Defence

Military Real Property Disposal Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985

Military Real Property Disposal Act of 1985 - Alters the criteria for triggering the notice requirements before a proposed closure or realignment of any military installation may take place. Repeals the current criterion regarding any closure and any realignment involving a reduction of more than 1,000 or more than 50 percent of the civilian personnel authorized at the installation in question. Establishes as a new criterion any closure or realignment which increases the rate of unemployment in the economic region in question by one percent or more. Requires the Secretary of Defense or the military department concerned to include a socio-economic impact statement in any justification to the Armed Services Committees concerning a closing or realignment. Reduces the waiting period following the justification from 60 to 30 days. Removes the requirement that at least 300 civilian personnel be employed at a military installation before it is considered a military installation for purposes of such closures or realignments.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Veterans' Administration to make temporary and part-time appointments of certain health-care personnel for periods in excess of one year.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985

Amends Federal provisions regarding employment within the Veterans Administration's Department of Medicine and Surgery to allow the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to employ, on a temporary or part-time basis, certified or registered respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and licensed practical or vocational nurses.

A concurrent resolution calling upon the President to grant asylum to those individuals who seek asylum in the United States rather than serve in the South African armed forces in support of apartheid.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985

Calls upon the President to grant asylum in the United States to individuals who do not want to serve in the armed forces of South Africa because of the policy of apartheid.

A bill to provide additional funding and authority for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in order to improve the counterterrorist capabilities of the Bureau.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to carry out counterterrorism activities, including the purchase of additional vehicles. Authorizes the Attorney General to pay in advance for expenses arising out of contractual and reimbursable agreements with State and local law enforcement agencies while engaged in cooperative activities related to terrorism.

A joint resolution authorizing a memorial to be erected in the District of Columbia or its environs.

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.

A bill to provide additional funding and authority for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in order to improve the counterterrorist capabilities of the Bureau.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to carry out counterterrorism activities, including the purchase of additional vehicles. Authorizes the Attorney General to pay in advance for expenses arising out of contractual and reimbursable agreements with State and local law enforcement agencies while engaged in cooperative activities related to terrorism.

Veterans' Administration Reorganization Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985

Veterans' Administration Reorganization Act of 1985 - Defines the "detailed plan and justification" which is required of the Administrator of Veterans Affairs before certain administrative reorganizations of Veterans Administration (VA) facilities may occur. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake a reorganization within the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the VA to transfer the functions of the Technology and Performance Evaluation Section and the Information and Education Service at the VA Prosthetics Center in New York to a new Prosthetics Assessment and Information Center in the Washington, D.C., area.

Protection of United States Government Personnel Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985

Protection of United States Government Personnel Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal criminal code to punish any person who kills or attempts to kill any U.S. citizen in a foreign country. Provides for a term of imprisonment for any term of years or life. Makes it an offense for any person in an act of international terrorism to assault, wound, strike, imprison, endanger, or make any other violent attack upon the person or liberty of any U.S. citizen in any foreign country (or make violent attack on his or her official premises, private accommodation or means of transport). Provides for a fine of not more than $15,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than three years. Increases the fine to $10,000 and/or imprisonment to ten years if a deadly or dangerous weapon is used. Grants the United States jurisdiction over the offense if the alleged offender is present in the United States, irrespective of the place where the offense was committed or the nationality of the victim or the alleged offender. Authorizes the Attorney General to receive assistance of any Federal, State, or local agency (including the military) in enforcing this provision.

A resolution concerning TWA Flight 847.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it deplores the policy of terrorism against the United States by Shiite terrorists and considers such actions as an act of war; (2) the President reserves the right to resort to military measures to defend U.S. citizens; (3) it strongly endorses U.S. policy to not negotiate with terrorists; and (4) it calls for the cessation of American flights into Greece until security measures there meet established international standards.

Donald Alden Hicks, of California, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, vice Richard D. DeLauer, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 25 June 1985

Security Clearance Information Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1985

Security Clearance Information Act of 1985 - Directs any Federal, State or local criminal justice agency (including courts), upon request by the Department of Defense, the Office of Personnel Management, or the Central Intelligence Agency, to make available any criminal history record information regarding any individual under investigation by such requesting agency. Makes such information available for the purposes of determining eligibility for: (1) access to classified information; (2) assignment to sensitive national security duties; or (3) acceptance or retention in the armed services. Requires the requesting agency to obtain written consent from the individual under investigation for the release of such information. Prohibits any criminal history record information received under this Act from being disclosed except for the above purposes or pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974.

A bill to provide for a two-year budget cycle for the Department of Defense beginning with fiscal year 1988.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1985

Directs the President to include within his FY 1988 budget submitted to the Congress a two-year Department of Defense proposed budget for FY 1988 and 1989. Directs the President to thereafter submit a proposed two-year budget for such Department every other year. Requires the Secretary of Defense, not later than July 1, 1986, to report to the Committees on Armed Services and on Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives on a proposed two-year budget cycle for the Department of Defense.

