1988, the Federal medical assistance percentage for skilled nursing facility services and intermediate care facility services furnished to any severely disabled individual under age 65. Requires a State, in order to receive any payments for furnishing community and family support services, to have in effect a system to protect and advocate the rights of eligible severely disabled individuals. Permits an individual injured or adversely affected or aggrieved by a violation of the Community and Family Living Amendments of 1985 to bring an action to enjoin such violation. Requires a State's Medicaid plan to provide for the payment of community and family support services for severely disabled individuals through the use of rates which are reasonable and adequate to assure the provision of services of adequate quality. Permits a State to provide for the eligibility of any severely disabled individual for community and family support services if such individual spends at least five percent of his or her adjusted gross income for necessary medical care and for community and family support services. Provides that whenever an individual is receiving benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act on the basis of a disability which began before such individual attained the age of 22, and but for those benefits would be eligible under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of such Act for either SSI or State supplementary payments then such individual shall be deemed, for Medicaid purposes only, to be receiving SSI or State supplementary payments. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make assessments, conduct a study, and report to the Congress; and (2) issue regulations. Sets forth the effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Designates the month of May 1985 as Very Special Arts U.S.A. Month.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Home Care Protection Act of 1985 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that nursing care and home health aid services may be provided on a daily basis as home health services for up to 60 days with monthly physician certification of the need for such services, and after the 60-day period on a physician certification of exceptional circumstances.