Defence

Military Real Property Disposal Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 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 from the Federal courts jurisdiction to review the actions of Federal officers and employees with respect to such closures or realignments.

A bill to consolidate the medical health care systems of the armed services to be administered in policy and operation solely by the Defense Health Agency.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985

Consolidates the medical health care systems of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines to be administered in policy and operation solely by the Defense Health Agency (DHA). Directs the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense to organize the DHA. States that the DHA shall be comprised of two offices, the Office of Policy and Operation and the Defense Readiness Office, to be administered by the Assistant Secretary and the Surgeons General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, respectively. Outlines the functions of each such Office. Prohibits the employment by the United States of an individual as a physician unless certain licensing and education criteria have been met.

Veterans' Employment Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985

Veterans' Employment Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Emergency Veterans' Job Training Act of 1983 to extend through September 1, 1987, the provisions of such Act. Increases the eligibility for job training assistance to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts by lowering the required period of unemployment necessary for such eligibility. Increases and extends the authorization of appropriations for such Act. Increases to GS-11 the level to which veterans may be appointed for veterans readjustment appointments and career-conditional appointments (currently to GS-9). Eliminates the disability requirement as a condition to such appointments for Vietnam-era veterans.

A bill to amend title 38 of the United States Code in order to provide mortgage protection life insurance to certain veterans unable to acquire commercial life insurance because of service-connected disabilities.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985

Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide mortage protection life insurance to certain veterans unable to obtain commercial life insurance at a standard rate because of service-connected disabilities. Establishes guidelines for such insurance regarding: (1) amount of insurance; (2) premium rates; (3) payment of insurance; and (4) policy provisions.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the use by the Veterans' Administration health-care system of an enrollment system and for the use of a tracking system for the coordination of community-based care provided veterans requiring long-term care.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985

Amends veterans' health-care provisions by requiring the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to maintain an enrollment system for veterans furnished health and medical care by the Veterans Administration (VA). Provides for active and inactive status of veterans enrolled in the system. Gives priority care to veterans already enrolled in the system over those applying for such care, with a specified exception. Directs the Administrator to maintain a tracking system for veterans enrolled in the VA health-care system.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to set aside 10 percent of the intermediate-care hospital beds of the Veterans' Administration for the care of veterans suffering from Alzheimer's diseases and related organic brain disorders.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985

Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to set aside ten percent of Veterans Administration controlled intermediate-care hospital beds for veterans suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

A bill to direct the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to report to Congress on treatment by the Veterans' Administration of veterans suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related organic brain disorders.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985

Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to report to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees on treatment by the Veterans Administration of veterans suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related organic brain disorders.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the improved treatment by the Veterans' Administration of veterans suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related organic brain disorders.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985

Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide treatment to any veteran suffering from Alzheimer's disease or a related organic brain disorder, regardless of the age of such veteran.

John E. Krings, of Virginia, to be Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, Department of Defense. (New Position - P.L. 98-94 of September24, 1983)

United States · United States Senate · 8 February 1985

A bill to amend section 1979 of the Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1983), relating to civil actions for the deprivation of rights, to limit the applicability of that statute to laws relating to equal rights, and to provide a special defense to the liability of political subdivisions of States.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985

Amends current law creating a Federal cause of action for the violation of a person's civil rights under color of State law to limit such actions to those for deprivation of constitutional rights or of legal rights under laws providing for equal rights of citizens or all persons within U.S. jurisdiction. Prohibits the award of damages against any Federal, State, or local governmental entity in any action for the deprivation of rights where the court finds that the officials involved acted in good faith. Grants Federal jurisdiction in these cases only after all administrative and judicial remedies have been exhausted.

A bill to designate the Veterans' Administration Outpatient Clinic to be located in Crown Point, Indiana, as the "Adam Benjamin, Jr. Veterans' Administration Outpatient Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985

Designates the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in Crown Point, Indiana, as the Adam Benjamin, Junior Veterans' Administration Outpatient Clinic.

A bill to amend the Military Selective Service Act to provide for the reinstitution of the registration and classification of persons under such Act and to reinstate the authority of the President to induct persons involuntarily into the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985

Amends the Military Selective Service Act to direct the President to begin the registration and classification of persons under such Act. Permits the induction of such persons into the armed forces through FY 1998.

