United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Emergency Fire Department and Rescue Squad Volunteer Protection Act of 1981 - Allows Federal and District of Columbia government employees up to four hours paid leave per week for purposes of responding to an emergency as a member of a volunteer fire department or volunteer rescue squad that operates under an agreement with any local government. Provides that in the event an employee should use more than the allowed four hours of leave time such employee shall be allowed to work overtime without pay in order to compensate for such time.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Family Farm Antitrust Act of 1981 - Finds that vertical integration within the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore the competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Amends the Clayton Act to provide that no person who is engaged in commerce in a business other than farming and whose nonfarming business assets exceed $5,000,000 shall engage in farming or the production of agricultural products or participate in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational or nonprofit institutions, and farmer-owned and controlled cooperatives. Permits the continuation of farming interests by persons otherwise in violation of this Act if such interests are not increased or expanded for the five-year period following enactment of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which any person is required to divest themself of under the provisions of this Act if the person is otherwise unable to divest themself of such property or interest. Directs the Secretary to engage in specified enforcement activities including the exercise of any general investigatory authority vested in the Secretary, and to report to the Federal Trade Commission the results of such investigations. Authorizes the Secretary to submit recommendations to the Congress for adjustments to the limitation on nonfarming business assets to reflect changes in economic conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives for the Ukrainian, Yuri Badzyo. Asks the President to express to the Soviet Union the U.S. interest in Badzyo and his family and to remind the Soviet Union of its human rights obligations under the Helsinki Accord.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House that the President should: (1) implement a U.S. nuclear nonproliferation strategy which strengthens the barriers to the spread of nuclear weapons and prescribes methods for achieving restraint by all nuclear suppliers; (2) encourage nations to ratify the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and strengthen the safeguards operations of the International Atomic Energy Agency, (IAEA); (3) work with other nuclear suppliers and with the IAEA to develop credible sanctions against nations which divert nuclear materials, technologies, or equipment to other than peaceful uses; and (4) implement the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
California Wilderness Act of 1981 - Designates as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System the following lands in the State of California: (1) the Boundary Peak Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (2) the Caliente Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (3) the Caples Creek Wilderness in the Eldorado National Forest; (4) the Caribou Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (5) the Carson - Iceberg Wilderness in the Stanislaus and Toiyabe National Forests; (6) the Castle Crags Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (7) the Chancelulla Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (8) the Cinder Buttes Wilderness in the Lassen National Forest; (9) the Cucamonga Wilderness Additions in the Angeles National Forest; (10) the Deep Wells Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (11) the Dick Smith Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest; (12) the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness in the Sierra National Forest; (13) the Domeland Wilderness Additions in the Sequoia National Forest; (14) the Emigrant Wilderness Additions in the Stanislaus National Forest; (15) the Excelsior Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (16) the Fish Canyon Wilderness in the Angeles National Forest; (17) the Granite Chief Wilderness in the Tahoe National Forest; (18) the Granite Peak Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (19) the Hauser Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (20) the Hoover Wilderness Additions in the Toiyabe National Forest; (21) the Ishi Wilderness in and adjacent to the Lassen National Forest; (22) the John Muir Wilderness Additions in the Inyo and Sierra National Forests; (23) the Lassen Volcanic Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (24) the Marble Mountain Wilderness Additions in the Klamath National Forest; (25) the Minarets Wilderness Additions in the Sierra and Inyo National Forests; (26) the Mokelumne Wilderness Additions in the Eldorado, Stanislaus, and Toiyabe National Forests; (27) the Monarch Wilderness in the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests; (28) the Mt. Shasta Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (29) the North Fork Wilderness in the Six Rivers National Forest; (30) the Pattison Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (31) the Pine Creek Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (32) the Pyramid Peak Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (33) the Red Buttes Wilderness in the Klamath and Rogue River National Forests; (34) the Russian Peak Wilderness in the Klamath National Forest; (35) the San Gorgonio Wilderness Additions in the San Bernardino National Forest; (36) the San Jacinto Wilderness Additions in the San Bernardino National Forest; (37) the San Joaquin Wilderness in the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and the Devils Postpile National Monument; (38) the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (39) the San Rafael Wilderness Additions in the Los Padres National Forest; (40) the Santa Rosa Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (41) the Scodies Wilderness in and adjacent to the Sequoia National Forest; (42) the Sheep Mountain