United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow estates required to file estate tax returns before July 13, 1978, to elect the valuation of certain farm and other real property within 90 days after the later of: (1) the date of the enactment of this Act; or (2) the earliest date on which all necessary relevant regulations become final. Defines a "necessary regulation" as a regulation necessary in order for the executor to make a reasoned evaluation of whether or not to make such an election. Applies the provisions of this Act to estates of decedents dying after December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Soybean Emergency Act of 1980 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish price supports for the 1980 and 1981 crops of soybeans at not less than $5.02 per bushel.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest earned on industrial development bonds, substantially all of the proceeds of which are used to provide financing for railroad rehabilitation. Includes in such rehabilitation: (1) the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or erection of any roadbed, track, trestle, depot, switching and signaling equipment, but not rolling stock; or (2) the acquisition of land or rights- of-way.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1980
Directs the President to utilize the forum of the Venice Economic Summit to urge the development of an International Code of Business Conduct. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should negotiate and report to Congress concerning agreements to establish standards of ethical and equitable conduct of international business and mechanisms to resolve problems. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to report to Congress concerning its recommendations regarding such negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1980
Calls upon the President to: (1) increase humanitarian assistance to East Timor; (2) encourage Indonesia to allow free emigration from East Timor; (3) establish a U.S. presence in East Timor; and (4) encourage Indonesia to withdraw its troops from East Timor and allow self-determination for the East Timorese.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1980
Small Business Capital Formation, Capital Retention, and Expansion Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow small businesses an income tax credit equal to 50 percent of the cash contributions to a business expansion reserve. Limits the amount of such credit to $300,000 for a taxable year. Requires that expenditures made from such reserve be used to acquire, construct, reconstruct, or erect depreciable business assets, for research or experimentation in connection with the taxpayer's trade or business, or for employee wage increases. Permits the accumulation of amounts of capital in the business expansion reserve for up to five years without tax penalty. Disallows any business expense deduction or credit for amounts paid out of a business expansion reserve other than the credit authorized by this Act. Limits the allowable deduction for depreciation of property acquired by funds paid out from a business expansion reserve to an amount determined under the straight line method.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a repayment of the oil import fee equal to ten cents per gallon of gasoline used for certain exempt purposes. Defines "exempt use" as: (1) any use by a State or local government; (2) any use by a nonprofit educational institution; (3) any use as supplies for vessels or aircraft; (4) agricultural uses; (5) certain business uses; and (6) any use in connection with intercity, local, or school buses.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1980
Social Security Payroll Credit Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers, employees, and self-employed individuals an income tax credit equal to ten percent of the amount of social security taxes paid by such individuals in 1981 or 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to conduct a clinical investigation of the safety and efficacy of dimethyl sulfoxide as a drug to be used by persons with arthritis.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1980
National Ridesharing Act of 1980 - Transfers specified provisions of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1978 relating to carpool and vanpool projects to Federal highway law, as codified. Includes specified recipients of financial assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 among those to whom the Secretary of Transportation may make grants and loans for carpool and vanpool projects. Prohibits the use of such grants for the construction of highway lanes as preferential carpool or vanpool highway lanes, or for the construction of parking facilities. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Transportation a National Office of Ridesharing to coordinate all carpooling and vanpooling activities within the Department. Requires the Office, in connection with carpooling and vanpooling, to: (1) set national goals for reduction of pollution and traffic and conservation of motor fuel; (2) compile statistics; (3) perform economic analyses; (4) provide promotion, technical assistance, and public information; (5) evaluate national impacts of, and identify obstacles to, such programs; and (6) report and recommend legislation to Congress. Directs the Secretary to report annually on such programs to the President and the Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from approving, after January 1, 1982, the granting of such carpooling or vanpooling financial assistance to be used in any urban area of more than 50,000 population unless the Secretary finds that such assistance is based on a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1978 to increase the amount of the authorization of appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund for specified assistance for carpool and vanpool projects for fiscal year 1981 and to extend the authorization of such appropriations through fiscal year 1982. Increases the amounts authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund for specified grants and loans for such projects for fiscal year 1979, 1980, and 1981, and extends such authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982. Provides that, to the extent authorized by Acts governing the use of funds available in the windfall profit tax account, such funds shall be available, as provided in appropriation Acts, for such financial assistance for such projects. Limits the amounts of such funds available for specified purposes in fiscal year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1980
