United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) advise the Soviet Union of U.S. concern over the deprivation by the Soviet government of the religious freedom of the Vashchenko and Chmykhalov families and the refusal of such government to permit the emigration of such families; and (2) ensure that those families will be permitted to stay in the U.S. embassy in Moscow until the Soviet Union authorizes their emigration.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Amends the copyright law to exempt the home recording of copyrighted works on home video recorders for private home, noncommercial use from copyright infringement.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Amends the General Education Provisions Act to reduce the period for which records must be retained by recipients of funds under programs administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (from five years to three years).
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Amends the General Education Provisions Act to reduce the period for which records must be retained by recipients of funds under Federal education programs (from five years to three years).
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Orphan Drug Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to exempt from such Act drugs intended solely for drug treatment investigations. Defines "drug treatment investigation" as an investigation of a drug which involves human participants with a rare disease or condition. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an interagency committee known as the Committee on Orphan Drug Development. Makes it the function of such committee to promote the development of drugs for rare diseases or conditions (orphan drugs). Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit to the Committee an annual report on the rare disease and condition research activities of NIH. Requires the Committee to report by June 1 of each year to the appropriate congressional committees on its activities and the results of its evaluations, including the report submitted by NIH. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified experimental expenses incurred while researching orphan drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1981
Products Liability Act of 1982 - Sets forth uniform national standards for products liability cases. Provides that this Act preempts inconsistent Federal and State laws. Permits actions under this Act to be brought in State court or Federal court if the United States is a party or diversity jurisdiction exists. Prohibits recovery for other than commercial loss or damage to the product itself, except as otherwise provided in this Act. Sets forth basic standards of responsibility for manufacturers and product sellers other than manufacturers, including wholesalers, distributors, retailers, lessors, packagers, and repairers. Establishes rules relating to proof in products liability cases with respect to government standards and contract specifications. Prohibits admission of postmanufacturing improvements except for the purpose of impeaching a witness for the product seller who denies the feasibility of such improvements. Provides that all product liability actions shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Requires the reduction of any damage award by the amount of workers' compensation benefits which are paid. Makes a product seller who acted with flagrant indifference to consumer safety, where the act was an extreme departure from accepted practice, liable for punitive damages. Establishes a three-year statute of limitations and a ten-year statute of repose.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual to elect hospice care, in lieu of certain other benefits, during two periods of 180 days each during the individual's lifetime. Provides for full reimbursement of reasonable costs to a hospice program, subject to a ceiling. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the hospice reimbursement method. Defines hospice care as including items and services furnished to the terminally ill in their homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short term inpatient basis.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Expands the membership of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to include three elected school board officials from different States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance for economic relief and rehabilitation to: (1) Northern Ireland if the Government of Great Britain declares its intention to withdraw from Northern Ireland; and (2) the Republic of Ireland if such declaration includes a declaration that the British Government intends to promote the reunification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance. Requires such assistance to be administered by the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, in consultation with an advisory board appointed by the President after consultation with Congress. Permits the obligation of funds for such assistance only if Congress does not adopt a concurrent resolution disapproving the proposed use of the funds.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1981
Establishes the Veterans Administration as an executive department redesignated as the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Makes technical and conforming changes, including the redesignation of the Administrator as the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs.
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
Title I: Guam - Amends the Organic Act of Guam to grant Guam the right of initiative and referendum. Makes the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the members of the legislature subject to removal from office by a referendum election. Title II: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands - Changes the date by which all federally owned personal property located in the Trust Territory and all personal property owned by the Trust Territory government must be transferred to the various island governments. Title III: Virgin Islands - Authorizes appropriations for the planning of an institution for Caribbean educational, cultural, and technical interchange by the College of the Virgin Islands. Title IV: Miscellaneous - States that certain funds that have been authorized but not appropriated may remain available for appropriation in succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Repeals provisions of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 which set forth special rules for the leasing of depreciable business property between corporations.
