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51 records in US in 1985
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1985
Authorizes the President, notwithstanding certain time limitations for the awarding of medals, to award a medal of honor to Francisco Cortez and Richard Perez for services performed with the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that executive agencies should preferentially appoint veterans to positions in the Federal Government as provided by law.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1985
Amends Federal employee allowances provisions to authorize the Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of Transportation in the case of the Coast Guard when not operating as a service in the Navy, to allow dependents of a member of the armed forces who dies in the line of duty who are occupying federally-owned family housing on a nonrental basis to continue to occupy such housing without charge for a period of 60 days following the member's death. Amends Federal provisions concerning the military basic allowances for quarters (BAQ) to authorize the Secretary concerned to pay a BAQ to dependents of a member of the armed forces who dies in the line of duty who are either not occupying military family housing or are occupying such housing on a rental basis at the time of the member's death. Terminates such payment 60 days after the date of the member's death.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1985
Prohibits the Department of Defense from obligating or expending any appropriated funds for the procurement of certain toilet cover shrouds.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1985
Amends Federal employee allowances provisions to authorize the Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of Transportation in the case of the Coast Guard when not operating as a service in the Navy, to allow dependents of a deceased member of the armed forces who are occupying federally-owned family housing on a nonrental basis to continue to occupy such housing without being charged for a period of 60 days following the member's death. Amends Federal provisions concerning the military basic allowance for quarters (BAQ) to authorize the Secretary concerned to pay a BAQ to dependents of a deceased member of the armed forces who are either not occupying military family housing or are occupying such housing on a rental basis at the time of the member's death. Terminates such payment 60 days after the date of the member's death.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1985
Declares that civilian employees of the National Guard may not be required to wear military uniforms while performing civilian service.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1985
Amends Federal provisions concerning death benefits payable to military dependents to increase such benefit to $3,000 plus an amount equal to two months' housing allowance in effect at the time of the member's death. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide survivors of a deceased member who are occupying Government quarters at the time of the member's death a reasonable period of time before being required to vacate such quarters.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1985
Authorizes the National Committee of American Airmen Rescued by General Mihailovich to establish a monument to General Draza Mihailovich in the District of Columbia or its environs in recognition of the role he played in saving the lives of more than 500 U.S. airmen in Yugoslavia during World War II. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select, with the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, a suitable site on public grounds for such memorial. Subjects the design and any plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary, the National Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Declares that, except for specified items, neither the United States nor the District of Columbia shall bear any expense in the establishment of such memorial. Directs the Secretary to permit groundbreaking for construction of the monument only after determining that sufficient funds are available for completion of the monument. Directs that the maintenance and care of the monument shall be the responsibility of the National Committee of American Airmen Rescued by General Mihailovich.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1985
Amends Federal employees' allowances provisions to authorize the Secretaries of the military departments and the heads of the defense agencies to allow dependents of deceased military members to occupy military family housing without charge for a period of up to 60 days after the member's death. Amends military pay and allowances provisions to authorize the Secretaries of the military departments and the heads of the defense agencies to make payments equivalent to a housing allowance to dependents of military members not occupying Government-provided housing at the time of their death. Terminates such payments 60 days after the member's death.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1985
Defense Intelligence Commercial Entities Act - Adds a new chapter to Subtitle A of general military law, entitled, "Chapter 19-Department of Defense Intelligence Commercial Entities." Provides that the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Attorney General and the Director of Central Intelligence, may authorize, for a period not to exceed two years, the establishment and operation of a commercial entity to provide cover for foreign intelligence collection activities of the Department of Defense (DOD), provided the Secretary makes written certification that such an entity is essential to the conduct of an authorized foreign intelligence collection activity of DOD. Authorizes the Secretary to renew the authorization of such entities every two years, and to terminate such an entity at any time. Provides the Secretary with administrative support and with authority for the use and disposition of funds for such operation. Requires the establishment, operation, and termination of such a commercial entity to be carried out in accordance with prevailing commercial practices. Specifically limits the activities of such intelligence commercial entities. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to implement these provisions. Outlines provisions to be included in such regulations. Directs the inspector general of DOD to conduct at least annually a review and audit of activities taken under this chapter, and report on such to the Secretary and the congressional intelligence committees. Provides that commercial entities established pursuant to this Act are entities of the United States, and subject only to Federal law. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate the authorities provided in this Act only to the Deputy Secretary of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1985
Expresses the sympathy and sentiment of the House of Representatives regarding the deaths of members of the 101st Air Assault Division in the airplane crash at Gander, Newfoundland, Canada.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1985
Extends the condolences of the Senate to the family members of soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division who died in service to their country.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) declare a national emergency with respect to acts of terrorism directed against U.S. nationals and property; (2) investigate and determine the extent of assets held in the United States by organizations responsible for such terrorism; and (3) prohibit transactions involving such assets in accordance with the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1985
Requires the President to direct the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to submit to the appropriate committees of the Congress, no later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, a joint report addressing the question of Government responsibility for providing benefits and services to individuals who served with certain volunteer organizations in support of U.S. armed forces stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam era.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1985
Amends Federal law to extend burial benefits to specified veterans with service-connected disabilities (formerly provided until October 1, 1981). Increases from $150 to $250 the veterans' burial plot allowances for eligible veterans who die in Veterans Administration facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1985
Military Whistle Blowers Protection Act - Amends Federal law concerning the armed forces to prohibit any civilian officer or employee or any member of the armed forces from taking action against a member as a reprisal for such member's complaint or disclosure of information to a Member of Congress concerning possible violations of law, mismanagement of funds, abuse of authority, or substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. Amends Federal law concerning the correction of military records to grant an immediate hearing to members of the armed forces who believe they are victims of reprisals by their superiors. Requires a final decision regarding such a claim within six months of the date on which the claim is presented. Allows the member to bring a civil suit if such claim is not decided within such period. Directs the board considering such a claim to refer the matter to the Secretary concerned and the Inspector General of the Department of Defense if the board finds reason to believe that such a reprisal has occurred. Directs the Inspector General to investigate any matter so referred and submit a report, including recommendations for proposed action, to the Secretary concerned. Directs the Secretary concerned to then take appropriate action. Directs the Inspector General, at the same time a report is submitted to the Secretary concerned, to submit copies of such report to specified congressional committees. Permits the claimant to seek judicial review of any final decision made.