A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide a procedure for an alien who dies while serving on active-duty with the United States armed forces during certain periods of hostilities to be considered a citizen of the United States at the time of the alien's death.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1985

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for posthumous naturalization by reason of death while on active-duty service in the armed forces during periods of military hostilities.

A bill to direct the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish a national cemetary in Knoxville, Tennessee.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985

Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish a national cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee; and (2) accept from the State of Tennessee a tract of land to be used to establish such cemetery.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend protection to Veterans' Administration health care personnel from suits alleging the commission of certain torts during the furnishing of medical care or treatment.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1985

Extends protection from certain malpractice suits to health care personnel of the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans Administration.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit discrimination in employment because of the status of certain individuals as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces or as a member of the National Guard.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985

Amends veterans' reemployment rights provisions to prohibit discrimination in hiring due to an individual's membership in the National Guard or reserve component of the armed forces.

Act to Combat International Terrorism

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985

Act to Combat International Terrorism - Defines "international terrorism" for purposes of this Act. Defines "state support of international terrorism" as any act of terrorism when committed deliberately by a State by: (1) furnishing arms, explosives, or lethal substances; (2) planning, directing, or training for such an act; (3) providing financial support; (4) providing diplomatic facilities to aid in the commission of such an act; or (5) allowing the use of its territory as a sanctuary from extradition or prosecution. Directs the President to report to the Congress every six months on incidents he determines to be acts of international terrorism. Requires the President to report within 30 days of an occurrence of terrorism if it involves citizens, property, or significant interests of the United States. Requires the report to include: (1) a description of the incident and identity of the individual, group or organization involved in the incident; (2) the identity of any government providing support; (3) a description of the actions of any government assisting in bringing about a positive termination of the incident; and (4) a description of U.S. response to the incident. Directs the President, every six months, to submit a list of states supporting international terrorism to the Congress with reasons for such determinations. Provides that with respect to any listed state the President: (1) shall not provide assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) shall not sell any defense articles under the Arms Control Act; and (3) shall follow a certain procedure with regard to applications for licenses under the Arms Export Control Act. Authorizes the President to devise initiatives to combat international terrorist actions and reduce state support for such actions, including: (1) the suspension of air service between the United States and any state supporting international terrorist actions; and (2) appropriate diplomatic measures. Requires the President to promptly and fully inform the Congress on such actions. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct an assessment and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of security measures at foreign airports. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate authorities of a foreign government if the Secretary finds that one of its airports does not maintain and administer effective security measures. Sets forth notification procedures and, in certain circumstances, procedures to suspend service with regard to an airport which fails to bring security measures up to the specified standards. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training to foreign governments in aviation security. Amends the Federal criminal code to define "identification taggant" and "detection taggant." Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture any explosive material which does not contain an identification taggant and a detection taggant. Prohibits the resale or disposal of any explosive material sold as surplus by a military, naval, or other agency of the United States which does not contain such identification or detection taggants. Allows the Secretary of the Treasury, under certain conditions, to delay the requirements with regard to detection and identification taggants. Exempts explosive material used by the Department of Defense or for national security from such identification requirements. Amends the Federal criminal code with regard to the destruction of aircraft facilities. Prohibits any act of violence against an individual on board a foreign aircraft while such aircraft is in flight. Makes it an offense to cause damage to (or place explosive devices or substances on) a foreign aircraft which renders it incapable of flight or is likely to endanger that aircraft's safety in flight. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to extend the "special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States" to any violator of the Montreal Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation as long as the aircraft involved lands in the United States with an alleged offender still on board. Makes it a Federal criminal offense to convey any threats with the apparent determination and will to carry out such a threat with regard to the destruction of aircraft, trains, or vessels. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to provide civil and criminal penalties for conveying false information with regard to aircraft piracy. Imposes a civil penalty upon any unauthorized person having possession of a concealed weapon while aboard or boarding any aircraft. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure more effective cooperation in combating terrorism.

A resolution to honor the members of the Airborne Ranger companies who served in the Korean War.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985

Recognizes the contributions made by members of the Airborne Ranger companies who served in the Korean conflict.

Armed Forces Dental Officers Special Pay Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1985

Armed Forces Dental Officers Special Pay Act of 1985 - Revises both the amount of special pay to which a dental officer is entitled and the amount of time a dental officer must have served on active duty in a specified category to be entitled to special pay. Sets forth special pay provisions for dental officers undergoing residency training. Requires specified officers receiving additional special pay to agree to remain on active duty for at least one more year. Requires an officer breaking such agreement to refund a prorated amount. Permits the Secretary of the relevant military department to terminate such additional pay at will.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the uniformed services to furnish dental prostheses to dependents of members of the uniformed services in facilities of the uniformed services without reimbursement.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1985

Authorizes the furnishing of dental prostheses at no charge to military dependents in facilities of the uniformed services.