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 · 23 November 1981
Requires nationals of Communist countries to register with the Attorney General before engaging in certain activities involving Members of Congress and congressional employees. Requires the Attorney General to deport persons violating this Act. States that such deportations shall not be subject to judicial review or other related provisions under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
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 · 21 November 1981
Establishes a Special Joint Committee on Arrangements to provide for a joint meeting of the Congress on February 22, 1982, or such other day as designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to coordinate its activities with other organizations as it deems appropriate, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Requests the President to designate February 22, 1982, as a day of national celebration in honor of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Amends the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act to allow United States Customs officials to search for currency in the course of their presently authorized search for contraband articles.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Amends the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act to allow United States Customs officials to search for currency in the course of their presently authorized search for contraband articles.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Amends the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a reward to any individual who provides original information that leads to the recovery of a criminal fine, civil penalty, or forfeiture, which exceeds $50,000, for any violation of such Act. Authorizes appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Amends the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act to require persons attempting to export or import cash in an amount over $10,000 to file reports prior to departing from, or arriving in, the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Amends the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act to allow United States Customs officials to search for currency in the course of their presently authorized search for contraband articles.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Good Samaritan Act - Provides relief from State or Federal civil liability for any licensed medical personnel or air carrier employee who renders emergency medical aid on an airplane or who continues such aid until arrival at a medical facility. Extends such relief to an airplane's crew and owner or operator for providing on-board emergency medical supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Sets forth the Institute's research and training functions and arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases program plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Institute, to operate multipurpose arthritis and musculoskeletal disease research centers. Requires annual evaluations of such centers. Authorizes specified appropriations for such centers for fiscal years 1983 through 1985. Directs the Secretary to establish an arthritis and musculoskeletal disease Coordinating Committee, which shall meet at least four times a year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Tribal-State Compact Act of 1981 - Title I: Authorization of Compacts and Agreements - Authorizes the States and the Indian tribes to enter into compacts on matters relating to: (1) the enforcement or application of civil, criminal, and regulatory laws of each within their respective jurisdictions; (2) the allocation or determination of governmental responsibility of States and tribes over specified subject matters or specified geographical areas, or both, including agreements or compacts providing for concurrent jurisdiction between the States and the Tribes; and (3) agreements or compacts providing for the transfer of jurisdiction of individual cases from tribal courts to State courts or State courts to tribal courts in accordance with procedures established by the laws of the tribes and States. Provides for revocation of such agreements and compacts. Sets forth certain limitations on such agreements and compacts. Authorizes Federal assistance to tribal and State authorities to implement such agreements. Allows the United States, upon agreement of the parties and the Secretary of the Interior, to provide up to 100 percent of the costs for personnel or administrative expenses in any agreement or compact between an Indian tribe and a State under this Act. Sets forth criteria which the Secretary may consider in determining the amount of Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations, not exceeding $10,000,000 each fiscal year, for fiscal years 1982 and thereafter to carry out the compacts entered into in accordance with this title. Title II: Planning and Monitoring Boards - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) encourage the tribes and the States to establish councils, committees, boards, or task forces to discuss jurisdictional questions; and (2) provide Federal representatives to such conferences. Authorizes the utilization of specified funds to assist such conferences and further deliberations among the tribes. Title III: Judicial Enforcement - Grants to district courts original jurisdiction over civil actions to secure equitable relief brought by parties to an agreement entered into in accordance with this Act. Declares that actions for damages shall only exist as specifically provided for in such agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Declares that the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services should immediately study and report to Congress on ways to correct the benefit disparity caused by the 1977 changes in the social security retirement benefit formula.
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
Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the collection of taxes, to provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regarding communication and harassment in connection with debt collection. Prohibits the publication of any deficiency which has not been adjudged to be payable by a competent court. Permits individual taxpayers to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages resulting from collection practices prohibited by this Act. Requires a Federal court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax. Specifies that a showing of fraud or malfeasance or a misrepresentation, for purposes of modifying or reconsidering a closing agreement between an individual taxpayer and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken into account only if such a showing or misrepresentation is determined by a competent court. Prohibits the Secretary from consenting to extend for more than one year the period for assessment of the income tax liability of any individual taxpayer. Requires the Secretary to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Makes binding on the Secretary : (1) a tax return prepared for the taxpayer by an officer or employee of the IRS acting in his official capacity to provide such assistance; and (2) written information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. Places the burden of proof, in administrative and judicial proceedings involving the IRS and a taxpayer, upon the IRS. Directs that all property of taxpayers, for purposes of the estate and gift tax, be valued at historical cost (original cost to the taxpayer or the basis of the property if it was not purchased). Prohibits the use in IRS personnel evaluations of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations. Precludes the Secretary from exercising any enforcement authority over churches or certain other organizations. Prohibits the audit of any group of taxpayers unless the Secretary has first met certain notice requirements or permitted members of the group to file an amended return. Sets forth conditions which must be met by the IRS before any action is taken to interfere with the property rights of a taxpayer. Requires the IRS, before securing the records of, or personal data concerning, any taxpayer, to: (1) notify the taxpayer in writing of the demand, the material sought, and the need for the material; (2) have commenced an action in a competent court against the taxpayer; and (3) have justified its need before the court consistent with the discovery rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. States that the IRS shall have no authority, in enforcing the tax obligations of any person, which is in conflict with the rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the spread of international terrorism poses a danger for world peace and U.S. security and that the United States should ensure that no U.S. citizen is acting in the service of terrorism. Directs the President to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on legislative and administrative remedies and alternatives and enforcement resources necessary to prevent the support of terrorism by U.S. citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Requires any Member, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives who authorizes foreign travel by any other such person to submit an advance report and a postreturn report to the Clerk of the House. Directs that such reports be available for public inspection and published in the Congressional Record.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require Federal agencies to pay small businesses interest on contract payments not made within 45 days after the contract has been completed. Specifies the period and rate of interest. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make any contract payments not made by an agency within six months after the contract has been completed and to charge that agency's account of appropriations. Requires each agency to report to Congress annually concerning the small business contracts for which the agency had to make interest payments or the Secretary had to make payments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to commemorate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Provides that such postage stamp shall be of such denomination and design, and shall be sold for such period, as the United States Postal Service shall determine.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow businesses an income tax credit for 15 percent of the increase in contracts for personal property or services awarded by such businesses to certified minority firms over a specified time period. Defines "certified minority firm" as a firm certified by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration as being socially or economically disadvantaged.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1981
Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to direct the President to determine the Federal contribution to State and local governments for disaster relief. Describes procedures by which the President shall make such determinations. 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 · 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.
![Official portrait of Del. Won Pat, Antonio B. [D-GU-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000686_200.jpg)