A bill to amend the Military Selective Service Act to exempt from registration under that Act persons who are conscientiously opposed to participation in war in any form.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985

Amends the Military Selective Service Act to exempt from registration those persons who are conscientiously opposed to participation in war in any form.

Omnibus Intelligence and Security Improvements Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985

Omnibus Intelligence and Security Improvements Act - Title I: Recurring Intelligence Authorization Provision Codification Act - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require the Director of Central Intelligence or the Secretary of Defense to notify the appropriate congressional committees of any intent to spend funds in excess of authorization. Prohibits reprogramming or funds transfers except for unforeseen higher priority intelligence activities. Prohibits funds for any activity for which funds were requested and denied by Congress. Title II: Intelligence or Law Enforcement Defense Pretrial Notification Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a defendant to give notice prior to trial if he intends to claim in his defense that he was, or believed he was, acting on behalf of a Federal law enforcement or intelligence agency at the time of the alleged offense. Title III: Counterintelligence Investigation Improvements Act - Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 to give the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) access to financial records for counterintelligence investigations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to give the FBI access to the tax returns and return information of agents of foreign powers. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to allow the Secretary of State to deny to any member of a foreign mission travel within the United States to areas in which there exists: (1) a substantial concentration of high-technology industry; and (2) any industry relating to militarily critical technologies. Provides for waiver of such prohibition for any such travel certified by the FBI Director as consistent with U.S. national security interests. Title IV: Federal Employee Unauthorized Disclosure of Classified Information Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it an offense for a Federal employee to intentionally disclose classified information without authorization. Provides for a fine of $15,000 or imprisonment for not more than three years, or both. Title V: Federal Polygraph and Prepublication Review Limitation Act - Prohibits any executive agency or military department, except in the case of law enforcement or intelligence activities, to require or request any person occupying, applying for, or under consideration for a position in the civil service or the uniformed service to submit to a polygraph examination or enter into an agreement requiring prepublication review. Title VI: Espionage and Treason Capital Punishment Procedures Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty for treason and espionage. Title VII: Foreign Intelligence Source Improvement Act - Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to permit the President to naturalize a maximum of five persons per year admitted for permanent residence under the Act because of their contributions to the security of the United States. Title VIII: Intelligence Identities Protection-Related Amendments - Terminates the Federal annuity benefits of a Federal employee convicted of certain national security crimes. Amends the Federal criminal code to include certain national security crimes investigations within the provision for court orders for the interception of wire or oral communications. Title IX: Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Amendments - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to extend to 48 hours the period during which emergency foreign intelligence electronic surveillance may be conducted on the authority of the Attorney General. Permits retention and dissemination of communications constituting threats of death or serious bodily harm overheard while conducting electronic testing, training, or security countermeasures in accordance with such Act. Title X: Congressional Security Survey Act - Requires the Director of the FBI to conduct a study of the personnel, physical, and document and communications security arrangements relating to classified information possessed by the legislative branch. Directs all Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to assist the FBI in such survey.

Economic Conversion Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985

Economic Conversion Act - Title I: Prenotification of Base Closures and Defense-Related Contract Cancellations - Directs the Secretary of Defense, through the Economic Adjustment Committee, to notify State and local governments and regional organizations within a specified period of time of a proposed realignment or closure of a military installation or of the cancellation or termination of a defense contract or failure to proceed with an approved major weapon system program. Title II: Economic Conversion Pilot Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for job retraining programs and planning for alternative production required by cancellation of defense contracts during FY 1986 through 1990. Permits one grant for each defense contract cancellation or reduction. Requires the administration of such grants at the local level by a capable unit of general local government or, through default, by the collective bargaining agents of affected employees. Directs the Secretary to make weekly assistance payments to such employees affected by a cancellation or reduction of a contract valued at $10,000,000 or more during FY 1986 through 1990. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of such assistance, making allowances for unemployment compensation or public assistance received and health insurance coverage needed. Sets forth assistance application procedures and notification requirements. Makes available for such grants the amount of previously appropriated funds which the United States will save as a result of the cancellation or reduction of a defense contract.