Foreign Language and International Studies Incentive Act - Amends the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program of making grants to institutions of higher education to promote student enrollment in foreign language and international studies. Requires that such grants be applied to the tuition and fees charged to students in qualified programs, in amounts per academic year of up to $1,000 for a student in an advanced program and up to $500 for a student in a preliminary program. Sets forth priority categories for awarding students such grants. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for fiscal years 1981 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1980
Alcohol Farm Fuel Use Tax Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, in the case of a taxpayer engaged in the trade or business of farming, a credit against income tax in an amount equal to the annual expenditures (not to exceed $2,000) for conversion of qualified farm equipment to the fuel use of either: (1) pure alcohol; or (2) a mixture not less than 20 percent of which is alcohol. Requires that such equipment use an internal combustion engine for power and that it be used on a farm in the United States. States that the increase in the basis of such farm equipment which would otherwise result from such an expenditure shall be reduced by the amount of credit so allowed.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1980
Methane Transportation Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate an organizational entity within the Department of Energy to manage the methane vehicle research, development, and demonstration program established under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, or any other Federal agency, providing that such agencies conduct specified aspects of such program as the Secretary deems appropriate. States that the Secretary shall have responsibility to ascertain that such program includes activities to: (1) promote research on methane-fueled vehicles; (2) determine optimum overall specifications for such vehicles; (3) determine means and facilities for storing, transporting, and dispensing methane for use as vehicular fuel; (4) conduct demonstration projects with respect to the feasibility of such vehicles; (5) gather performance data on such vehicles and related methane transmission and storage facilities; (6) enter into arrangements to assure adequate continuous supplies of methane for use in the demonstrations assisted under this Act; (7) ascertain the need for modifying available methane-fueled vehicles in order to facilitate their use by fleet owners; and (8) report to the Congress on any changes in fuel supply patterns, tax policies, and manufacturing standards needed to facilitate the manufacture and use of such vehicles. Directs the Secretary to assure maximum coordination between Federal agencies and the Department of Energy in carrying out such program. Directs the Secretary to initiate and provide for research and development in areas relating to such vehicles. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations and to issue an initial report for proposals for technical and financial assistance to support public and private entities in developing and implementing demonstration projects to gather data on the operation of such vehicles and facilities for the transmission and storage of methane as a vehicular fuel. Sets forth the types of technical and finacial assistance to be provided under this Act, including grants and loans to cover specified percentages of the costs associated with the installation of methane transmission, storage, and dispensing facilities. Sets forth requirements as to the number and duration of such demonstrations. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Postmaster General, the Administrator of the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other Federal agencies to determine the practicability of using methane vehicles in the performance of agency functions and to arrange for appropriate use of such vehicles at the earliest practicable date. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on all activities undertaken under this Act to the Senate and the House of Representatives for referral to appropriate committees. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 thorugh 1985 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to increase price supports for the 1980 crop of corn to not less than $2.35 per bushel, for the 1981 crop of corn to not less than $2.50 per bushel, for the 1980 crop of wheat to not less than $3.63 per bushel, and for the 1981 crop of wheat to not less than $3.90 per bushel.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to make price support loans on the 1979 crops of corn and wheat to any producer who did not comply with the requirements of the 1979 set-aside program for the commodity. Authorizes the sale of Commodity Credit Corporation stocks of corn for use in making alcohol for motor fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that school authorities and college and university administrators should consider strengthening the study of foreign languages and cultures through appropriate actions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the 1980 automatic cost-of-living increase in social security benefits should be allowed to occur as scheduled in accordance with the recommendations of the President.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1980
