United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1980
Biomass Research and Development Act of 1980 - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to: (1) make the cost of energy produced by biomass systems competitive; (2) increase the efficiency of biomass energy production; (3) encourage the development of biomass energy resources on land unsuited for cultivating food; and (4) assure the production of at least three quadrillion British thermal units of energy per year from biomass by 1986. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish a six-year biomass energy system research and development program to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that the program shall consist of: (1) a feedstocks program; (2) a conversion program; and (3) an end uses program. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish procedures to permit any public or private entity wishing to install a biomass energy system to apply for and receive assistance in purchasing such a system. Directs the Secretary, after the termination of the six year program, to promulgate by rule voluntary performance standards for biomass energy systems. Directs the Secretary to initiate a three-year national biomass resource assessment program. Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive program management plan for the conduct of the programs established under this Act. Sets forth criteria for program selection. Directs the Secretary to monitor the performance and operation of biomass energy systems assisted or installed under this Act. Directs the Secretary to study and evaluate specified matters related to the development of biomass energy systems and report the findings to Congress. Establishes a biomass energy utilization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of biomass energy systems for power production for Federal facilities. Requires the Secretary to take steps to assure that small business will have adequate opportunities to participate in the programs established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1980
Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require separate metering of the electricity or natural gas used in each new building unit constructed after enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to bring actions against electric and gas utilities to require compliance with such requirements. Sets forth penalties for violations of such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should request the International Red Cross to: (1) make regular visits to the hostages held in Iran and report back to Congress with its findings; and (2) urge its member countries to solicit Iranian cooperation in such visits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1980
Revises the termination date for veterans eligible for educational assistance so that such assistance shall terminate on December 31, 1989, or the date five years after the veterans' last discharge or release from active duty, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1980
Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to revise the definition of "farm labor contractor" to: (1) broaden specified exclusions from such definition (thus broadening certain exemptions from coverage under such Act); and (2) exclude from such definition (and such coverage) any nonprofit or cooperative association of farmers, growers, or ranchers, duly incorporated under appropriate State laws, and operated solely for the mutual benefit of the members thereof, and any full-time or regular employee of such association or cooperative who engages in such activity solely for such employer. Adds other definitions relating to such revisions. Revises the definition of "agricultural employment" to specify that listed activities take place on a farm or ranch. Limits the definition of "migrant worker" to mean (among individuals engaged in agricultural employment on a farm or ranch on a seasonal or temporary basis) only those who cannot regularly return to their domicile each day after working hours, or who are transported from and to their domicile each workday by the person who recruits, solicits, hires, or furnishes such worker for agricultural employment on a farm or ranch owned or operated by another person.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1980
Armed Forces Educational Assistance Act of 1980 - Establishes an Armed Forces Educational Assistance Program for persons who enter military service after September 30, 1980, and serve on active duty for three years or more. Sets forth a schedule of educational assistance entitlement for such veterans as follows: (1) for service of 36 consecutive months but less than 48 consecutive months and an agreement to serve three years in the Ready Reserve, 18 months of assistance; (2) for service of 48 consecutive months but less than 72 consecutive months and an agreement to serve four years in the Ready Reserve, 36 months of assistance; and (3) for service of 72 consecutive months, 36 months of assistance. Allows eligible veterans who have served on active duty for 16 years by September 30, 1986, to transfer their educational entitlement to their spouse or children. Makes any veteran entitled to assistance under this Act eligible to participate in the Predischarge Education Program (PREP) and eligible for education loans. Provides that such veterans are eligible for educational assistance for the six-year period following their discharge or release date. Sets forth procedures extending any applicable time period for such veterans who are prevented from initiating or completing a program of education under certain circumstances. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay tuition costs and a substantial allowance to eligible veterans in the program. Makes technical and conforming amendments to existing laws relating to veterans educational assistance. Grants to eligible veterans, who have served on active duty from three to six years, the right to transfer educational assistance entitlements to such veteran's spouse or children in such manner as prescribed by the Administrator concerned and under limitations set forth in this Act. Terminates the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance program after September 30, 1982. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to submit a joint report to the Congress, not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, on plans for implementing the educational assistance provided in such Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report semiannually to Congress on the effect of such program on the number and quality of individuals entering the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase by $500 the amount per academic year of any basic educational grant to any individual who, on or after October 1, 1980, enlists, reenlists, or extends an enlistment in, or is originally appointed in, a Reserve component of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employer a refundable income tax credit for payment of compensation to an employee for periods during which such employee participates in armed forces summer camp training. Limits the amount of such credit to the amount which such employee would normally be paid for employment during such period, reduced by the amount of military pay which the employee receives at summer camp. Denies any tax credit for amounts which an employer pays as vacation or holiday pay.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Reduces the age at which a member of the Armed Forces may retire from nonregular service from 60 to 55. Requires the Secretary of Defense to reduce by regulation the retired pay of such persons solely to ensure that there is no actuarial cost to the Government because of such retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,000 for calendar years prior to 1986 and phases out the amount of the credit by $500 decrements until 1989 when such credit terminates. Defines "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1980 and before January 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1980
Presidential Nomination Commission Resolution - Establishes the Commission on Presidential Nominations to make an investigation regarding the presidential nominating process. Directs the Commission to report to the President and Congress respecting such investigation, including recommendations for the 1984 presidential elections. States that the Commission shall cease to exist 60 days after submitting such report. Sets forth the powers of such Commission and related administrative provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the present level of the trade deficit with Japan is intolerable and threatens the future of trade between our nations. Urges Japan to cooperate in correcting such deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1980
Saturday Mail Delivery Act of 1980 - Requires the Postal Service to maintain the frequency of mail delivery service in effect on June 1, 1980 (six days each week).