Military Family Services Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985

Military Family Services Act of 1985 - Implements a rate of 18 cents per mile as reimbursement allowances for travel and transportation expenses related to military service. Implements a weight allowance scale by pay grade for military moves. Limits temporary lodging expenses reimbursement to: (1) enlisted members only; and (2) $100 per day (currently $110). Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish voluntary enrollment premium-sharing dental benefit plans for spouses and children of members of the uniformed services who are on active duty for more than 30 days. Requires enrolled members to pay a premium established by the Secretary. Outlines coverage limits for such plan. Creates a separate variable housing allowance for enlisted members of the uniformed services. (Currently, such allowance is the same for enlisted as well as non-enlisted members.) Authorizes the Secretary of each military department to enter into agreements with lessors having rental housing units located near military installations to assure compensation to such lessors for a breach of a lease by members of the armed forces. Outlines details to be included in such agreement. Provides for reimbursement to the United States by a member if it is determined that damage to the unit or breach of the lease was caused by the member. Provides for deductions from a member's pay in such circumstances. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress concerning such lease assurance agreements. Establishes in the Department of Defense the Office of Military Family Services to provide family services to the members of the armed services. Outlines the services to be provided. Requires the Director of such Office to report to the Secretary of Defense every 12 months following the date of enactment of this Act concerning issues related to military families.

A bill to repeal the delimiting date for the Vietnam-era G.I. Bill.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985

Removes all time limitations for the completion of a program for which veterans' educational assistance is provided, with the exception that all such assistance expires on December 31, 1989.

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

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 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 designate the Phoenix Veterans' Administration Medical Center, located in Phoenix, Arizona, as the "Carl T. Hayden Veterans' Administration Medical Center".

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Designates the Phoenix Veterans Administration Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, as the Carl T. Hayden Veterans' Administration Medical Center.

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to establish an accounting procedure within the Department of Defense to identify and control expenditures for advisory and assistance services, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish and report to the Congress on a procedure for the identification and control of the costs of contracted consultant and related services. Repeals the spending limitation within the Department of Defense for such services.

War Resisters Exoneration Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

War Resisters Exoneration Act of 1983 - Grants general amnesty to persons who violated certain laws between August 4, 1964, and the date of enactment of this Act, including laws with respect to: (1) draft evasion; (2) abetting draft evasion; (3) draft card destruction; (4) refusing induction into the armed forces; (5) desertion; (6) abetting desertion; (7) using contemptuous words against specified governmental officials while a commissioned officer; and (8) causing or attempting to cause disloyalty or mutiny by any member of the armed forces. States that the effect of the amnesty shall be to nullify all legal consequences of any such violation. Establishes an Amnesty Commission and directs the Commission to grant amnesty to any person who, between August 5, 1964, and the date of enactment of this Act, violated any Federal law not enumerated in this Act or any State or local law if it finds that: (1) such violation was in substantial part motivated by the individual's opposition to United States involvement in Indochina; and (2) the individual was not personally responsible for any significant property damage or substantial personal injury to others. Directs the Commission to grant amnesty to any person whose violation of law resulted in such damage or injury if it finds the violation was justifiable on the basis of a deeply held moral or ethical belief. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to change the name of the grade commodore in the United States Navy to rear admiral (lower half).

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Changes the name of the grade of commodore in the U.S. Navy to rear admiral (lower half).

A bill to allow United States military assistance to be furnished to the law enforcement agencies of countries, such as Costa Rica, which rely on their law enforcement agencies to provide for the national defense and security.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit U.S. military assistance to be furnished to the law enforcement agencies of a country if the country has a long-standing democratic tradition, does not have standing armed forces, and does not engage in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.

A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Veterans' Disability Compensation should retain its tax exempt status.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that veterans' disability compensation should retain its tax-exempt status.

A bill to require the establishment of a national cemetery on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1985

Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery on Oahu, Hawaii.