Amends the Federal, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem as misbranded and adulterated specified imported agricultural commodities grown with unacceptable pesticides. Requires that personnel of the Department of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare) examine samples of commodities to be imported. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish laboratories on the border between the United States and Mexico to determine if raw agricultural commodities imported from Mexico bear or contain such pesticides.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) 50 percent of the net revenues from the windfall profit tax should be allocated toward energy research, development, production, and conservation, and for transit programs; (2) 25 percent of such revenues should be allocated for energy assistance to low-income individuals; and (3) the remaining revenues should be available for any other purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in such a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer at such station. Sets forth the requirements for such an offer. Makes it unlawful for a refiner to: (1) exceed specified annual sales limitations in any State (requires the Federal Trade Commission to determine specified limitation formulas); and (2) sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices (except for price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery differences). Stipulates that a refiner shall: (1) be in violation of this Act if such refiner withholds available motor fuel from a purchaser and then resells such fuel at a lower price to refiner-operated stations; and (2) not be prevented from charging a uniform surcharge in connection with a sale of motor fuel as consideration for the purchaser's use of a refiner's trademark or other such identifying symbol. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within three months of enactment to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of: (1) gallons of motor fuel sold, consigned, or distributed in each State during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel sold to its stations in each State during the preceding year; and (3) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Requires persons owning 50 or more motor fuel stations in the United States to report specified information to the Commission. Sets forth fines for violation of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought against violators of the requirements of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Small Business Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Small Business Innovation - Amends the Small Business Act to require the head of each Federal agency which obligates over $100,000,000 for research and development in a fiscal year to: (1) expend at least one percent of the amount spent on research and development during the next year for a small business innovation program; (2) solicit research and development proposals from small businesses during the next year; and (3) promote the use of small businesses to conduct research and development. Requires the head of each Federal agency to increase the amount of funds obligated for the conduct of research and development by small businesses by one percent each year until the amount obligated to small businesses in a fiscal year equals at least ten percent of the total amount obligated by such agency for research and development. States that it is an objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions. Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances, including when necessary to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization, including provisions: (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization, other than small business firms, from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education. Provides that the first commercial use with respect to a product of the invention shall not end the exclusive period to different subsequent products covered by the invention. Requires the head of a Federal agency to approve provisions of a funding agreement which require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor. Sets forth terms and conditions under which such approval may be granted. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assignees to grant licenses in order to: (1) achieve practical applications of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacturing of an invention. Entitles the government to 15 percent of all net income in excess of $70,000 gross income received by a contractor after a patent application is filed on a subject invention. Provides that if a contractor receives a gross income of $1,000,000, the government shall be entitled to a share of the excess of $1,000,000 that shall be negotiated but not to exceed five percent of such excess. Limits the government share of any excesses to its contributions under the funding agreement. Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to revise the government entitlements in light of changes to the Consumer Price Index or other indices at least every three years. Declares such government entitlements applicable to subject inventions upon which United States patents are granted and in effect. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign-owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States where commercially feasible. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, granting licenses, and transferring custody of patents. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions. Title II: Depreciation Acceleration; Repeal of Used Property Limitation in Investment Tax Credit; Corporate Income Tax Rate Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Repeals the $100,000 limitation on the amount of used property which is eligible for an investment tax credit. Reduces the tax rates applicable to corporate income. Repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property"s basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent. Title III: Tax Incentives for Small Business Capital Formation - Provides for the nonrecognition of gain on the sale or exchange of an equity interest in a small business which is reinvested in another small business within two years. Defines a "small business" as any business entity in which the aggregate equity interests do not exceed $25,000,000. Allows a tax credit for proceeds received from small business debentures which have a fixed maturity and grant no conversion or voting rights. Limits the