A joint resolution to establish a national commission on espionage and security.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1985

Establishes the National Commission on Espionage and Security. States that the purpose of such Commission shall be to conduct an investigation and study with respect to the adequacy of counterespionage, counterintelligence, and security activities of the United States in the protection of vital secret defense, foreign policy, and intelligence information of the United States. Sets forth the requirements for membership on such Commission. Authorizes the Commission to employ and fix the compensation of such persons as it deems necessary and appropriate. Authorizes the Commission to hold hearings, and take testimony and depositions under oath. Directs the Commission to make an investigation and study with respect to: (1) the nature and extent of recent penetrations of, or efforts to penetrate, the United States Government by foreign powers to obtain defense, foreign policy and intelligence information; (2) the extent and adequacy of efforts by the United States to detect and protect against such penetrations; (3) the adequacy and effectiveness of specified classification and security systems and certain types of investigations; and (4) other related matters as the Commission deems necessary in order to carry out its responsibilities. Directs all departments and agencies of the United States Government to: (1) cooperate with the Commission; (2) render such assistance as the Commission may request; (3) provide such information and testimony as the Commission may request; and (4) provide access to all records, documents and other material as the Commission may request. Grants the Commission subpoena power to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and production of information relating to a matter under investigation by the Commission. Authorizes enforcement of such subpoenas in any U.S. District Court of competent jurisdiction. Requires the Commission to make a final report of the results of its investigation, together with its findings and recommendations, no later than March 1, 1987. Provides that the Commission may also submit such interim reports as it considers appropriate. Terminates the Commission three calendar months after submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations.

A joint resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that, based on the June 13, 1985 decision of the Merit Systems Protection Board removing Mr. Charles O. Starrett from the position of Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency, Mr. George B. Spanton, former DCAA auditor, replace Charles O. Starrett as the Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1985

Provides for the appointment of a new Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency, following the dismissal of such agency's director by the Merit Systems Protection Board.

National Security Protection Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1985

National Security Protection Act of 1985 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the Congress within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act: (1) on the existing capabilities of the military departments and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to conduct counterintelligence operations; and (2) on plans of the Secretary for reduction in the number of members of the armed forces of the United States and civilian employees of the Department of Defense who hold clearances granting them access to classified information. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to punish acts of espionage in time of peace by imprisonment for any term of years or for life or by death. Makes such acts of espionage involving the Soviet Union or any other Communist country punishable by death or mandatory life imprisonment. Requires the Secretary of Defense to use polygraph examinations to assist in determining the initial eligibility of persons to have access to sensitive compartmented information and the continued access to such information. Permits the Secretary to use polygraph examinations to assist in determining the initial eligibility of persons to have access to classified information other than sensitive compartmented information and the continued access to such information. Prohibits the use of the polygraph examination as the sole basis for denying eligibility for clearance or access to any classified information. Permits the refusal of clearance or access to classified information of individuals who refuse to submit to polygraph examinations. Requires a report to the Congress on plans to implement the polygraph examination requirements. Restricts the death penalty for an act of espionage to cases involving the Soviet Union or any other Communist country and the documents or information involved is classified. Imposes a mandatory life term of imprisonment for espionage involving the Soviet Union or any other Communist country. Prohibits any probation or suspension of sentence for individuals convicted of espionage involving the Soviet Union or other Communist country, and denies such individuals any opportunity for parole.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, with respect to the disclosure of statistical information regarding Veterans' Administration health-care programs.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1985

Revises Federal provisions concerning the confidentiality of certain medical records of the Veterans Administration to allow for the disclosure of purely statistical information regarding VA health-care programs.

A resolution providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 1872) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1986 for the Armed Forces for procurement, for research, development, test, and evaluation, for operation and maintenance, and for working capital funds, to prescribe personnel strengths for such fiscal year for the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1985

Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 1872 (armed forces funding).

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that procurement of the new United States weather radar system, NEXRAD, continue on schedule and according to the established minimum requirements agreed to by the National Weather Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that procurement of the new U.S. weather radar system, NEXRAD, continue on schedule and according to the established minimum requirements agreed to by the National Weather Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense.

A concurrent resolution to establish a Joint Select Committee on Defense Procurement Reform.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1985

Establishes in the Congress a joint select committee to be known as the Joint Select Committee on Defense Procurement Reform whose functions shall be to: (1) conduct a thorough study of defense procurement practices; and (2) make legislative recommendations to the Armed Services Committees of each House of the Congress to eliminate waste and abuse of the defense procurement system. Provides for appointment and membership of the joint select committee. Outlines authority, rules of procedure, and administrative provisions concerning the joint select committee. Requires the joint select committee, not later than January 31, 1986, to report to the Committees on Armed Services of each House of the Congress on the results of its study of defense procurement practices, together with any legislative recommendations it deems advisable.