United States · United States Senate · 10 December 1985
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1985
Requires that the economic assumptions pertaining to inflation that are used for major weapon system programs of the Department of Defense included in the annual budget transmitted by the President to the Congress be the same as those used for all other programs, projects, and activities included in such budget.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1985
Requires that the economic assumptions pertaining to inflation that are used for major weapon system programs of the Department of Defense included in the annual budget transmitted by the President to the Congress be the same as those used for all other programs, projects, and activities included in such budget.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1985
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to provide that persons appointed by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to medical residencies and internships shall be excluded from coverage as employees (for purposes of collective bargaining) under the Federal Labor-Management Relations Statute.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that former White House Security Affairs Adviser Robert C. McFarlane be commended for his outstanding service to the American people, to the President, and to his country.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1985
Veterans' Compensation and Benefits Improvement Act of 1985 - Title I: Disability Compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation - Amends Federal law to increase the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and for children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for children. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any payments by the Veterans Administration (VA) to veterans as compensation for service-connected disabilities should remain exempt from Federal income taxation. Title II: Educational Assistance Program Improvements - Amends Federal law to limit on a ratio basis the amount of the monthly educational assistance payable to an individual pursuing a program of apprenticeship or other on-job training who fails to complete 120 hours of such training in any one month. Reduces by 50 percent any such assistance after the twelfth month of the individual's pursuit of such program. Adjusts the delimiting period for individuals entitled to certain combined educational assistance benefits by adding the requirement that such individuals must have been on active duty without a break in service since October 19, 1984. Reduces the ten-year delimiting period of eligibility for such assistance by any amount of time not served on active duty during the period between January 1, 1977, and October 18, 1984. Provides entitlement to educational assistance through correspondence courses. Makes clerical amendments to various veterans' benefits provisions. Limits on a ratio basis the amount of the monthly educational assistance allowance payable to post-Vietnam era veterans pursuing a program of apprenticeship or other on-job training who fail to complete 120 hours of such training in any one month. Reduces by 50 percent the amount of any such assistance available after the twelfth month of the individual's pursuit of such program. Revises administrative provisions of the basic educational assistance program. Terminates a veteran's eligibility for educational assistance benefits ten years after the date of such veteran's last discharge or release from active duty. Authorizes the granting of an extension of such delimiting period for veterans who were prevented from initiating or completing a program of education within the delimiting period because of a physical or mental disability which was not the result of the veterans' own willful misconduct. Requires a veteran to undergo educational and vocational counseling before selecting a program of education in any case in which the Administrator of Veterans Affairs has rated the veteran as being incompetent. Authorizes an appropriate continuance in a veteran's eligibility for educational assistance for those veterans who were delayed in initiating or completing a program of education because of a delay in determining such person's eligibility for educational assistance. Authorizes the Administrator to arrange for educational or vocational counseling for persons eligible for benefits. Revises Federal provisions relating to the payment of veterans' educational assistance to authorize payments to veterans enrolled in programs not leading to a standard college degree in certain instances. Prohibits a veteran from receiving educational assistance benefits under more than one educational assistance program. Authorizes the Administrator, in the case of a program of independent study pursued on a less-than-half-time basis at an educational institution, to approve a delay by the institution in certain reporting requirements until the end of the term, semester, or quarter. Allows an educational institution to certify the enrollment of a veteran for more than one term, semester, or quarter at a time but not for a period extending beyond the end of a school year. States that such provision does not apply to a veteran or other eligible person enrolled on a less than half-time basis. Establishes a Commission on Veterans' Education Policy (the Commission). Requires the Commission, no later than 18 months after the date on which at least eight members of the Commission have been appointed, to submit a report on the Commission's findings and recommendations to the Administrator and to specified congressional committees. Outlines the information to be included in such report. Requires the Administrator, no later than six months after receipt of the Commission's report, to submit an interim report to such committees with views concerning the Commission's report. Requires the Commission, no later than 90 days after its receipt of the Administrator's interim report, to report back to the Administrator and such committees on their view of the Administrator's report. Requires the Administrator, no later than two years after the date of the Commission's original report, to submit a final report to such committees. Outlines the information to be included in such report. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the Administrator submits the final report. Title III: Specially Adapted Housing and Home Loan Guaranty Program Improvements - Revises Federal veterans' home loans provisions to provide assistance to veterans with service-connected disabilities in acquiring a residence already adapted with special features considered necessary for such veteran. Requires the Administrator to prescribe regulations and standards for determining the credit standing and other factors associated with veterans receiving home loan guarantees. Outlines provisions to be included in the determination of such loan underwriting standards. Requires any lender submitting a loan to the Administrator which is to be guaranteed to certify that it has complied with certain credit information and loan processing standards. Provides civil penalties for false certifications made by lenders. Authorizes the Administrator to waive such prescribed credit underwriting standards in extraordinary circumstances. Prohibits the Administrator from making a loan to finance a purchase of property acquired by the Administrator as a result of a default on a loan guaranteed under these provisions unless the purchaser meets the established credit underwriting standards. Increases the amount of home loan guaranty entitlement for each veteran from $27,500 to $33,500. Requires the holder of a loan guarantee to promptly notify the Administrator of any failure of the debtor to make two consecutive monthly payments due on the loan. Requires the holder to initiate foreclosure within 15 days after the date on which the veteran has failed to make four consecutive monthly payments on a guaranteed loan. Provides for loss of interest payments by the Administrator to any holders of loans who fail to follow the required notification and foreclosure procedures. Requires the Administrator to compile information on common factors contributing to foreclosures on guaranteed loans and submit such findings in the annual report to the Congress. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the direct loan revolving fund to the loan guaranty revolving fund such amounts as the Administrator determines are not needed in the direct loan revolving fund. Requires the Administrator to submit a notice of any such transfer to the appropriate committees of the Congress within 30 days of such transfer. Requires the Administrator to: (1) prescribe standardize examinations on appraising and uniform qualifications for appraisers; (2) use such examinations and qualifications in determining whether to approve an appraiser; and (3) develop and maintain a list of approved appraisers for the veterans' home loan guaranty program. Directs the Administrator to select appraisers from such list on a rotating basis, and to furnish a copy of the appraisal to the lender proposing to make the loan which is to be guaranteed under the home loan guaranty program. Requires the Administrator to take into consideration both the initial appraisal and any additional appraisal furnished to the Administrator by the proposed lender in making a determination of reasonable property value. Requires the Administrator to establish appropriate appraisal fee limitations. Requires the Administrator to provide real estate brokers and other real estate sales professionals information on the availability of real property for disposition by the VA under these provisions and the procedures used by the VA to dispose of such property. Directs the Administrator, within 90 days after the enactment of this Act, to establish the Task Force on Management and Disposition of Property (the Task Force) whose purpose will be to: (1) exchange information between the VA and the real estate industry on efficient and current real property management and disposition practices; and (2) advise the Administrator on ways to improve the manner in which the VA manages and disposes of real property acquired via foreclosures. Requires the Administrator to regularly consult with and seek the advice of the Task Force on pertinent matters. Directs the Task Force, not later than 16 months after the date on which it is established, to report to the Administrator on its activities during the preceding year. Directs the Task Force to also submit to the Administrator a final report no later than the day before the Task Force terminates. Authorizes the Task Force to submit other reports as appropriate. Directs the Administrator, no later than 60 days after receipt of the Task Force's first report, to submit such report, together with comments and recommendations, to specified congressional committees. Terminates the Task Force three years after the date on which it is established. Directs the Administrator, during the period beginning on April 1, 1986, and ending on September 30, 1987, to conduct a pilot program under which the Administrator shall contract with one or more qualified commercial organizations for the performance of VA property management and disposal functions. Outlines action to be taken by the Administrator as part of such pilot program. Directs the Administrator, no later than February 1, 1988, to submit to specified congressional committees a report on the experience under the pilot program. Outlines information to be included in such report. Title IV: National Cemetery System - Amends the national cemeteries and memorials provisions of Federal law to require the Administrator to designate a section in each national cemetery for the burial of eligible persons in graves marked with an upright marker. Requires persons (or their survivors) requesting upright markers to be buried in such a section. Provides that all other markers in a national cemetery shall be flat markers. Directs the Administrator, no later than 18 months after the enactment of this Act, and also no later than five years after such date, to report to specified congressional committees on the National Cemetery System. Outlines information to be included in each such report. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to set aside suitable areas in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, to honor members of the armed forces and veterans: (1) who are missing in action; (2) whose remains have not been recovered or identified; (3) whose remains were buried at sea; (4) whose remains were donated to science; or (5) whose remains were cremated and whose ashes were scattered without internment of any portion thereof. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends veterans' administrative provisions to define the term "detailed plan and justification" which is a plan required of the Administrator before certain administrative reorganizations of VA facilities may occur. Redefines "Vietnam era" for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits of individuals who served during such era. Prohibits any payments made to a veteran for participation in a therapeutic or rehabilitative activity from being considered annual income for purposes of pension entitlements for such veterans. Directs the Administrator, no later than February 1, 1986, to establish an advisory committee to conduct an evaluation to determine the extent to which the programs and other activities of the VA meet the needs of veterans who are Native Americans, including Alaska Natives. Outlines information to be included in such evaluation. Directs the advisory committee, no later than August 1, 1987, to report its findings and recommendations to the Administrator. Requires various other reports concerning such Native Americans. Directs the Administrator, no later than June 1, 1986, to report to specified congressional committees a plan for collocating at least seven regional offices of the VA with VA medical centers on the grounds of such medical centers. Outlines information to be included in such plan. Requires the Administrator to arrange for an epidemiological study of any long-term adverse gender-specific health effects on women veterans of Vietnam as a result of: (1) traumatic experiences; (2) exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange or to other chemicals or medications; or (3) any other similar experience or exposure during such service. Requires the Administrator to notify the appropriate congressional committees if it is determined that such a study is not feasible. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), if the Administrator makes such a negative determination, to report within 60 days of such determination to the same congressional committees evaluating and commenting on such determination. Requires any such study to be conducted in accordance with a protocol approved by the Director of OTA. Requires various reports concerning such studies between the Director, the Administrator, and the appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Administrator, within 90 days after the submission of each such report, to publish in the Federal Register any actions proposed by the Administrator with respect to programs administered by the VA.
United States · United States Senate · 22 November 1985
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1985
Defense Procurement Reform Act of 1985 - Terminates the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). Transfers the functions of the DCAA to the General Accounting Office (GAO). Provides that the personnel regulations of GAO shall be used to determine the eligibility for employment with GAO of those personnel currently employed by DCAA. Makes the effective date of such agency termination and functions transfers January 1, 1987. Amends Federal law relating to defense contracts to require, in the case of a major defense acquisition program, the head of an agency to include in a solicitation for bids or proposals for a contract for production of a system a description of: (1) the operational need to be fulfilled; (2) specified functions to be performed; and (3) performance standards and contract requirements applicable to such production system. Prohibits contract requirements from being changed after any potential contractor has received notice of the solicitation. Authorizes the head of an agency to establish additional contract requirements if certain notice requirements are met. Makes such provision applicable to all solicitations issued after the 90-day period following enactment of this Act. Amends Federal educational requirements for certain Department of Defense acquisition personnel to require such personnel to have completed a 20-week course at the Defense Systems Management College or other comparable institution in order to work in major defense acquisition programs. Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than May 1, 1986, to report to the Congress on opportunities for advancement for program managers and other acquisition personnel within the Department of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1985
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 3622 (Joint Chiefs of Staff).
