A joint resolution to designate November 1, 1985 as "National Philanthropy Day".
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1985
Designates November 1, 1985, as National Philanthropy Day.
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United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1985
Designates November 1, 1985, as National Philanthropy Day.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1985
Commemorates the accomplishments of The Education of All Handicapped Children Act on its tenth anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1985
Recognizes the National Camp Fire Organization for its 75 years of service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Fuel Cells Energy Utilization Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to redefine the term "cogeneration facility" to include facilities utilizing fuel cell systems. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to redefine the term "domestic renewable energy industry" to include industries using fuel cell technology (thus bringing fuel cells systems technology within the ambit of Federal energy legislation). Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare guidelines for cities and municipalities specifying environmental and safety standards for the use of fuel cell technology. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress regarding the export market potential for integrated systems of fuel cells with renewable power technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Renewable Energy/Fuel Cell Systems Integration Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research program regarding: (1) fuel cell use of methane gas generated from biomass forms; (2) technologies using renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar energy) to produce hydrogen for fuel cell use; and (3) fuel cell technology for electric power production as backup spinning reserve components to renewable power systems in rural and isolated areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, private research laboratories. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the fuel cell research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Designates March 21, 1986, as National Energy Education Day.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1985
Designates November 1985 as American Liver Foundation National Liver Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1985
Designates the year of 1986 as the Sesquicentennial Year of the National Library of Medicine.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1985
Designates the week of October 20 through October 26, 1985, as National Temporary Services Week.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exclude the employees of States and local governments from the provisions of that Act relating to maximum hours. Revises the definition of "employee" under that Act to exclude any volunteer for a State, local, or interstate public agency, even if such volunteer is paid expenses or a nominal fee to perform the voluntary services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends the District of Columbia Stadium Act of 1957 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey without consideration to the government of the District of Columbia all right, title, and interest of the United States to the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. Requires the terms and conditions of such conveyance to insure that the property will be used only: (1) for stadium purposes; (2) for providing recreational facilities, open space, or public outdoor recreation opportunities; and (3) for such other public purposes for which the property was used prior to June 1, 1985. States that the instrument of conveyance to the District of Columbia shall revert back to the United States if such conditions have not been complied with and such noncompliance has not been corrected within 90 days after written notice has been received by the Mayor. Prohibits the bringing of an action for use violation before 90 days after notice to the mayor of the alleged violation and the intent to bring such action. Includes certain parking sections as part of the schematic design of the Map to Designate Transfer of Stadium and Parking Lots to The District.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Civil Rights Remedies Equalization Act of 1985 - Makes the remedies available under the anti-discrimination provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Education Amendments, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 applicable with respect to a State.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Administrator of the Small Business Administration should be designated by the President as a member of the Cabinet and as the principal advisor on small business matters. Upgrades such position to level I of the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Designates the week of September 23 through September 29, 1985, as National Historically Black Colleges Week.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Designates October 1985 as Learning Disabilities Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that it condemns the growing incidence of violence against health care facilities (most of which provide abortion services). Encourages the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Department of Justice to intensify their efforts and apprehend and convict the perpetrators of such violence. Urges the Department of Justice to use all applicable Federal criminal statutes against such persons.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Designates the week beginning September 1, 1985, as National School-Age Child Care Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as long-term capital gain amounts actually paid to a taxpayer with respect to a small business participating debenture which constitute the distribution of a share of earnings of the issuer. Defines "small business participating debenture" (SBPD) as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which: (1) is a general obligation of such business; (2) bears interest at a rate not less than specified by the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's total earnings. Defines "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose paid-in capital does not exceed $1,000,000 immediately before the small business participating debenture is issued; (2) the face value of whose outstanding SBPD's does not exceed $1,000,000; (3) which has no securities outstanding subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission; (4) which derived more than 50 percent of its aggregate gross receipts from sources other than royalties, rents, dividends, interest, annuities, sales and exchanges of stocks or securities, and transactions in real estate; and (5) which is not under foreign control. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on such debentures. Treats losses on small business participating debentures as ordinary loss.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1985