A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to create a new Federal criminal offense of treasonous espionage--the unauthorized disclosure of classified information relating to national defense for profit, and to provide for the penalty of death by firing squad for such offense.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985

Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a criminal offense for the unauthorized disclosure of classified secret information for profit to any foreign government (or faction therein) with the intent to injure the United States or for the advantage of a foreign nation. Authorizes the death penalty if such disclosure severely jeopardizes the national security of the United States. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury or the court (upon motion by the defendant) when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to such offense, except when the Government stipulates that one or more mitigating factors exist. Requires the jury or the court (if there is no jury) to find that one or more specified mitigating factors exist. States that if such a factor exists the court shall not sentence the defendant to death. Declares that if the death penalty is imposed such sentence shall be carried out by a firing squad. Requires the Attorney General to make a live video and audio coverage of any execution available to the public.

A bill to modify the tax treatment of certain long-term contracts with the Department of Defense.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to modify income tax regulations relating to accounting for long-term contracts to provide that: (1) the amount includible in gross income with respect to any Defense Department long-term contract shall not be less than a certain amount; and (2) the completed contract method may not be used with respect to Defense Department long-term contracts. Defines Defense Department long-term contract as: (1) any long-term contract to which the Defense Department is a party; or (2) a subcontract to such a contract. Excludes certain contracts from consideration as Defense Department long-term contracts. Sets forth rules for the determination of a taxpayer's gross receipts.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1986

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1985

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1986 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities in specified departments and agencies of the U.S. Government, including the Central Intelligence Agency (Agency) and the Department of Defense. Requires the Director of Central Intelligence or the Secretary of Defense to notify the appropriate congressional committees of any intent to spend funds other than as specifically authorized. Prohibits reprogramming or fund transfers except in restricted circumstances. Authorizes the Director of Central Intelligence to employ civilian personnel in excess of the ceiling for such personnel when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Authorizes the National Security Agency to secure the design and construction of a research and engineering facility at their headquarters at Ft. Meade, Maryland. Title II: Intelligence Community Staff - Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Staff for FY 1986. Establishes an end strength ceiling of 233 full-time Intelligence Community Staff employees. Provides that the Intelligence Community Staff shall be administered in the same manner as the Central Intelligence Agency. Title III: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Title IV: General Provisions - States that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Allows increases in employee benefits as authorized by law. Title V: Facilitating Naturalization of Certain Foreign Intelligence Sources - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the waiver of certain requirements and the naturalization of eligible petitioners who have made extraordinary contributions to the national security of the United States or to the conduct of U.S. intelligence activities. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to use the proceeds from counterintelligence operations to offset the expenses incurred by such operations. Provides for the acceleration of retirement benefits for certain Central Intelligence employees working in unhealthful posts. Directs the Secretary of State to apply the terms, limitations, restrictions, or conditions of the Foreign Missions Act of 1982 to all individuals on secondment to the United Nations. Title VII: Diplomatic Equivalence and Reciprocity - Diplomatic Equivalence and Reciprocity Act of 1985 - Limits the number of members of the diplomatic mission of the Soviet Union in the United States to the number of U.S. nationals admitted to the Soviet Union as diplomatic or consular personnel. Requires the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to report to Congress within six months on the implementation of this policy.

A bill to authorize the construction of a Veterans'Administration hospital in southwest Florida.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1985

Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to construct a Veterans Administration hospital in southwest Florida. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose.

Joint Military Reform Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1985

Joint Military Reform Act of 1985 - Provides that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the principal military adviser to the President, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as a body, to provide advice to the President and the Secretary of Defense on matters with respect to which such advice is requested. Requires the Chairman to inform the President of the military advice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a body on those matters with respect to which such advice is requested by the President or the Secretary of Defense (including matters on which the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have not agreed). Permits the individual members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, other than the Chairman, to submit their opinion in disagreement with military advice of the Chairman or the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Secretary of Defense and, after informing the Secretary of Defense, to the President. Provides that the President or Secretary of Defense may direct that the national military chain of command runs to the commanders of the unified and specified combatant commands through the Chairman. Directs the Chairman to supervise the commanders of the combatant commands and to act as their spokesman. Extends the term of command of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to four years (currently two years). Provides that any officer appointed to fill a vacancy as Chairman shall serve only for the remainder of the original term. Establishes the position of Deputy Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Sets out the duties and functions of such Deputy Chairman. Provides that the Joint Staff shall be under the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and eliminates the provision specifying 400 as the maximum number of officers who may be on the Joint Staff. Directs the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to be responsible for the management of the Joint Staff. Permits the extension of the tour of duty of members of the Joint Staff with the approval of the Secretary of Defense. Provides for the operation of the Joint Staff. Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in making recommendations for an initial appointment to a grade above major general or rear admiral, to submit to the President an evaluation of the performance of that officer as a member of the Joint Staff and in other assignments involving joint military experience. Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit to the Congress a report containing plans for the manner in which further improvements in joint commands may be carried out.

