United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to allow the District of Columbia Council to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance or refinance various public facilities (currently authorizes the issuance of bonds only for financing such facilities). Makes the bonds negotiable instruments payable solely from funds earmarked by the act authorizing the bond issuance. Authorizes as additional security for the bonds: (1) the facilities financed by the bonds; (2) other funds or property owned by the entity which benefits from the bonds; or (3) any other assets approved by the Council. Retains the prohibition against mortgaging or pledging property owned by the District of Columbia or the United States. Grants the District the power to enter into and amend agreements concerning the acquisition, use or disposition of money or property relating to projects financed by the bonds. Allows acts authorizing bond issuance to contain remedies for bond holders upon default. Exempts from congressional approval: (1) transfers of funds derived from sales of bonds; (2) bond payments; and (3) transfers or grants of security interests in funds or property to secure bond payments. Authorizes the Mayor to pledge, assign, or deposit District funds in any account or trust to secure bond payments.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the House shall not consider any bill, resolution, or conference report thereon reducing social security benefits prior to the opening of the second session of the 97th Congress. Instructs the House conferees on H.R. 3982 to recede and concur in an amendment deleting from the conference report on H.R. 3982 the section which repeals minimum social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Expresses Congressional disapproval of the proposed transfer by the Republic of Korea to Uruguay of howitzers, six vulcan guns, and ammunition produced from technical data packages acquired from the United States under the foreign military sales program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House that the President should: (1) implement a U.S. nuclear nonproliferation strategy which strengthens the barriers to the spread of nuclear weapons and prescribes methods for achieving restraint by all nuclear suppliers; (2) encourage nations to ratify the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and strengthen the safeguards operations of the International Atomic Energy Agency, (IAEA); (3) work with other nuclear suppliers and with the IAEA to develop credible sanctions against nations which divert nuclear materials, technologies, or equipment to other than peaceful uses; and (4) implement the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
Establishes a Farm Animal Husbandry Committee to investigate and to prepare a comprehensive report concerning all aspects of intensive farm animal husbandry in the United States, including: (1) the economic, scientific, ethical, and environmental considerations; and (2) a comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of intensive and alternative methods of farm animal husbandry. Specifies the membership of the Committee. Provides for staff and administrative support. Enumerates the powers of the Committee, including the powers to hold hearings, take testimony and receive such evidence as the Committee considers appropriate. Requires the Committee to submit a report, not later than two-years after its first meeting, to the chairmen of the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. Terminates the Committee 60 days after submitting its report.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Campaign Finance Reform Amendments of 1981 -- Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to increase the limitations on contributions to campaigns for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Raises the ceiling from $1,000 to $2,500 for an individual's total contribution to any candidate for the House of Representatives and his or her authorized political committees. Imposes a limit on the total amount such a candidate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees of $75,000 for a general or special election (with an extra $25,000 in the case of a run-off). Imposes a ceiling on the total amount a candidate for the Senate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees. Sets such ceiling at: (1) the greater of $25,000, or the product of $12,500 times the number of State Representatives, in the case of a run-off election; or (2) the greater of $75,000, or the product of $37,500 times the number of State Representatives (not to exceed $500,000), for a general or special election (including conventions and primaries). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for political contributions from $50 to $100 ($100 to $200 for joint returns). Allows two separate tax credits, up to such amounts, for contributions: (1) to individual candidates and political committees; and (2) to national, State, and local committees of a national political party.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to state that a food intended for human consumption shall be deemed misbranded unless it is labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium it contains when in excess of a certain amount of milligrams. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food from such requirement by requiring the information to be prominently displayed in close proximity to the place of display or sale of such food. Exempts from such labeling requirements any manufacturer of such foods whose total annual sale are less than a specified amount.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as long-term capital gain amounts actually paid to a taxpayer with respect to a small business participating debenture (SBPD) which constitute the distribution of a share of the earnings of the issuer. Defines "small business participating debenture" (SBPD) as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which: (1) is a general obligation of such business; (2) bears interest at not less than specified by the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's total earnings. Defines "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $10,000,000; (2) the face value of all of whose outstanding SBPD's does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats members of a controlled group of corporations as a single taxpayer. Denies capital gains treatment where the taxpayer is a "related party" to the SBPD issuer. Treats losses on small business participating debentures as ordinary losses. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on such debentures.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1981
Condemns the trial and conviction of Dr. Viktor Brailovsky by the Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express to the Soviet Union U.S. concern and opposition to the internal exile of Dr. Brailovsky and to the Soviet Union's refusal to permit Dr. Brailovsky and his family to emigrate; (2) the Soviet Union should comply with various international agreements by reversing Dr. Brailovsky's conviction and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; and (3) the Soviet Union should cease persecuting individuals seeking to emigrate and should cease denying basic rights to Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, for placement in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Canada and the United States should create the North American Air Quality Commission (NAAQC); (2) the NAAQC should be the primary means for coordinating U.S. and Canadian enforcement efforts to reduce acid precipitation pollution; (3) the NAAQC should recommend to Canada and the United States policies and legislation to reduce acid precipitation pollution; and (4) the NAAQC should report twice annually to the Canadian Parliament and the U. S. Congress on both countries' progress toward reduction of such pollution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Postal Service Amendments of 1981 - Authorizes the United States Postal Service to issue written demands requiring access to books, records, documents, or other objects believed to relate to any postal offense or civil matter under investigation by the Postal Service. Provides for the enforcement of such a demand by the appropriate district court. Authorizes the Postal Service to issue an order requiring any person to cease and desist from conducting a lottery or scheme for obtaining money or property by false representations through the mail. Declares that the resumption of such an activity through the use of any instrumentality of interstate commerce shall be considered to be a failure to comply with such order. Permits the Postal Service, in investigating whether a person is conducting such an activity, to tender the price of any article or service that such person has offered for sale. Declares that failure by such person to provide such article or service, or failure to comply with a written demand of the Postal Service for access to materials, shall constitute probable cause to believe such person is engaged in such activities, warranting the detention of such person's incoming mail. Establishes a civil penalty to be assessed by the Postal Service, after an opportunity for an agency hearing, against any person who: (1) attempts to evade an order directing the postmaster to return mail addressed to such person; (2) fails to comply with a cease and desist; or (3) assists another person in evading such an order.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that nuclear war represents a great hazard and should be prevented. Urges the President to propose: (1) that the United States and the Soviet Union begin negotiations to reduce substantially their nuclear arsenals; and (2) that conferences should be held among all nuclear nations to propose annual reductions and gradual elimination of all nuclear weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Amends the copyright law to eliminate the pre- July 1, 1982, restriction on the application of the manufacturing requirements to nondramatic literary material.