Designates the week of August 25 through August 31, 1985, as National CPR Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1985
Declares that whether or not the position of an agency in an adjudicative proceeding was substantially justified shall be determined on the basis of the administrative record, as a whole, in the adversary adjudication for which fees and expenses are sought. Provides that the decision on the award of legal fees and other expenses by the adjudicative officer of a Federal agency that conducts an adversary proceeding shall be the final administrative decision. Bars any such decision when the Government appeals the underlying merits of an adversary adjudication until a final and unreviewable decision is rendered by the court on appeal or until the underlying merits of the case have been finally determined pursuant to the appeal. Amends the definition of a "party" which is eligible to be awarded legal expenses to exclude any individual whose net worth exceeds $2,000,000 (currently $1,000,000) and any entity whose net worth exceeds $7,000,000 (currently $5,000,000), including any local government. Redefines an "adversary adjudication" for which such expenses may be awarded to include any appeal before an agency board of contract appeals under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978. Authorizes a party, other than the United States, if dissatisfied with an adjudicative officer's determination of such expenses, to appeal the determination to the appropriate U.S. court within 30 days after such determination is made. Requires a court's determination on such an appeal to be based solely on the factual record made before the agency. Authorizes a court to modify the determination only if it finds that the failure to make an award of expenses or the calculation of the amount of the award was unsupported by substantial evidence. Requires agencies to pay litigation expenses to prevailing parties from funds made available to the agency by appropriation or otherwise. Defines "civil action" to include any appeal by a party other than the United States from a decision of a contracting officer on a dispute in a Federal contract. Provides that a person shall be a prevailing party in eminent domain proceedings if the person obtains a final judgment which is at least as close to the highest valuation of the property attested to at trial on behalf of the property owner as it is to the highest valuation of the property attested to at trial on behalf of the Government. Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to provide that certain provisions of the Social Security Act limiting attorney fees in old age, survivors and disability insurance benefit actions shall not apply with respect to the award of legal expenses to the prevailing party. Repeals provisions which limit the payment of judgments, fees, and other expenses to amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts. Authorizes awards for fees and expenses incurred before October 1, 1981, in adversary adjudications commenced on or after such date. Revives certain expired provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act relating to the termination date for awarding fees and expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1985
Designates November 18, 1985, as Eugene Ormandy Appreciation Day.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
United States Peace Tax Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit conscientious objectors to designate their income, estate, or gift tax payments for nonmilitary purposes. Establishes within the Treasury a United States Peace Tax Fund (Fund) to receive such tax payments. Defines a "conscientious objector" as an individual who by reason of religious training and belief is opposed to participation in war in any form and either: (1) has been exempted from combat training and service in the armed forces under the Military Selective Service Act; or (2) who satisfactorily demonstrates that he is conscientiously opposed to war in any form. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to deny such status to a taxpayer upon a finding that the taxpayer is not entitled to make such a designation. Allows a taxpayer to challenge such a denial by bringing an action in the United States Tax Court or in a U.S. district court for a declaratory judgment as to whether the taxpayer is an eligible individual and entitled to make such a designation. Requires every taxpayer who makes such a designation for any taxable year to file a questionnaire return during such year for the purpose of determining whether the taxpayer is an eligible individual. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to 1988 if the taxpayer pays the tax due (with interest) and satisfactorily establishes that the nonpayment was due to religious beliefs. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding year for military purposes. Requires the publication of such information in the Congressional Record. Establishes a United States Peace Tax Fund Board of Trustees to direct research efforts on behalf of world peace. Sets forth the membership structure and duties of the Board. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1985
Civil Rights Amendments Act of 1985 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of affectional or sexual orientation. Provides that this Act shall not be construed to permit a finding of discrimination based on statistical differences or the fashioning of any remedy requiring a quota. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require any person to disclose a personal sexual orientation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that any tax reform legislation adopted by the Senate should not impose a tax on the annual increase in the value of permanent life insurance.