Wilderness in the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests; (43) the Sill Hill Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (44) the Siskiyou Wilderness in the Six Rivers, Klamath, and Siskiyou National Forests; (45) the Snow Mountain Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest; (46) the South Sierra Wilderness in the Sequoia and Inyo National Forests; (47) the South Warner Wilderness Additions in the Modoc National Forest; (48) the Thousand Lakes Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (49) the Timbered Crater Wilderness in and adjacent to the Lassen National Forest; (50) the Trinity Alps Wilderness in and adjacent to the Klamath, Shasta Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests; (51) the Ventana Wilderness Additions in the Los Padres National Forest; and (52) the Yolla - Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness Additions in and adjacent to the Six Rivers and Mendocino National Forests. Abolishes the previous classifications of the High Sierra Primitive Area, the Emigrant Basin Primitive Area, and the Salmon - Trinity Alps Primitive Area. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review and report to the President on the suitability for preservation as wilderness of the Monache Wilderness Study Area in the Sequoia National Forest and the North Mountain Planning Area in the Stanislaus National Forest. Requires the Secretary to maintain their presently existing wilderness character. Requires that timber volumes within the North Mountain Planning Area be included in the base used to determine potential yield for the Stanislaus National Forest. Directs the Secretary to acquire any privately owned lands within the Trinity Alps, Granite Chief, Castle Crags, and Mount Shasta Wilderness areas designated by this Act. Adds the following lands to the National Park System: (1) the North Mountain Addition in the Stanislaus National Forest (to be incorporated into Yosemite National Park); (2) the Mt. Raymond Addition in the Sierra National Forest (to be incorporated into Yosemite National Park); and (3) the Jennie Lakes Addition in the Sequoia National Forest (to be incorporated into Kings Canyon National Park). Requires the Secretary of the Interior to study, and make recommendations to the Congress on, the possible designation of such lands as national park wilderness. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior specified land in the Stanislaus National Forest for administration as part of Yosemite National Park. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture specified land in the Sierra National Forest. Designates the following lands as wilderness: (1) the Yosemite Wilderness in Yosemite National Park; and (2) the Sequoia - Kings Canyon Wilderness in the Sequoia - Kings Canyon National Park. Requires the lands which have been added to the National Park System by this Act and which represent potential wilderness additions to be designated wilderness upon notice that all uses thereon prohibited by the Wilderness Act have ceased. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review and report to the President on the suitability for preservation as wilderness of the Eightmile and Blue Creek Planning Areas in the Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests and the Orleans Mountain Planning Area in the Six Rivers National Forest. Requires the Secretary to conduct a special study on the suitability of the Ski Study Area in the Orleans Mountain Planning Area for an alpine ski facility. Directs the Secretary to maintain the presently existing wilderness character of such planning areas. Requires that timber volumes within such planning areas be included in the base used to determine potential yield for the national forests concerned. Subjects certain mining activities within the North Fork Smith roadless area only to Federal laws and regulations for national forest lands designated as nonwilderness. Requires that the Dillon Creek Further Planning Area in the Klamath National Forest be considered for all uses during the preparation of a forest plan for such forest. Prohibits activities which may reduce the wilderness potential of such land during such time. Requires the designation of such planning area for the use recommended to Congress unless Congress enacts legislation to the contrary within a specified time.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
Amends the National School Lunch Act to require schools participating in the school lunch program to provide a nutritionally superior lunch to its students. Lists the food in such lunches and bans the sale of sweets on school premises. Provides that such schools should establish a nutrition council to oversee, and recommend ways to improve, such program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Campaign Finance Reform Amendments of 1981 -- Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to increase the limitations on contributions to campaigns for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Raises the ceiling from $1,000 to $2,500 for an individual's total contribution to any candidate for the House of Representatives and his or her authorized political committees. Imposes a limit on the total amount such a candidate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees of $75,000 for a general or special election (with an extra $25,000 in the case of a run-off). Imposes a ceiling on the total amount a candidate for the Senate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees. Sets such ceiling at: (1) the greater of $25,000, or the product of $12,500 times the number of State Representatives, in the case of a run-off election; or (2) the greater of $75,000, or the product of $37,500 times the number of State Representatives (not to exceed $500,000), for a general or special election (including conventions and primaries). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for political contributions from $50 to $100 ($100 to $200 for joint returns). Allows two separate tax credits, up to such amounts, for contributions: (1) to individual candidates and political committees; and (2) to national, State, and local committees of a national political party.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