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Expresses the dismay of the Congress at the U.S. vote against the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Urges the administration to notify the World Health Organization that the United States will cooperate in implementing the Code. Urges the U.S. infant formula industry to abide by the Code's guidelines. Reaffirms U.S. dedication to protect the lives of all children and to support efforts to improve world health.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives over the hunger strike in Northern Ireland. Calls upon the British government to exercise greater urgency and flexibility in finding a resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for diplomatic efforts to resolve the current crisis in Lebanon. Sets forth as principles to guide U.S. policy in Lebanon: (1) establishment of a ceasefire; (2) removal of all Syrian and Libyan missiles deployed in Lebanon; (3) preservation of free and secure Christian, Moslem, Druze, Armenian, and Jewish communities in Lebanon; (4) reaffirmation of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship and strengthening of the U.S. commitment to the integrity of Lebanon; (5) generous international support for assistance for Lebanon; and (6) restoration and respect for the authority of a Lebanese Government based on national elections.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to grant tax-exempt status to mutual deposit guaranty funds organized after September 1, 1957, and before January 1, 1963.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses, without regard to any community property laws.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the exclusion of interest on mortgage subsidy bonds. Repeals provisions which allow tax-exempt status for such bonds if 95 percent of the mortgages financed by such issues are in compliance with stated requirements. Provides that a showing that the issuing authority has tried in good faith to satisfy all requirements will cure a failure to meet any particular requirement if such failure is corrected within a reasonable time after its discovery. Allows bondholders to rely upon an issuer's good faith covenant as to a compliance. Revises the new homeowner requirements to allow eligibility for bond-financed mortgages for persons who are residing in substandard housing or who have lost their homes because of natural disasters or governmental action. Changes the method of determining the average area purchase price for purposes of the purchase price requirements for bond-financed mortgages. Specifies that the average area purchase price shall not include residences which are not typically financed through normal real estate mortgage loans and that such price may be determined separately for new and previously occupied homes. Revises the arbitrage requirements to increase the amount by which interest rates on tax-exempt mortgage subsidy bonds may exceed the interest rates on mortgages financed with such bonds. Changes the method of determining the yield on an issue. Specifies that issuers are not required to dispose of any investment and realize a loss in order to satisfy arbitrage restrictions. Allows two or more qualified mortgage bond issues of a single issuer to be combined for purposes of determining compliance with arbitrage requirements. Permits issuers to maintain a reasonable reserve against investment losses and to allocate credits or payments between eligible mortgagors. Exempts mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration from certain mortgage assumption requirements. Includes energy impacted areas within the definition of targeted areas for purposes of the special treatment of targeted area residences. Repeals the requirement that the designation of areas of chronic economic distress be approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Limits the designation of areas of chronic economic distress to 25 percent of the geographic area within a State. Redefines statistical areas to include two or more statistical areas combined. Repeals the registration requirements for bond issues.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Recognizes the Pause for the Pledge as part of National Flag Day and encourages all Americans to participate in National Flag Day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on June 14, 1981. Directs Congress to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Star-Spangled Flag House in Baltimore, Maryland.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Export Administration Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Export Administration Amendments Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to carry out such Act. Prohibits any department or agency from withholding confidential information necessary for enforcement of such Act from any enforcement department or agency. Exempts census information from such prohibition. Increases the maximum criminal fine: (1) for violations of such Act; and (2) for failure to report that goods exported under a validated license are being used by the importing country for military or intelligence gathering purposes contrary to the license conditions. Makes such fines less for individuals than in other cases. Limits the civil fine for violations of such Act to $10,000 for individuals and to $100,000 in all other cases. Prohibits the imposition of export controls on food if it is determined such controls would cause measurable malnutrition in the countries against whom the controls are proposed, unless the President determines that the controls are necessary to protect U.S. security or that arrangements are insufficient to ensure that food will reach those most in need. Amends the International Investment Survey Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1981 - Title I: Military and Related Assistance and Sales - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to set the trigger price that would require the President to submit a certification to Congress before consenting to transfers of defense equipment, articles, and services. Exempts such transfers from the 30-day waiting period between submission of certification and effectiveness of consent if the recipient is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), any NATO member, Japan, Australia or New Zealand. Requires the President to submit the certification before consenting to such a transfer, unless an emergency exists. Prohibits the President from consenting to a transfer of defense articles or services valued at such trigger price, from one foreign country or international organization to another, unless the President submits a certification to Congress before consenting. Requires all such certifications to be submitted 30 days before the President consents, unless the transfer is to NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Deletes the provision which exempted transfers to such countries from the certification requirement. Extends the time within which the President must report the price and availability estimates of such defense articles, services, and major equipment. Retains the current trigger price that would make it necessary for the President to include in such report a request by a foreign country for a letter of offer to sell defense equipment, articles, or services. Increases, with respect to letters of offers to sell, the trigger price of defense equipment, articles, or services that would require the President to submit a specified certification to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires all such certifications to be submitted 30 days before a letter of offer is issued, unless an emergency exists or the recipient of the letter is NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Requires certifications for such countries before the letters are issued, unless an emergency exists. Increases the trigger price, with respect to applications for export licenses of defense equipment, articles, or services, that would require the President to submit a specified certification to Congress. Eliminates the 30 day waiting period between certification by the President and issuance of such an export license for NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Requires such certification to be submitted before an export license is issued to such countries, unless an emergency exists. Authorizes the President to reduce or waive certain charges and costs involved in producing defense articles and equipment that would advance standardization of U.S. armed forces with the armed forces of Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the foreign military sales credit and guarantee program. Sets the ceiling for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 on: (1) the total amount of military sales credits; and (2) the total principal amount of loan guarantees for foreign military sales. Allots a specified amount of such credits and guaranteed loans for Israel. Allots a specified amount of such loan guarantees for Greece. Authorizes funds for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to finance procurement by Israel of defense articles and services. Sets forth the terms of repayment by specified countries of such loan guarantees. Directs the President to review periodically the items on the U.S. Munitions List. Includes extraordinary expenses in charges for administrative expenses for foreign military sales. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a Special Defense Acquisition Fund to finance the acquisition of defense articles and services in anticipation of their transfer to eligible foreign countries and international organizations. Requires acquisitions of short supply items to be emphasized when compatible with security assistance requirements. Authorizes appropriations for such Fund for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Prohibits the transfer of any defense articles or services acquired by such Fund to any foreign country or international organization unless authorized by law. Authorizes the temporary use of such defense articles and services by U.S. armed forces prior to their transfer. Authorizes the use of such Fund to pay for the costs related to the acquisition and transfer of such defense articles and services. Directs the President to report to Congress annually on such acquisitions of defense articles and services. Authorizes the President to lease in-stock defense articles to an eligible foreign country or international organization if: (1) the President determines there are compelling foreign policy and national security reasons for leasing rather than selling such articles; (2) the President determines the articles are not presently needed for public use; and (3) the foreign country or international organization has agreed to pay all costs incurred in leasing such articles. Limits each lease agreement to five years duration. Requires each lease to provide that the President may terminate the lease and require immediate return of the leased articles. Authorizes loans for leases of such defense articles. Directs the President to submit a certification to Congress before entering into or renewing such a lease or loan. Authorizes the waiver of such certification if the Presidents reports to Congress that an emergency exists. Prohibits any lease or loan of defense equipment or articles valued at or above specified amounts if Congress objects to the proposed lease or loan by adopting a concurrent resolution. Exempts such loans or leases to NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand from such legislative review. Applies laws restricting the countries or organizations to which arms sales may be made to leases of defense articles under this Act. Makes the Secretary of State responsible for the supervision and general direction of such leases. Requires such leases to meet the same prerequisites for consent by the President as sales of such articles or services. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require loan agreements covering defense articles to provide for restoration or replacement of loaned defense articles which are damaged, lost, or destroyed. Amends the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1980 to repeal the provision relating to leasing defense property. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to eliminate the requirement that the President report to Congress on certain leases of military property to foreign governments. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for military assistance. Allots a specified amount of the military assistance funds available for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to provide grants to finance procurements of defense articles and services for certain countries for which military sales credits were requested but not made available. Repeals the provision that terminated the authority to furnish military assistance to any country unless Congress specifically authorized such assistance. Sets dollar amount limitations on additions to stockpiles of defense articles for foreign countries for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Eliminates the requirement of specific congressional authorization for the operation of a military assistance advisory group, military mission, or organization of U.S. military personnel in a foreign country. Authorizes the President to assign U.S. military personnel to a foreign country to perform specified functions. Limits advisory and training assistance conducted by such personnel. Expresses the sense of Congress that advising and training assistance in countries to which such personnel are assigned shall be provided by other personnel who are detailed for limited periods to perform specific tasks. Limits to six the number of such military personnel assigned to a foreign country unless specifically authorized by Congress. Authorizes the President to waive this limitation upon reporting to Congress that U.S. interests require more than six be assigned to carry out international security assistance programs. Authorizes specified countries to have U.S. military personnel strengths larger than six for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Prohibits the total number of such military personnel assigned to a foreign country from exceeding the number justified to Congress, unless the appropriate Congressional committees are notified before the introduction of the additional military personnel. Specifies the funds to be charged with the costs of overseas management of international security assistance programs. Retains provisions that: (1) make the Chief of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission responsible for supervising such military personnel; and (2) restrict encouragement by U.S. diplomatic and military personnel of military equipment purchases by foreign countries. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) international military education and training; and (2) peacekeeping operations. Prohibits using the authority for peacekeeping operations to finance the establishment of a peacekeeping force in the Sinai or to position U.S. military units in the Sinai without express Congressional approval. Increases the amount of funds that may be transferred in any fiscal year from economic support funds for peacekeeping operations. Expresses support for holding free elections in El Salvador. Authorizes the obligation of funds for military and economic assistance under specified Federal laws for El Salvador only if, prior to each such grant of assistance, the President certifies to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that El Salvador's Government: (1) is not engaged in consistently violating internationally recognized human rights; (2) has achieved substantial control over its armed forces; (3) is making progress in implementing essential economic and political reforms; (4) is committed to holding free elections; and (5) has demonstrated its willingness to negotiate a political resolution of the conflict. Directs the President, if such certification is not made, to: (1) suspend specified military assistance and military education and training for El Salvador; (2) withhold approvals for use of certain credits and guarantees for El Salvador; (3) suspend deliveries of certain defense articles, defense services, and design and construction services; and (4) withdraw from El Salvador all U.S. armed forces performing specified functions. Prohibits the President from making such certification until the President also certifies that El Salvador's government has made good faith efforts to investigate the murders of six U.S. citizens in El Salvador and to bring those responsible for the murders to justice. Title II: Economic Support Fund - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the Economic Support Fund. Deletes provisions relating to: (1) the use of fiscal year 1981 funds; and (2) Central American economic support. Allots a minimum amount of the authorized economic support funds for such years for Israel and Egypt on a grant basis. Authorizes making such funds available to Israel as a cash transfer. Replaces funds authorized and appropriated for Egypt and Israel in fiscal year 1981 which were reprogrammed to aid other countries. Authorizes obligating economic support funds for Egypt to finance activities relating to the reclamation of desert lands (new lands development). Authorizes the use of a specified amount of such funds, under the famine prevention and freedom from hunger programs, to build agricultural extension services in Egypt for the small farmer. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of such funds for such years for special requirements in the Middle East, if the President makes a specified report to Congress. Requires the President to report to Congress at the end of each of fiscal years 1981 through 1983 on the use of such funds. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should finance and participate in cooperative scientific and technological projects involving Israel, Egypt, and other Middle East countries. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of economic support funds for such projects. Deobligates all economic support funds appropriated in prior fiscal years for Syria, except specified earmarked funds. Authorizes using such deobligated funds to reimburse U.S. companies or persons that meet specified criteria. Requires a minimum of two-thirds of the economic support funds available for Turkey for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to be provided on a grant basis. Allots a specified amount of the authorized economic support funds for each of fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for Cyprus. Prohibits use of economic support funds available for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to finance any foreign nuclear facility, unless the President certifies to Congress that it is indispensable to achievement of nonproliferation objectives. Earmarks a specified amount of economic support funds for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for emergency use when U.S. national interests require economic support to promote stability. Title III: Development Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) agricultural development programs; (2) participation in the International Fund for Agricultural Development; (3) assistance for voluntary population planning and health programs; (4) education and human resources development, with a minimum amount earmarked to finance scholarships for disadvantaged South African students; (5) energy development and production, including an earmarked amount for facilitating geological and geophysical survey work; and (6) private voluntary organizations and selected development activities, including programs of disaster preparedness. Retains references to a target figure and fiscal year for promotion of human rights. Authorizes the President to assist developing countries in strengthening their capacity to protect and manage their environment and natural resources. Directs the President to take into account the environmental impact of development programs on developing countries. Requires agencies responsible for such programs to take into account: (1) an environmental impact statement for any development program significantly affecting the environment of the United States or of areas outside the jurisdiction of any country; and (2) an environmental assessment of any proposed program significantly affecting a foreign country's environment. Expresses the concern of the Congress about the continuing loss of tropical forests in developing countries. Directs the President to consider such concerns and the recommendations of the U.S. Interagency Task Force on Tropical Forests: (1) in carrying out programs with respect to developing countries; and (2) in seeking opportunities to coordinate development and investment activities which affect such forests. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct U.S. representatives to international organizations to urge that: (1) higher priority be given to the problems of tropical forest alteration and loss; and (2) there be improved cooperation among these organizations with respect to tropical forest activities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for implementation of the Sahel development program. Conditions disbursement of such funds upon a finding that the foreign government will maintain an accounting system that adequately provides identification of and control over the receipt and expenditure of those funds. Increases and extends through fiscal year 1983 the authorization of appropriations for worldwide housing guaranty programs. Sets up a revolving fund in the Treasury for all fees derived from certain guaranty programs. Authorizes investment of such funds in U.S. obligations. Authorizes U.S. participation in the International Food Policy Research Institute. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) participation in international organizations and programs; (2) trade and development programs; and (3) the African Development Foundation. Title IV: Food for Peace Programs - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to: (1) authorize the President to agree to sell agricultural commodities for foreign currencies on credit terms and on terms which permit conversion to dollars at the exchange rate applicable to the sales agreement; (2) eliminate the provision for the progressive transition from sales for foreign currencies to sales for dollars;(3) repeal the provision which excluded from the definition of friendly country any country or area dominated by a communist government; (4) repeal the requirement that purchasing countries identify food commodities sold for foreign currencies as being provided through U.S. generosity; (5) authorize the President to use for specified purposes the foreign currencies that accrue from such sales entered into before a specified date; and (6) require payments by friendly countries for commodities purchased for foreign currencies to be upon terms no less favorable to the United States than those for development loans. Repeals provisions which: (1) authorize financing ocean transportation costs for such sales; and (2) require a minimum allocation of foreign currencies for self-help measures. Increases the maximum amount of such foreign currencies that may be used for emergency relief requirements other than food commodities. Directs the President to consider, before agreeing to sell U.S. agricultural commodities, to what extent a recipient country is using self-help measures to reduce illiteracy among farmers and to improve farmers' health. Requires each such agreement to describe the economic development and self-help measures extensively and in a manner which ensures that the country's needy people will be the major beneficiaries of the self-help measures. Directs the President to ensure that the self-help provisions are additional to measures that would otherwise be undertaken and to determine whether such provisions are being fully carried out. Limits the amount of financing from sales of agricultural commodities for foreign currencies which can be made available for any one country beginning in fiscal year 1983. Decreases the minimum quantity of agricultural commodities which must be distributed through nonprofit voluntary agencies and the World Food Program for famine relief in fiscal year 1982. Title V: Other Assistance Programs - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) American schools and hospitals abroad; (2) international narcotics control; (3) international disaster assistance; and (4) assistance for displaced persons in Central America. Repeals the provision which prohibits the use of aid funds to pay for herbicide spraying to eradicate marihuana. Authorizes the use of funds appropriated before enactment of this Act to pay for such herbicide spraying. Authorizes the use, without limitations, of narcotics control funds appropriated for fiscal year 1980 that were obligated for Columbia. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance for displaced persons in Central America. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for fiscal year 1982 and 1983. Title VI: Peace Corps - Requires the Peace Corps to be an independent agency within the executive branch. Amends the Peace Corps Act to delete certain provisions relating to readjustment allowance payments to Peace Corps volunteers. Transfers to the Director of the Peace Corps all functions relating to the Peace Corps that were vested in the Director of the ACTION agency. Provides for the transfer of personnel, contracts, property, records, and funds used primarily by the Peace Corps to the Peace Corps. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General to submit reports to the appropriate congressional committees on the implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the Peace Corps. Requires the Peace Corps to give particular attention to programs that tend to integrate disabled people into developing countries' national economies. Authorizes the Director of the Peace Corps to procure legal services under certain conditions. Applies the malpractice protection currently covering State Department personnel to Peace Corps volunteers and personnel. Removes present malpractice protection for Peace Corps volunteers. Removes the applicability of the Mutual Defense Control Act of 1951 to the functions of the Peace Corps. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require property already owned by a Federal agency to be used in furnishing international development assistance in lieu of or supplementary to purchasing new items. Makes permanent the exemption from limitations for U.S. assistance to construction of productive enterprises in Egypt. Provides for compensation of Federal agency employees assigned to work outside the United States. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the operating expenses of administering the international development program. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to establish in the Agency for International Development (AID) an office of Inspector General. Directs the Inspector General of AID to supervise: (1) all security activities relating to AID operations; and (2) all audit, investigative, and security activities relating to operations within the U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency, to the extent requested by the Director of such Agency. Directs the Inspector General of AID to appoint an Assistant Inspector General for security. Authorizes the Inspector General of AID to assign members of the Foreign Service as employees of the Inspector General. Exempts AID from specified overseas personnel ceilings. Repeals the provision requiring the appointment of an Auditor General for the international development program. Requires the President to use the currencies or credits received from Poland from the sale of surplus dairy products to serve U.S. interests in Poland. Declares that eliminating hunger shall be a primary objective of U.S. relations with developing countries. Directs the President to: (1) encourage other grain exporting countries to establish food security reserves; and (2) report to Congress on the actions taken by the President and the response of other countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that up to $15,000,000 of international development funds should be made available for development assistance for Haiti. Authorizes additional appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for agricultural research. States that development assistance for Haiti for such fiscal year should be provided through private and voluntary organizations to the maximum extent possible. Authorizes funding for development assistance, military assistance, military education and training, and arms credits and guarantees for fiscal year year 1982 for Haiti only if the President determines that Haiti's government: (1) has cooperated in halting and has not supported illegal emigration from Haiti; (2) has provided assurances that it will cooperated in implementing U.S. development assistance programs in Haiti; and (3) is not engaged in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. Directs the President to report to Congress every six months on the extent to which Haiti's actions are consistent with such determinations. Exempts assistance for halting significant illegal emigration to the United States from the prohibition on aid for police training in foreign countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take into account whether elections will be held and whether political groups in Nicaragua will be allowed to promote specific candidates in considering any aid for Nicaragua. Reaffirms congressional support for human rights provisions. Directs the President to report to the Speaker of the House and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on prevailing economic conditions in Egypt, Israel, and Turkey that may affect their ability to meet international debt obligations and to stabilize their economies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should continue diplomatic efforts to implement a policy with respect to Lebanon that provides for: (1) an immediate cease fire; (2) reaffirmation of the U.S.