A bill to extend for five years the authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation to transfer dairy products to the Secretary of the Army for the use of the Armed Forces and to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs for use in Veterans' Administration hospitals.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1985

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend through December 31, 1990, Commodity Credit Corporation authority to transfer dairy products to the armed forces and Veterans Administration hospitals.

A bill to correct certain inequities by providing Federal civil service credit for retirement purposes and for the purpose of computing length of service to determine entitlement to leave, compensation, life insurance, health benefits, severance pay, tenure, and status in the case of certain individuals who performed service as National Guard technicians before January 1, 1969.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1985

Entitles individuals who performed service as National Guard technicians before January 1, 1969, to credit for such service when determining length of service for purposes of civil service retirement, leave, employee death and disability compensation, group life and health insurance, severance pay, tenure, and status.

A bill to establish a commission to study ways of improving defense procurement.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1985

Establishes the Commission on Improving Defense Procurement. Directs the Commission to: (1) make a comprehensive study and review of all relevant reports, studies, and analyses on defense procurement; (2) carry out such original investigations concerning defense procurement as it considers appropriate; and (3) make recommendations to the President and the Congress on ways to improve the organization, management, and overall economic efficiency of the defense procurement system, including the elimination of waste, fraud, and abusive practices. Sets the Commission's membership at 15 members and provides procedures for appointment. Provides that the Commission members should be appointed not later than 60 days after funds are first made available for operation of the Commission, and requires the first meeting to be held no later than 30 days after the last member is appointed. Requires the submission of a report to the President and the Congress of their findings and recommendations not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Commission. Requires copies of such report to be furnished to the Secretary of Defense and the Comptroller General for their comments and recommendations. Provides for the appointment procedures for an Executive Director and staff. Specifies the compensation for the Executive Director and members of the Commission. Sets forth various administrative provisions relating to the Commission. Terminates the Commission 15 days after the submission of certain required reports.

A bill entitled: the "Competition and Ethics Enforcement Act of 1985".

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985

Requires the Secretary of Defense to prepare an acquisition plan before initiating full-scale development of a weapon system or other defense equipment under a major defense acquisition program. Requires the use of competitive procedures when required by statute in such a plan. Mandates the inclusion in the plan of the establishment and maintenance throughout the duration of the program of two or more development sources of such program and of two or more production sources for system integration and for the production of major subsystems so that each production contract will result in a majority or plurality of the production under the contract being awarded to the bidder with the proposal most advantageous to the United States. Allows the Secretary of Defense to waive such requirements if such requirement will materially increase total program cost and will delay program completion. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress with a request for specific statutory authority to enter into a sole source prime contract for a major defense acquisition program. Sets forth the information required to be included in such report. Prohibits the awarding or renewal of a sole source prime contract for any major defense acquisition program unless the Congress authorized such specific contract in an annual Defense Authorization Act or in other appropriate legislation. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a comprehensive audit of each prime sole source contract awarded by the Department of Defense for a major defense acquisition program and report the results of the audit to the Congress. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement an introductory training program for all personnel responsible for assuring quality standards for weapon systems or other defense equipment. Requires the attendance at such program within the first six months of a person's assignment to duties involving quality assurance. Provides that the cost of repair or replacement, including all labor costs, for weapons systems, other defense equipment, or services provided to the Department of Defense which fail to meet quality standards must be borne by the contractor. Imposes a penalty on contractors for failure to disclose instances in which defense equipment or services fail to meet prescribed quality standards. Places the burden of proof upon the contractor in any action in which the reasonableness of any contract costs for which a contractor seeks reimbursement is at issue. Prohibits a former employee of the Department of Defense or member of the armed forces from accepting compensation from any contractor for a three-year period beginning on the date of separation from government service or from discharge or release from active duty, if within three years before such date, the employee or member of the armed forces had significant responsibilities in the performance of a procurement function with respect to that contractor. Imposes fines on the various parties for violation of such provisions. Requires each contractor to furnish by March 1 of each year to the Inspector General of the Department of Defense a report on persons whom the contractor furnished compensation during the preceeding year. Requires copies of such report to be furnished to the Congress. Requires the Inspector General to assess the accuracy of such reports and report any violations to the Attorney General for prosecution or other appropriate action. Imposes an administrative penalty on any contractor who fails to transmit such report to the Inspector General. Requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to submit to the Congress a report on actions relating to the review of the reports filed. Exempts contracts for an amount of less than $25,000 from these requirements. Directs the Office of Government Ethics to coordinate and review the implementation and administration of these requirements. Provides a procedure for any person to request an opinion as to the applicability of these provisions to compensation received which might be in violation of these provisions. Modifies the requirements respecting persons holding civilian office or employment in the Department of Defense concerning the disclosure of employment or former employment with certain defense contractors. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of carrying out the functions of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization for FY 1986 and 1987.