California Wilderness Act of 1981 - Designates as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System the following lands in the State of California: (1) the Boundary Peak Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (2) the Caliente Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (3) the Caples Creek Wilderness in the Eldorado National Forest; (4) the Caribou Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (5) the Carson - Iceberg Wilderness in the Stanislaus and Toiyabe National Forests; (6) the Castle Crags Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (7) the Chancelulla Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (8) the Cinder Buttes Wilderness in the Lassen National Forest; (9) the Cucamonga Wilderness Additions in the Angeles National Forest; (10) the Deep Wells Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (11) the Dick Smith Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest; (12) the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness in the Sierra National Forest; (13) the Domeland Wilderness Additions in the Sequoia National Forest; (14) the Emigrant Wilderness Additions in the Stanislaus National Forest; (15) the Excelsior Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (16) the Fish Canyon Wilderness in the Angeles National Forest; (17) the Granite Chief Wilderness in the Tahoe National Forest; (18) the Granite Peak Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (19) the Hauser Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (20) the Hoover Wilderness Additions in the Toiyabe National Forest; (21) the Ishi Wilderness in and adjacent to the Lassen National Forest; (22) the John Muir Wilderness Additions in the Inyo and Sierra National Forests; (23) the Lassen Volcanic Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (24) the Marble Mountain Wilderness Additions in the Klamath National Forest; (25) the Minarets Wilderness Additions in the Sierra and Inyo National Forests; (26) the Mokelumne Wilderness Additions in the Eldorado, Stanislaus, and Toiyabe National Forests; (27) the Monarch Wilderness in the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests; (28) the Mt. Shasta Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (29) the North Fork Wilderness in the Six Rivers National Forest; (30) the Pattison Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (31) the Pine Creek Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (32) the Pyramid Peak Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (33) the Red Buttes Wilderness in the Klamath and Rogue River National Forests; (34) the Russian Peak Wilderness in the Klamath National Forest; (35) the San Gorgonio Wilderness Additions in the San Bernardino National Forest; (36) the San Jacinto Wilderness Additions in the San Bernardino National Forest; (37) the San Joaquin Wilderness in the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and the Devils Postpile National Monument; (38) the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (39) the San Rafael Wilderness Additions in the Los Padres National Forest; (40) the Santa Rosa Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (41) the Scodies Wilderness in and adjacent to the Sequoia National Forest; (42) the Sheep Mountain Wilderness in the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests; (43) the Sill Hill Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (44) the Siskiyou Wilderness in the Six Rivers, Klamath, and Siskiyou National Forests; (45) the Snow Mountain Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest; (46) the South Sierra Wilderness in the Sequoia and Inyo National Forests; (47) the South Warner Wilderness Additions in the Modoc National Forest; (48) the Thousand Lakes Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (49) the Timbered Crater Wilderness in and adjacent to the Lassen National Forest; (50) the Trinity Alps Wilderness in and adjacent to the Klamath, Shasta Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests; (51) the Ventana Wilderness Additions in the Los Padres National Forest; and (52) the Yolla - Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness Additions in and adjacent to the Six Rivers and Mendocino National Forests. Abolishes the previous classifications of the High Sierra Primitive Area, the Emigrant Basin Primitive Area, and the Salmon - Trinity Alps Primitive Area. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review and report to the President on the suitability for preservation as wilderness of the Monache Wilderness Study Area in the Sequoia National Forest and the North Mountain Planning Area in the Stanislaus National Forest. Requires the Secretary to maintain their presently existing wilderness character. Requires that timber volumes within the North Mountain Planning Area be included in the base used to determine potential yield for the Stanislaus National Forest. Directs the Secretary to acquire any privately owned lands within the Trinity Alps, Granite Chief, Castle Crags, and Mount Shasta Wilderness areas designated by this Act. Adds the following lands to the National Park System: (1) the North Mountain Addition in the Stanislaus National Forest (to be incorporated in Yosemite National Park); (2) the Mt. Raymond Addition in the Sierra National Forest (to be incorporated in Yosemite National Park); and (3) the Jennie Lakes Addition in the Sequoia National Forest (to be incorporated in Kings Canyon National Park). Requires the Secretary of the Interior to study, and make recommendations to the Congress on, the possible designation of such lands as national park wilderness. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior specified land in the Stanislaus National Forest for administration as part of Yosemite National Park. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture specified land in the Sierra National Forest. Designates the following lands as wilderness: (1) the Yosemite Wilderness in Yosemite National Park; and (2) the Sequoia - Kings Canyon Wilderness in the Sequoia - Kings Canyon National Park. Requires the lands which have been added to the National Park System by this Act and which represent potential wilderness additions to be designated wilderness upon notice that all uses thereon prohibited by the Wilderness Act have ceased. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review and report to the President on the suitability for preservation as wilderness of the Eightmile and Blue Creek Planning Areas in the Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests and the Orleans Mountain Planning Area in the Six Rivers National Forest. Requires the Secretary to conduct a special study on the suitability of the Ski Study Area in the Orleans Mountain Planning Area for an alpine ski facility. Directs the Secretary to maintain the presently existing wilderness character of such planning areas. Requires that timber volumes within such planning areas be included in the base used to determine potential yield for the national forests concerned. Subjects certain mining activities within the North Fork Smith roadless area only to Federal laws and regulations for national forest lands designated as nonwilderness. Exempts the second roadless area review and evaluation program (RARE II) final environmental statement from judicial review with respect to national forest system lands in California. Provides that, upon enactment of this Act, the injunction issued in State of California versus Bergland shall no longer be in force. States that the RARE II is, for purposes of the initial land management plans required by Federal law for national forest lands, an adequate consideration of the suitability of such lands for wilderness designation, and the wilderness option need not be reviewed prior to revision of the initial plans or to the completion date of the initial planning cycle. Provides that areas reviewed in the RARE II and not designated as wilderness by this Act or remaining in further planning need not be protected for wilderness designation pending such revision. Prohibits any further roadless area review and evaluation of national forest system lands in California without express Congressional authorization. Requires that the Dillon Creek Further Planning Area in the Klamath National Forest be considered for all uses during the preparation of a forest plan for such forest. Prohibits activities which may reduce the wilderness potential of such land during such time. Requires the designation of such planning area for the use recommended to Congress unless Congress enacts legislation to the contrary within a specified time.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to state that a food intended for human consumption shall be deemed misbranded unless it is labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium it contains when in excess of a certain amount of milligrams. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food from such requirement by requiring the information to be prominently displayed in close proximity to the place of display or sale of such food. Exempts from such labeling requirements any manufacturer of such foods whose total annual sale are less than a specified amount.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Rail Passenger Systems Act of 1981 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to direct the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to acquire the rights-of-way necessary for the operation of high-speed rail passenger service in accordance with this Act. Directs Amtrak to establish high-speed rail passenger service on 20 specified rail corridors. Encourages the provision of such rail passenger service by Amtrak employees, with Amtrak facilities and equipment. Directs Amtrak to implement a grade-crossing separation program in cooperation with private rail carriers. Directs Amtrak to use centrally generated electrical power produced by local electric utilities whenever possible. Directs the President to appoint a Presidential Rail Corridor Development Expediter to assist Amtrak in providing rail service under this Act. Authorizes Amtrak to guarantee loans for the purposes of this Act. Deletes appropriations for payments of loan principal for fiscal year 1982. Increases the sum available for loan guarantees under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1981
Condemns the trial and conviction of Dr. Viktor Brailovsky by the Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express to the Soviet Union U.S. concern and opposition to the internal exile of Dr. Brailovsky and to the Soviet Union's refusal to permit Dr. Brailovsky and his family to emigrate; (2) the Soviet Union should comply with various international agreements by reversing Dr. Brailovsky's conviction and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; and (3) the Soviet Union should cease persecuting individuals seeking to emigrate and should cease denying basic rights to Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Tobacco Deregulation Act of 1981 - Title I: Repeal of Programs Concerning Price Support For and the Marketing of Tobacco - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal specified programs concerning tobacco, including: (1) price supports; (2) parity payments; (3) review and adjustment of quotas; and (4) marketing quotas. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 and the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to prohibit agricultural commodity assistance for tobacco. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from issuing any orders that regulate the handling of tobacco. Makes such provisions applicable to the 1982 and subsequent crops of tobacco. Title II: Withdrawal of Consent Relating to Compacts Among States for Regulating Tobacco Production and Commerce - Repeals provisions relating to compacts among States providing for the control or production of, or commerce in, tobacco within such States. Withdraws congressional consent of such compacts. Title III: Tobacco Inspection and Related Services - Amends the Tobacco Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to collect fees from specified persons for the inspection, certification, and other services concerning tobacco at designated auction markets. Requires that such fees cover the cost of such services. Makes such provisions effective July 1, 1981. Title IV: Warehouse Examination, Inspection, and Licensing - Amends the United States Warehouse Act to direct the Secretary to collect a fee for examinations and inspections of agricultural