-Lebanon relationship and commitment to restoring the freedom, sovereignty, and integrity of Lebanon; (3) restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty; and (4) support for a free and open national election. Repeals the prohibition against assistance and arms sales to Argentina. Authorizes the provision of military assistance, economic assistance, arms sales credits, and export licenses only if the President certifies to the Speaker of the House and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Argentina has made significant progress in complying with internationally recognized human rights principles and that the provision of such assistance is in the interest of the United States. Expresses the sense of Congress that assistance furnished to El Salvador should be used and all other fundamental to encourage: (1) observance of internationally recognized human rights; (2) continued progress in implementing essential economic and political reforms; (3) an investigation of the deaths in El Salvador of U.S. citizens; (4) an end to extremist violence; (5) free elections; and (6) increased professional capability of the Salvadoran military to establish a peaceful and secure environment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Syria should cease and desist off-limits placement of surface-to-air missiles and firing at Israeli patrol jets.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Title I: Department of State - Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the Department of State to be used for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations and conferences; (3) international commissions; and (4) migration and refugee assistance. Limits the amount of any U.S. payment to the United Nations budget to the amount assessed as the U.S. contribution less: (1) 25 percent of the budget for the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People; and (2) 25 percent of the budget for the Special Unit on Palestinian Rights. Makes a specified amount available for an ex gratia payment to Yugoslavia as an expression of U.S. concern for the injuries suffered by a Yugoslav national who was attacked in New York City. Makes available specified amounts for aid in resettling refugees from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in Israel. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for payment of the U.S. share of expenses of the science and technology agreements between the United States and Yugoslavia and the United States and Poland. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948, and the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for, respectively, the State Department, the International Communication Agency (ICA), and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Incorporated, to offset fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates occurring after November 30 of the calendar year preceding the enactment of the authorization authorization legislation for such fiscal year (current laws offset fluctuations occurring after November 30 of the preceding preceding fiscal year). Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary of State to transfer from accounts under the heading of administration of foreign affairs to the account set up to offset such fluctuations any amount which exceeds the needs of the approval level of operations because of such fluctuations. Amends the passport provisions to authorize the Secretary of State to set the amount of the fees for issuance of a passport and for executing passport applications. Extends the duration of a passport's validity from five to ten years. Authorizes the Secretary to limit a passport's validity to a shorter period in an individual case or on a general basis pursuant to regulation. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to allow as proof of U.S. citizenship: (1) a passport during its period of validity if such period is the maximum authorized by law; and (2) a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. Deletes the limitations under current Federal laws on the authorized appropriations for payment of the U.S. share of the expenses of the: (1) Pan American Institute of Geography and History; (2) Hague Conference on Private International Law and of the International (Rome) Institute for the Unification of Private Law; and (3) Pan American Railway Congress. Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to direct the President to appoint a U.S. representative to the Vienna office of the United Nations. Provides for living quarters for certain U.S. representatives to the United Nations rather than only for the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Credits any payments made by U.S. personnel for such living quarters to the fund used by the Secretary to rent the premises. Provides that the Federal criminal provisions relating to compensation, activities, disqualification, and acts affecting personal financial interests of Federal employees shall not apply to certain private sector representatives on U.S. delegations to international telecommunications conferences. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to limit the duration of any procurement contract for the Department of State or the Foreign Service to five years when: (1) appropriations are available for the first fiscal year and for potential cancellation costs; and (2) the Secretary makes specified determinations. Provides for cancellation of the contract if funds are not available for its continuation. Makes the provisions of the Defense Base Act relating to the compensation for disability or death for persons employed at military bases outside the United States inapplicable with respect to contracts with persons employed by the State Department or the Foreign Service on an intermittent basis. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent Office of Foreign Missions within the Department of State. Authorizes the Director of such Office to: (1) assist Federal, State, and municipal agencies to ascertain the benefits due a foreign mission; (2) provide benefits for or on behalf of a foreign mission; and (3) perform such other functions as the Secretary determines necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to require a foreign mission to obtain benefits from the Director on terms approved by the Secretary or to comply with certain terms, including paying the Director a fee and waiving any recourse against any governmental authority or employee, as a condition to the performance in the United States of any contract, the acquisition of any real property, or the application for or acceptance of any benefit, if the Secretary determines such actions are necessary to: (1) facilitate relations between the U.S. and a sending state (a state represented by such mission); (2) protect U.S. interests; (3) adjust for costs and procedures of obtaining benefits for U.S. missions abroad; or (4) assist in resolving a dispute affecting U.S. interests. Authorizes the Secretary to require any foreign mission to: (1) notify the Director before such mission acquires or disposes of any real property; and (2) divest itself of or forgo the use of any real property acquired without notice to the Director or exceeding the limits placed on real property available to a U.S. mission in the sending state. Authorizes the Secretary to protect and dispose of any property of a foreign mission which has ceased conducting governmental activities and has not designated a protecting power. Makes the location and dimensions of any foreign mission's real property in the District of Columbia subject to the approval of the National Capital Planning Commission. Sets forth the criteria for the Commission's determinations about such real property. Provides for the administration and management of the Office of Foreign Missions. Makes the provisions of this Act applicable to public international organizations. Prohibits compliance with this Act by a foreign mission from being deemed a waiver of any immunity. Prohibits making benefits available to foreign missions contrary to this Act. Extends the privileges and immunities of the Vienna Convention to missions of nonparties to the Convention. Authorizes the President to extend to such missions treatment that is more favorable or less favorable than that provided under the Vienna Convention. Title II: International Communication Agency - International Communication Agency Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for the ICA for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to carry out certain international communication, educational, cultural, and exchange programs. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to permit any Federal employee who has special scientific, technical, or professional qualifications to be assigned to a foreign government (presently only U.S. citizens can be so assigned). Authorizes the making of procurement contracts for periods which do not exceed five years if: (1) appropriations are adequate for the first fiscal year; (2) Government need is reasonably firm and continuing; (3) such contract will encourage effective competition or promote economics in performance and operation; and (4) such method will not inhibit small business participation. Requires such contracts to be cancelled if funds are not available for continuation into subsequent fiscal years. Authorizes the Director of the ICA to purchase security vehicles without regard to any maximum price limitation. Provides for the principal assistant of an ICA Associate Director to perform the duties of any Associate Director who dies, resigns, is sick, or absent. Excludes employees of certain exhibits of U.S. economic or cultural accomplishments from the provisions of the Defense Base Act relating to compensation for disability or death. Makes the limitation on obligations or expenditures of appropriations to carry the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 inapplicable with respect to any appropriations for liquidating notes which were assumed in the operation of the informational media guaranty program and were outstanding on a specified date. Directs the ICA Director to make available for distribution within the United States the film "Reflections: Samuel Elliott Morison." Title III: Board for International Broadcasting - Board for International Broadcasting Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to increase the authorized appropriations for fiscal year 1981 and to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969 to authorize appropriations for the Inter-American Foundation for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Changes the method for reimbursing travel expenses of the Foundation's Board members.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Title I: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Requires a principal who enters into a contract with a sales representative for the solicitation of orders for merchandise of the principal to furnish specified information to the representative, including monthly commission statements. Enumerates items to be included in any written contract between a principal and sales representative in order to conform with this Act. Title II: Indemnification - Exempts principals who have entered into a written contract in conformity with title I from the indemnification requirements of this title. Requires any principal to indemnify a sales representative in accordance with this title if such principal: (1) without good cause terminates a representative's assignment or reduces the geographical territory assigned to a representative; (2) reduces the rate of commission paid to a representative; or (3) reduces the number of accounts assigned within a geographical territory. Sets forth a formula for the indemnification of such representatives. Title III: Miscellaneous - Permits actions to be brought in Federal district court to enforce the rights or liabilities of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest earned on certificates of deposit issued by banks, certain savings institutions, or credit unions. Requires such certificates to be issued between June 30, 1981 and July 31, 1982, to have a one year maturity, and to bear interest at a rate not greater than 70 percent of the average yield of U.S. Treasury bills. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns).
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981
Congressional Campaign Financing Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to place limits and reporting requirements on Congressional primary and general election expenditures for candidates receiving public financing. Sets forth penalty provisions for knowing violations of such requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new chapter, the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Entitles to campaign payments Congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and certify that: (1) they and their authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations; and (2) they have received contributions in excess of a specified sum. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment by a candidate of excess payments and unexpended payments. Establishes criminal penalties for use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct an audit of the qualified campaign expenses of every candidate who receives matching payments; and (2) report to Congress with respect to such expenses and payments, such report to be made readily available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Comprehensive Older Americans Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to add to the declaration of objectives: (1) full supportive (as well as restorative) services, including assistance in avoiding institutionalization, with maximum independence for those who do require institutional care; (2) maximum opportunity to select full-time, part-time, flexible, or other appropriate employment; (3) specified education and training opportunities, including ones relating to legal, financial, and health needs; and (4) freedom from domestic violence and other violence and crime. Revises provisions relating to the Administration on Aging to specify that: (1) the Commissioner on Aging shall be directly responsible to the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and (2) certain functions of the Commissioner may not be delegated. Includes the Grants to States for Services programs (title XX) of the Social Security Act among those programs with an impact on older persons which the Commissioner must continually evaluate. Specifies that the other agencies with which the Commissioner coordinates a national plan for training personnel in the field of agencies must be Federal and State agencies. Requires consultation between the Commissioner and the head of the Federal agency administering: (1) continuing postsecondary education programs and planning under the Higher Education Act of 1965; (2) the Adult Education Act; and (3) the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Requires that dissemination of information by the National Information and Resource Clearing House for the Aging be carried out quickly. Requires that the Clearing House: (1) make available through a national toll-free telephone line information concerning federally administered programs, services, and benefits for which older persons may be eligible; and (2) cooperate with other Federal, State, and local information and referral services to ensure that information concerning non-federally administered public and private benefits is available. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Clearing House through fiscal year 1984. Requires that at least one member of the Federal Council on Aging be an official of a designated State agency and that at least one other member be an official of a designated area agency. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Council through fiscal year 1984. Specifies that sums authorized to be appropriated to carry out certain authorized activities of the Commissioner are to go directly to the Commissioner. Authorizes the Commissioner to request the technical assistance and cooperation of the Department of Education in carrying out the program of grants to State and community programs on aging. Defines "education and training services" for purposes of such program and includes such services among those for which current information and referrals are to be kept. Includes services designed to prevent domestic violence under the definition of legal services for purposes of such program. Extends through fiscal year 1984 the authorizations of appropriations for grants for State and community programs on aging (relating to social services and to congregate and home delivered nutrition services). Provides that formulas for allotments to States apply to any fiscal year in which specified sums are appropriated for such programs. Continues through fiscal year 1984 formulas to determine the Federal share of costs of such programs. Includes legal services among the social services for which area plans for older persons must provide. Eliminates the requirement that area plans provide that: (1) 50 percent of social service grant funds will be expended for access to services, in-home services, and legal services; and (2) area agencies on aging will develop and publish methods by which priority of such services is determined. Adds a requirement that area plans provide that such agencies, where possible, enter into arrangements with local legal service providers to use services mandated for older individuals under the Legal Services Corporation Act. Raises to $50,000 (from $20,000) the minimum amount which State agencies on aging must expend for long-term care ombudsman programs. Revises provisions for the availability of funds for social services and nutrition services. Eliminates the requirement that State transfers of funds between the congregate and home delivered nutrition services programs "meet the needs of the area served." Prohibits States from transferring more than 20 percent of appropriated funds for any fiscal year between social services and nutrition services programs. Requires that home delivered nutrition services projects give priority to the provision of meals during weekend periods. Adds to training programs for personnel in the field of aging programs to assist persons involved in the provision of home delivered nutrition services in also providing related social and human services, including regular individual needs assessments. Revises provisions for training, research, and discretionary projects and programs to provide for grants and contracts for special projects in mental health care. Revises provisions for special demonstration projects on legal services for older Americans to permit the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for such projects to and with the designated State agencies on aging (currently, to and with public and private nonprofit agencies or organizations). Requires that there be a reservation from appropriated funds of specified or necessary amounts for such projects in fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Authorizes appropriations in specified or necessary amounts for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 to carry out training, research, and discretionary projects and programs on aging. Authorizes appropriations in specified or necessary amounts for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 to carry out programs for multipurpose senior centers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of five airborne warning and control aircraft (AWACS) and conformal fuel tanks and air-to-air missiles for F-15 aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to State educational agencies to fund model programs, designed and operated by local educational agencies, for the improvement and expansion of foreign language study for children aged five through 17 who reside within their school districts. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of such grants based on State population. Sets forth provisions relating to the availability of such funds. Sets forth grant application requirements for State educational agencies. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to cover part of the costs of foreign language instruction for their students. Sets forth formulas to determine whether an institution is eligible for such grants, based on the percentage of its student body enrolled in qualified postsecondary language courses. Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards, including reporting requirements, for programs assisted by such grants. Sets forth formulas for determining the amounts of such grants, based on numbers of students enrolled in such courses. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each institution of higher education which requires at least two years of postsecondary credits in foreign language (or a competency equivalent) for each graduating student. Sets forth formulas for determining the amounts of such grants, based on the number of students enrolled in the institution. Prohibits any grant or contract under this Act except to such extent, or in such amounts, as may be provided in appropriation Acts. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1985 to carry out grant programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1981 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44 of Title 18, United States Code - Amends the Federal criminal code to direct the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, assembly, importation, sale, or transfer any handgun model which is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, importer, dealer, or collector to manufacture, assemble, sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun (other than a curio or relic) which is not an approved model. Makes it unlawful for any non- licensee to sell or transfer any handgun (other than curio or relic) unless such person knows or has reasonable cause to believe such handgun is an approved model. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for permits to carry and purchase handguns and certify those meeting specified standards. Allows an individual possessing a permit under a certified State law to purchase a handgun if certain requirements are met. Makes it unlawful for a licensed dealer to transfer a handgun to a person not holding a permit under a certified State law unless certain procedures are followed. Requires in any such case that the transferee appear in person at the dealer's business premises. Requires the dealer, before delivery of the handgun, to forward a copy of a sworn statement by the transferee to the chief local law enforcement officer of the transferee's place of residence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an identity and record check. Prohibits delivery until 21 days after submission of the sworn statement. Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to sell to the same person, or for any non-licensee to purchase, three or more handguns during a period of one year, without the prior approval of the Attorney General. Makes it unlawful for any person to fail to report the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his possession to the authorities within 24 hours after discovering such loss. Requires all licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to maintain accurate records of all handgun transfers. Makes whoever negligently transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury of an individual as a result of the use of such handgun by the transferee during commission of an offense. Makes it unlawful for any person to transport any firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce if such transportation violates a State law in a place through which the firearm was shipped or an ordinance at the place of sale, delivery, or other disposition. Increases the license fee for handgun dealers from $10 to $500 and for manufacturers and importers from $50 to $5,000. Makes it unlawful for any illegal alien, dishonorably discharged member of the Armed Forces, or U.S. citizen who has renounced such citizenship to possess, transport, or receive any firearm or ammunition. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970 to revise and increase the mandatory penalties for using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "illegally." Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense to two to ten years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and five to 25 years for a second offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences, unless the court finds the existence of enumerated mitigating circumstances. Adds a term of parole ineligibility as an additional restriction on first offenders (two years) and subsequent offenders (five years). Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to the Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Establishes the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration within the Department of Justice. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, in consultation with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities, to report on the intergovernmental problems involved in controlling illicit handgun traffic and the effectiveness of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with various declarations and international agreements by providing proper medical care to Yuriy Shukhevych, by releasing him from prison, and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; (2) the President should express continuing U.S. opposition to the imprisonment and maltreatment of Yuriy Shukhevych; and (3) the President should reiterate that the United States, in evaluating its relations with other nations, will consider the extent to which other nations honor their international commitments, especially their human rights commitments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Title I - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to extend from August 6, 1982, to August 6, 1992: (1) the time period during which jurisdictions covered by the triggering mechanism must not have used a test or device to deny the right to vote on account of race in order to be released from coverage; and (2) the time period during which changes in voting laws must be precleared with the Federal Government. Title II - Restates the prohibition against denying the right to vote based on race to prohibit any State from imposing voting practices "in a manner which results in a denial or abridgement" of the right to vote (thus permitting use of indirect proof in proving discrimination). Title III - Extends the bilingual election requirements from August 6, 1985, to August 6, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Economic Equity Act - Title I: Tax and Retirement Matters - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the maximum deduction for contributions to an individual retirement plan: (1) shall be computed separately for each individual who is married; and (2) in the case of a married individual who has no compensation or less compensation than that of the spouse, shall be determined as if such compensation were the same as that of the individual's spouse. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require that a retirement plan which provides an annuity to a participant with at least ten years of creditable service shall provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of a participant who dies before the annuity starting date in an amount not less than the amount which would have been made under the survivor's annuity if the participant had survived and retired on such annuity date. Provides that a participant's election not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such an election. Allows the assignment of the benefits of a qualified retirement plan in the case of a judgment, decree or order relating to child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights pursuant to a State domestic relations law. Amends ERISA to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from age 25 to age 21. Amends ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accruals of creditable service to continue while an individual is on approved maternity or paternity leave at the rate of 20 hours service for each week of approved leave. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the zero bracket amount; (2) lower the tax rate; (3) decrease withholding requirements; and (4) increase minimum filing requirements for heads of households. Entitles former spouses of members of the uniformed services, civil service employees and members of Congress who were married to such a member or employee for at least ten years during creditable service to an annuity based upon a portion of such member's or employee's retired or retainer pay period. Amends the Survivor Benefit Plan of the uniformed services to make former spouses eligible for annuities under such plan. Provides for survivor's annuities for surviving former spouses of civil service spouses or members of Congress. Provides that the election of a member of the uniformed services, civil service employee or member of Congress not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse and any former spouse of such member or employee consents in writing to such an election. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit to employers of displaced homemakers. Title II: Day Care Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment from 20 percent of the cost of such services to 50 percent of the cost reduced by one percent for each $1,000 amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $10,000. Makes such credit refundable. Increases the dollar limit for such credit from $2,000 to $2,400 (from $4,000 to $4,800 for two or more dependents). Allows such credit for certain services performed outside the taxpayer's household. Establishes a minimum income for individuals engaged in business on a substantially full time basis to be used in the computation of the earned income limitation on the amount of such credit. Includes as a tax-exempt organization any organization which provides non-residential dependent care services to the general public for purposes of enabling individuals to be gainfully employed. Title III: Armed Forces - Revises the rules for the distribution of the property of deceased members of the Air Force and Army by removing any gender distinctions from such rules. Establishes a distribution formula based on six classes: (1) beneficiary named in a will; (2) surviving spouse; (3) children; (4) parents; (5) siblings; and (6) next of kin. Eliminates sexual distinctions with regard to promotion procedures and procedures to remove reserve officers from active duty status in the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve. Requires the Secretary of Defense to make an annual report to the Congress concerning the status of women in the armed forces. Title IV: Estate Tax on Agricultural Property and Farm Loans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified credit against the estate and gift tax from $47,000 to $192,800 by specified annual increments through 1985. Increases the minimum gross estate requirement for filing a return from $175,000 to $600,000. Qualifies estates of decedents who were disabled or retired for the special valuation of certain farms based on use if they materially participated in the operation of such farm for five out of eight years preceding the year in which they became disabled or eligible for disability benefits. Permits the spouse of a decedent to use such valuation if the spouse has managed the farm or business for ten years preceding the decedent's death. Permits active management rather than material participation as a test for qualification of the estate for spouses, children under 21, students, and disabled individuals who receive property from a decedent who qualified for special use valuation. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the reduction of the value of qualified real property permitted by the special use valuation. Provides that the interest rate on extended payments of estate taxes shall be the lower of 6 percent or 75 percent of the prime rate. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to remove the preference to married persons in receiving farm improvement loans. Title V: NonDiscrimination in Insurance Act - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Grants to State or local governments having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce this Act. Permits an aggrieved person to file a civil action in State or Federal court against an insurer, if a State or local authority which has received notice of a complaint fails to act within 60 days or with respect to those authorities not having insurance discrimination laws. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights granted by this Act and that such denial raises an issue of general public importance. Title VI: Regulatory Reform and Sex Neutrality - Requires the head of each executive agency to conduct a review of all rules, regulations and policies of the agency which result in different treatment based on gender. Directs each agency to report annually to the Congress on such review. Provides that such report shall include proposals to eliminate any resultant sex-based discrimination. Requires that all rules, regulations, documents and other writings of executive agencies shall use words that are neutral as to gender unless it is impracticable to do so or the subject matter specifically applies only to one sex. Title VII: Study of Enforcement of Alimony and Child Support Payments - Directs the Attorney General to undertake a study of the appropriate role of the Federal Government in the enforcement of delinquent payments of alimony, child support, and property settlement orders against an absent spouse or parent. Requires the Attorney General to submit to the President and the Congress not later than one year after enactment of this Act a report of such study together with recommendations for appropriate legislation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Elephant Protection Act of 1981 - Prohibits importing or exporting African elephants or elephant products. Prohibits the acquisition, transportation, or sale in interstate commerce of such products imported in violation of this Act. Permits individuals to: (1) import and export a total of 10,000 pounds of unworked ivory for six months after enactment of this Act; and (2) import worked ivory for 90 days after enactment if there is no intention to sell such ivory in the United States. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants and elephant products if the Secretary finds that: (1) such nation has developed and implemented an elephant conservation program according to specified criteria; (2) the products can be traced as coming from a particular nation; (3) the products are acquired and transported in compliance with laws of the originating nation; (4) the importation or exportation will not be detrimental to the survival of the species; and (5) the permit is applied for in good faith. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants or elephant products to enhance propagation or survival of the species and is consistent with the policy of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress concerning granting of such permits. Sets forth civil or criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for the remittance or mitigation by the Secretary of any civil penalty assessed under this Act. Provides for the forfeiture of elephants, elephant products, or vehicles aiding in the importation, exportation, acquisition, or transportation of such products contrary to the provisions of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Authorizes the payment of rewards to persons furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Requires all imports and exports of elephant products to go through either the Port of New York or the Port of Seattle, Washington. Exempts from this Act: (1) elephants imported or exported for zoological, educational, scientific, or exhibitional purposes; (2) elephant products included in a keyboard for a musical instrument; (3) elephant products taken and imported or exported by a sports hunter; and (4) elephant products taken and transported in compliance with the laws of the originating nation. Supersedes the Endangered Species Act and State laws regarding elephants and elephant products. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a program to assist nations to: (1) protect elephant habitats; (2) conserve living elephants; and (3) develop and implement elephant conservation management programs. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of the Interior and State for fiscal years 1983, 1984, and 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of State should recommend to the Attorney General that aliens who are nationals of El Salvador be granted extended voluntary departure status until they can reside safely in El Salvador.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Commends the peaceful attempts to resolve differences between Poland's workers and government officials and expresses the hope that they will continue to resolve their differences through peaceful negotiations. Welcomes to the United States Poland's First Deputy Prime Minister. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States could not remain indifferent to external aggression or internal repression against Poland and that such developments would have serious consequences for East-West relations. Supports efforts to work with other nations to ease Poland's economic difficulties and the U.S. decision to sell surplus food to Poland at concessionary prices and in Polish currency provided neither external aggression nor internal repression occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the: (1) U.S. representative to the World Health Assembly should vote for the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes; (2) American infant formula industry should abide by such code; (3) President should encourage other governments to call upon their infant formula industries to comply with this code; and (4) President should cooperate with governments of developing countries to develop health standards and programs to implement this code.
![Official portrait of Rep. Barnes, Michael D. [D-MD-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000160_200.jpg)