United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1981
Provides for the continuation of the minimum monthly social security benefit for individuals drawing such benefits as of January 1, 1981, and for individuals who become eligible and apply for such benefits within three years after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for using or attempting to use a computer which: (1) is operated on behalf of the Federal Government or a financial institution (where the prohibited conduct directly affects the computer operation); or (2) operates in interstate commerce, with intent to defraud, obtain property by false pretenses, embezzle, steal, or knowingly convert the property of another. Specifies factors which Federal law enforcement officers must consider in determining whether to exercise jurisdiction over such offense, where concurrent jurisdiction exists with a State or local government. Directs the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the extent of the exercise of such Federal jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Postal Service Amendments of 1981 - Authorizes the United States Postal Service to issue written demands requiring access to books, records, documents, or other objects believed to relate to any postal offense or civil matter under investigation by the Postal Service. Provides for the enforcement of such a demand by the appropriate district court. Authorizes the Postal Service to issue an order requiring any person to cease and desist from conducting a lottery or scheme for obtaining money or property by false representations through the mail. Declares that the resumption of such an activity through the use of any instrumentality of interstate commerce shall be considered to be a failure to comply with such order. Permits the Postal Service, in investigating whether a person is conducting such an activity, to tender the price of any article or service that such person has offered for sale. Declares that failure by such person to provide such article or service, or failure to comply with a written demand of the Postal Service for access to materials, shall constitute probable cause to believe such person is engaged in such activities, warranting the detention of such person's incoming mail. Establishes a civil penalty to be assessed by the Postal Service, after an opportunity for an agency hearing, against any person who: (1) attempts to evade an order directing the postmaster to return mail addressed to such person; (2) fails to comply with a cease and desist; or (3) assists another person in evading such an order.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to require a judicial officer, in setting conditions for pretrial release for any person charged with certain narcotics offenses, to consider which conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community, the personal safety of persons in the community, and the prevention of similar offenses by such person. Requires a judicial officer to deny release to any person charged with a narcotics offense who: (1) has previously been convicted of a felony narcotics offense under Federal, State, or foreign law; (2) is on parole, probation, or other conditional release for a felony offense under Federal or State law; (3) is an illegal alien; (4) was arrested in possession of a false passport; or (5) has been convicted of being a fugitive from justice. Requires the Government to provide clear and convincing evidence that the person charged falls within any such category and to establish that there is substantial probability that the person committed the offense . Permits the judicial officer to grant release to a person who has not been previously convicted of a felony narcotics offense upon a finding of special mitigating factors. Requires that the case of a person who is denied release be placed on an expedited calendar.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission from investigating or taking any action concerning any State regulated profession until Congress enacts legislation which expressly provides that the Commission has authority over professions and that the Commission's authority preempts State authority. Vacates any such action taken during the period beginning on May 28, 1981, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 7 May 1981
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) temporarily suspend the airman certificate of anyone indicted for a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense charged; and (2) revoke the airman certificate of anyone convicted of a violation of such Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense for which the holder was convicted. Sets forth criminal penalties for the use or sale of fraudulent certificates with the intent or knowledge that such certificates will be used in connection with a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. Provides criminal penalties for any person who: (1) while navigating an aircraft, knowingly and willfully violates such Act; and (2) is the owner of an aircraft and knowingly allows any person to use such aircraft in violation of such Act. Requires that such penalties shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other penalty imposed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide Federal drug enforcement officials with any military personnel, information, equipment, facilities, training personnel, or advisors which may be helpful to enforcing Federal laws relating to the use of controlled substances. Permits drug officials to provide training and advice to members of the armed forces on the identification of drug traffickers and any other matter related to controlled substances.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Prohibits Federal magistrates from conducting evidentiary hearings in habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners. Prohibits the consideration in a habeas corpus proceeding of a Federal question which was not properly presented under State law at trial and on appeal unless the petitioner establishes that the alleged violation of the Federal right was prejudicial and that: (1) the Federal right did not exist at time of trial and has been determined to be retroactive; or (2) the State procedures precluded assertion of the right; or (3) evidence was suppressed which prevented raising of the claim; or (4) material and controlling facts upon which the claim is based were unknown and could not have been ascertained by reasonable diligence. Establishes a three-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners. Prohibits a Federal evidentiary hearing from being conducted where State court records contain factual findings, unless the petitioner establishes the existence of at least one of six enumerated circumstances. (Currently, the State findings are presumed to be correct unless petitioner establishes existence of a circumstance.) Eliminates from such circumstances: (1) that the applicant did not receive a full, fair, and adequate hearing; or (2) that the applicant was otherwise denied due process.