product warehouses that covers the costs of providing such services. Authorizes appropriations. Makes the above provisions effective October 1, 1982. Title V: Increased Tax on Cigars and Cigarettes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigars and cigarettes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, for placement in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Canada and the United States should create the North American Air Quality Commission (NAAQC); (2) the NAAQC should be the primary means for coordinating U.S. and Canadian enforcement efforts to reduce acid precipitation pollution; (3) the NAAQC should recommend to Canada and the United States policies and legislation to reduce acid precipitation pollution; and (4) the NAAQC should report twice annually to the Canadian Parliament and the U. S. Congress on both countries' progress toward reduction of such pollution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Olympic Coin Act of 1981 - Declares the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to provide for the minting of coins to commemorate the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games; and (2) to help finance those games without the use of tax revenues. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint: (1) not more than 30,000,000 copper-nickel clad coins with a face value of one dollar; (2) not more than 22,400,000 silver coins with a face value of ten dollars; (3) not more than 2,400,000 gold coins with a face value of fifty dollars; and (4) not more than 1,400,000 gold coins with a face value of one hundred dollars. Specifies the size and weight of such coins. Specifies that the designs of such coins shall be determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. Sets certain minting specifications for such coins. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee which shall provide for the implementation of the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to furnish such coins to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee at a price agreed to pursuant to such implementation agreement. Provides that all coins minted shall be delivered to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for distribution and sale to the public in accordance with the terms of the implementation agreement. Sets the delivery date for each series of coins. Provides that all proceeds received by the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee from the commercial sale of such coins shall be used for the purpose of staging and promoting the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and assisting the U.S. Olympic Committee and amateur athletics. Provides that all coins authorized by this Act shall be legal tender. Directs that no coins shall be minted pursuant to this Act after December 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that nuclear war represents a great hazard and should be prevented. Urges the President to propose: (1) that the United States and the Soviet Union begin negotiations to reduce substantially their nuclear arsenals; and (2) that conferences should be held among all nuclear nations to propose annual reductions and gradual elimination of all nuclear weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify for the investment tax credit any specially defined energy property installed in connection with any building which is depreciable residential real property. Revises the definition of "specially defined energy property," for purposes of such credit, to: (1) include specified additional equipment and devices; and (2) include among uses qualifying such property for the credit any building or facility at least 50 percent of which was constructed before or any process or activity carried on as of January 1, 1981. Increase the energy percentage, for purposes of the credit, in the case of specially defined energy property and provides a further increase in the case of property installed in connection with residential buildings which is qualified for the credit under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1981
National Infant Screening Act of 1981 - Amends title XI (Genetic Diseases, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) of the Public Health Service Act to provide grants for infant screening programs to detect metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States should pursue negotiations to limit deployment of nuclear weapons in Europe; (2) the United States should commit itself to a timetable for completing such negotiations; (3) development and deployment of such weapons should be deferred until the negotiations are concluded and ratified; and (4) the negotiations should be part of a comprehensive international effort to limit nuclear weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) should cease efforts to regulate news content and to formulate rules and regulations for the operation of the world press. Expresses the opposition of the House to efforts by some countries to control access to and dissemination of news.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Great Lakes Protection Act of 1981 - Amends the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978 to redesignate specified provisions and to revise definitions under such Act. Establishes a Great Lakes Protection program under such Act. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish within NOAA a Great Lakes Research Office, to be directed by an Executive Director appointed by the Administrator. Requires the Executive Director to compile, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, an inventory of all major actions of the Federal, State, and local governments since 1977 which have significantly affected (or may so affect) the Great Lakes. Requires that such inventory be submitted to the Congress and the President and be updated at least once every three months. Requires the Executive Director, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) current state of Federal efforts to improve the Great Lakes' environmental quality; and (2) the degree of coordination among the States to preserve and protect such quality. Sets forth other responsibilities of the Executive Director. Requires that all Federal agencies include Great Lakes environmental impact analyses in their recommendations or reports for major Federal actions significantly affecting the Great Lakes. Sets forth provisions relating to such analyses, including a requirement that copies be available to the President and to the public. Directs that, to the fullest extent practicable: (1) U.S. policies, regulations, and public laws be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies of protection for the Great Lakes set forth in this Act; and (2) any major Federal action significantly affecting the Great Lakes be modified to accommodate such policies and include all possible planning to minimize harm to the Great Lakes. Revises provisions relating to interagency cooperation, dissemination of information, and effect on other laws. Extends through fiscal years 1984 the authorization of appropriations to carry out the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978. Reserves a specified amount of such appropriations to be obligated and expended on the Great Lakes Research Office in each fiscal year ending after September 30, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to require all presidential polling places to close no later than eleven o'clock p.m. eastern standard time on election day. Establishes penalties for early release of such election results by any election official or other person having election-related responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp to honor Roberto Clemente. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination used for first-class mail up to one ounce in weight and shall be placed on sale during the month of August.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Army should place at the grave of Joe Louis in Arlington National Cemetery a plaque honoring his life and career.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Title I: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Requires a principal who enters into a contract with a sales representative for the solicitation of orders for merchandise of the principal to furnish specified information to the representative, including monthly commission statements. Enumerates items to be included in any written contract between a principal and sales representative in order to conform with this Act. Title II: Indemnification - Exempts principals who have entered into a written contract in conformity with title I from the indemnification requirements of this title. Requires any principal to indemnify a sales representative in accordance with this title if such principal: (1) without good cause terminates a representative's assignment or reduces the geographical territory assigned to a representative; (2) reduces the rate of commission paid to a representative; or (3) reduces the number of accounts assigned within a geographical territory. Sets forth a formula for the indemnification of such representatives. Title III: Miscellaneous - Permits actions to be brought in Federal district court to enforce the rights or liabilities of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981
Congressional Campaign Financing Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to place limits and reporting requirements on Congressional primary and general election expenditures for candidates receiving public financing. Sets forth penalty provisions for knowing violations of such requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new chapter, the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Entitles to campaign payments Congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and certify that: (1) they and their authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations; and (2) they have received contributions in excess of a specified sum. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment by a candidate of excess payments and unexpended payments. Establishes criminal penalties for use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct an audit of the qualified campaign expenses of every candidate who receives matching payments; and (2) report to Congress with respect to such expenses and payments, such report to be made readily available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Declares it to be the intent of Congress to ensure that small businesses receive at least 48 percent of any business tax reductions enacted during this session.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Sports Antitrust Reform Act of 1981 - Applies the antitrust laws to any organized professional sport, including baseball. Prohibits any exclusive territorial right to conduct or exhibit professional football, baseball, hockey, or soccer games except in a team's home territory if such territory has fewer than 2,000,000 residents.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Coastal Barrier Resources Act - Declares the findings and intentions of Congress in regard to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the coastal barriers along the Atlantic and gulf coasts of the United States. Establishes the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System) which shall consist of specified undeveloped coastal barriers on the Atlantic and gulf coasts. Requires that certain coastal barrier maps shall be available for public inspection through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide copies of such maps to the chief executive officer of: (1) each State and political subdivision in which a System unit is located; and (2) each affected Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to make necessary modifications to such maps and to notify specified Congressional committees of same. Limits, to specified projects, Federal expenditures on or financial assistance for purposes within the System. Lists those projects eligible for financial assistance. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify annually to Congress that the Federal agencies concerned have complied with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the contents of reports to be filed by the Secretary with specified Congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of five airborne warning and control aircraft (AWACS) and conformal fuel tanks and air-to-air missiles for F-15 aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