A resolution to establish the Select Committee on Defense Procurement.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985

Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on the Select Committee on Defense Procurement whose function shall be to: (1) conduct a continuing investigation of defense procurement policy and procedures; (2) review any recommendations made relating to programs or policies affecting defense procurement; and (3) recommend to appropriate House committees legislation or other action deemed necessary or appropriate with respect to such programs and policies.

A bill to repeal the Congressional report and waiting period requirements, contained in 38 U.S.C. section 210(b)(2), which apply to certain internal VA administrative reorganizations.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1985

Repeals the congressional report and waiting period requirements which apply to certain internal Veterans Administration administrative reorganizations.

Veterans' Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1985

Veterans' Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 1985 - Title I: Educational Assistance Program Improvements - Amends the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program to provide assistance to eligible veterans pursuing a farm cooperative apprenticeship or other on-job training program in the same manner as provided to those pursuing correspondence training. Tolls the ten-year delimiting period for the provision of educational assistance if an otherwise eligible veteran was prevented from completing the chosen program of education because of a physical or mental disability beyond the control of such veteran. Extends eligibility for educational assistance to certain graduates of a service academy who served on active duty within a specified period. Requires that educational and vocational counseling be required prior to the selection of a program in the case of a veteran rated by the Veterans Administration as being incompetent. Repeals a Federal provision requiring advance payment of a work-study allowance to a veteran-student. Extends eligibility for receiving educational assistance for a survivor or dependent whose education was delayed because of a delay in determining eligibility. Permits the Administrator to arrange for educational or vocational counseling for eligible survivors and dependents without provisional approval of an application or the provision of an educational plan by a parent or guardian. Revises provisions concerning payments of educational assistance allowances for eligible veterans training on a less-than-half-time basis. Permits the Administrator to approve a delay in reporting the enrollment of an eligible veteran or person in an independent study course. Revises provisions concerning the measurement of course-loads for veteran-students. Title II: Repeal of Educational Loan Program; Technical Amendments - Repeals the educational loan program. Title III: Savings Provisions - Authorizes the Administrator to continue to collect payments on outstanding loans and to make certain transfers from the Veterans' Administration Education Loan Fund established for deposit of such collections.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require formal advertising for contracts for services or supplies for the Veterans Administration's loan guaranty program if the contract amount exceeds $25,000.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1985

Amends Federal law concerning the administration of veterans' benefits to require formal advertising for contracts for services or supplies for the Veterans Administration's loan guaranty program if the contract amount exceeds $25,000 (currently $1,000).

A bill to amend title 38 of the United States Code to provide for the right of the United States to collect the costs of hospital, nursing home, or outpatient medical care furnished by the Veterans Administration to veterans with no service-connected disabilities to the extent that they have health insurance or similar contracts or rights with respect to such care and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1985

Revises Federal law concerning recovery by the United States of the cost of certain care and services provided to veterans to give the United States the right to recover the reasonable costs of such care and services from the State, or political subdivision of a State, employer, employer's insurance carrier, automobile accident reparations insurance carrier, or insurance, medical services, or health plan carrier, or contractor, as appropriate, to the extent that the veteran, or the provider of care and services to the veteran, would be eligible to receive reimbursement or indemnification for such care and services if the care and services had not been furnished by a department or agency of the United States. Provides that the United States shall be subrogated to any right or claim that the veteran or the veteran's personal representative, successor, dependents, or survivors may have against a State, employer, or insurance or health plan carrier. Allows the United States to intervene in court proceedings to enforce such rights. Allows the United States to bring its own action to enforce their subrogation rights if no such action is commenced within a certain period and written notice of their intention to bring such an action has been sent to the veteran. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts or agreements with individuals or organizations for services to recover amounts due the United States under this Act. Outlines provisions to be included in such contracts. Prohibits the law of any State or political subdivision thereof, or any insurance or health plan contract, from operating to prevent recovery or collection by the United States under this Act or any other applicable Federal law. Requires clinical records of a veteran to be made available for purposes of aiding recovery or collection by the United States under this Act.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Act of 1985

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.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide equal benefits, under certain educational assistance programs administered by the Veterans' Administration, to eligible veterans or other eligible persons enrolled in degree courses and eligible veterans or other eligible persons enrolled in nondegree courses offered by fully accredited institutions of higher learning which offer courses leading to a standard college degree and courses not leading to a standard college degree.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985

Provides for equal benefits, under certain educational assistance programs administered by the Veterans Administration, to eligible veterans enrolled in degree courses or enrolled in nondegree courses offered by fully accredited institutions of higher learning which offer courses leading to a standard college degree and courses not leading to a standard college degreee.