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1980
Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and any amount in such Trust Fund from being included in the totals of the budget of the United States Government. Exempts such receipts, disbursements, and amounts from any general limitations imposed on budget outlays of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to provide that social security taxes and income tax withholding shall not apply to chore service performed by an individual under an arrangement with a State program if: (1) only individuals over 65, or handicapped individuals, are eligible to receive such service; (2) such service consists only of housework, yardwork, meal preparation, or minor house repairs at the home of the recipient of the service or errands for food, clothing, medicine, or paying bills; and (3) 80 percent or more of such chore services for the calendar year can reasonably be expected to be performed by individuals putting in a maximum average of 20 hours per week. Treats such chore service as a trade or business, rather than as employment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1980
Trade Procedures Simplification Act of 1980 - Requires the Attorney General, in consultation with other Federal agency heads, to determine whether: (1) U.S. business conduct and arrangements in various countries to expand exports conflict with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws. Directs the Attorney General to identify conduct and arrangements associated with particular types of export sales which the Attorney General determines would not warrant prosecution under the antitrust laws. Sets forth the procedures for describing such permissible conduct and disclosing such descriptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to intervene in such suits and to provide legal assistance to exporters. Prohibits prosecution under the antitrust laws of exporters who: (1) have notified the Attorney General of their intention to engage in such designated permissible conduct; or (2) receive an approval, or no objection, from the Attorney General concerning proposed transactions. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress concerning implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1980
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to impose certain limitations on the value of honorariums which may be accepted by an employee of a Member or committee of the House of Representatives. Prohibits such employees from having outside earned income in excess of 15 percent of their aggregate pay during a calendar year. Sets forth a procedure to determine violations of provisions of this Act for individuals employed less than a complete calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1980
Short-Time Unemployment Compensation Act of 1980 - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to encourage States to provide unemployment benefits to individuals whose workweek is reduced pursuant to an employer plan under which such reductions are made in lieu of total layoffs. Directs the Secretary of Labor to develop legislation which may be used by States as a model in developing and enacting short-time compensation programs. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants, and provide technical assistance, to States to assist in developing, enacting, and implementing short-time compensation programs; and (2) require specified provisions to assure minimum uniformity, even though States are encouraged to experiment. Defines a "Short-time compensation program" as one under which: (1)individuals whose workweek has been reduced, pursuant to a qualified employer plan, by at least ten percent will be eligible for at least a pro rata portion of the unemployment benefits payable if such individual were totally unemployed; (2) such short- time compensation benefits shall be financed (a) by the usual manner of charging reserve accounts by experience rating, where employers have positive reserve accounts, or (b) by employers with negative reserve accounts being required to reimburse the trust fund quarterly; (3) eligible employees may apply for and collect short-time compensation or regular unemployment compensation benefits, as needed, but may not collect more than the maximum unemployment compensation benefit for full-time unemployment; and (4) eligible employees will not be expected to meet the availability for work or work search test requirement while collecting short-time compensation, but must be available for their normal workweek. Defines "qualified employer plan" as one under which there is a reduction in the number of hours worked by employees rather than total layoffs if: (1) such plan is approved by the State agency; (2) the employer certifies that the aggregate reduction in work hours pursuant to such plan is in lieu of total layoffs which would result in an equivalent reduction of work hours; (3) the employer continues to provide health and pension benefits to employees whose workweek is reduced under such plan at the same level provided before such reduction; and (4) the appropriate official of the union or union hall has consented to the plan and implementation is consistent with employer obligations under the National Labor Relations Act, in the case of employees represented by a union. Includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands under the term "State", for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct, and to pay administrative and benefit costs for, one or more controlled demonstration projects to evaluate the effectiveness of short-time compensation programs, in cooperation with the appropriate State agency. Directs the Secretary to submit two interim reports to the Congress and a final report to the Congress and the President on the implementation of this Act, with an evaluation of such programs and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1983, in limited amounts, to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1980
Nuclear Liability Reform Act of 1980 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to limit the aggregate liability of persons liable for public liability caused by a nuclear incident to the sum of the financial protection required and a certain indemnity provided by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Limits such aggregate liability under an indemnification agreement for a nuclear incident outside the United States to $100,000,000 plus the contractor's required protection. Prohibits the payment for such liability at certain facilities from any source except the financial protection required until that protection is exhausted. Requires certain licensees and allows others to make arrangements which satisfy the Commission that the facility's manufacturer and architect-engineer will participate in the industry retrospective rating plan. Directs the Commission, in calculating the maximum amount of liability insurance available from private sources for licensees, to include private liability insurance available under an industry retrospective rating plan providing for premium charges deferred until public liability exceeds or appears likely to exceed the level of the licensee's required primary financial protection. Directs such insurance to be available to and required of each licensee, manufacturer, and architect-engineer of such a facility. Requires the deferred premium charged under such a plan to be: (1) $50,000,000 for each licensee with respect to each facility for which the maximum amount of financial protection is required; (2) for each manufacturer, $25,000,000 multiplied by the number of such facilities the manufacturer has built; and (3) for the architect-engineer, $25,000,000 multiplied by the number of such facilities designed or supervised by such architect-engineer. Increases the statute of limitations to 40 years for certain suits based on nuclear incidents. Directs a finding of liability for damages caused by a nuclear incident if a reasonable person could conclude that medical expenses and the injury or disease which caused them are reasonably related to such nuclear incident. Allows recovery even if the claimant cannot show: (1) the identity or source of the substance which caused the injury or disease; (2) the route the substance took to the claimant; or (3) an explanation of the cause of the substance in the claimant. Prohibits courts from considering claims by the owner or operator of a nuclear reactor until all other permitted claims have been resolved.