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Armed Forces Pay Act of 1981 - Increases the pay of members of the uniformed services for fiscal year 1982 by 14.3 percent. Permits the President to allocate the percentage increase as specified. Permits an unserved period of an enlistment to be considered as part of an immediately subsequent term of reenlistment for bonus purposes. Increases the amount of bonus and eliminates the four year total service requirement for persons who possess a skill designated as critical enlisting or extending their service in an armed force. Permits the payment of special pay for the performance of unusually hazardous duty or duty performed under unusually severe working conditions. Permits the President to suspend such pay in time of war. Permits the payment of special pay to an officer of an armed force who has been certified by the Secretary concerned as having the technical qualifications for detail to engineering or scientific duty. Sets forth the terms and conditions for receiving such pay. Permits the reimbursement of subsistence expenses incurred by a member of a uniformed service and the member's dependents during a period of up to four days while occupying temporary quarters incident to a change of permanent station. Permits the advance payment of departure, dependent transportation, and dislocation allowances. Authorizes a member of a uniformed service who is denied leave between two tours of duty overseas because of military necessity to use travel and transportation allowances from his current duty station at the first time the member is granted leave. Permits the payment of allowances to a member of a uniformed service and authorized dependents serving at a specifically designated duty station abroad for transportation to another location abroad having different social, climatic, or environmental conditions than those at the duty station, or to the United States. Permits the payment of roundtrip transportation expenses for a member stationed overseas and authorized dependents incident to emergency leave granted for reasons of personal emergency. Permits the payment of travel and transportation allowances to a member of a uniformed service performing temporary duty away from his permanent duty station to return to such station or another location. Entitles members of the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program to an initial uniform allowance. Permits members of such program to be advanced up to one month's pay upon reporting for active duty.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the Secretary of State to inform the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the use or intended use by any country or international organization of any herbicide to eradicate marihuana in a program receiving U.S. aid for narcotics control (currently no U.S. aid may be used for any such program if the herbicide is likely to cause serious harm to marihuana users unless the herbicide is used with another substance that will warn potential users of the presence of the herbicide). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to monitor the impact on the health of marihuana users of such a herbicide. Directs the Secretary to notify the Secretary of State if it is determined that the health of a marihuana user has been seriously harmed by such herbicide. Prohibits further U.S. assistance for spraying such herbicide after such notification is made. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress any determination of serious harm to marihuana users. Directs the Secretary of State to report any termination of U.S. assistance to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Organized Crime Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for persons who commit or commission a contract murder, attempted murder, or assault. Provides that a direct or indirect contact between two or more persons involving an offer, agreement, or solicitation to commit a contract murder shall constitute prima facie evidence that the act was commissioned for "anything of value." Applies the penalties for contract murder to whoever uses actual or threatened force to coerce another to commit a murder, attempted murder, or assault in violation of State law. Directs the Attorney General to designate criteria for Federal involvement in the prosecution of contract murders. Stipulates that this Act does not preempt State law in this area. Makes it a Federal offense to kill any attorney, agent, or employee of the U.S. Government employed to investigate or prosecute violations of Federal criminal statutes or any employee of the Intelligence Community. Establishes a new offense of assaulting, kidnapping, murdering, or threatening the relative of any Federal employee covered by the current assault statute, with intent to interfere with such employee's official duties. Amends the obstruction of justice statute to expand the class of persons protected from coercion to include potential witnesses and informants (current law protects actual witnesses). Amends the Freedom of Information Act to expand the exception relating to informants to limit disclosure of information which "tends to disclose" an informant's identity. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to permit a court to reduce a sentence of a cooperating defendant upon application of a U.S. Attorney. Authorizes a court to impose additional penalties where a crime is carried out by use of, or threatened use of, violence, or a dangerous weapon or destructive device. Amends the wiretap statute to require a judge to review in camera any information as to previous wiretap applications which might compromise a current or pending case or investigation. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to permit disclosure of Federal grand jury information to a State or local law enforcement official who is assisting a U.S. Attorney in the enforcement of Federal criminal law. Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize a judicial officer, in making a determination of whether a person charged with a noncapital offense should be released on bail, to consider the safety of any person or the community (in addition to assurance of appearance as currently provided).