amount of such credit to $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return). Disallows such credit if the issuing small business has $1,000,000 of such debentures outstanding or has a class of securities subject to regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats amounts paid on such debentures which represent a share of the issuer's earnings as long-term capital gain. Treats losses on such debentures as an ordinary loss. Requires distributions on such debentures, which represent either interest or a share of earnings, to be treated as interest. Title IV: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Amends title II of the Small Business Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this title: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this title applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this title six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in this title. Title V: Small Business Regulatory Flexibility - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small businesses and small organizations. Permits Federal agencies to modify the definition of "small business", if appropriate, after notice and opportunity for hearing. Defines "small organizations" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops enterprises which are not dominant in their fields, and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule, not in conflict with the definition of "small business." Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any proposed rule affecting a substantial number of small businesses and organizations which considers: (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standard for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking, which substantially affects such enterprises, unless otherwise provided. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating or modifying those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this title in conjunction with any other analysis required by law. Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this title. Title VI: Sunset Provisions - Requires the Congressional Budget Office in conjunction with the congressional committees having jurisdiction over each Government program, within one year after enactment of this Act, to set forth a timely review of all Government programs. Terminates any program which has not been reviewed within three years after enactment of this Act unless both Houses of Congress vote to continue such programs pending completion of a review. Requires that each review: (1) identify the need for the program; (2) identify conflicting or duplicative programs; (3) assess the program's effectiveness and cost; and (4) assess the impact of the program on the national economy.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Directs the President to establish monthly National and State emergency energy conservation targets under the Emergency Energy Conservation Act of 1979 for gasoline, diesel fuel and home heating fuel. Exempts the President from the requirement that he make the finding that a severe energy supply interruption exists or is imminent as a prerequisite to establishing such targets, as required under such Act. Requires that such targets achieve a 10 percent reduction of petroleum imports no later than six months after the date such targets are established and a 20 percent reduction no later than twelve months after such date. Limits the duration of such targets to 18 months, notwithstanding the authority of the President to modify the duration of such targets under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Agricultural Renewable Energy Development and Management Act of 1980 - Authorizes the appointment of an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Renewable Energy Development in the Department of Agriculture to: (1) conduct a study reviewing the Nation's agricultural, forestry, and rural energy needs, resources, practices, and programs; and (2) develop an agricultural sector energy production, use, and conservation program setting forth measures, funding levels, and other means to accelerate the development and production of renewable energy for direct application in farm and rural environments. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, with the assistance of the Assistant Secretary, to annually report on such program to the appropriate committees of Congress. Permits the Assistant Secretary to implement a renewable energy applied research program to develop low-cost renewable energy forms and the economic means for adapting existing machinery and structures to such forms. Permits the Assistant Secretary to implement an agricultural, forestry, and rural community renewable energy education extension program to disseminate the findings of such research.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Agricultural Renewable Energy Development and Management Act of 1980 - Authorizes the appointment of an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Renewable Energy Development in the Department of Agriculture to: (1) conduct a study reviewing the Nation's agricultural, forestry, and rural energy needs, resources, practices, and programs; and (2) develop an agricultural sector energy production, use, and conservation program setting forth measures, funding levels, and other means to accelerate the development and production of renewable energy for direct application in farm and rural environments. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, with the assistance of the Assistant Secretary, to annually report on such program to the appropriate committees of Congress. Permits the Assistant Secretary to implement a renewable energy applied research program to develop low-cost renewable energy forms and the economic means for adapting existing machinery and structures to such forms. Permits the Assistant Secretary to implement an agricultural, forestry, and rural community renewable energy education extension program to disseminate the findings of such research.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Denies veterans' benefits to any individual whose discharge from the Armed Forces is characterized as being for misconduct, unsuitability, marginal performance of duty, personal abuse of drugs other than alcohol, or for the good of the service and is under conditions indicating that such person has performed less than honest and faithful service.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