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1980
Industrial Energy Conservation Incentive Tax Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the investment tax credit energy percentage from ten to 20 percent for alternative energy property and for specially defined energy property. Makes such credit refundable. Provides for a refundable 20 percent investment tax credit for qualified conservation property. Defines "qualified conservation property" as property which is used by a taxpayer as an energy-saving modification to an existing industrial facility.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1980
Energy Savings Tax Credit Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a refundable income tax credit for 50 percent of the residential energy costs saved by such taxpayers during a taxable year in comparison with residential energy costs incurred during 1979. Terminates the authority for such tax credit for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1980
Authorizes the President to present a gold-plated medal, on behalf of the Congress, to those athletes selected through the Olympic trial process to be members of the United States Summer Olympic Team of 1980. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be stricken 650 such medals with suitable emblems. Declares that such medals are national medals and that funds to carry out this Act shall be made available under the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1980
National Export Policy Act of 1980 - Title I: General Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and the purposes of this Act. Title II: Export Financing - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to direct the Export-Import Bank to adopt export finance programs comparable in structure to those extraordinary measures of official export credits offered by competing countries, until such financing is limited by international agreements. Requires the Bank to report annually to Congress as to whether any additional appropriations or any increases in its commitment authority or ceiling levels are necessary to carry out this Act. States that this Act shall not take effect until six months after enactment, unless the President defers the effective date for an additional six months. Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that the Export-Import Bank of the United States should facilitate, particularly in the presence of foreign officially-supported export credit competition, exports to countries: (1) having insufficient access to international credit facilities; (2) demonstrating reasonable economic progress; and (3) offering adequate formal assurances of repayment (currently, must offer sufficient likelihood of repayment). Increases the aggregate amount of loans and contractual liability of guarantees and insurance which may be outstanding at any one time. Requires such activities to be carried out through the Export Expansion Facility. Provides for the capitalization of such facility. Establishes staggered ten-year terms of office for the Bank directors. Declares that the appropriate congressional committees should consider limitations on Bank activities when considering appropriations for international trade activities rather than when considering foreign assistance activities. Title III: Export-Related Tax Policy - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the earned income exclusion for United States citizens working abroad, who are bona fide residents of a foreign country, from an annual rate of $20,000 to: (1) $50,000; or (2) $65,000, if such persons qualify as bona fide residents for certain specified periods. Allows separate exclusions to married individuals who are both working overseas, although one's excess exclusion cannot be used against income earned by the other. Waives the residency requirements to qualify for such exclusion for those required to leave a foreign country because of civil unrest, war, or similar adverse conditions precluding the normal conduct of business. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the foreign residency requirement with respect to the deduction for certain housing expenses of living abroad. Revises the formula for determining the base housing amount with regard to such deduction to make it 16 percent of the salary of a GS-14, step 1. Repeals similar deductions for cost-of-living differential, schooling expenses, home leave travel expenses, and residence in a hardship area. Provides that the foreign bad debt loss deduction shall not exceed the greater of 15 percent of the taxpayer's taxable income from exports, or two percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding at the close of the taxable year. Provides that the amount of bad debt losses that may be added to a bad debt reserve shall not exceed five percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding as of the close of the taxable year. Permits the amortization, based on a period of 60 months, of: (1) foreign market studies; (2) foreign marketing expenses; and (3) foreign patents. Permits an income tax deduction for currency fluctuation losses on export credit which have not been repaid by the end of the taxable year. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the six-month deadline for exempting exports from the manufacturer's excise tax for an additional 12 months if it is determined, after consultation with the Secretary of State, that exports were delayed because of war, civil unrest, or similar adverse conditions in a foreign nation. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to approve the duty-free entry of machinery, materials, and fuels to be used for the production of goods in a foreign trade zone if such goods are not subsequently entered into U.S. customs territory. Sets forth requirements before applications for such treatment will be approved. Makes such approval valid for six years. Requires the Foreign Trade Zones Board to include in its annual report to Congress a summary of activities and proposals to increase the use of foreign trade zones to expand U.S. exports. Makes banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Makes export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment. Title IV: Antitrust - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Directs the Attorney General to study whether: (1) U.S. business conduct to expand exports conflicts with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws. Requires the Attorney General to identify such conduct which would not warrant prosecution under the antitrust laws. Sets forth the procedures for describing such permissible conduct and disclosing such descriptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to intervene in such suits and to provide legal assistance to exporters. Prohibits prosecution under the antitrust laws of exporters who: (1) have notified the Attorney General of their intention to engage in such designated conduct; or (2) receive an approval, or no objection, from the Attorney General concerning proposed transactions. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress concerning implementation of this section. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws that Hinder Exports - Amends the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to change the name of such Act to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers of securities to keep their books and maintain a system of internal accounting controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Makes issuers liable for knowingly falsifying any books or for the intentionally wrongful maintenance or circumvention of the system of internal accounting controls. Requires only good faith efforts by issuers holding 50 percent or less of the equity capital to use their influence to cause transactions and dispositions of assets to be carried out consistent with such provisions. Repeals the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by issuers. Amends the Business Practices and Records Act to include issuers within the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by domestic concerns. Permits items of value to be given to foreigners in specified circumstances, including courtesy items, demonstration expenses, and payments lawful under the laws of the country of the intended recipient. Directs the Attorney General to issue guidelines specifying permissible conduct and arrangements associated with common types of export sales arrangements and business contracts and precautionary procedures creating a rebuttable presumption of compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Business Practices and Records Act Review Procedure to answer specific inquiries concerning enforcement of such Act. Requires the Attorney General to issue opinions regarding compliance. Makes such opinions final and binding on all parties if the conduct does not involve a violation. Requires annual reports to Congress by: (1) the Attorney General concerning actions taken pursuant to such Act; and (2) the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate agreements establishing standards of conduct for international business practices, a resolution procedure, and rates of commissions. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Requires Congress to review the Business Practices and Records Act after receiving the President's report. Requires an export competitiveness impact statement from any issuing authority taking significant action which could affect adversely U.S. exports or the international competitive position of the United States and its exporters. Expresses the sense of Congress that export paperwork must be reduced to encourage export sales. Requires all agencies to minimize paperwork and reporting requirements. Title VI: Export Awareness and Export Promotion Programs - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Small Business Export Expansion Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to permit participating lending institutions to take actions on behalf of the Administrator with respect to deferred participation loans. Empowers the SBA, either directly or in cooperation with lending institutions, to extend credit for export purposes to enable small business concerns to develop foreign markets. Limits the extension of such credit to periods of 18 months or less. Sets a maximum of $750,000 which may be committed to any borrower from the business loan and investment revolving fund. Establishes within the Administration an Office of International Trade to promote sales opportunities for small business goods and services abroad. Requires such Office to: (1) provide small businesses with access to current and complete export information; (2) encourage greater small business participation in trade fairs, shows, missions, and other domestic and overseas export development activities of the Department of Commerce; and (3) assign full-time export development specialists to each Administration regional office. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with specified agencies, to establish an export promotion center in each of two regional offices of the Administration where field offices of the Department of Commerce and the Internal Revenue Service exist. Requires each such center to serve as a one-stop information center of Federal Government export assistance, financing programs available to small business, and other provisions of law governing exporting for small business. Requires: (1) a progress report on the implementation of such centers to the appropriate Congressional committees within six months of enactment of this Act; and (2) an evaluation, within two years after enactment, of the effectiveness of such centers in developing and expanding small business exports. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to qualified applicants to encourage the development and implementation of small business international marketing programs. Sets forth eligibility requirements for applicants. Prohibits the use of any Federal funds to directly underwrite any small business participation in foreign trade missions abroad. Requires each small business international marketing program to: (1) have a full-time staff director to manage program activities; (2) have access to export specialists to counsel and assist small business clients; and (3) establish an advisory board. Directs the Secretary to require, as a condition to any grant, that an additional amount equal to twice the amount of such grant be provided from sources other than the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to evaluate such programs to: (1) determine the impact of such programs on the small businesses assisted; (2) determine the amount of export sales generated by such businesses; and (3) make recommendations concerning continuation and/or expansion of the program. Requires the establishment of at least one small business international program within each region of the Department of Commerce. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration, to maintain a central clearinghouse for the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information between such programs. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with industrial corporations to develop foreign markets for their products. Requires the Secretary to direct specific market research for the products involved in foreign markets upon entering such agreements. Permits interested industrial corporations to submit a proposal incorporating specific marketing actions to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a marketing agreement after approving any such proposal. Requires repayment of the Federal share of the costs by the entity entering into such an agreement. International Education Programs Act - Amends the Higher Education Act to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of programs designed to promote linkages between such institutions and the American business community engaged in international economic activities. Requires higher education institutions to apply for such grants and contracts. Limits the amount of Federal assistance. Provides for an advisory board to consider the grants made, or contracts entered into, and to review programs established under this section. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. representative to any international organization to: (1) identify programs affecting the export of U.S. firms' services; (2) make available information concerning such programs; (3) establish programs to publicize export-related programs for services; and (4) modify those programs with an adverse effect on the export of services. Makes the Secretary of Commerce responsible for coordinating such programs. Directs the Department of Treasury to report to Congress concerning the feasibility of extending DISC treatment to the export of services. Title VII: Agricultural Exports - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to establish the Agricultural Export Credit Revolving Fund to be available for: (1) the export of, or aid in the development of, foreign markets for agricultural commodities; and (2) loans for the acquisition of facilities in foreign countries to improve the countries' capacities to handle agri-commodities exported from the United States. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress annually concerning the export credit sales program. Abolishes such fund effective October 1, 1983. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the ratio of credit extended by the Export-Import Bank for agricultural exports in comparison with the total amount extended be at least equivalent to the value of agricultural exports in comparison with total value of exports. Specifies exceptions to this requirement. Requests the President to take action to establish an International Wheat Exporting Commission which would establish an annual minimum world market price for wheat and prescribe export quotas. Requires the President to keep Congress informed about the establishment of such Commission and to report annually once such Commission is established. Title VIII: International Agreements - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the multilateral trade agreement be strongly implemented; and (2) the efforts must continue to secure a freer world trading environment. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a special export subsidy program for agricultural commodities to neutralize the effects of foreign export subsidy programs. Specifies the circumstances required before such program may be implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should enter negotiations for international codes of: (1) official export financing; (2) business conduct; (3) reciprocity of antitrust enforcement; and (4) fair trade in services. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Title IX: Government Support of Export Goals - Overseas Private Investment Corporation Act of 1980 - Establishes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) as an independent agency. Sets forth the duties of OPIC. Provides for the capital of OPIC to be paid in through the appropriation process and through transfer from OPIC's earned income. Sets forth the structure of OPIC with a Board of Directors, a President of the Corporation, an Executive Vice President of the Corporation, other officers and staff, and consultants. Authorizes OPIC to issue insurance to eligible investors covering new or existing investments protecting against specified risks. Authorizes OPIC to make arrangements with foreign governments or multilateral organizations for sharing liabilities. Limits the insurance that may be issued to a single investor. Authorizes OPIC to issue guarantees of loans and other investments. Sets forth limitations on such guarantees. Authorizes OPIC to make direct loans to privately owned or mixed publicly and privately owned firms for projects sponsored by or significantly involving United States small business or cooperatives. Limits the circumstances under which OPIC may acquire stock in any other corporation. Authorizes OPIC to initiate and support the identification, assessment, and promotion of private investment opportunities, with specified exceptions. Authorizes OPIC to administer special projects to provide private technical, professional, or managerial assistance in the development of human resources, skills, technology, capital savings, and intermediate financial institutions and cooperatives. Authorizes OPIC to engage in other insurance, reinsurance, and risk sharing activities with other insurance companies, financial institutions, persons, or groups. Limits the amount of reinsurance of liabilities which OPIC may issue. Limits the amount of maximum contingent liability pursuant to insurance or guarantees issued under this Act which may be outstanding at any one time. Establishes the: (1) Direct Investment Fund as a revolving fund to be available for direct investments; and (2) Insurance Reserve and Guaranty Reserve to be available for discharging liabilities. Authorizes appropriations to the investment and guaranty fund in specified circumstances. Authorizes OPIC to issue obligations in specified circumstances in order to discharge liabilities. Requires that all revenues and income transferred to or earned by OPIC be available to carry out OPIC's purposes. Directs OPIC to determine that suitable arrangements exist for protecting OPIC's interests in connection with any insurance, guaranty, or reinsurance issued under this Act. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States for the full payment and performance of previous obligations. Sets forth conditions with respect to insurance, guaranty, and reinsurance coverage under this Act concerning fees, time limits, fraud, and settlement of disputes. Sets forth administrative provisions and duties applicable to OPIC. Requires OPIC to undertake to broaden the participation of United States small business, cooperatives, and other small investors in the development of small private enterprise in less developed friendly countries or areas. Directs OPIC to report annually to Congress concerning its operations. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to define "eligible investor" in terms of this Act with respect to housing guarantees. Repeals provisions: (1) prohibiting the transfer of OPIC funds between accounts; (2) authorizing the President to deny assistance to any less developed country which fails to enter into an agreement to institute the investment guaranty program; and (3) establishing OPIC. Stipulates that nothing in this part shall be construed as terminating any of OPIC's statutory authority. Requires the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees any necessary technical or conforming amendments. Declares that the potential for U.S. exports shall be a primary decisionmaking factor in considering which projects to include in U.S. foreign aid programs. Requires the Director of the International Development Cooperation Agency, (IDCA) to transfer the functions of the Office of Reimbursable Development from the Agency for International Development to an independent functional status within the IDCA. Declares that the Office of Management and Budget should assure that adequate budget allocations are made available to carry out the programs prescribed in this Act. Declares that the Department of Justice should do what it can to facilitate procedures for exporters. Declares that the Small Business Administration should: (1) be aware of the benefits of export to small business development; and (2) use every opportunity to provide information and assistance to potential exporters. Declares that the U.S. ability to export coal, nuclear power fuels, and other energy matters in a reliable manner should be a key consideration. Directs congressional committees to include in their reports the effect of the bill or resolution on the international competitiveness of the United States. Creates a National Export Council to: (1) serve as a national advisory body on matters relating to United States export trade: (2) act as a liaison among the communities represented by its membership; and (3) provide advice on Federal plans and actions that affect export promotion and development policies which have an impact on those communities represented by its membership. Requires the Council to make an annual report to the President and the Congress on its activities. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to appoint commercial ministers, counselors, and attaches with the rank and privileges of other ministers, counselors, and attaches in U.S. embassies and consulates, to: (1) provide trade and commercial services; (2) engage in the promotion of U.S. exports; (3) file semiannual reports to the Secretary on market, industrial, and commodity conditions in their districts and on the implementation of multilateral and bilateral trade agreements; and (4) maintain current data on the commercial standing and capacity of foreign firms within their districts. Provides for domestic assignment, office logistics, allowances and benefits of such ministers, counselors, and attaches. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress with any recommendations concerning: (1) the organization of international trading and financing programs in the United States; (2) the effectiveness of foreign export promotion programs; and (3) the trade activities of specified Federal agencies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the appropriate congressional committees should review periodically the trade organization of the U.S. Government.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Extends the congratulations of the House of Representatives to members of the 1980 handicapped Olympic team and recognizes specified organizations for their efforts in producing the second winter Olympics for the physically handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1980
National Defense Compensation Act of 1980 - Increases the pay and allowances, and certain special and incentive pays, of members of the uniformed services for pay periods beginning after December 31, 1981, 1982, and 1983. Directs the President, in any year in which an alternative pay plan is transmitted to the Congress, to include in such plan a statement specifying the adjustments which would have been made but for such alternative plan.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1980
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require payments to any Veterans' Administration hospital for inpatient services furnished to a person entitled to Medicare hospital benefits if that person was not entitled to free services at such hospital and the services were not otherwise reasonably available within the area of the hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1980
Honors Raoul Wallenberg for his work in Hungary during World War II. Requests the State Department to discover the whereabouts of Raoul Wallenberg from the Soviet Union and secure his return to Sweden.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Uniformed Services Health Professionals Special Pay Act of 1980 - Provides special and additional pay for dental officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or the Public Health Service who are on active duty for a period of not less than one year. Sets forth a schedule for such pay providing that: (1) dental officers below pay grade 0-7 are to receive between $1,200 and $9,000 per year based on years of creditable service; and (2) such officers above pay grade 0-6 are to receive $1,000 per year. Entitles an officer eligible for special pay to an additional $6,000 to $10,000 per year based on years of creditable service, during which such officer is not undergoing medical internship or initial residency training, upon the execution of a written agreement under which the officer agrees to remain on active duty for not less than one year. Authorizes additional special pay from ($2,000 to $4,000 based on years of creditable service) for those dental officers eligible for special pay who are board certified under regulations prescribed under this Act. Includes, in computing years of creditable service for such officers, all periods of internship or residency training during which such officers were not on active duty and all periods of active service in the Armed Forces or the Public Health Service. Entitles an optometry officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or the Public Health Service on active duty for a period of not less than one year to variable special pay from $1,000 to $3,000 based on years of creditable service. Entitles such an officer with at least three years of creditable service who is entitled to such special pay to an additional $1,000 for any 12-month period during which the officer is not undergoing optometry residency training, upon the execution of a written agreement to remain on active duty for a period of not less than one year. Computes years of creditable service for such officers by adding all periods the officer spent in optometry residency training while not on active duty together with all periods of active service as an optometry officer. Entitles podiatry officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or the Public Health Service on active duty for a period of not less than one year to special pay of $100 per month, if such officer has three or more years of creditable service. Computes such officer's years of creditable service by adding all periods the officer spent in podiatry residency training while not on active duty together with all periods of active service as a podiatry officer. Entitles medical officers of the Public Health Service on active duty for a period of not less than one year to special pay at the following rates: (1) officers below pay grade 0-7 are to receive variable special pay between $1,200 to $10,000 based on years of creditable service; and (2) officers above pay grade 0-6 are to receive $1,000 per year. Entitles such officers with less than ten years of creditable service to additional special pay of $9,000 for any 12-month period during which the officer is undergoing medical internship or initial residency training (under regulations prescribed by this Act). Entitles such officers with ten years or more of creditable service to additional special pay of $10,000 for the same period of residency or internship training. Authorizes any such officer who is entitled to variable special pay and who is board certified to additional pay between $2,000 and $5,000 based on years of creditable service. Entitles such officers below the pay grade 0-7 to incentive special pay in an amount not to exceed $8,000 for any 12-month during which the officer is not undergoing