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 · 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 · 26 June 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct a study for the purpose of determining tolerable State error rates under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program (part A of title IV of the Social Security Act); and (2) contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a concurrent study. Sets forth reporting requirements. Sets the AFDC error rate at four percent (currently three percent). Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive all or any part of any sanction that would otherwise be imposed upon a State if the State is unable to reach the allowable error rate despite a good faith effort. Permits a State to request such a waiver upon a showing that: (1) it has made a good faith effort to reduce erroneous payments; or (2) its error rate was determined incorrectly and should be lower. Permits a State to appeal the Secretary's denial of a waiver. Provides for a moratorium on reducing payments for excess errors. States that it is the intent of the Congress to revise such moratorium at a time after the reports required by this Act have been submitted. Provides for incentive payments to States with error rates under four percent, but not until the moratorium is lifted. Provides that when determining a State's error rate: (1) the rate shall be fixed at the lower bound of the standard interval for errors within which the State's true error rate falls; and (2) errors which are technical in nature or have no fiscal impact shall be disregarded.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985
Department of International Trade and Industry Act of 1985 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth congressional findings and definitions related to this Act. Title II: Department of International Trade and Industry - Part A: Establishment - Establishes an independent Department of International Trade and Industry which shall be administered by a Secretary of International Trade and Industry. Requires that the Secretary shall be the U.S. Trade Representative. Sets forth the functions of the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to be: (1) Chairman of the Board of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; (2) Chairman pro tempore of the interagency organization established pursuant to the Trade Expansion Act of 1962; (3) a member of the National Security Council; and (4) Deputy Chairman of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture on all matters which potentially involve international trade in agricultural products. Requires that the Secretary shall be chairman and the Secretary of Agriculture shall be Vice Chairman of any negotiation that includes discussion of international trade in agricultural products. Authorizes the Secretary, except where expressly prohibited by law, to assign the responsibility for conducting an international trade negotiation to the head of another Federal agency if the subject matter of the negotiation is related to the functions of that agency. Requires the President, if the provisions of a regulation, executive order, or executive agreement may have a significant impact on the international economic competitiveness of significant domestic product and service industries, to submit a statement to specified congressional committees describing the likely impact of such provisions. Requires such statement to be submitted at least 60 days before the regulation, order, or agreement will take effect. Authorizes the President to waive the impact statements if, in order to serve the national interest or deal with an emergency situation, the regulation, order, or agreement must take effect immediately. Requires that the report of a bill or resolution which contains provisions that would have a significant impact on the international economic competitiveness of significant domestic product and service industries shall contain a statement describing the likely impact of such provisions. Part B: Offices and Administrations - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Establishes within the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. Establishes within the Department: (1) the United States Travel and Tourism Administration; (2) the Administration for Productivity and Technology (composed of the Patent and Trademark Office, the National Bureau of Standards, and Office of Telecommunications and Information, and the National Technical Information Service); and (3) the Office of Competitive Analysis, which shall provide information and analysis for the Secretary, the Department, and the Congress with respect to trade policy, trade negotiating strategy, and other policies affecting the competitiveness of domestic industries. Requires the Office of Competitive Analysis to report annually to the Congress on economic and technological developments affecting the competitive position of U.S. industry. Directs the Secretary to convene an industry sector competitiveness council for specified industry sectors to assess actual or potential dislocation, challenge, or opportunity for the industry involved and to formulate recommendations for business, government, and labor. Part C: Officers - Establishes in the Department a Deputy Secretary of International Trade and Industry who, among other things, shall be Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Establishes within the Department three Under Secretaries of International Trade and Industry, including an Under Secretary for Travel and Tourism. Establishes within the Department an Administrator for Productivity and Technology who shall administer the Administration for Productivity and Technology. Establishes within the Department nine Assistant Secretaries including an Assistant Secretary for Patents and Trademarks and an Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information. Establishes within the Department a General Counsel and an Inspector General. Lists other officers within the Department. Part D: Transfers to the Department - Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Transfers to the Secretary, except for functions transferred by title III, IV, and V: (1) all functions of the Secretary of Commerce; (2) all functions of the Department of Commerce; and (3) all functions of specified officers within the Department of Commerce. Part E: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions dealing with: (1) personnel issues; (2) the power of the Secretary to delegate functions; (3) the succession of officers within the Department; (4) the authority of the Secretary to reorganize the Department; (5) the authority of the Secretary to issue rules and regulations; (6) the establishment of a working capital fund for the Department; (7) the transfer of funds; and (8) other administrative matters. Part F: Related Agencies - Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require that the interagency trade organization established pursuant to that Act shall be composed of the President, the Secretaries of International Trade and Industry, Agriculture, Defense, Labor, and Treasury and the heads of such other departments and agencies and such other officers as the President shall designate. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that the Deputy Secretary of International Trade and Industry shall serve as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that the Secretary shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and that the Director of the United States International Development Cooperation Agency shall be the Vice Chairman of such Board. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to make the Secretary a member of the National Security Council. Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to require the U.S. executive director of the International Monetary Fund to consult with the Secretary on matters under consideration by the Fund which relate to trade. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Council on International Trade, Economic, and Financial Policy to coordinate U.S. trade policies with U.S. international economic policies. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President an Advisor to the President for International Trade, Economic, and Financial Policy who shall be Executive Director of the Council and Executive Director of the interagency organization established pursuant to the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Requires the Advisor to report to the President and the Congress every six months on actual and potential conflicts between U.S. international economic policies and U.S.trade policies. Part G: Conforming Provisions - Sets forth conforming amendments. Title III: Establishment of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as an Independent Agency - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act of 1983 - Part A: Establishment of Administration - Establishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as an independent agency. Requires the Administration to include specified officers, including an Administrator (appointed by the President) and a Deputy Administrator. Transfers the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce to the Administration. Part B: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the President on the activities of the Administration. Title IV: Establishment of the Bureau of the Census as an Independent Agency - Establishes the Bureau of the Census as an independent agency. Transfers the Bureau of the Census of the Department of Commerce to the Bureau. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Bureau of the Census. Directs the President to report to the Congress, within 90 days of the effective date of this Act, on the coordination of statistical functions between the Bureau and the Department involved in carrying out certain statistical functions. Title V: Transfers to Other Federal Agencies - Part A: Minority Business Development Agency - Transfers the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce to the Small Business Administration. Part B: Economic Development Administration - Transfers the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce to the Department of Agriculture. Title VI: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Provides for transfers of other functions of the Secretary of Commerce which are not dealt with in earlier titles. Sets forth transitional, savings, and conforming provisions relating to changes made by this Act. Terminates the Department of Commerce. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this Act. Provides for interim appointment of certain officers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
Designates the week of September 15 through September 21, 1985, as National Dental Hygiene Week.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1985
Congratulates the Society of Real Estate Appraisers on its Golden Anniversary for its service to the public interest with professional expertise.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985
Fair Insurance Coverage Act - Prohibits any insurer from discriminating in an insurance contract against any person because of blindness. Includes within the prohibition refusing to make or negotiate a contract for insurance or giving different treatment with respect to terms, conditions, rates, or benefits because of blindness. Establishes a preference for State actions prior to judicial enforcement under this Act. Authorizes any aggrieved person, in the absence of State actions or jurisdiction, to bring an action under this Act for individual relief. Authorizes the Attorney General of the United States to bring an action for injunctive relief whenever there is reasonable cause to believe a person is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination or when an individual is aggrieved and an issue of general public importance is raised. Grants the Federal district courts jurisdiction of such actions regardless of the amount in controversy. Allows a court to order monetary, equitable, or other appropriate relief, including punitive damages.
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 · 6 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should retain the current corporate average fuel economy standard for passenger automobiles.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) should not sell advanced weapons to Jordan; (2) should ensure that Israel retains its qualitative military edge in the Middle East; and (3) should focus its efforts on bringing Jordan into direct peace negotiations with Israel.
