United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Title I: Domestic Content Requirements for Motor Vehicles - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 50,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Authorizes the imposition of import restrictions on manufacturers violating such standards. Title II: Unfair and Deceptive Practices by Vehicle Manufacturers - Defines as an unfair method of competition and deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act the refusal of any vehicle manufacturer to determine whether parts produced in the United States by a parts manufacturer satisfy reasonable replacement part standards established by the vehicle manufacturer. Grants the Federal Trade Commission rulemaking authority to administer this title.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Authorizes the erection of certain structures at the west front of the Capitol in connection with a rally to be held on January 15, 1982, in commemoration of the birth of Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1981
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Bryan Lewis Allen, the first aviator to cross the English Channel in a self-powered plane. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1981
Resolves that the economic policies currently in place must now be reconsidered in order to lower interest rates rapidly enough to effect an early, complete recovery from the recession and to prevent a resurgence of high interest rates in future years. Directs the President and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to undertake immediately: (1) an aggressive campaign designed to encourage banks to cease providing loans or lines of credit for unproductive takeovers and speculative purposes; (2) efforts to ensure access to the least expensive possible credit; and (3) studies to explore and report to the Congress on innovative techniques for managing the money supply and credit resources in times of tight credit. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to reconsider its tentative decision to reduce the targets for monetary growth for 1982. Directs the President to nominate individuals for vacancies on the Board of Governors so that this Nation's agricultural and commercial interests, including housing and small businesses, will no longer be underrepresented on the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1981
United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Sets forth the functions of the Academy. Declares that the Academy is an independent nonprofit corporation. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Set forth provisions for a Board of Directors and for officers and employees of the Academy. Set forth requirements for Academy program procedures and records. Requires an annual audit of Academy accounts and audit reports to the President and the Congress. Subjects the Academy to specified freedom of information provisions. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of of the Federal Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel financial assistance under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for Academy buildings, grounds, facilities, programs, and administration. Sets forth provisions for availability of appropriations. Requires transfer of income and assets to the U.S. Treasury upon dissolution and final liquidation of the Academy or any other legal entity created pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Resolves that the economic policies currently in place must now be reconsidered in order to lower interest rates rapidly enough to effect an early, complete recovery from the recession and to prevent a resurgence of high interest rates in future years. Directs the President and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to undertake immediately: (1) an aggressive campaign designed to encourage banks to cease providing loans or lines of credit for unproductive takeovers and speculative purposes; (2) efforts to ensure access to the least expensive possible credit; and (3) studies to explore and report to the Congress on innovative techniques for managing the money supply and credit resources in times of tight credit. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to reconsider its tentative decision to reduce the targets for monetary growth for 1982. Directs the President to nominate individuals for vacancies on the Board of Governors so that this Nation's agricultural and commercial interests, including housing and small businesses, will no longer be underrepresented on the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Violence Control Act of 1982 - Title I: Federally Cognizable Personal Violence - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise and recodify various crimes against the person, including murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide, maiming, battery, menacing, terrorizing, communicating a threat, kidnapping, and criminal restraint. Authorizes a new sentence of "life without release" for crimes, including murder and kidnapping, for which the death penalty is currently authorized. Defines "life without release" to mean a sentence imposed without possibility of parole or other release, except for Presidential pardon. Sets forth procedural requirements for imposition of "life without release", including a separate sentencing hearing to determine the existence of aggravating or mitigating circumstances. Permits the defendant or the Government to appeal the sentence. Extends the jurisdictional basis for murder to include heads of executive departments, employees of the U.S. Probation System, and contract murder. Title II: Provisions Related to Federally Cognizable Personal Violence - Recodifies the authority of the Secret Service to protect national figures. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the physical zone of protection for the President to all Secret Service protectees. Directs the Attorney General to prepare for the congressional judiciary committees contingency plans for the handling of assassinations, federally cognizable homicides, and related acts of violence. Authorizes the Attorney General to order the Federal preemption of State or local government jurisdiction over offenses involving national figures and certain other designated crimes. Permits the commencement of a Federal investigation of a kidnapping or criminal restraint offense if the victim is not released within 24 hours. Authorizes the Attorney General to offer a reward of up to $500,000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of a person charged with an offense under title I of this Act. Includes an expanded forfeiture provision for property used in title I offenses. Authorizes the Attorney General to request from any Federal agency, including the armed forces, assistance in the investigation of offenses involving national figures and certain other designated crimes. Sets forth the authority of the Attorney General to conduct autopsies in cases involving violent, sudden, or unusual deaths that might reasonably violate Federal law. Authorizes the Attorney General to acquire for historical preservation real or personal property owned by a person suspected or convicted of title I offenses. Provides that property so acquired shall be under the jurisdiction of the Administrator of General Services. Requires any person who contracts for media rights with a person suspected or convicted of a title I offense to pay over to the clerk of court or to a victims' trustee all proceeds which otherwise accrue to the perpetrator. Requires the Attorney General to appoint a special prosecutor whenever he receives specific information that the President has been killed or has died under circumstances supporting a reasonable belief that a title I offense has occurred. Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize denial or delay of release for persons charged with title I offenses whenever the judicial officer determines that there is substantial evidence that no conditions of release will assure that the person will not flee or pose a danger to the community. Permits detention only under extraordinary facts and circumstances. Prohibits detention in a facility where others, either charged or convicted, are detained. Includes careful preparation as a factor in determining reasonable delay under the Speedy Trial Act for title I offenses where the victim or intended victim is the President or another high-ranking official. Title III: Provisions Relating to Mental Disease or Defect - Authorizes a special verdict of "not guilty only by reason of insanity" for any criminal defendant who raises the issue of insanity as currently provided. Establishes a new civil commitment procedure for persons found not guilty only by reason of insanity. Title IV: Provisions Relating to the Principal Instruments of Personal Violence - Handgun Control Act of 1982 - Makes it unlawful for a person knowingly to possess an unregistered handgun. Makes this requirement inapplicable to handguns held by certified dealers for sale, handguns held by persons on the date of enactment and continuously thereafter up to 180 days, and handguns held by Federal, State, or local governments. Requires certified dealers selling handguns to obtain registration applications from the purchasers and to file these with the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires persons holding handguns to apply for registration within 180 days. Authorizes the Secretary to issue numbered registration certificates identifying persons as the registered owners of handguns. Requires possessors of handguns to notify the Secretary within ten days of the loss, theft, or destruction of a handgun. Prohibits licensed dealers from selling handgun ammunition to persons without first requiring evidence of registration. Authorizes the Secretary to pay reasonable value for handguns voluntarily relinquished to him. Prohibits the disclosure of registration information except to the National Crime Information Center established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Directs the Secretary to determine which States or local governments have adopted adequate permit systems for the possession of handguns. Authorizes the issuance of Federal licenses for individuals in States not having such systems. Makes it unlawful for any person to sell or transfer any handgun or ammunition to any person unless the transferee exhibits a valid Federal, State, or local gun license. Prohibits any person from possessing a handgun or ammunition without a valid Federal, State, or local license. Makes it unlawful for any person to import, manufacture, transfer, receive, or transport any hand held handgun which the Secretary determines to be unsuitable for lawful purposes, including law enforcement, protective, and sporting uses, based on standards established by the Secretary. Title V: Provisions Relating to Congressional Investigations - Establishes the Office of House Legal Counsel in the House of Representatives for the purpose of: (1) defending the official acts of the House, committees, Members, and employees; (2) enforcing subpoenas; (3) intervening or appearing as amicus curiae in actions challenging the constitutional powers of Congress; and (4) participating in immunity proceedings. Grants to the Counsel certain advisory and other functions. Title VI: General Provisions - Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) intimidating or threatening foreign officials or guests in the performance of their official duties; or (2) congregating with persons in proximity to facilities used for diplomatic purposes with intent to commit certain Federal crimes. Makes conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should press for unconditional discussions among the major political factions in El Salvador in order to guarantee a safe and stable environment for democratic elections.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Comprehensive Smoking Prevention Education Act of 1981 - Amends title XVII (Health Information and Health Promotion) of the Public Health Service Act to establish in the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Smoking and Health to inform the public of the health hazards of cigarettes. Sets forth the Office's authority and duties, including conducting research and assisting educational programs directly or through grants. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health to be composed of representatives from the Departments of Labor and Education, the Federal Trade Commission, and any other Federal agency designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs such Committee to meet at least four times a year and names the Director of the Office of Smoking and Health as it chairman. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report annually to the Congress. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to make it unlawful to advertise or export (repeals the existing export exemption) cigarettes without the required labeling. Changes labeling requirements. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish cigarette labeling regulations as set forth by this Act. Eliminates certain congressional notification and reporting requirements. Increases the fine for violation of such Act from $10,000 to $100,000. Permits an individual civil action to be brought in U.S. district courts for violations of such Act. Requires such plaintiff to give 60-day notice to the FTC and the defendant. Permits intervention and consolidation. Allows the court to award attorneys fees and other costs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named individual in full satisfaction of a claim against the United States arising out of losses suffered by him due to his unlawful and wrongful removal from the War Production Board during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Condemns the treatment of Yuli Kosharovsky and his family by the Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express U.S. opposition to the refusal of the Soviet Union to permit Kosharovsky and his family to emigrate to Israel; (2) the Soviet Union should comply with international agreements and with its constitution by permitting the Kosharovsky's to emigrate; and (3) the Soviet Union should end its persecution of persons seeking to emigrate and its denial of basic religious, civil, and human rights to Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that guidelines relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be repealed or altered.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that policies of Jewish emigration discrimination and anti-Semitism are morally reprehensible. Urges the President to tell the Soviet Union that the United States opposes these policies and wants emigration restrictions on Soviet Jews removed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that any presidential request for peacetime emergency powers to promote a national immigration policy is a most dangerous and unwise precedent.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that regulations pertaining to nutritional requirements for meals under the National School Lunch Act be consistent with the goal of such Act to provide one-third of the recommended dietary allowance of nutrients in the school lunch program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Alexander Paritsky; (2) urge the Soviet Union to release him from prison, to stop harassing him and his family, and to permit him and his family to emigrate; and (3) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will consider the extent to which countries honor their commitments under international law when evaluating U.S. relations with such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to add items to the definition of "capital project" so that they may be financed by District bonds. Exempts specified provisions from the requirement that Congress must approve obligations of District funds. Authorizes the Mayor to make the required payments on the interest and principal of general obligation bonds and notes issued to finance capital projects. Authorizes the Mayor to take certain actions concerning bonds that created a security interest in District revenues. Changes the times at which the interest on District bonds issued for capital projects is payable. Requires that the District must hold elections on whether to issue bonds for capital projects. Requires such elections to be held before the legislation authorizing the issuance of the bonds is sent to Congress. Requires the Mayor to publish a notice in a District newspaper whenever legislation authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds is enacted. Sets forth the limitation period between the time such legislation is enacted and the time it is deemed immune from certain court challenges. Authorizes the Mayor to issue the bonds after the Council of the District of Columbia authorizes their issuance. Sets forth the methods of payment, execution, and authentication of such bonds. Authorizes the Mayor to sell bonds by private as well as public sale if the bonds are sold after a specified date and if they are secured by District revenues. Authorizes the Council to create a security interest in District revenues to secure bonds for capital projects. Sets forth the priority of such security interest. Authorizes the Council to issue short-term general obligation notes to meet appropriations made by Congress if no unappropriated revenues are available to meet such appropriations. Authorizes the Council to issue such notes in anticipation of collecting or receiving revenues. Retains the current provisions creating a special debt service fund by levying a special tax, requiring an audit of such fund, and pledging the District's full faith and credit to pay the principal of and interest on certain general obligation bonds. Directs the Council to provide in each annual District budget for payment of the principal of and interest on bonds issued for capital projects, meeting appropriations, or revenue anticipation. Directs the Mayor to insure payment of such principal and interest. Requires using the annual Federal payment to pay such principal and interest if no other funds are available. States that the full faith and credit of the United States is not pledged for bonds issued by the District under its borrowing authority. Revises the provisions for the issuance of revenue bonds and other obligations by the Council.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Requests the President to direct the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy to begin discussions with Canadian officials on establishing a joint strategic petroleum reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