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1985
Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor native American members of the U.S. armed forces who served during periods of war or national conflict. Subjects the selected design and plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select a site for the memorial and to be responsible for its maintenance upon construction. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting construction to commence until sufficient funds are available for completion of the memorial. Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to receive and then to disburse for the erection of the memorial funds received only from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after September 30, 1986, for the establishment of the memorial. Directs any excess amount collected for the establishment of the memorial to offset appropriated funds. Terminates the authority to establish the memorial five years after the enactment of this Act, unless construction has begun during such period.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1985
Revises Federal law relating to the organization of the Office of the Chief Medical Director of the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans Administration (the Department) to provide that such Office shall consist of the following: (1) not to exceed two Associate Deputy Chief Medical Directors; (2) not to exceed seven Assistant Chief Medical Directors; (3) such Medical Directors as may be appointed by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs; (4) such directors of hospitals and other medical facilities as may be appointed by the Administrator; and (5) such other persons as may be appointed by the Chief Medical Director. Authorizes the Chief Medical Director to establish, modify, or abolish such positions and offices as are deemed necessary to carry out the needs of the Department. Outlines provisions concerning length of appointment to such offices and positions, and possible extensions or terminations of such appointment terms by the Administrator. Reduces the minimum and maximum annual salary rate for the position of Medical Director of the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1985
Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor Hispanic American members of the U.S. armed forces who served during periods of war or national conflict. Subjects the selected design and plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, the Commission on Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select a site for the memorial and to be responsible for its maintenance upon construction. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting construction to commence until sufficient funds are available for completion of the memorial. Authorizes the American Battlements Commission to receive and then to disburse for the erection of the memorial funds received only from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after September 30, 1986, for the establishment of the memorial. Directs any excess amount collected for the establishment of the memorial to offset appropriated funds. Terminates the authority to establish the memorial five years after the enactment of this Act, unless construction has begun during such period.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1985
Authorizes educational assistance for apprenticeship or other on-the-job training under the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program. Limits the amount of educational assistance payable in any one month where the individual pursuing the educational program fails to complete 120 hours of training.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1985
Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to express the intent of the Congress that: (1) the National Defense Stockpile be used to serve the interest of national defense only and not for economic or budgetary purposes; and (2) the quantities of materials stored should be sufficient to sustain the United States for a period of not less than three years in the event of a national emergency. Provides that such strategic materials, together with their quantity and quality and the form in which they are to be acquired and stored, shall be established by law and shall be known as the National Defense Stockpile. Provides that certain functions of the President under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (such as stockpile management, disposal authority, the creation of advisory committees, and reports to the Congress) may be delegated only to the Secretary of Defense. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an interagency agreement with the head of any other department or agency for the performance of such functions. Provides that appropriations for the operation of the Stockpile and for acquisitions through the Stockpile Transaction Fund shall be made to the Department of Defense as part of the appropriations for military functions of the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1985
Rural Veterans' Emergency Health Care Act - Amends veterans' benefits provisions to remove certain requirements concerning the receiving of emergency health care in non-Veterans Administration facilities, thereby authorizing medical expenses reimbursement to veterans for additional kinds of care in such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1985
Provides for free travel on military aircraft for any former member of the armed forces who has a service-connected disability rated total by the Veterans Administration.
United States · United States Senate · 6 November 1985
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1985
Requires the Secretary of Defense to assign a senior medical officer of the armed forces as the chief medical officer of the U.S. European Command. Provides that, while serving such position, the chief medical officer may not be assigned to any other position.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1985
Waives points of order against the consideration of H.R. 3629 (Department of Defense appropriations).
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Veterans' Compensation and Benefits Improvements Act of 1985 - Title I: Disability Compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Rate Increases - Amends Federal law to increase the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, and the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans. Increases the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and for children, as well as the rates of supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for children. Makes such increases dependent upon the occurrence of similar increases under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to compute alternative rate increases if such title II increases do not occur, and pay such increased benefits as of December 1, 1985. Requires any such computed increases to be published in the Federal Register. Title II: Educational Assistance Program Improvements - Terminates a veteran's eligibility for educational assistance benefits as of ten years after the date of such veterans's last discharge or release from active duty. Authorizes the granting of an extension of such delimiting period for veterans who were prevented from initiating or completing a program of education within the delimiting because of a physical or mental disability which was not the result of the veterans' own willful misconduct. Requires a veteran to undergo educational and vocational counseling before selecting a program of education in any case in which the Administrator has rated the veteran as being incompetent. Authorizes an appropriate continuance in a veteran's eligibility for educational assistance for those veterans who were delayed in initiating or completing a program of education because of a delay in determining such person's eligibility for educational assistance. Authorizes the Administrator to arrange for educational or vocational counseling for persons eligible for benefits. Revises Federal provisions relating to the payment of veterans' educational assistance to authorize payments to veterans enrolled in programs not leading to a standard degree in certain instances. Requires the Administrator, in the case of educational assistance allowances for veterans pursuing an education at an institution on a less-than-half-time basis, to receive certification from such institution that such veteran has enrolled in and is pursuing a program at such institution. Prohibits a veteran from receiving educational assistance benefits under more than one educational assistance program. Authorizes the Administrator, in the case of a program of independent study pursued on a less-than-half-time basis at an educational institution, to approve a delay by the institution in certain reporting requirements until the end of the term, semester, or quarter. Repeals Federal law allowing: (1) payments of educational assistance to veterans beyond the ten-year delimiting period; (2) the accelerated payment of educational allowances; and (3) the granting of educational loans to veterans. Authorizes the Administrator, for education loans made prior to the enactment of this Act, to continue collecting the principal and interest due on such loans, and to continue to maintain a certain fund used for the collection of such loan amounts. Title III: Home Loan Guaranty Program Improvements - Revises Federal veterans' home loans provisions to require the Administrator to prescribe regulations and standards for