American Agricultural Defense Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985

American Agricultural Defense Act of 1985 - Title I: Wheat - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set wheat loan and purchase levels for: (1) 1986, at $4.86 per bushel; and (2) 1987 through 1989, at $4.86 per bushel adjusted by a consumer price indexed-increase, if any. Authorizes prevented planting and reduced yield disaster payments. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) proclaim (by August 15 of each year) a national program acreage for each of the 1986 through 1989 wheat crops; and (2) determine a program allocation factor for each wheat crop. Authorizes acreage limitation or set-aside programs. Directs the Secretary to announce any such program by August 15 prior to the calendar year in which the crop is harvested. Penalizes farmers who knowingly overproduce. Requires set-aside acres to be used for conservation purposes in order to qualify for price supports. Suspends specified quota and certificate provisions. Title II: Feed Grains - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set corn loan and purchase levels for: (1) 1986, at $3.03 per bushel; and (2) 1987 through 1989, at $3.03 per bushel adjusted by a consumer price indexed-increase, if any. Bases loan and purchase levels for grain sorghums, barley, oats, and rye on corn levels. Sets forth provisions similar to title I of this Act regarding disaster payments, acreage limitations, and set-asides. Title III: Cotton - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set upland cotton loan levels for: (1) 1986, at 81 cents per pound; and (2) 1987 through 1989, at 81 cents per pound adjusted by a consumer price indexed-increase, if any. Authorizes eight-month loan extensions. Directs the President to proclaim a special limited global import quota for upland cotton whenever spot market average prices exceed 130 percent of the previous 36 months' average price. Authorizes prevented planting and reduced yield disaster payments. Directs the Secretary to: (1) proclaim (by November 1 of each year) a national program acreage for each of the 1986 through 1989 upland cotton crops; and (2) determine a program allocation factor for each wheat crop. Authorizes acreage limitations based on uniform percentage reductions for each farm. Penalizes farmers who knowingly overproduce. Authorizes land diversion payments whether or not an acreage limitation is in effect if necessary to adjust the total national upland cotton acreage. Requires such land to be used for conservation purposes, including wildlife habitats. Directs the Secretary to make loans available for seed cotton. Suspends specified acreage allotment and marketing quota provisions. Extends specified skiprow practices through 1989. States that 1977 upland cotton farm base acreage allotments, adjusted for 1977 underplantings and reconstituted as provided for under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, shall be the preliminary 1990 allotments. Title IV: Rice - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set rice loan and purchase levels for: (1) 1986, at $11.90 per hundredweight; and (2) 1987 through 1989, at $11.90 per hundredweight adjusted by a consumer price-indexed increase, if any. Directs the Secretary to: (1) proclaim (by January 31 of each year) a national program acreage for each of the 1986 through 1989 rice crops; and (2) determine a program allocation factor for each rice crop. Authorizes acreage limitations based on uniform percentage reductions for each farm. Penalizes farmers who knowingly overproduce. Directs the Secretary to announce any such program by January 31 of the calendar year for such harvest. Authorizes land diversion payments whether or not an acreage limitation is in effect if necessary to adjust the total national rice acreage. Requires such land to be used for conservation purposes, including wildlife habitats. Title V: Soybeans - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set 1986 through 1989 soybean price supports at 75 percent of the average price for each of the preceding five years, with a minimum price of $6.25 per bushel. Title VI: Loan and Purchase Limitation - Sets the aggregate individual loan and purchase limitation at $500,000. Title VII: Conservation Provisions - Makes any person who cultivates crops on highly erodible land ineligible (regarding such crops) for price supports and other agricultural loans and benefits. Directs the Secretary to establish a conservation reserve program to convert cropland and highly erodible land to less intensive use.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that performing groups in the armed forces of the United States should use domestically manufactured entertainment support items at patriotic and ceremonial events at the Capitol and at all Federal buildings, unless there is no domestically manufactured item of comparable quality and price.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that performing groups in the armed forces should use domestically manufactured entertainment support items at patriotic and ceremonial events at the Capitol and at all Federal buildings, unless there is no domestically manufactured item of comparable quality and price.

A bill to award special congressional gold medals to Jan Scruggs, Robert Doubek, and Jack Wheeler.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985

Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present gold medals to Jan Scruggs, Robert Doubek, and Jack Wheeler, in recognition of their tireless efforts to give the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Nation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 22 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.