District Heating and Cooling Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to a qualified municipality (a self-governing town or city with a population of 100,000 or less which meets Federal assistance requirements prescribed by the Secretary) to fund 70 percent of the costs of: (1) feasibility studies to assess the potential for district heating or cooling (a system providing residential, commercial, and industrial heating or cooling from electric powerplants or other thermal or cooling sources through pipelines) in such municipality; and (2) engineering and design studies for such system. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make guaranteed interest loans to a qualified municipality to cover 40 percent of the costs of establishing a district heating or cooling system. Sets forth the requirements for loan application approval. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a District Heating and Cooling Revolving Fund for such loans. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund for the five fiscal years following enactment of this Act. Conditions Federal assistance under this Act on disclosure to the Secretary of complete information on any district heating or cooling system. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for studies by the States and local governments on problems related to district heating and cooling.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1981 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44 of Title 18, United States Code - Amends the Federal criminal code to direct the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, assembly, importation, sale, or transfer any handgun model which is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, importer, dealer, or collector to manufacture, assemble, sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun (other than a curio or relic) which is not an approved model. Makes it unlawful for any non- licensee to sell or transfer any handgun (other than curio or relic) unless such person knows or has reasonable cause to believe such handgun is an approved model. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for permits to carry and purchase handguns and certify those meeting specified standards. Allows an individual possessing a permit under a certified State law to purchase a handgun if certain requirements are met. Makes it unlawful for a licensed dealer to transfer a handgun to a person not holding a permit under a certified State law unless certain procedures are followed. Requires in any such case that the transferee appear in person at the dealer's business premises. Requires the dealer, before delivery of the handgun, to forward a copy of a sworn statement by the transferee to the chief local law enforcement officer of the transferee's place of residence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an identity and record check. Prohibits delivery until 21 days after submission of the sworn statement. Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to sell to the same person, or for any non-licensee to purchase, three or more handguns during a period of one year, without the prior approval of the Attorney General. Makes it unlawful for any person to fail to report the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his possession to the authorities within 24 hours after discovering such loss. Requires all licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to maintain accurate records of all handgun transfers. Makes whoever negligently transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury of an individual as a result of the use of such handgun by the transferee during commission of an offense. Makes it unlawful for any person to transport any firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce if such transportation violates a State law in a place through which the firearm was shipped or an ordinance at the place of sale, delivery, or other disposition. Increases the license fee for handgun dealers from $10 to $500 and for manufacturers and importers from $50 to $5,000. Makes it unlawful for any illegal alien, dishonorably discharged member of the Armed Forces, or U.S. citizen who has renounced such citizenship to possess, transport, or receive any firearm or ammunition. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970 to revise and increase the mandatory penalties for using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "illegally." Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense to two to ten years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and five to 25 years for a second offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences, unless the court finds the existence of enumerated mitigating circumstances. Adds a term of parole ineligibility as an additional restriction on first offenders (two years) and subsequent offenders (five years). Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to the Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Establishes the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration within the Department of Justice. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, in consultation with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities, to report on the intergovernmental problems involved in controlling illicit handgun traffic and the effectiveness of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify for the residential energy credit expenditures for property which is installed in connection with a principal residence and which uses hot or cold water or steam from a district heating or cooling system to heat, cool, or provide hot water for use within the dwelling unit. Defines "district heating or cooling system" as a system comprised of a thermal or cooling source connected to a piping network which provides hot or cold water or steam to at least two buildings for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. Qualifies for the investment tax credit: (1) property which enables the taxpayer to use in his trade or business hot or cold water or steam from a district heating or cooling system or to sell energy to such a system on a proportionate basis; and (2) any amount paid or incurred for connection to a district heating or cooling system. Excludes from treatment as energy property any district heating or cooling property used as public utility property.