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 · 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 · 25 March 1981
Mineral Lands Leasing Amendment of 1981 - Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act to prohibit, for a specified period, any foreign person from acquiring more than 25 percent of the voting securities in a United States mineral resource corporation. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress concerning indirect foreign investment in mineral resources on United States land.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for the forfeiture of proceeds or profits derived from racketeering activity consisting of any offense involving dealing in narcotic or other dangerous drugs. Permits the use of property forfeited in such cases for Federal drug law enforcement or the improvement of State and local drug law enforcement. Creates a presumption that the assets or other property of a person convicted of such an offense are subject to forfeiture.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1981
Education Assistance Act of 1981 - Title I: New G.I. Education Program - Establishes a Peacetime Veterans' Educational Assistance Program for persons who enter military service after December 31, 1980, and serve on active duty for a period of two years or more, or are discharged or released from such duty for a service-connected disability. Entitles eligible veterans to 27 months of educational assistance under such program for the first 24 months of service, and one month of such assistance for each additional month of service. Provides that no person may earn more than 36 months of such assistance. Prohibits persons who enter active duty and are entitled to an initial enlistment bonus from earning entitlement under such program, unless such persons enlisted for a period of four years or more. Sets forth circumstances under which such persons may earn entitlement by not accepting certain bonuses or by re-enlisting from two to four years. Makes veterans entitled to educational assistance eligible for education loans. Provides that such veterans are eligible for educational assistance for the ten-year period following their discharge or release date. Sets forth procedures extending any applicable time period for such veterans who are prevented from initiating or completing a program of education under certain circumstances. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay tuition costs and a subsistence allowance to eligible veterans in the program. Extends such educational assistance program to members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve who enlist after December 31, 1980, for not less than six years of service under regulations prescribed by the Administrator and the Secretary of Defense. Establishes a Career Servicepersons' Education Assistance Program for members of the armed forces serving on active duty who have completed six years of service. Allows such members to enroll in such educational benefits program by contributing a monthly deduction to the Career Servicepersons' Education Account. Limits such contributions to a specified amount. Authorizes the Secretary to match such contributions at a specified rate after 24 months of participation by any member and to contribute amounts he deems necessary to encourage persons to remain in the armed forces. Provides procedures for refunds of contributions due to: (1) disenrollment from such program; (2) death of a participant; and (3) discharge or release under conditions which would bar the use of educational benefits. Sets forth the formula for determining the amount of entitlement and the methods of payments of benefits to eligible members who pursue a program of education. Makes veterans participating in such program eligible for education loans. Authorizes eligible veterans to transfer their educational benefits to their spouses or children in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Limits educational assistance under such program to the date ten years beyond an eligible veteran's discharge or release date. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to submit a joint report to the Congressional committees on Veterans' Affairs containing their respective plans for implementation of the Career Serviceperson's Educational Assistance Program and to submit an annual report each year detailing the operations of such program. Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the Administrator each month on deductions made from the military pay of program participants. Makes persons who enter the military service after December 31, 1980, ineligible for participation in the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program. Title II: Educational Leaves of Absence for Members of the Armed Forces - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations to grant leaves of absence (not to exceed 12 consecutive months) to eligible members of the armed forces to pursue a program of education. Requires members granted such leave to agree in writing to extend their active duty service for a period of two months for each month of leave of absence. Allows payment to such members of basic allowance for quarters and subsistence while on such leave. Sets forth the circumstances under which the Secretary may cancel such leaves of absence.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Amends the Coinage Act of 1965 to provide for the minting of not less than ten million half-dollar coins with a design emblematic of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Specifies the size and weight of such coins. Specifies certain inscriptions to be placed on the coin. Directs that the sale of such coins to the public shall begin not later than January 1, 1982. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to require polling places in Presidential, Vice Presidential, or Congressional elections to close at 11 post meridian, eastern standard time (or the local equivalent).