National Educational Opportunities Act of 1980 - States the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) establish a national policy on equal educational opportunities based on the implementation of quality education with equal educational opportunities for all students regardless of race, color, or national origin; (2) provide an experimental mechanism for States and their local educational systems to implement such national policy; (3) support experimental efforts to reduce achievement disparities between racial and socio-economic groups in the schools; and (4) facilitate, where possible, a reduction in the concentration of children from low-income and minority groups in certain schools primarily by means other than busing. Requires a State wishing to receive funds under this Act to submit a desegregation plan and an implementation plan. Sets forth the guidelines and requirements for such implementation plan, including: (1) the creation of a State advisory council and local advisory committees: (2) an intradistrict and interdistrict transfer plan; (3) an intradistrict and interdistrict cooperation plan; and (4) a compensatory education program. Requires such implementation to: (1) be submitted to the Secretary of Education by January 31, 1982; (2) be developed in consultation with local educational agencies and the State advisory council; and (3) define goals consistent with the purpose of this Act and provide for attaining such goals by a date approved by the Secretary, but in no event later than October 1, 1987. Requires the Secretary to provide notice to applicants 30 days before a final selection is made. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981-1985.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit the direct or indirect restriction by any person engaged in commerce on the use of credit instruments in any transaction concerning the sale, resale, or transfer of gasohol or other synthetic motor fuel, where there is no similar restriction on transactions concerning conventional motor fuel. Prohibits any other conditions, restriction, agreement, or understanding which otherwise discriminates against or unreasonably limits the sale, resale, or transfer of gasohol or other synthetic motor fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Pollution Control Capital Recovery Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from five to three years the amortization period for pollution control equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to limit the sum of all severance taxes or fees, for any fiscal year, levied upon or collected from any taxpayer by a State or any political subdivision thereof on coal destined for shipment in interstate commerce for use in any powerplant or major fuel-burning installation or on any improvements or other rights, property, or assets produced, owned, or used in connection with the production of such coal. States that such tax shall not exceed a total of 12 1/2 percent of the value of such coal produced during a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Title I: Amendments to Small Business Administration Business Lending Authority - Amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to consolidate measures governing the granting of loans by the Small Business Administration to small businesses and to State and local development companies. Increases the total amount of loans which may be made to a borrower other than a State or local development company. Repeals measures which established programs for: (1) trade adjustment loans made to assist any firm to adjust to changed economic conditions resulting from increased competition from imported articles; (2) loans for businesses made with emphasis on the preservation or establishment of small business concerns located in urban or rural areas with high proportions of unemployed or low-income individuals or owned by low-income individuals; and (3) loans for small businesses involved in solar energy, other forms of renewable energy, and energy conservation. Prohibits the application of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to any agreement to make or guarantee any assistance under the Small Business Act. Eliminates certain requirements of the annual report made by the SBA to the President and the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Small Business Capital Incentive Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer to elect shorter useful lives for buildings and business machinery in computing the allowance for depreciation. Specifies that the taxpayer may elect a useful life of 15 years in the case of a building and its structural components, and four years in the case of business machinery eligible for the investment tax credit. Imposes a $3,000,000 basic limit for buildings and a $1,000,000 limit for machinery eligible for the election provided by this Act. Reduces from seven to three years the useful life of investment tax credit property which is eligible for the full amount of such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Directs the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to procure a bust or statute of Frederick Douglas, to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1980