determining the credit standing and other factors associated with veterans receiving home loan guarantees. Outlines provisions to be included in the determination of such loan underwriting standards. Requires any lender submitting a loan to the Administrator which is to be guaranteed to certify that it has complied with certain credit information and loan processing standards. Provides civil penalties for false certifications made by lenders. Authorizes the Administrator to waive such prescribed credit underwriting standards in extraordinary circumstances. Directs the Administrator to also require certain certifications from veterans applying for a home loan guarantee. Increases the amount of home loan guaranty entitlement for each veteran from $27,500 to $32,500. Requires the holder of a loan guarantee to promptly notify the Administrator of any failure of the debtor to make two consecutive monthly payments due on the loan. Requires the holder to initiate foreclosure within 15 days after the date on which the veteran has failed to make four consecutive monthly payments on a guaranteed loan. Provides for loss of interest payments by the Administrator to any holders of loans who fail to follow the required notification and foreclosure procedures. Directs the Administrator to compile and transmit to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees information on common factors which contribute to foreclosures on such guaranteed loans. Directs the Administrator, during the period beginning April 1, 1986, and ending September 30, 1987, to conduct a pilot program to contract with commercial organizations for the management and disposal of property acquired by the VA due to veterans' home foreclosures. Directs the Administrator, no later than March 3, 1988, to report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the experiences under the pilot program. Outlines information to be included in such report. Requires the reasonable value of any property, construction, repairs, or alterations in connection with a guaranteed loan to be determined by an appraiser designated by the lender of such loan. Directs the Administrator to furnish to real estate brokers and other real estate professionals information on the availability or real property for disposition due to foreclosure and the procedures used by the VA to dispose of such property. Directs the Administrator to establish the Task Force on Management and Disposition of Property (the Task Force) whose purpose will be to: (1) exchange information between the VA and the real estate industry on efficient and current real property management and disposition practices; and (2) advise the Administrator on ways to improve the manner in which the VA manages and disposes of real property acquired via foreclosures. Requires the Administrator to regularly consult with and seek the advice of the Task Force on pertinent matters. Directs the Task Force, no later than July 1, 1986, and no later than July 1 of each second year thereafter, to report to the Administrator on its activities during the preceding period, together with recommendations. Directs the Administrator, no later than 30 days after the receipt of each such report, to transmit such report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees, together with recommendations and other specified information. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the national cemeteries and memorials provisions of Federal law to require the Administrator to designate a section in each national cemetery for the burial of eligible persons in graves marked with an upright marker. Requires persons (or their survivors) requesting upright markers to be buried in such a section. Provides that all other markers in a national cemetery shall be flat markers. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to set aside suitable areas in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, to honor members of the armed forces and veterans: (1) who are missing in action; (2) whose remains have not been recovered or identified; (3) whose remains were buried at sea; (4) whose remains were donated to science; or (5) whose remains were cremated and whose ashes were scattered without internment of any portion thereof. Prohibits further payments of pension, compensation, or retirement pay to institutionalized veterans determined to be incompetent and whose estate value exceeds $8,000 until the estate is reduced to $2,000 (currently, $1,500 and $500, respectively). Directs the Administrator to conduct an evaluation to determine the extent to which the programs and other activities of the VA meet the needs of veterans who are Native Americans, including Alaska Natives. Outlines information to be included in such evaluation. Directs the Administrator, no later than October 1,1987, to report the findings of such evaluation to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees. Directs the Administrator, no later than September 30, 1987, to collocate at least five regional offices of the VA with VA medical centers. Directs the Administrator, no later than September 30, 1986, to report to the Senate and House veterans' Affairs Committees on the feasibility of collocating more than five such offices. Outlines information to be included in the feasibility report. Requires the Administrator to assess the benefits and costs of combining VA regional offices which are located near each other. Retitles the Emergency Veterans' Job Training Act of 1983 as the Veterans' Job Training Act of 1983. Extends through FY 1986 the authorization of appropriations under such Act. Extends the veterans' educational assistance program under such Act through specified periods after the enactment of this Act. Amends such Act to assure the payment of veterans' educational assistance for FY 1986 even if funds are not authorized to be appropriated for such purpose. Increases veterans' eligibility for such assistance by reducing from 15 out of 20 to ten out of 20 the number of weeks preceding an application for assistance a veteran must have been unemployed in order to qualify. Directs the Secretary of Labor to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of establishing and administering a program under which grants are made from a veterans' job training grant fund to a State or appropriate private industry council to fund on job training programs similar to veterans' job training programs in depressed employment areas or industries. Directs the Secretary, no later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, to report the results of such evaluation to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees. Outlines specified findings and recommendations to be included by the Secretary in such report.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Joint Chiefs of Staff Reorganization Act of 1985 - Revises Federal provisions concerning the composition and function of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to define the Chairman of JCS as the principal military advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense. Authorizes a member of JCS other than the Chairman to offer, to the Secretary of Defense and then to the President, a separate opinion in disagreement with that of the Chairman concerning military advice given. Directs that the Chairman of JCS shall supervise the commanders of the combatant commands and act as their spokesman. Extends the term of the Chairman of JCS from two to four years. Establishes the position of Deputy Chairman of JCS. Prohibits the Deputy Chairman and the Chairman from being a member of the same military branch, unless the Secretary of Defense waives such prohibition for a limited period. Sets the term of the Deputy Chairman at four years. Requires the Deputy Chairman to perform such duties as delegated by the Chairman with the approval of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Deputy Chairman to act as Chairman if the latter position is vacated for any reason. Directs the Deputy Chairman to act as director of the Joint Staff, which performs such duties as the Chairman prescribes. Eliminates any maximum number of officers on the Joint Staff. Provides that the four-year term of a member of the Joint Staff may be extended with the approval of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the Joint Staff is independently organized and operated in order to provide for the unified strategic direction of the combatant forces and their operation and integration into an efficient team of land, naval, and air forces. Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to submit an evaluation to the President of any person for appointment to a grade above major general or rear admiral. Requires such evaluation to consider the performance of that officer as a member of the Joint Staff and in other assignments involving joint military experiences. Requires such evaluation to be submitted to the President at the same time as the submission of the recommendation for the appointment. Directs the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman of JCS to attend all meetings of the National Security Council and participate fully in its deliberations. Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than six months after the enactment of this Act, to report to the Congress on plans for further changes in the administration of the military high commands of each of the armed forces. Outlines proposals to be developed in such report.