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to require that the amount of bail set for any person charged with a drug related offense involving possession or delivery of a controlled substance be not less than the street value of the drug seized. Permits a judicial officer to set another amount upon a determination that compelling circumstances so require.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1981 - Abolishes diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts, but retains as a basis of jurisdiction "alienage," involving foreign states or citizens of foreign states. Increases the amount in controversy requirement in such cases from $10,000 to $25,000. Retains as a basis for Federal jurisdiction statutory interpleader, which includes actions between citizens of different States. Permits venue for a Federal civil action in any judicial district in which a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred, or in which a substantial part of property that is the subject of the action is situated.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1981
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the prohibition against using funds authorized for international narcotics control to pay for herbicides to eradicate marihuana. Makes narcotics control funds appropriated before enactment of this Act available to pay for such herbicides. Removes specified limitations on the uses of narcotics control funds obligated for Colombia and appropriated for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Law Enforcement Officers' Protection Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) conduct a study to determine the capacity of handgun bullets to penetrate bulletproof vests and the risk posed to law enforcement officers by the availability of handgun bullets; and (2) report the findings and legislative recommendations to the President and Congress within one year after funds are made available under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Rehabilitation and Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for ten percent of the expenditures for the rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. Increases from ten percent to 25 percent the investment tax credit percentage for rehabilitation expenditures in connection with certified historic structures. Qualifies specified rehabilitated multifamily residential rental properties for the investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return) the amount of interest and dividend income which may be excluded from gross income. Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 to repeal the termination date for such exclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for forcibly assaulting, striking, wounding, discharging a firearm or explosive at, or offering violence to, any fireman or law enforcement officer on account of such individual's performance of official duties.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Reye's Syndrome Act of 1981 - Amends title XI of the Public Health Service Act (Genetic Diseases, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish, through the National-Institute of Neurological, Communicative Disorders, and Stroke, the Reye's Syndrome Coordinating Committee to make grants to and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities for a three-year project to establish two comprehensive Reye's Syndrome diagnostic and treatment centers. Includes among the duties of such centers: (1) the conduct of basic and clinical research; (2) the development of new and improved treatments; (3) the provision of physician training programs; and (4) informational services, with respect to the detention, diagnosis, and treatment of Reye's Syndrome. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within six months of the project. Authorizes the Committee to provide financial assistance to public agencies, nonprofit private entities, and entities and individuals not associated with the centers to conduct research on Reye's Syndrome. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1984.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1981
Exempts nonprofit veterans' organizations and nonprofit fraternal organizations from the requirement that nondramatic literary or musical performance royalties be paid to copyright holders.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1981
Balanced Budget and Deficit Control Act of 1981 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to make a Congressional declaration that it is essential to provide for a balanced Federal budget. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require that the first concurrent resolution on the budget, on which Congress must complete action on or before May 15 of each year, provide a balanced budget for such year and for the succeeding fiscal year. Specifies that if changes in laws, bills, or resolutions are necessary in connection with any such concurrent resolution on the budget in order to assure that there is no deficit in the budget for either of the fiscal years to which such concurrent resolution relates, such concurrent resolution shall appropriately direct the legislative committees involved to determine and recommend such changes. Makes it out of order in either the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider or adopt any concurrent resolution on the budget, to consider or adopt any amendment to such a concurrent resolution, or to adopt a conference report on such concurrent resolution, if at the time of such consideration or adoption the level of total budget outlays which is set forth in such concurrent resolution for either of the two fiscal years to which it relates exceeds the recommended level of Federal revenues