Swine Health Protection Act - Prohibits the feeding, or the permission to feed, of garbage to swine unless such garbage has been treated to kill disease organisms, in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary of Agriculture, at a facility holding a valid permit issued by the Secretary (or the chief agricultural or animal health official of a State with an agreement with the Secretary). Exempts waste from ordinary household operations which is fed directly to swine on the same premises as the household from coverage as "garbage" under this Act. Requires persons operating a garbage-treatment facility who know such garbage is to be fed to swine to hold a valid permit issued under this Act. Provides for the issuance, suspension, and revocation of such permits. Requires that such facilities, to be issued such permits: (1) meet requirements prescribed by the Secretary to prevent the introduction or dissemination of any infectious or communicable disease of animals or poultry; and (2) be so constructed that swine are unable to enter the premises or have access to untreated garbage or material coming in contact with such garbage. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for general enforcement of this Act by the Attorney General, upon the request of the Secretary, in U.S. district courts. Provides for cooperative agreements with State agencies for coordination of enforcement, administration, and regulation under this Act and under State law. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to repeal or supercede any State law prohibiting the feeding of garbage to swine. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1980
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the export of goods, the sales of which are prohibited or restricted in the United States pursuant to specified public health and safety laws, unless specified conditions are met. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue export licenses permitting the export of such goods if: (1) all statutory requirements are met; (2) the Secretary and the head of the agency regulating the sale of such good in the United States concur that (a) the country has requested such export, (b) the country has been fully informed of any U.S. restrictions and possible hazards, and (c) the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards; and (3) the sale in the importing country would be subject to restrictions comparable to those imposed in the United States. Requires such exported goods to include all information required by U.S. law. Prohibits the export of such goods if such information is likely to be ineffective. Prohibits the export of any good to be used in manufacturing prohibited goods.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to raise the limit on secured storage facility construction or remodeling loans from $50,000 to $100,000. Bases the size of the facility for which such loan may be obtained upon the amount of space required to store the quantity of the commodity estimated to be produced by the borrower during a three-year (formerly, two-year) period. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to raise loan and purchase levels for the 1979, 1980, and 1981 crops of corn from $2.00 to $2.35 per bushel. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make available loans and purchases for the 1979 crop of feed grains to producers ineligible to receive specified loans and purchases under the Agricultural Act of 1949 because of their nonparticipation in a set-aside program under the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977. Requires that such loans and purchases be available: (1) at levels equal to 85 percent of the respective loan and purchase levels for participants in the set-aside program; (2) only on condition that any feed grains for which such loans or purchases are made shall be stored under the producer storage program; and (3) for not more than one-half the 1979 crop of each feed grain of such producer. Directs the Secretary to ensure that such producers are: (1) able to store the feed grains with respect to which such loans and purchases are made; and (2) eligible for loans, purchases, and payments under the producer storage program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 - Establishes, within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Office of Federal Information Policy (OFIP) to provide overall direction for the development and implementation of Federal information policies which include guidelines concerning: (1) the reduction of the Government paperwork burden on the public; (2) records management activities; and (3) the privacy of records pertaining to individuals. Requires the Director of OMB to appoint an Administrator of OFIP. Sets forth functions of the Director with respect to Federal information collection and management in the following categories: (1) general information policy functions; (2) information collection request clearance and other paperwork functions; (3) statistical policy and coordination functions; (4) records management functions; (5) privacy of information functions; and (6) automatic data processing and telecommunications functions. Requires the Director to ensure that agencies: (1) provide a substantial opportunity for the public to comment on the means of collecting information with regard to a proposed rule; and (2) assess alternative methods of attaining the statutory goals of such a rule. Requires the Director, within one year after enactment of this Act: (1) to establish requirements and assign responsibility for agency and Government-wide audits of all major information systems; (2) to establish the Federal Information Locator System; (3) to develop a schedule for eliminating any duplication of information collection requests by the Government; and (4) in consultation with the Administrator of General Services, to develop a five-year plan for meeting the automatic data processing and telecommunication needs of the Government. Directs the Director, within two years after this Act is enacted: (1) to establish a system for integrating the various information management practices; (2) to develop a program to enforce Federal information processing standards and to revitalize the standards development program; (3) to complete action on recommendations of the Commission on Federal Paperwork; and (4) to submit to the President and Congress legislative proposals to remove inconsistencies in laws involving privacy, confidentiality and disclosure of information. Requires each agency: (1) to carry out its information management activities in an economical manner; (2) to inventory its major information systems and review, periodically, its management activities; (3) to ensure that its systems do not overlap each other or duplicate systems of other agencies; (4) to develop procedures for assessing the paperwork burden of its collection activities; and (5) assign an official to be responsible for acquisitions of