medical internship or initial residency training. Declares that such officers shall not be eligible for such incentive pay unless the Secretary concerned determines such officer to be qualified in the medical profession. Limits such incentive pay not more than six percent of any special pay the officer receives in any fiscal year. Prohibits the payment of additional special pay or incentive special pay unless the officer executes a written agreement to remain on active duty for a period of not less than one year. Computes periods of creditable service for medical officers of the Public Health Service by adding all periods such officer spent in medical internship or residency training while not on active duty together with all periods of active service in the Medical Corps of the Army, or Navy, as a medical officer of the Air Force or the Service. Eliminates provisions of existing law limiting special pay to September 1980. Directs the Secretary concerned to prescribe regulations for the administration of provisions of this Act. Prohibits the amount of special pay to which an officer is entitled from being included in computing the amount of any increase in pay, retirement pay, severance pay, or readjustment pay. Provides that any officer entitled to additional special pay or incentive special pay under this Act who terminates active duty before the end of the period for which payment was made, shall reimburse to the United States any amount applicable to the unserved portion of such duty. Directs the Secretary of Defense to review every two years the special pay for health professionals. Requires a report to Congress of the results of such review. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a refundable income tax credit for the purchase of new passenger automobiles after May 14, 1980, and before January 1, 1981, which were manufactured by companies whose average fuel economy rating for passenger automobiles in model year 1979 equals or exceeds 120 percent of their rating for model year 1974. Establishes the amount of such credit at $500.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a national medal to each athlete selected to be a member of the 1980 United States Olympic Team to the Olympic Games. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be struck such medals in bronze with gold plating, and with such emblems as shall be determined by the Secretary in consultation with the United States Olympic Committee. Authorizes the Secretary to strike duplicates and replicas of such medal in bronze for sale to the general public.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to transfer the authority to invest moneys in federally-guaranteed bonds from the (Treasury) surety bond fund to the (Treasury) qualified contract fund. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to delegate certain responsibilities respecting deferred participation loans to participating lending institutions, including eligibility determination, loan monitoring, collection, and liquidation. Includes "Asian Pacific Americans" within the definition of socially disadvantaged groups for purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee the payment of all principal and interest as scheduled on any debenture issued by any qualified State or local development company. Prohibits such a guarantee to be made unless: (1) the debenture is issued to permit a small business to use the proceeds of the loan for plant acquisition, construction, expansion, or conversion purposes; (2) private loan sources are unavailable; (3) the interest rate on such debenture is not lower than Treasury rates; (4) the aggregate amount of such debenture does not exceed the amount of loans to be made from the proceeds of such debenture; (5) the amount of any loan does not exceed 50 percent of the cost of the project with respect to which such loan is made; and (6) each loan is approved by the SBA. Authorizes the SBA to impose an administrative charge for such guarantees. Defines the term "qualified State or local development company" to mean a development company which has a full-time professional staff, professional management ability, and an active board of directors or membership.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Small Business Act to specify that contract priority shall be given to small businesses. Revises the existing priority order for Federal contracts under set-aside programs to set forth the following order of priorities: (1) small businesses located in labor surplus areas, on the basis of a total set-aside; (2) small businesses, on the basis of a total set-aside; (3) small businesses located in labor surplus areas, on the basis of a partial set-aside; (4) small businesses, on the basis of a partial set-aside; and (5) businesses (regardless of size) that will perform a substantial part of their contract production in areas of concentrated unemployment or underemployment or in labor surplus areas. Repeals the existing provision terminating such priorities as of September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1980
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to increase the level of price support loans for the producer storage program for the 1979, 1980, and 1981 crops of wheat and feed grains.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1980
Small Business Employee Ownership Act of 1980 - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide that a qualified employee trust shall be eligible for certain Small Business Administration (SBA) loan guarantees regardless of the percentage of stock of the business held by the trust, including loans for the purchase of small business majority stock interests. Amends the Small Business Act to define "qualified employee trust" as: (1) a trust which is part of an employee stock ownership plan as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (a) which is maintained by a small business; and (b) entitles plan participants to direct the manner in which voting rights under qualifying employer securities are to be exercised respecting a corporate matter which must be decided by a majority vote of outstanding common shares voted; and (2) in the case where the trustee enters into an agreement with the SBA which is binding on the trust and on the small business and which provides that; (a) the guaranteed loan shall be used solely for buying qualifying employer securities of such business; (b) such business shall provide loan repayment funds and put up its property for security for such loan if necessary; and (c) all such purchased qualifying employer securities shall be allocated to eligible plan participants' accounts. States that a trust may be treated as a qualified employee trust with respect to a small business if: (1) the trust is maintained by an employee organization representing at least 51 percent of such business' employees; and (2) such business maintains a plan (a) which is designed to invest primarily in qualifying employer securities, (b) which provides for plan participants to direct specified employer securities voting rights exercised with respect to certain corporate matters, (c) which provides for repurchase of specified employer securities by the business, and (d) which meets other requirements that may be prescribed by the SBA; and (3) in the case of certain loan guarantees, such business enters into a trustee-SBA agreement (as set forth in this Act). Authorizes the SBA to guarantee certain loans to employee