for that year. Permits the suspension of such provisions: (1) upon a Presidential request, approved by Congress; (2) upon a recommendation by the Budget Committee of either the House or the Senate and approval of the Congress; and (3) with respect to any fiscal year in which the United States is at war pursuant to a declaration of war by the Congress. Permits revisions of the first concurrent resolution on the budget at any time after it has been agreed to pursuant to such Act before the end of the first fiscal year to which such resolution relates. Requires such revision to meet the same balanced budget requirements as the original concurrent resolution and provide for the same suspension of such requirements. Requires the second concurrent resolution on the budget to be for the fiscal year beginning on October 1 of such year and the succeeding fiscal year. Makes it out of order in either the House or the Senate to receive or consider any amendment to a reconciliation bill or reconciliation resolution if such amendment would have the effect of increasing any specific budget outlays above the level of such outlays contained in the bill or resolution as reported, or would reduce any specific Federal revenues below the level of such revenues as reported, unless it includes or is accompanied by an amendment which assures that total budget outlays are not increased and that total Federal revenues are not reduced by making an equivalent reduction in other specific budget outlays or an equivalent increase in other specific Federal revenues. Makes it out of order in either the House or the Senate, at any time after the Congress has completed action on the first concurrent resolution on the budget, and if a reconciliation bill or resolution is required to be reported in connection with such resolution after that bill has been enacted into law or such resolution has been agreed to, to consider any bill or resolution or amendment which provides for budget outlays, new budget authority in excess of the appropriated allocation, or new spending authority. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to state that any references to "a fiscal year" or "the fiscal year" with respect to a concurrent resolution on the budget shall be treated as references made separately to each of the two fiscal years to which such concurrent resolution relates. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require each committee required by such Act to report on a concurrent resolution on the budget to make such report within ten legislative days after the concurrent resolution is agreed to. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to require the President, from time to time during the fiscal year, to ensure that the budget complies with the requirements of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Requires such budget to be balanced, but permits the President to recommend alternative balanced budgets with outlays and revenues at higher or lower levels to take account of possible changes in economic conditions or other circumstances. Requires such budget transmitted by the President to be accompanied by a projected budget for the succeeding fiscal year. Permits a suspension of such requirements upon a Presidential request or if the United States is at war pursuant to a declaration of war by Congress. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, with respect to any fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 1983, to analyze the level of Federal revenues and budget outlays during the fiscal quarter beginning October 1 and ending December 31 in that year for the purpose of determining the levels of total revenues and budget outlays which may be anticipated for such fiscal year and whether such revenues will be sufficient to equal or exceed such outlays. Requires the Director to report to the President and Congress not later than January 3 if he determines that such revenues will not be sufficient to equal or exceed such outlays and to identify the amount of any such insufficiency and the percentage of total controllable expenditures which such insufficiency represents. Requires the President, upon receipt of such a report, to issue an order sequestering such amounts of budget authority as are necessary to reduce each such controllable expenditure by that percentage and to transmit to Congress a message identifying: (1) the total amount of budget authority which is to be sequestered; (2) the annuity budget authority which is to be sequestered with respect to each such controllable expenditure in order to reduce it by the required percentage; and (3) the account, department, or establishment from which each amount of budget authority is available for obligation and the specific project or governmental functions involved. Makes such an order effective from and after the date of its issuance except to the extent revised or abrogated by the Congress pursuant to this Act. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by Congress in reviewing such an order. Permits the Budget Committee of the House or the Senate, at any time after the promulgation of such an order, to report a concurrent resolution suspending, in whole or in part, the operation of such order. Defines the term "controllable expenditures" as expenditures which may be reduced without breaching any obligation, contractual or otherwise, of the United States to make payments. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to submit to the House and Senate Budget Committee recommendations concerning further refinement in the definition and identification of controllable expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide Federal drug enforcement officials with any information, equipment, facilities, training personnel, or advisors which may be helpful to enforcing Federal laws relating to the use of controlled substances. Permits drug officials to provide training and advice to members of the armed forces on the identification of drug traffickers and any other matter related to controlled substances.