World Peace Tax Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit conscientious objectors to designate their income, estate, or gift tax payments for nonmilitary purposes. Establishes within the Treasury of the United States a World Peace Tax Fund to receive such tax payments. Defines a conscientious objector as an individual who is opposed to war in any form and who has been exempted from combat training in the Armed Forces under the Military Selective Service Act, or who satisfactorily demonstrates that he is conscientiously opposed to war in any form. Requires tax forms to contain a checkoff for taxpayers who wish to claim conscientious objector status and designate their tax payments for the World Peace Tax Fund. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to 1979 if the taxpayer pays the tax and satisfactorily establishes that the nonpayment was due to his religious beliefs. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding fiscal year for military purposes. Requires the publication of such information in the Congressional Record. Establishes a World Peace Tax Fund Board of Trustees. Sets forth the membership structure and duties of the Board. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Public Lands Conservation, Rehabilitation, and Improvement Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those benefitting public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands benefit associated public or Indian lands or provide significant public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires such appropriations to be credited from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except as provided in specified provisions of law. Makes the Secretary responsible for the pay of enrollees and coordination of the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions for the award of academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as may be necessary. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress by March 1 of each year on the activities carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to the widow of Roy Wilkins. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1981
Minority Cancer Control and Prevention Act of 1981 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize a program of cancer detection and treatment among minorities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1985. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out specified cancer demonstration projects during fiscal year 1983. Includes some of these projects under Medicaid coverage. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress within one year. Directs the Secretary to recruit minority health and medical students for training to provide cancer treatment among minorities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Designates that section of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway within the State of Maryland as the Gladys Noon Spellman Parkway. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the State of Maryland, to erect an appropriate marker commemorating the contributions of Gladys Noon Spellman. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Establishes an Anwar El Sadat Peace Medal. Provides that such medal may be awarded annually by the Congress, upon a majority vote of both Houses of Congress, to an individual or group nominated as having made the most significant contribution to world peace. Establishes the Sadat Peace Medal Board. Sets forth the membership requirements of such Board. Directs the Board to nominate to the Congress annually one individual or group to receive such medal. Provides that if Congress does not award a medal to a nominee the Board shall nominate another individual or group, and if Congress does not award a medal after three nominations, no medal shall be awarded for that year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Requires the Maritime Administration to set aside specified surplus government ships for the use of LIFE International, a private nonprofit organization, to provide humanitarian services to developing countries. States that such set aside authority shall not apply when the ships are needed for national security purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Directs each Federal agency to submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a list of all persons employed by the agency who were involuntarily separated from service after October 1, 1981, excluding persons removed because of misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency. Requires the submission of such a list within 60 days after enactment of this Act and annually thereafter. Requires the Director to publish compilations of such lists in the Federal Register and to distribute them to each agency. Prohibits an agency from appointing anyone other than an individual already serving the agency to a position if there is a qualified individual on such compilation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Acid Deposition Control Act - Amends title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Clean Air Act to establish a new program entitled "Interstate Transport and Acid Precursor Reduction." Establishes an "acid deposition region" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) study air pollution problems associated with long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Establishes an acid deposition regional target providing for a ten-year phased schedule of reductions to achieve an annual average emission level that is 10,000,000 tons of sulfur dioxide below the 1980 baseline level. Directs the Administrator, within six months, to compute and publish a target and a schedule for each affected State. Permits two or more States to agree to change their share of the sulfur dioxide emissions reduction ("reduction"). Requires that State reduction schedules begin within five years, be substantially complete within eight years, and reach the State target within ten years of enactment of this Act. Sets forth formulas for: (1) State reduction fractions (based on 1980 emissions from electric utility steam generating units); and (2) the 1980 baseline level for the region or any State within the region. Requires States within the region to prepare, publish, and submit to the Administrator, within two years of enactment of this Act, State programs of reduction in accordance with the State schedules. Directs the Administrator to approve State programs, within four months of submission, if such programs: (1) were adopted after public notice, opportunity for hearing, and submission to Governors