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Department of Defense Appropriation Act, 1986 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1986 for military and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY 1986 for the operation and maintenance of the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, and the defense agencies, including their respective reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guards. Appropriates funds for the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice, claims against the Department of Defense, the Court of Military Appeals, the tenth International Pan American Games, and environmental restoration (including transfer of funds). Title III: Procurement - Appropriates and transfers funds for FY 1986 for the procurement by the Army of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and other equipment and materials. Appropriates and transfers funds for procurement by the Navy of aircraft, weapons, conversion and shipbuilding of vessels, and other equipment and materials. Prohibits the use of funds for naval vessel construction in foreign shipyards. Appropriates and transfers funds for Marine Corps procurement. Appropriates and transfers funds for procurement by the Air Force of aircraft, missiles, and other equipment and materials. Appropriates funds for the National Guard, Reserve, and defense agencies' procurement (including transfer of funds). Makes all such appropriations available through FY 1988 unless otherwise specified. Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY 1986 for research, development, test, and evaluation by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and defense agencies (permits the merger of appropriations for advanced research). Appropriates funds for the expenses of the Director of Defense Test and Evaluation. Makes all such appropriations available through FY 1987. Title V: Special Foreign Currency Program - Appropriates funds for FY 1986 for excess payments in foreign currencies for expenses in carrying out the programs of the Department of Defense. Title VI: Revolving and Maintenance Funds - Appropriates funds for the armed forces and defense stock funds. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for the intelligence community staff and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund. Title VIII: General Provisions - Limits the expenditure of appropriations for consulting services to contracts where such expenditures are a matter of public record. Prohibits the use of appropriations for unauthorized publicity or propaganda. Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and of the service departments to procure the services of experts and consultants if advantageous to the national defense. Exempts the Defense Department from the prohibition against employing non-citizens. Makes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for the current and future fiscal years available for the following: (1) expenses connected with administration of occupied areas; (2) payments of rewards for information leading to the recovery of missing naval property; (3) payments of deficiency judgments arising out of condemnation proceedings; (4) leasing of buildings and facilities; (5) contract payments for the maintenance of tools and facilities; (6) maintenance of defense access roads; (7) milk purchases for enlisted personnel of DOD; (8) payments under leases for real or personal property; (9) the purchase of right-hand-drive vehicles; (10) payment of cost overruns for ship construction and repair; (11) payments for industrial fund activities incident to ship overhaul, maintenance, and repair; and (12) payments for depot maintenance contracts. Makes such appropriations also available for: (1) military courts, boards, and commissions; (2) certain utilities; and (3) exchange fees and disbursing losses. Directs the Secretary of Defense and each agency of the Department to assist American small and minority-owned businesses in their participation in defense contracts. Provides that no part of any appropriation contained in this Act remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year, unless expressly so provided. Permits the President to exempt appropriations available for military functions from the requirement that appropriations be distributed so as to prevent deficiencies or the need for supplemental funding. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the cost of any increases in military personnel required by the President for airborne alert. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress monthly on the exercise of such authority. Prohibits the use of appropriations for specified practices, including: (1) proficiency flying; and (2) excess household goods shippage and storage. Permits the transfer of vessels among the Departments of Transportation and Defense. Prohibits the obligation of more than 20 percent of funds appropriated by this Act during the last two months of the fiscal year except as specified. Permits the Department of Defense to accept the use of real property and services from foreign countries in accordance with mutual defense agreements or occupational arrangements or as reciprocal international courtesies. Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to the Congress on the properties and services received. Permits the use of appropriations for research and development and for the acquisition or furnishing of facilities for such activities. Prohibits the use of appropriations for the procurement of any food, clothing, specified cloth (including cotton, silk, and wool) or synthetic fabrics, or specialty metals not grown, produced, or processed within the United States, with specified exceptions. Permits the use of appropriations for uniforms or uniform allowances for civilian employees. Limits the funds available for legislative liaison activities of the Department. Earmarks appropriations for the procurement of commercial transportation service from carriers participating in the civil reserve air fleet program. Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest and with the approval of the Office of Management and Budget, to transfer and merge specified working capital funds. Directs the Secretary to notify the Congress of all transfers. Limits the cash balances which may be maintained in such funds. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) fuel conversion at defense facilities in Europe; (2) the preparation of a request to the Appropriations Committees for reprogramming of funds, except as specified; (3) certain claims for physician or provider reimbursement for medical services provided under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); (4) public affairs activities beyond a specified amount; (5) administering funds credited to DOD under provisions of the Arms Export Control Act; (6) Senior ROTC units which have had classes with insufficient enrollment; (7) programs of the Central Intelligence Agency beyond FY 1987, with specified exceptions; and (8) military personnel costs associated with morale, welfare, and recreation activities. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the payment of anticipatory possession compensation claims to the Federal Republic of Germany other than claims under the Global Agreement. Permits the Secretary to contract with collection agencies to recover indebtedness to the United States. Prohibits the use of appropriations for: (1) certain noncompetitive contracts for studies or consulting services unless certain unique elements are present; (2) nonreimbursed medical care in the United States to foreign military or diplomatic personnel or their dependents; (3) certain second career training programs; (4) the demilitarization of surplus nonautomatic firearms of less than a specified caliber; (5) certain multiyear contracts utilizing economic order quantity procurement or unfunded contingent liabilities in excess of a specified amount; and (6) excessive per diems in lieu of subsistence when an enlisted member is in a travel status. Prohibits the use of appropriations for: (1) waivers of certain cost recovery under the Arms Export Control Act unless the Appropriations Committees are given advanced notice; (2) transportation of equipment or material designated as Prepositioned Material Configured in Unit Sets (POMCUS) in Europe in excess of four division sets, except as specified to maintain certain inventories at a fixed percent of established requirements; (3) the transfer of manufacturing equipment and data for military equipment to a foreign country without the prior approval of the Secretary concerned; (4) the transfer of a technical data package or any assistance from any Government-owned and operated defense plant manufacturing large caliber cannons to any foreign government; and (5) unjustified intelligence activity unless the Appropriations Committees are notified. Requires the Advanced Technology Bomber program to be funded at a level at least equal to that provided by the conference committee. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) the purchase of foreign coal or coke for U.S. defense facilities in Europe when U.S. coal is available; (2) the procurement of manual typewriters from Warsaw Pact countries; (3) more than 37 Executive Schedule positions in the Department; (4) converting certain military technician positions to nonmilitary positions in support of the reserves and the guards; and (5) imposing a civilian personnel ceiling on industrially funded activities of the Department. Eliminates during FY 1986 the requirement that the Congress must authorize by law the end-strengths for civilian personnel in DOD. Prohibits setting any end-strenth limitations for such personnel during FY 1986. Requires FY 1987 defense budget requests to reflect such changes. Permits the transfer and merger of funds for increased pay costs for research, development, test, and evaluation. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) leasing Department aircraft or vehicles to non-Federal agencies when commercial alternatives are available; (2) congressional lobbying; (3) certain multiyear leasing or chartering of vessels with excessive termination liabilities; (4) selling or leasing any land which is part of Fort DeRussy, Honolulu, Hawaii; (5) the operation of more than 247 commissaries in the contiguous United States; (6) procuring certain foreign-manufactured aircraft ejection seats; (7) unemployment benefits over a specified amount; (8) the pay of certain nonmilitary Army Reserve technicians; (9) the transfer of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools to the Department of Education; (10) certain purchases of aircraft power supply cable assemblies beyond a specified percent; and (11) purchasing dogs or cats to study the medical treatment of wounds. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) the full-scale engineering development of any major acquisition program until the Secretary certifies to the Appropriations Committees that two or more production sources are not necessary or provides a plan for the development of two or more sources; and (2) the payment of unused, accrued leave in excess of 60 days. Limits the amount of funds which may be used for the transportation of dependent children of members stationed overseas. Permits the use of limited funds for travel expenses of the family of a member who dies in the line of duty to attend such member's funeral. Prohibits the expenditure of funds for the floating storage of petroleum in non-U.S. vessels. Earmarks funds for the Civil Air Patrol. Permits the use of funds for removing feral burros and horses. Prohibits the use of appropriations for continuation pay for dental officers serving in an over-manned specialty. Permits a limited transfer of funds for health care delivery demonstration projects upon notification of the Congress by the Secretary of such transfer. Prohibits the use of funds for the consolidation or conversion of certain heating facilities to district heating systems in defense installations in Europe. Prohibits the use of funds to compensate certain foreign selling costs. Permits the obligation of funds for humanitarian and civic assistance costs incident to authorized operations of the armed forces. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force to retain in active status certain officers who need such status in order to maintain employment as a National Guard or Reserve technician. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to transport any chemical munitions into the Lexington-Blue Grass Army Depot for future demilitarization purposes. Prohibits the use of appropriations for: (1) procurement of weapons systems for side-by-side testing of such systems with NATO countries, without prior notification to the Appropriations Committees; and (2) abortions, except where the life of the mother would be endangered. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Secretary should award defense contracts in FY 1986 to the extent possible to contractors who agree to carry out such contracts in labor surplus areas; (2) competition should be increased in providing for our national defense; (3) the President should consult with other NATO-member nations concerning Strategic Defense Initiative research, and that the Secretary of Defense should report to various congressional committees on the status of such consultations; and (4) the President should insist that pertinent NATO-member nations meet or exceed their pledges for a three percent annual increase in defense spending and that Japan further increase its defense spending during fiscal years 1986 and 1987. Prohibits the use of funds for contracting out activities performed by the Defense Personnel Support Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, unless the Appropriations Committees receive the results of a cost analysis of such action. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) the integration of a nuclear warhead into the Joint Tactical Missile System; or (2) contracts for the overhaul, repair, or maintenance of any naval vessel which includes interport differential charges. Authorizes the Department of the Air Force and the Defense Logistics Agency to test a flat rate per diem system for military and civilian travel allowances, under certain conditions. Directs DOD to conduct a pilot test project of providing home health care to certain military dependents. Limits the availability of appropriations for educational costs for off-duty training of military personnel to specified percentages of such costs. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) contracted professional surveying and mapping services for the Defense Mapping Agency unless such contracts are procured in accordance with certain selection procedures; and (2) conversion to contractor performance of an activity or function of DOD that is currently performed by more than ten DOD civilian employees until a cost analysis is completed on such and certified to the Appropriations Committees. Makes appropriations available to exchange or furnish mapping, charting, or geodetic data, supplies or services to a foreign country pursuant to an agreement for the exchange of such services. Sets aside specified funds for establishing a pilot program for advanced semiconductor research. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for NATO cooperative research and development projects until 30 calendar days have elapsed following written notification to the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations and on Armed Services. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) procurement or assembly of binary chemical munitions; or (2) the establishment of production facilities for such purpose. Expresses the sense of the Congress that appropriations for binary chemical weapons shall be considered only if certain enumerated conditions are met. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) the procurement of C-12 aircraft unless competitive procedures are used; (2) a test of the Space Defense System (antisatellite weapon) until the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union has tested such a weapon; and (3) procurement of 120mm mortars or ammunition for such mortars if manufactured outside the United States. Limits the funds available to initiate a replacement program for Presidential Air Force One aircraft. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer certain funds from the Foreign Currency Fluctuation, Defense account to the operation and maintenance appropriations provided in this Act, under certain specified conditions. 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 contractor. Specifies penalties for violations of this 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 an officer or employee of DOD, having significant responsibilities for a procurement function with respect to a contract, who contacts or is contacted by such contractor regarding future compensation, to report such contact to his or her supervisor and the designated ethics official and to disqualify himself or herself from all significant procurement functions regarding such contract until a report on such contact is made. Requires the Secretary to notify affected employees who leave DOD of these provisions. Requires contractors subject to such a contract term to issue to the Secretary an annual report listing specified information concerning individuals who had significant responsibilities for a procurement function, left the Government within the previous two years, and were compensated by that contractor after leaving Government service. Requires such reports on April 1 of each year, beginning with 1987. Requires the Secretary to assess such reports and report any possible violations to the Attorney General. Requires a copy of each such report to be sent to the Secretary of Defense. Requires the Secretary to assess such reports and report any possible violations to the Attorney General. Provides penalties for those contractors failing to file 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 and the Director of the Office of Government Ethics. 