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Administrative Rulemaking Reform Act - Directs a Federal agency preparing to hold a rulemaking session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rulemaking. Requires the notice of rulemaking to include: (1) the projected effective date of the rules; (2) the purpose of the rulemaking; (3) the text of the proposed rules; and (4) the studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rulemaking proceedings. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment on all rulemaking proceedings unless the agency finds that proposed rules are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rulemaking. Provides for agency hearings to receive oral comments, and procedures to resolve significant controversies over factual issues. Requires each agency to maintain a public file of all relevant material and required statements for each rulemaking. Prohibits adoption of a proposed rule that has been revised substantially unless interested persons are provided an opportunity to comment on such revisions. Sets forth an expedited rulemaking procedure for rules to replace emergency rules. Directs each agency to submit a copy of each promulgated rule to each House of Congress. Declares that no rule, excluding an emergency rule, shall become effective if: (1) both Houses of Congress adopt a concurrent resolution disapproving it within 90 days of continuous session of Congress; or (2) one House adopts such a resolution within 60 such days and the other House does not disapprove such resolution within 30 days thereafter. Authorizes either House to adopt a resolution directing an agency to reconsider and repromulgate a newly promulgated rule or an existing rule within a specified period. Provides that if such agency fails to act such rule shall lapse. Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States to study and report on the effects on rulemaking of the Congressional review provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for such study. Directs a court reviewing an agency rule to set aside any rule found to be unwarranted by material in the rulemaking file.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Petroleum Displacement Act of 1981 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal certain prohibitions and limitations on the use of natural gas as a primary energy source in electric powerplants. Repeals the authority of the Secretary of Energy to prohibit the use of petroleum or natural gas or both: (1) as a primary energy source in electric powerplants where coal or alternate fuel capability exists; and (2) in excess of a minimal amount in an electric powerplant in which it is feasible to use a mixture of petroleum or natural gas or an alternate fuel as a primary energy source.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 to provide that provisions of such Act shall not apply to: (1) any surface sand or gravel, stone, or clay mine; or (2) any surface structure or road, if constructed by employees not engaged in mining.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the definition of "return information." Defines as "nonreturn information" identifying information: (1) collected by the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to a taxpayer or return relating to liability for any penalty; and (2) any part of any written determination or any background file document closed to public inspection. Allows disclosure of return information to an officer or employee of the Department of Justice for use in preparing any administrative, judicial, or grand jury proceedings involving the enforcement of a specific Federal criminal statute (but not involving tax administration) or in an investigation which may result in such a proceeding. Authorizes such disclosure only by ex parte order of a Federal district court judge or magistrate. Sets forth grounds for the granting of such order. Permits further disclosure by the Government attorney who has authorized the application for the ex parte order to Government personnel required to assist in a criminal investigation. Requires the Secretary to disclose nonreturn information (other than nonreturn information which would identify a confidential informant or seriously impair a tax investigation), upon written request of the head or the Inspector General of a Federal agency or the Attorney General or his designee, to such officers and employees directly engaged in administrative, judicial, or grand jury proceeding involving the enforcement of a specific Federal criminal statute (but not involving tax administration) or in an investigation which may result in such a proceeding. Permits further disclosure of such information to other Government personnel required to assist in a criminal investigation. Directs the Secretary to disclose, as soon as practicable, nonreturn information (other than information which would identify a confidential informant or seriously impair a tax investigation) which may constitute evidence of a violation of Federal criminal laws to the extent necessary to apprise the head of the appropriate Federal agency responsible for enforcing such laws. Authorizes the Secretary, upon recommendation to the Department of Justice for prosecution for violation of the Internal Revenue Code, to disclose to the Department return information reviewed, developed, or obtained during a tax investigation which constitutes evidence of a violation