A joint resolution to authorize the Armored Force Monument Committee, the United States Armor Association, the World Wars Tank Corps Association, the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Association, the Tank Destroyer Association, the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 16th Armored Division Associations, and the Council of Armored Division Associations, jointly to erect a memorial to the "American Armored Force" on United States Government property in Arlington, Virginia, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1985

Authorizes the Armed Force Monument Committee, the United States Armor Association, the World Wars Tank Corps Association, the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Association, the Tank Destroyer Association, the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 16th Armored Division Associations, and the Council of Armored Division Associations to erect a memorial in or near Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, to honor and commemorate the American Armored Force. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, to select the site and approve the design and plans. Obligates the United States to expenses of maintenance only. Requires the commencement of the erection of the memorial within five years with a certification of sufficiency of funds necessary before commencement.

A bill to clarify the statutory limitation on the amount the Department of Defense may spend during fiscal year 1985 for certain contracted advisory and assistance services and to require the Secretary of Defense to develop an accounting procedure for identifying and controlling expenditures for such services in later fiscal years.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1985

Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 to repeal the spending limitation for contracted consultant and related services within the Department of Defense. Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish and report to the Congress concerning a procedure for the identification and control of costs of such services.

Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1985

Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Requires the chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees in successful veterans' claims brought before a court as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.

Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Requires the chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees in successful veterans' claims brought before a court as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.

A bill to permit the enlistment of a limited number of aliens in the Regular Army of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to accept not more than 2,500 qualified aliens into the Regular Army.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve veterans' benefits for former prisoners of wars.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Establishes a presumption of service-connection for disability purposes for former prisoners of war suffering from the following conditions, manifest to a degree of ten percent or more after active service: (1) chronic liver disease; (2) organic residuals of hypothermia; (3) gastro-intestinal disorders; (4) arthritis; (5) cardiovascular conditions; (6) peripheral neuropathy; (7) immunological dysfunctions; or (8) chronic pulmonary disease. Decreases from six months to 30 days the amount of time a former prisoner of war must have been incarcerated to be eligible for outpatient dental services.

Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Federal provisions concerning educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve of the armed forces to require such program to conform with the all-volunteer force educational assistance program enacted under the Veterans' Educational Assistance Act of 1984. Changes the effective date of eligibility for veterans' educational assistance to the date of enactment of this Act.

A bill to require that a three-year supply of coke be acquired for the National Defense Stockpile.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Directs the President to include coke as a strategic and critical material under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act and to acquire a three-year supply of United States produced coke for the National Defense Stockpile. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to amend chapter 34 of title 38, United States Code, to extend the time limitation for completing a program of education.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Provides for a 15-year delimiting period for a veteran to complete a program of education. Extends through 1989 the delimiting period for veterans no longer eligible for such assistance solely because of the current ten-year delimiting period.

A bill to amend section 3104 of title 38, United States Code, to permit certain service-connected disabled veterans who are retired members of the Armed Forces to receive compensation concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Permits certain veterans with service-connected disabilities who are retired members of the uniformed services to receive compensation concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either.

A bill to require the Department of the Air Force to request the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate the death of William Joseph Cavanaugh, Junior.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to request the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate the death of Second Lieutenant William Joseph Cavanaugh, Junior. Requires the Director to report to the Congress.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance recruitment and retention of graduate and student nurse technicians by the Veterans' Administration.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Extends from one year to more than one year the possible period of appointment of graduate nurses and nurse technicians to the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans Administration.

Veterans' Health Programs Extension Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Veterans' Health Programs Extension Act of 1985 - Extends through FY 1988 the Veterans Administration's program for the treatment and rehabilitation of veterans suffering from alcohol or drug abuse dependencies or disabilities in halfway houses and other community-based programs. Requires a report to the Congress by the Administrator concerning such program. Removes the ceiling on the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for veterans' homes. Eliminates the restriction on the percent of appropriations under such grant program which may go to any one State.

A bill to authorize the President of the United States to award a congressional gold medal to Jan C. Scruggs in recognition of his work on behalf of Vietnam veterans, and to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of such medal.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, in recognition of his work on behalf of veterans who served in Vietnam. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the entitlement to veterans' benefits of Americans who fought in the Abraham Lincoln Brigade during the Spanish Civil War, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Entitles veterans and survivors of veterans who served in the Abraham Lincoln Brigade during the Spanish Civil War to the same benefits as World War II veterans.