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 · 24 May 1985
Authorizes the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor the courageous slaves and free black persons of the American Revolution. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, to select the site, approve the design and plans, and provide for maintenance. Prohibits the use of any Federal funds for the memorial's construction. Terminates the Foundation's authority to establish such memorial five years from the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1985
Home and Community Based Services for the Elderly Act of 1985 - Amends title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize a block grant program for home and community based services for the elderly. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Allots State funding based on a State's elderly population as compared with the elderly population of the United States. Makes Indian tribes and tribal organizations eligible grant recipients. States that grants may be used to: (1) identify elderly individuals who are eligible for services; (2) plan and manage services to be provided; (3) educate the public and medical and social professionals concerning the availability of services; (4) encourage the participation of families and voluntary organizations; (5) train personnel; and (6) coordinate long-term care services. Permits States to provide services for the elderly through grants to eligible organizations. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) inpatient services; (2) cash payments to intended recipients; (3) land purchase or construction; (4) purchases of major medical equipment; or (5) satisfying any requirement for the expenditure of non-Federal funds. Set forth State application provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1985
Amends the Small Business Act to treat businesses owned by economically disadvantaged Indian tribes (including any Alaskan Native village or regional or village corporation) as socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses for purposes of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) business development program. Sets forth specified factors to be considered by the SBA in determining the economic disadvantage of an Indian tribe.
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 · 8 May 1985
Health Planning and Resource Allocation Act of 1985 - Amends title XV (National Health Planning and Development) of the Public Health Service Act to replace the existing local planning agencies with a single State health services and resource allocation agency, designated by the State Governor. Directs such agency to: (1) develop and administer the State health services and resource allocation plan; (2) develop and administer the State administrative program; (3) administer the certificate of need program; and (4) prepare the annual report. Requires a State agency to review a certificate of need application according to procedures and criteria developed by such agency in accordance with the Secretary of Health and Human Services' regulations. Requires the Governor of each State to appoint a health planning State Advisory Board. Requires two-thirds of each Board's membership to be major purchasers of health care services. Requires each State agency to report annually to the Governor, who shall transmit such report to the Secretary. Authorizes State grants (based on population) for health planning and resource allocation. Sets minimum grant amounts. Requires the Governor to submit a grant application. Permits the Governor to use such funds for entities within the State providing health planning services or support services for the State agency. States that the Federal share shall be 75 percent. Authorizes appropriations beginning with FY 1986. Authorizes grants to local planning agencies to: (1) assist in health planning and resource allocation; and (2) encourage the development of cost-effective alternatives to current health care financing and delivery systems. States that the Federal grant share shall be 95 percent in FY 1986, 85 percent in FY 1987, and 75 percent in FY 1988 and each succeeding fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations beginning in FY 1986. Directs the Secretary, by grant or contract, to assist in the operation of three health planning centers, with priority given to centers in existence as of September 30, 1985. Sets forth assistance requirements. Authorizes appropriations beginning with FY 1986. Establishes a 15 member National Health Planning and Resource Control Council to: (1) review the annual reports required by this Act; and (2) advise the Secretary regarding health planning, congressional reporting requirements, and resource allocation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress by March 1, of each year regarding health planning, resource allocation, and cost containment.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985
Title I: Recognition of Injustice and an Apology on Behalf of the Nation - States that the Congress accepts the findings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians and recognizes that a grave injustice was done to both citizens and resident aliens of Japanese ancestry by the evacuation, relocation, and internment of civilians during World War II. Title II: United States Citizens of Japanese Ancestry and Resident Japanese Aliens - Requests the President to offer pardons to those convicted of violating laws during the internment period whose conduct was based on a refusal to accept racially or ethnically discriminatory treatment. Provides that Federal departments and agencies that review applications for restitution of positions, status, or entitlement lost during the internment period shall review such applications giving full consideration to the findings of the Commission. Establishes within the Treasury a Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Requires the Attorney General to pay $20,000 from the Fund in compensation to each surviving internee. Establishes a Board of Directors which shall be responsible for making disbursements from