trusts for approved (by the SBA) stock purchases which will result in at least 51 percent employee trust-ownership of such business. Sets forth the requirements of such SBA approved plan. Requires periodic reports to be made to Congress respecting such loan guarantees. Directs the SBA to contract with an independent consultant for a study of the feasibility of loan guarantees directly to the seller of a small business concern in connection with the installment sale of such business. States that such study shall include an analysis of: (1) the extent of installment sales in the sale of small businesses; (2) the ability of the SBA to make credit judgments in connection with such sales; (3) the need for SBA loan guarantees to facilitate such sales; (4) financial institution participation; and (5) the anticipated cost of such a program. Directs the SBA to report to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such study not later than April 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Export Promotion and Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to encourage the formation of export trading companies by providing information and advice to interested persons. Requires the Secretary to provide a referral service to facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and services and concerns offering export trade services. Permits State and local governments to participate in such export trading companies. Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt trading companies, solely with respect to their export trade activities, from antitrust restrictions. Directs the President, five years after enactment, to appoint a task force to study and report any recommendations to the President concerning the effect of this Act on domestic competition and the U.S. trade deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Small Business Development Center Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make grants to States, regional entities, and any public or private institution of higher education to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Requires grant applicants to obtain matching funds on a 50-50 basis from non-Federal sources. Limits any recipient from receiving a grant greater than its pro rata (based on population) share of a $65,000,000 program, or $200,000, whichever is greater. Sets forth application guidelines. Authorizes the SBA to permit a center to provide assistance to small businesses within close proximity located in another State. Requires applicants to assist small businesses to solve their business problems in such areas as: operations, manufacturing, engineering, technology and development, personnel administration, marketing, sales, merchandising, finance, accounting, and business strategy development. Sets forth services to be provided by such centers including: (1) counseling; (2) information services; (3) research and surveys; and (4) financial, legal, and other business-related information and consulting sources. Authorizes the use of consultants, engineers, and testing laboratories. Directs the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to cooperate with small business development centers participating in the program, to report annually to the SBA and the Congress, and to make recommendations to the SBA on continued funding. Directs the Administrator of the SBA to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance to administer the small business development center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of nine members appointed by the Administrator to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance. Requires each State small business development center to establish an advisory board appointed by the Governor to advise and confer with the Director of such State small business development center. Directs the SBA, with the advice of the Board, to establish an evaluation plan of the center program and to submit a report to the Senate Select Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Small Business by January 31, 1982. Eliminates such program as of October 1, 1983. States that on or after October 1, 1979, the SBA shall only fund small business development center programs authorized by this Act. Stipulates that: (1) such restriction shall not apply in fiscal year 1980 to any center funded by the SBA before October 1, 1979; and (2) no such center funded in fiscal year 1978 may be funded in excess of $300,000 in fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Corrupt Horseracing Practices Act of 1980 - Prohibits the following conduct with respect to horseracing: (1) the entering of a horse in a race by its owner or trainer who knows or should know that the horse is drugged or numbed; (2) the drugging or numbing of a horse with reason to believe that it will compete in a race; and (3) the willful failure by the operator of a horseracing facility to disqualify or prohibit a horse from racing if such individual has been notified in accordance with this Act that such horse is drugged or numbed, was not available for testing, or has been suspended from racing. Sets forth the penalties for such acts, and provides increased penalties for second offenses, use of a dangerous weapon in committing such offenses, and the interference with duties or the falsification of records required by this Act. Provides for the disqualification of offenders from horseracing activities and the suspension of a drugged or numbed horse from racing, in accordance with specified procedures. Grants the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration certain investigatory and other powers with respect to such offenses. Requires operators of horseracing facilities to comply with recordkeeping requirements established by the Administrator and to furnish testing space and facilities. Directs the Administrator to: (1) exempt from this Act any State which has enacted a comparable program; and (2) submit biennial reports to Congress on matters covered by this Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act. Permits the Administrator thereafter to assess fees upon operators of horseracing facilities to meet the costs of this Act. Amends the Federal criminal code to include the offenses of this Act in the existing prohibition against interstate and foreign commerce in aid of racketeering enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Postmaster General should distribute for purchase or use any existing postal material relating to the 1980 summer Olympic games, provided that the word "boycott" is superimposed on such material.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1980
Expresses the condolences of the Congress over the death of members and officials of the United States Amateur Athletic Union boxing team in a plane crash in Warsaw, Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1980
Peremptory Challenge Act of 1980 - Requires that a civil or criminal case which is to be tried in Federal district court or bankruptcy court shall be reassigned to another appropriate judicial officer if all parties on one side of such case file an application requesting reassignment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1980
Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability caused by exposure to a phenoxy herbicide (Agent Orange) for veterans who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era. Waives the one-year limitation on claims for compensation for such disabilities.