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 such compensation. Directs the Secretary of Defense to require a covered contract to provide that if the contractor submits to DOD for payment costs specified by law as unallowable, then: (1) such cost will be disallowed; and (2) a specified penalty will be imposed upon such contractor. Provides civil and criminal penalties for contractors who knowingly submit for reimbursement costs unallowable by law. Lists the following costs as disallowed under such a contract: (1) entertainment and social activities; (2) costs incurred to influence action on legislation or appropriation matters pending before the Congress; (3) costs of the defense of any fraud proceeding; (4) fines and penalties imposed for noncompliance with Federal, State, or local laws and regulations; (5) costs of membership in any social or dining club or organization; (6) alcoholic beverages; (7) contributions or donations; (8) advertising; (9) models, gifts, souvenirs, or other memorabilia; (10) other items proscribed by the Secretary of Defense; and (11) aircraft travel to the extent such costs exceed the standard commercial fare. Allows such noncommercial air travel in specified limited circumstances. Requires the Secretary of Defense, within 150 days after the enactment of this Act, to issue regulations concerning the allowability of indirect contractor costs under DOD contracts. Requires such regulations to: (1) define in detail unallowable costs; and (2) provide that specific costs unallowable under one cost principle shall not be allowable under any other cost principle. Provides that such regulations shall require that a contractor provide current, accurate, and complete documentation to support the allowability of an indirect cost. Requires a defense contract auditor, whenever feasible and practicable, to be present at any meeting or negotiation regarding the allowability of an indirect cost. Requires a contractor to certify that all indirect costs included in a final settlement proposal are allowable. Allows the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military department concerned to waive such certification in specified limited circumstances. Requires the Secretary to prepare a plan for competition for major defense acquisition programs before beginning the full-scale engineering development under any such program. Requires the Secretary to report such plan to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, not later than at the same time the Secretary submits budget requests for full-scale engineering development programs. Outlines proposals to be included in such plan. Requires the Secretary to determine whether competitive alternative sources of competition exist for a program, and, if not, to revise the plan of competition. Requires at least two sources of supply before full-scale engineering development of a program takes place. Requires the Secretary to ensure that, of the total dollar amount of contracts awarded for a fiscal year for major acquisition programs, the amount awarded to the contractors whose proposals were most advantageous to the United States shall be greater than the amount awarded other contractors. Provides for waiver of such competition requirements in specified limited circumstances. Requires a defense agency that is responsible for the acquisition of property or services under a covered defense contract to record the contractor's proposed and negotiated cost and pricing data into appropriate categories such as labor costs, material costs, subcontract costs, overhead costs, general and administrative costs, fee or profit, and recurring or nonrecurring costs. Requires bills of labor to reflect a computation of work required in manufacturing parts and assemblies, and other specified information. Requires similar information to be detailed in a contractor's recorded bill of materials. Outlines contracts to which such provisions shall apply.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
National Commission on Classified Information and Security Clearance Procedures - Establishes the National Commission on Classified Information and Security Clearance Procedures to investigate: (1) standards and procedures used by Federal authorities to issue security clearances and classify information; (2) procedures used to ensure that persons with a security clearance continue to meet required standards; (3) the extent to which current standards and procedures cause the classification of more information than required by national security; and (4) the dangers to national security by the growth in the number of persons holding security clearances. Directs the Commission to recommend to each branch of the Federal Government uniform standards and procedures for issuing security clearances, classifying documents, and ensuring that a security clearance continues to meet required standards. Makes provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act inapplicable to the Commission. Requires the Commission to make a final report to the President, the Congress, and the Supreme Court not later than one year after appropriations are first made for the Commission. Allows the restriction of public access to Commission documents. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Waives points of order against the consideration of S. 1160 (armed forces funding).
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1985
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to include the United States as a party liable for hazardous substances released during the munitions manufacturing process where Department of Defense equipment is used.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1985
Authorizes the printing of 2,000 additional copies of the print of the Committee on Armed Services entitled "Defense Organization: The Need for Change" for the use of such Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) declare a national emergency with respect to acts of terrorism directed against U.S. citizens and property; (2) investigate and determine the extent of assets held in the United States by organizations responsible for such terrorism; and (3) prohibit transactions involving such assets in accordance with the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1985
Directs the Secretary of Defense to require that no employee of a defense contractor under a Department of Defense contract will perform services on a military installation until the employee has undergone a criminal history information check by appropriate Federal agencies. Requires a criminal justice agency, upon appropriate request, to make available criminal history record information regarding employees of a defense contractor performing or who will perform services on a military installation. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from obtaining such information unless the Secretary receives written consent from the individual under investigation for the release of such information.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1985
Declares that the Congress: (1) condemns the hijacking of the Achille Lauro and the murder of Leon Klinghoffer; (2) commends the President and others who assisted in the apprehension of the perpetrators of such hijacking and murder; and (3) calls on all governments having jurisdiction over such matter to ensure that the individuals responsible for such hijacking and murder are prosecuted and punished. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convene an international meeting to determine the steps which must be taken to rid the world of hijacking and the taking of hostages.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1985
Commends the President for his decision to order the interception of the Egyptian airliner that was transporting the terrorists who hijacked the Achille Lauro and killed Leon Klinghoffer. Encourages the President to continue to pressure the Government of Italy to extradite those terrorists to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should initiate, in cooperation with our Western allies, the negotiation of a multinational agreement to establish an allied strategy to respond to international terrorism, procedures to provide and to disseminate intelligence information relating to such terrorism, and a multinational unit to resolve terrorist incidents; and (2) the United States should adopt as a national policy the termination of U.S. foreign assistance to nations that assist or fail to prosecute international terrorists.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Sargent Shriver, in recognition of his distinguished service as the first Director of the Peace Corps. Authorizes appropriations up to a specified amount. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of the medal bearing the Peace Corps' emblem and the likeness of Sargent Shriver.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1985
Veterans' Job Training Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Emergency Veterans' Job Training Act of 1983 to decrease the amount paid by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to the employer of a veteran under a job training program to 30 percent of such earned wage beginning with the fourth month of such employment period. (Currently, the Administrator pays 50 percent, regardless of the employment training period). Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of Labor to provide a program of counseling services for veterans participating in a job training program and to make such veterans and their employers aware of the availability of such services. Requires the Administrator to also make such veterans aware of other supportive services such as readjustment counseling. Provides for the appointment of a case manager to each veteran participating in a job training program. Authorizes appropriations under such Act through FY 1986 and extends through 1988 the availability of funds for such job training programs. Provides for payments to employers of veterans participating in job training programs in the event that funds are appropriated for FY 1986. Provides alternate dates for the payment of such assistance in FY 1986. Permits a veteran who is allowed a monthly training assistance allowance under a program of apprenticeship or other on-job training to elect to have such allowance paid to the employer. Requires the Administrator to make all participating veterans aware of the availability of such election. Directs the Administrator, not later than four months prior to the expiration of such provisions, to report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the implementation of this Act.