The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

August 1985: Volume 1, Number 1

Pending in Congress

Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1985 (H.R. 700/S. 431) would amend four civil rights statutes, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 to ensure that federal funds do not subsidize discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, disability, or age.

Economic Equity Act (H.R. 2472/S. 1169) contains 22 provisions which have been or will be introduced in Congress this year. The bill provides a "comprehensive agenda for women's economic equity" addressing retirement security, dependent care, insurance, employment, and tax reform.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Amendments of 1985 (H.R. 781) would amend section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require federal agencies to provide affirmative action plans to EEOC including numerical goals for hiring minorities and women. The bill was introduced by Rep. Cardiss Collins (D-ILL-) because several federal agencies refused to submit affirmative action plans to the EEOC, stating that affirmative action numerical goals and timetables were illegal.

Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1985 (H.R. 1523/S. 974) would amend the Education of the Handicapped Act to authorize the award of attorneys' fees to parties who successfully sue under the Act.

Immigration Reform Act of 1985 (H.R. 2180) and Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1985 (S. 1200) would revise and reform the immigration and nationality laws. Civil rights groups have expressed support for strong anti-discrimination provisions to protect the rights and livelihoods of immigrants.

Japanese-American Redress Bill (H.R. 442) would implement the findings and recommendations of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians including direct restitution of $20,000 to each interned individual.

Older Americans Civil Rights Act of 1985 (H.R. 172) would amend various civil rights statutes extending protection to the elderly. The bill would amend Title II (Public Accommodations), Title III (Desegregation of Public Facilities), Title IV (Desegregation of Public Education), of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title VIII (Fair Housing) of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to prohibit discrimination against persons over 40 years of age.

Pay Equity in Federal Civil Service (H.R. 3008/S. 519) mandates a study on wage-setting practices in the Federal Government.

Leadership Conference Materials Available From The Education Fund

(costs are to cover duplication and postage)

An Oath Betrayed: The Reagan Administration's Civil Rights Enforcement Record in Education (October 1983), 47 pages, $5.00 prepaid.

Memorandum on the Civil Rights Restoration Act (April 1985), 20 pages, $3.00 prepaid.

Testimony of Ralph G. Neas, Executive Director of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Opposing the Nomination of William Bradford Reynolds to be Associate Attorney General (June 5, 1985), 11 pages, $2.00 prepaid.

Statement of LCCR Before the Subcommittee on Compensation and Employee Benefits, Hearings on Sex-Based Wage Discrimination (June 18, 1985), 4 pages, $2.00 prepaid.

Testimony of LCCR Before the House Subcommittee on Personnel and Police, Supporting Legislation to Provide Equal Employment Opportunity for Congressional Employees (July 24, 1985), 3 pages, $2.00 prepaid.