automatic data processing equipment and services. Requires an agency, before collecting any information, to: (1) eliminate reporting requirements which seek information which is available through another Government source; (2) minimize the compliance burden on respondents; (3) plan the tabulation of the information in a manner which maximizes its usefulness to other agencies; and (4) obtain the Director's approval of such collection. Requires the Director to approve or disapprove any collection request within 60 days of receiving it. Allows the Director, when considering a request, to provide an opportunity for the agency or other interested persons to submit oral or written statements. Authorizes the Director: (1) to designate a single collection agency for two or more agencies; and (2) to direct the disclosure of confidential information from one agency to another under specified conditions. Establishes, within OFIP, a Federal Information Locator System composed of a dictionary of information resources, a data element dictionary, and an information referral service. States that the System shall serve as the authoritative register of all information requests. Requires the Director: (1) to design an index for the System; (2) to require each agency head to submit for inclusion in the System a data profile of each information request of that agency; (3) to compare proposed information requests with existing requests through the System; and (4) to ensure that no actual data, excluding descriptive data which is necessary to locate information or identify duplicative data, is included in the System. Declares that no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to provide information to an agency if such agency requested such information after December 31, 1981, in violation of procedures under this Act. Requires the Director: (1) to review the information management activities of each agency at least once every three years; (2) to report the findings to the agency and specified committees of Congress; (3) to keep Congress fully informed of major activities under this Act; and (4) to submit to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House an annual report on such activities. Specifies the contents of such report. Declares that an agency's authority under any other law to prescribe rules or forms for Federal information activities shall be subject to the Director's authority under this Act. Grants the Comptroller General access to all records of OFIP. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Administrator of General Services: (1) to include in an annual report to Congress and the Director estimates of the lost benefits or savings resulting from the failure of agencies to implement the Administrator's recommendations; and (2) to assist the Administrator of OFIP in conducting studies and developing standards relating to records retention requirements of Federal agencies. Requires the President and the Director of OMB to delegate specified Federal information functions to the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Small Business Equal Access to Justice Act - Title I: Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy - Amends title II of the Small Business Investment Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Title II: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this Act: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this Act six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish land diversion payment programs for the 1980 crops of corn and wheat. Requires, as a condition of eligibility for such payments, that grain producers devote to approved conservation uses, an amount of cropland not less than a percentage of their 1980 crop planted acreage (15 percent for corn and 10 percent for wheat). Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of such payments. Sets $1.50 per bushel for both corn and wheat as a payment rate factor in such formulas.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Provides that Government life insurance shall be paid in accordance with any election of the insured. Stipulates that if at the time of death no such election has been made, the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall notify the beneficiary who shall elect whether to receive payment in a lump sum or in installments. Directs the Administrator to notify all insured individuals have not made such election concerning the effect of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Urges the President to prohibit the export of superphosphoric acid (phosphate fertilizer) to the Soviet Union, until Soviet troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan and the President removes the ban imposed on the export of agricultural commodities to the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and announce, not later than March 1, 1980, a land diversion payment program for the 1980 crop of feed grains. Requires, as a condition of eligibility for such payments, that feed grain producers devote to approved conservation uses, not later than July 1, 1980, an amount of cropland equal to 20 percent of their 1980 crop planted acreage. Set forth a formula for determining the amount of such payments. Sets payment rates, for purposes of such formula, at $1.25 per bushel for corn and at a fair and reasonable rate in relation to such corn rate, as determined by the Secretary, for all other feed grains.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the Federal Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Provides for the appointment of members of the Commission by the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Sets forth provisions governing the organization and compensation of the Commission and its staff. Empowers the Commission to establish advisory councils and committees as it deems appropriate without regard to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Sets forth the powers of the Commission enabling it to gather information free from subsequent review or comment by any Federal agency. Directs the Commission to submit its final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bedell, Berkley W. [D-IA-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000298_200.jpg)