of the other States in the region; and (2) contain enforceable reduction measures, including emission limitations, monitoring requirements, and compliance schedules. Requires State programs to include enforceable continuous emission reduction measures. Lists some measures that State programs may include. Permits a State or any person subject to State program requirements to substitute a reduction of twice as many units of oxides of nitrogen emissions for each unit of required reductions of sulfur dioxide emissions. Provides for an EPA alternative program if a State program: (1) has not been adopted by a State within two years; or (2) has not been approved by the Administrator within two years and four months. Requires, in such cases, that any owner or operator of an electric utility steam generating unit in such State submit, within three years of enactment of this Act, a unit plan and schedule for reductions. Requires unit plans and schedules only from units which: (1) are major stationary sources; (2) are not subject to new source performance standards; and (3) actually emitted, or were permitted to emit, sulfur dioxide during 1980 in excess of a specified rate. Requires that unit plans and schedules provide for a reduction to a specified rate of emissions, according to a phased schedule (beginning within five years, substantially complete within eight years, and finally complete within ten years of the enactment of this Act). Sets forth provisions for approval of unit plans and schedules. Provides that any unit for which a plan has not been submitted and approved must comply with the specified emission limitation within five years of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of purchase and sale of emission reduction credits among stationary sources of sulfur dioxide in five emission reduction credit regions within the acid deposition region. Provides that specified requirements under this Act shall be treated as emission limitation requirements of applicable State implementation plans. Sets forth procedures for petitions for determination that programs or plans will not meet deadlines and for petitions for review of such determinations or denials.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Commitment to the Clean Air Act resolution of the Ninety-seventh Congress - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) clean air is fundamentally important for the health and well-being of the citizens, economy, and environment of the United States; and (2) the existing Clean Air Act should be maintained and strengthened subject only to changes that will improve its administration and effectiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Gives the endorsement of Congress to the principles relating to family planning set forth in a resolution adopted by the World Conference of the United Nations Decade for Women. Urges the President to take steps to implement those principles in the United States and in other countries.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Directs the Attorney General to conduct a study of the appropriate role of the Federal Government in the enforcement of alimony, child support, and property settlement orders against an absent spouse or parent. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the sale of wetlands to an eligible conservation authority which are used for fish and wildlife conservation or preserved as a natural area. Requires that such sales be approved by State and Federal officials. Treats involuntary conversions of wetlands as sales for purposes of such exclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
National Commission on Down Syndrome Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the President's Committee on Mental Retardation, and other concerned organizations, to establish a National Commission on Down Syndrome to formulate a long-range plan for the study, prevention, and treatment of Down Syndrome. Requires a final report to the President and the Congress within 12 months after the Commission is organized. Requires the Secretary to submit a related budget analysis to specified congressional committees. Terminates the Commission three months after submission of the final report. Authorizes specified appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should press for a negotiated settlement among the political factions in El Salvador to guarantee a safe environment for free elections.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Fred Waring, Louis L'Amour, and the widow of Joe Louis. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of each medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Entitles any individual covered by a Federal health benefits program which provides payment for the services of a nurse-midwife to: (1) unrestricted selection of and access to such nurse-midwife; and (2) direct payment or reimbursement for such services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include services rendered by a nurse-midwife. Defines "nurse-midwife" to mean a registered nurse who: (1) has successfully completed a prescribed course of study or has been certified by a recognized organization; and (2) performs services (including antepartal, intrapartal, postpartal, and gynecological services) in the area of women and baby care.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for the growing acceptance of principles of freedom and democracy in Poland. Commends the President for extending agricultural credits to Poland. Urges the President to extend additional credits to help relieve Poland's food shortages.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1981
Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide that occupant income limits and rents for public housing units shall be fixed by the appropriate public housing agency and approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Limits such rents to 25 percent of the income of a very low income family or 30 percent at the income of other families. Sets minimum rents at the higher of: (1) five percent of the family's gross income; or (2) the portion of the family's welfare assistance designated for housing costs. Specifies amounts to be excluded from family income. Requires that contracts for annual contributions to low income housing projects require the appropriate public housing agency to review the family income of project occupants biennially (currently annually). Establishes the amount of monthly assistance payments to owners who provide housing for lower-income families as the difference between the maximum rent the owners may charge under terms of the assistance contract and an amount to be established by the Secretary equal to: (1) between 15 and 25 percent of the income of a very low income family; (2) 15 percent of the income of a large very low income family or lower income family with exceptional medical or other expenses; (3) 20 percent of the income of a very large lower income family; or (4) between 20 and 30 percent of the income of other families. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary to conduct a biennial (currently annual) review of the income of lower income families living in projects receiving mortgage interest assistance payments. Changes the maximum rent for a unit of such a project to 25 percent of the tenant's income, and the minimum rent of a unit with metered utilities to 20 percent of the tenant's income. Directs the Secretary to make additional assistance payments if required to reduce a tenant's rental payment to 25 percent of the tenant's income. Prohibits reducing such payment below the tenant's utility costs, except in certain circumstances. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 to increase annual rent supplement payments for qualified lower income families to the amount by which the fair market rent of a project unit exceeds 25 percent of the tenant's income. Requires the Secretary to recertify the income of tenants of projects receiving rent supplements biennially (currently annually). Directs the Secretary to use regulations in effect on July 31, 1981, to determine rental payments under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1981
Peace Corps Reform Act - Amends the Peace Corps Act to include within the purposes of such Act the goals of strengthening the development programs in foreign countries and of furthering a spirit of voluntary actions. Establishes the Peace Corps as an independent government corporation to carry out the purposes of such Act. Sets forth additional powers of the Peace Corps. Requires the Peace Corps to evaluate its performance and report such evaluation to Congress annually. Vests authority for the operations of the Peace Corps in a Board of Directors. Sets forth the membership of the Board. Establishes an Advisory Council in the Peace Corps to advise the Board on the policies and programs of the Peace Corps. Requires the Peace Corps to request each host country to establish an advisory council to advise the Peace Corps Country Director and appropriate host country government officials on the appropriate priorities and operating procedures for the Peace Corps in that country. Requires the Peace Corps to encourage establishment of regional advisory councils to advise the Peace Corps on its policies in the countries represented by the council. Requires the Board to appoint a Director and Deputy Director of the Peace Corps. Sets forth the duties of such officers. Requires the Peace Corps to establish procedures to maximize coordination with programs of other volunteer and development organizations. Sets forth general provisions concerning the organization of the Peace Corps as a government corporation. Limits the funds that may be used to carry out the Peace Corps Act for fiscal year 1982. Limits the amount of Peace Corps funds that may be spent for experts and consultants during such year. Repeals specified obsolete provisions of the Peace Corps Act. Increases the monthly allowance for volunteers to $150. Prohibits any volunteer from serving more than five years in any ten year period unless the Director approves an extension. Requires the Peace Corps to: (1) help returning volunteers in readjusting and using their skills; (2) help organizations in using the skills of such persons; and (3) encourage such persons to share their experiences in order to help promote American understanding of developing countries. Provides allowances and expenses for spouses of volunteers. Repeals the provisions creating Peace Corps volunteer leaders and making certain mutual defense assistance control provisions applicable. Revises the provisions governing Peace Corps employees. Prohibits security investigations of persons employed under the Peace Corps Act unless requested by the Peace Corps. Limits the amount of voluntary service program funds that may be contributed to other organizations to pay for encouraging development of international voluntary programs. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Peace Corps Act and other specified Acts. Sets forth provisions for the transition of the Peace Corps from a part of ACTION to an independent government corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Hunger Prevention and African Food Security Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to use at least half of the funds available for development assistance to provide assistance for persons living in absolute poverty as defined by specified standards. Requires special emphasis to be placed on alleviating hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa and particularly on facilitating the participation of women in food production in that region. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to specify a minimum aggregate value of all famine relief agreements. Requires famine relief agreements to provide that at least one-fifth of the commodities made available for famine relief or funds generated from the sale of those commodities in participating countries shall be used to strengthen food distribution systems in famine-prone countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa. Requires each such agreement to specify the measures taken to ensure that such commodities and funds benefit primarily the poor.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should discuss Soviet human rights issues, particularly immigration rights and religious freedom, with the Soviet Foreign Minister in upcoming meetings at the United Nations General Assembly.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the schedule of cost of living benefit increases as currently in effect under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act should be maintained.