New GI Bill Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1985

Veterans' Educational Assistance Eligibility Amendments of 1985 - Changes the initial eligibility date for veterans' educational assistance entitlement for active-duty service veterans from July 1, 1985, to the date of enactment of this Act.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase certain dollar limitations under Veterans' Administration housing programs.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1985

Increases the amount of guaranteed loan entitlement to a veteran for the purchase or construction of a home or for the purchase of mobile homes and mobile home lots.

A bill to direct the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish a national cemetery in Merced County, California.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1985

Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in Merced County, California, on land which is donated by the Romero Ranch Company.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the orderly expansion of the National Cemetery System, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1985

Requires the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, not later than July 1, annually to report to the appropriate congressional committees a plan to expand the national cemetery system, together with a list of ten areas in the United States with the greatest need for additional burial space for veterans. Provides a contingent reporting date for the first such report. Requires upright grave markers in such national cemeteries, unless a specific request otherwise has been made by the deceased or their survivor. Requires the Administrator, by January 1, 1986, to designate for each cemetery in the national cemetery system a section for upright markers and a section for flat markers.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to exclude from gross income certain quarters allowances for certain employees of the Department of Defense serving in the area formerly known as the Canal Zone.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1985

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income certain quarters allowances for certain employees of the Department of Defense serving in the area formerly known as the Canal Zone.

World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985

World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements and to certain surviving spouses.

A bill to provide for a feasibility study of south Texas medical facility.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985

Requires the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, to conduct and report to the Congress on a feasibility study on the construction or acquisition of a medical facility for veterans to be located in south Texas.

Merchant Marine Defense Service Recognition and Medals Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985

Merchant Marine Defense Service Recognition and Medals Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to award decorations and insignia to members of the U.S. Merchant Marine performing meritorious acts or distinguished service. Permits such honors to be of the same design as other comparable military honors. Authorizes the Secretary to cite any U.S. ship for outstanding or gallant acts. Permits the awarding of plaques for the ships and ribbons to the personnel. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a flag and grave markers for merchant mariners who served the United States or its allies in periods of conflict. Establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized manufacture or display of these awards or decorations. Repeals the Merchant Marine Medals Act.

A bill to provide a special defense to the liability of political subdivision of States under section 1979 of the Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1983) relating to civil action for the deprivation of rights.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985

Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Revised Statutes) to prohibit the award of damages against any Federal, State, or local governmental entity in any action for the deprivation of rights where the court finds that the officials involved acted in good faith. Amends the Civil Rights Attorneys' Fees Awards Act of 1976 to limit the award of attorneys' fees in certain civil rights actions. States that attorneys' fees should be awarded: (1) to prevailing plaintiffs unless special circumstances would make the award unjust; and (2) to prevailing defendants if the plaintiff's claim is found to be frivolous, unreasonable, or groundless, or that the plaintiff persisted in litigating after it clearly became so, even though there was no subjective bad faith. Allows attorneys' fees where a party prevails on another claim which is merely pendent to a civil rights claim only if the court finds that the civil rights claim has sufficient merit to have justified a separate suit. Prohibits the award of fees for any litigation following rejection of a settlement offer substantially favorable to the prevailing party. Allows fees where a claim is mooted by a change in Government policy only if the pendency of the claim was a material factor for such change. Requires the amount of fees awarded to be based on a reasonable market rate for time reasonably spent on the claims. Prohibits awards based on bonuses or multipliers. Requires the attorney of a party seeking an award of fees to apply to the court with an itemized statement of hours worked, the nature of the work, and the rates charged.

A bill to clarify the statutory limitation on the amount the Department of Defense may spend during fiscal year 1985 for certain contracted advisory and assistance services and to require the Secretary of Defense to develop a standardized auditing procedure for identifying and controlling expenditures for such services in later fiscal years.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985

Repeals the spending limitation for contracted consultant and related services within the Department of Defense. Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish and report to the Congress by September 1, 1985, on a procedure for the identification and control of costs of such services.