Defense Procurement Conflict of Interest Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1985

Defense Procurement Conflict of Interest Act - Prohibits a former officer or employee of the Department of Defense (DOD) or former retired member of the uniformed services from accepting compensation from a Government contractor for two years following the individual's separation from Government service if, during the two years preceding separation from service, such individual had significant responsibilities for a procurement function with respect to that Government contractor. Specifies penalties for violations of this prohibition. Requires defense contractors to include in defense contracts a provision stating that the contractor agrees not to compensate an individual who falls under such category. Specifies penalties for a contractor's violation of this requirement. Requires contractors subject to such a contract term to issue an annual report listing specified information concerning individuals who had significant responsibilities for a procurement function, left Government within the previous two years, and were compensated by that contractor after leaving Government service. Requires a copy of each such report to be sent to the Inspector General of DOD. Requires the Inspector General to assess such reports and report any possible violations to the Attorney General. Provides penalties for those contractors failing to file such reports. Requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to have access to such reports and to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning such reports. Excludes from application of these sections those contracts for an amount less than $100,000. Requires the Secretary of Defense, not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, to delineate the procurement functions covered by these sections and provide a list of such functions to the Congress. Allows an individual who is offered compensation which might be in violation of this Act to apply to the Director of the Office of Government Ethics for advice on the applicability of this Act to the acceptance of such compensation. Requires such application to be made jointly by the individual and the contractor proposing the compensation. Outlines information to be included in such application for advice. Requires the Director to publish notice of the application in the Federal Register.

Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1985

Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 - Title I: Procurement - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for procurement by the armed forces and the defense agencies of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, naval vessels, and other procurement. Prohibits the use of any funds authorized for procurement for expenditures for: (1) the Pershing II missile program; (2) the sea-launched cruise missile program; (3) the MX missile program; (4) the ground-launched cruise missile program; (5) the B-1B bomber program; (6) antisatellite weapons; or (7) binary chemical weapons. Title II: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the armed forces and the defense agencies for research, development, test, and evaluation. Prohibits the use of any funds authorized for research, development, test, and evaluation for expenditures for: (1) the Pershing II missile program; (2) the ballistic missile defense program; (3) the Trident II missile program; (4) the sea-launched cruise missile program; (5) the MX missile program; (6) the ground-launched cruise missile program; (7) the B-1B bomber program; (8) antisatellite weapons; or (9) research, development, test, or evaluation of binary chemical weapons. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the armed forces and the defense agencies for operation and maintenance. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1986 as necessary for unbudgeted increases in fuel costs, inflation, and increases in salary, retirement, and employee benefits for Department of Defense employees. Prohibits the use of any funds for expenditures for the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice. Title IV: Working Capital Funds - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the working capital funds of the armed forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense. Title V: Active Forces - Authorizes strengths for active duty personnel as of the end of FY 1986. Title VI: Reserve Forces - Authorizes average strengths for the selected reserve components of the armed forces for FY 1986. Permits the reduction and increase in such strengths as specified. Authorizes a specified number of reserves to serve on full-time active duty in order to organize, administer, instruct, recruit, or train the reserve components. Permits the end strength levels to be increased by two percent in the national interest. Increases the number of certain personnel who may be on active duty in specified grades. Title VII: Civilian Personnel - Provides that Federal law requiring the authorization of end strengths by the Congress as of the end of each fiscal year before funds will be appropriated for the use of civilian personnel of any armed forces component for that fiscal year shall not apply with respect to FY 1986. Title VIII: Military Training Student Loads - Authorizes average military training student loads for each component of the armed forces for FY 1986. Requires the adjustment of such loads as the manpower strengths of each component are adjusted. Title IX: General Provisions - Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish programs to provide economic readjustment assistance to communities and workers affected by the reductions in weapons programs and other defense programs provided for under this Act.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to limit the employment of former Department of Defense procurement personnel by defense contractors, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1985

Prohibits a former officer or employee of the Department of Defense or a former member of the armed forces from accepting compensation from a contractor for the three-year period after separation from service, if during the previous three years such employee was an official (of at least a GS-11 level) who had significant responsibilities in the performance of a procurement function with that contractor. Sets forth penalties of a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment of not more than two years, or both, for violations of such prohibition. Requires Department of Defense procurement contracts to include a provision that prohibits the contractor from furnishing compensation to any person if acceptance of such compensation would be a violation of this Act. Requires such contractors to report annually to the Inspector General of the Department of Defense on persons to whom the contractor furnished such compensation during the preceding year. Requires the Inspector General to submit such report to the Congress not later than April 1 of each year. Requires the Inspector General to review such reports to identify any violations of this Act and to report any violations to the Attorney General. Requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to review such reports to identify contract violations and report annually to the Congress on any findings. Makes this Act inapplicable to contractors for amounts less than $25,000. Allows any person who is offered compensation that, if accepted, might be in violation of this Act to request advice from the Office of Government Ethics. Sets forth a schedule for responses to such requests. Directs the Secretary of Defense, not later than 180 days after the effective date of this Act, to issue regulations with respect to procurement functions.