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Directs the Secretary of Education to convey four specified parcels of land in the State of California to the D-Q University, a national learning and cultural center for Native Americans. Directs the Secretary to convey the first parcel and to transfer the exclusive use and control of all four parcels to the University within 30 days after the enactment of this Act. Sets certain conditions for the conveyance of the second, third, and last parcels, including deadlines by which the University must request such conveyances. Requires the Secretary to notify the University of any noncompliance with such conditions. Allows the University one year after such notice to achieve full compliance. Permits the Secretary to extend the conveyance deadlines for one year. Specifies circumstances under which: (1) the University's rights to the use and control of such parcels shall terminate; and (2) title to such lands shall revert to the United States. Requires the University to: (1) submit its Development Plan to Congress within 30 days after enactment of this Act; and (2) notify the Secretary of any change in the Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with various declarations and international agreements by providing proper medical care to Yuriy Shukhevych, by releasing him from prison, and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; (2) the President should express continuing U.S. opposition to the imprisonment and maltreatment of Yuriy Shukhevych; and (3) the President should reiterate that the United States, in evaluating its relations with other nations, will consider the extent to which other nations honor their international commitments, especially their human rights commitments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Title I - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to extend from August 6, 1982, to August 6, 1992: (1) the time period during which jurisdictions covered by the triggering mechanism must not have used a test or device to deny the right to vote on account of race in order to be released from coverage; and (2) the time period during which changes in voting laws must be precleared with the Federal Government. Title II - Restates the prohibition against denying the right to vote based on race to prohibit any State from imposing voting practices "in a manner which results in a denial or abridgement" of the right to vote (thus permitting use of indirect proof in proving discrimination). Title III - Extends the bilingual election requirements from August 6, 1985, to August 6, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to value excess inventory at its net realizable value. Eliminates the qualification requirement for the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting that a taxpayer use no inventory method for financial reporting or credit purposes other than the LIFO method. Allows a taxpayer who adopts the LIFO method to spread increases in taxable income attributable to such change over a ten-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Elephant Protection Act of 1981 - Prohibits importing or exporting African elephants or elephant products. Prohibits the acquisition, transportation, or sale in interstate commerce of such products imported in violation of this Act. Permits individuals to: (1) import and export a total of 10,000 pounds of unworked ivory for six months after enactment of this Act; and (2) import worked ivory for 90 days after enactment if there is no intention to sell such ivory in the United States. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants and elephant products if the Secretary finds that: (1) such nation has developed and implemented an elephant conservation program according to specified criteria; (2) the products can be traced as coming from a particular nation; (3) the products are acquired and transported in compliance with laws of the originating nation; (4) the importation or exportation will not be detrimental to the survival of the species; and (5) the permit is applied for in good faith. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants or elephant products to enhance propagation or survival of the species and is consistent with the policy of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress concerning granting of such permits. Sets forth civil or criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for the remittance or mitigation by the Secretary of any civil penalty assessed under this Act. Provides for the forfeiture of elephants, elephant products, or vehicles aiding in the importation, exportation, acquisition, or transportation of such products contrary to the provisions of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Authorizes the payment of rewards to persons furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Requires all imports and exports of elephant products to go through either the Port of New York or the Port of Seattle, Washington. Exempts from this Act: (1) elephants imported or exported for zoological, educational, scientific, or exhibitional purposes; (2) elephant products included in a keyboard for a musical instrument; (3) elephant products taken and imported or exported by a sports hunter; and (4) elephant products taken and transported in compliance with the laws of the originating nation. Supersedes the Endangered Species Act and State laws regarding elephants and elephant products. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a program to assist nations to: (1) protect elephant habitats; (2) conserve living elephants; and (3) develop and implement elephant conservation management programs. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of the Interior and State for fiscal years 1983, 1984, and 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of State should recommend to the Attorney General that aliens who are nationals of El Salvador be granted extended voluntary departure status until they can reside safely in El Salvador.
![Official portrait of Rep. Beilenson, Anthony C. [D-CA-24]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000318_200.jpg)