the Fund. Provides that disbursements from the Fund shall be used to: (1) sponsor research and public educational activities dealing with the internment; (2) fund studies of similar civil liberties abuses; (3) prepare and distribute hearings and findings of the Commission; and (4) promote the general welfare of the ethnic Japanese community in the United States. Title III: Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution - Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Act - Establishes within the Treasury the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Fund. Directs the Administrator of the Fund (the Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Association) to make restitution for certain Aleut losses sustained in World War II. Requires the Administrator to establish a trust of $5,000,000 and to distribute the interest of such trust for: (1) the benefit of the elderly, disabled, or seriously ill; (2) students in need of scholarship assistance; (3) preservation of Aleut cultural heritage and historical records (4) the improvement of community centers of affected Aleut villages; and (5) other purposes to improve Aleut life. Authorizes the Administrator to rebuild and restore churches and church property damaged or destroyed in Aleut villages during World War II. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments of $12,000 from the fund to eligible Aleuts for any uncompensated personal property losses. Provides that such payments shall not be considered income or receipts for purposes of Federal taxes or determining eligibility for Federal benefits or assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of the Army to implement a program for the removal and disposal of live ammunition, obsolete buildings, abandoned machinery, and other hazardous debris remaining in populated areas of the lower Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. States that the authority contained in this Act shall be supplemental to the authority of the Secretary of Defense in administering the Environmental Restoration Defense Account and shall be exercised only in the event that such account is inadequate to eliminate hazardous military debris from populated areas of the Lower Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. Authorizes appropriations. Provides that bidding rights for surplus Federal property might be exercised by the Aleut Corporation in lieu of conveyance of Attu Island to the Aleut people, such island having been designated as wilderness. States that the bidding rights shall be exercised by the Aleut Corporation without any preference over any other bidder. Provides that an amount equal to $500 for each acre traditionally occupied by the Aleut people on Attu Island shall be transferred to the Corporation account established by this Act and made available to the Corporation for such bidding.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1985
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a permit authorizing the incineration of hazardous waste at sea before the Congress receives a hazardous waste reduction and management feasibility report and plan and recommendations from the Administrator to assure that responsible parties are held liable and pay cleanup costs and damages, and the Administrator issues final permit regulations based upon such report and plan and public comments. Directs the Administrator to contract with the Office of Technology Assessment to prepare within three years of this Act's enactment a hazardous waste reduction and managment feasibility report which includes: (1) descriptive surveys of location and types of hazardous wastes and hazardous waste streams; (2) alternative storage and land-based technologies; (3) an assessment of wastes released into the environment and the impact of at sea incineration on human health and the marine environment; (4) epidemiological studies; and (5) an analysis of the transportation impacts for the land or barge transport of the hazardous wastes to the loading site for ocean incineration. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress within three years of the report a hazardous waste reduction and management plan which includes: (1) a comprehensive waste management plan; (2) coordination with Federal agencies for major spills of hazardous waste in port, in transit, and during incineration at sea; and (3) legislation which encourages the development of environmentally sound hazardous waste reduction and treatment technologies. Requires the Administrator to involve the public in formulating this plan through hearings and comment. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress transcripts of public hearings together with EPA's written response. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Congress supports Solidarity Sunday for Soviet Jewry.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) ensure that U.S. officials carry out the pledge to resolve the issue of the Americans still missing and unaccounted for in Indochina; (2) work for the immediate release of any Americans still held captive and the return of the remains of those who died in Southeast Asia; and (3) make every effort to secure the further cooperation of Laos and Vietnam in resolving this issue.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should pay honor to the memories of the innocent civilians and American and Allied soldiers who died at the hands of the Nazis; (2) it is fitting and appropriate for the President, in a gesture of reconciliation, to visit the Federal Republic of Germany; (3) the President should recognize the importance of the relationship between the two countries; and (4) the President should reassess his planned itinerary for his forthcoming trip to the Federal Republic of Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Designates May 6, 1985, as Dr. Jonas E. Salk Day.
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 · 22 April 1985
Designates the week beginning September 22, 1985, as National Adult Day Care Center Week.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the corporate tax rates should remain graduated.