of Federal criminal laws. Allows information disclosed pursuant to this Act to be entered into evidence in a proceeding not involving tax administration or in an ancillary proceeding to which the United States is a party. Limits such disclosure to the extent required by applicable discovery requirements. Prohibits admission of such information into evidence if the Secretary determines that it would identify a confidential informant or seriously impair a tax investigation, unless a court otherwise directs disclosure. Permits the Secretary or his designee, in specified emergency circumstances, to disclose information to the extent necessary to apprise the appropriate Federal agency of such emergency. Permits the Internal Revenue Service to assist the Department of Justice or any other Federal agency in joint tax and nontax investigations of criminal matters which may involve tax violations. Allows a Federal official authorized to apply to a district court judge or magistrate for an ex parte order to disclose to the appropriate State attorney general or district attorney any return or nonreturn information in his possession which is relevant to the violation of a State felony statute. Authorizes the disclosure of return or nonreturn information to a competent authority of a foreign government which has a convention relating to the exchange of tax information with the United States. Provides a procedure for the disclosure of return or nonreturn information sought pursuant to a treaty on mutual assistance in criminal matters for use in an investigation or proceeding unrelated to the tax laws of the foreign country. Adds as an affirmative defense to a prosecution for the unauthorized disclosure of return or nonreturn information that such disclosure resulted from a good faith, but erroneous, interpretation of this Act. Permits a taxpayer aggrieved by the knowing or negligent disclosure by a Federal employee of return or nonreturn information in violation of this Act to bring a civil action for damages exclusively against the particular Federal agency.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1981 - 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 a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer. Sets forth requirements governing such an offer, including use of an independent appraisal meeting standards set by the SBA. Makes it unlawful for any refiner to exceed specified limitations on annual motor fuel sales. Makes it unlawful for any supplier to sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices. Stipulates that withholding of available fuel from a purchaser for resale at a lower price to a supplier-operated station shall constitute a violation. Permits price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery costs, or which are offered in good faith to meet competitive price reductions. Stipulates that a refiner may charge purchasers of motor fuel a uniform surcharge for use of a trademark or other 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. Permits contracts requiring a dealer to purchase motor fuel exclusively from a particular dealer or supplier, if such contract assures the dealer the right to purchase fuel elsewhere if the refiner does not have such fuel readily available. 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 90 days of enactment and annually thereafter to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of: (1) gallons of motor fuel sold at its U.S. stations during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel manufactured in the United States during the preceding year; and (3) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Sets forth fines for violations of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought by the FTC or private parties against violators. Directs the FTC and the Small Business Administration to prescribe regulations required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Commends former President Jimmy Carter, former Secretary of State Edmund Muskie, and former Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher for their success in securing the release of the American hostages held in Iran. Conveys appreciation to the Algerian negotiators for the role they played in resolving the hostage crises. Pays tribute to the eight servicemen killed in the April 1980 effort to rescue the American hostages. Commends President Reagan for designating former President Carter to officially greet the freed hostages.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981
Savings and Retirement Income Incentive Act of 1981 - Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 to make permanent the income tax exclusion for dividend and interest income. Increases such tax exclusion for persons over age 65 to $500 ($1,000 for joint returns). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $2,000 the amount of the income tax deduction for contributions to individual retirement accounts. Eliminates the prohibition against certain pension plan participants (e.g. government and military personnel) from making deductible contributions to individual retirement accounts. Increases the amount of nondeductible contributions which an individual may make to an individual retirement account in a taxable year and over such individual's lifetime. Permits contributors to an individual retirement account to withdraw from such an account up to $10,000, without tax penalty, in order to purchase a first home or finance the higher education of a dependent child. Allows an income tax deduction for voluntary employee contributions to tax-qualified employer pension and annuity plans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Permits an eligible veteran to purchase additional National Service Life Insurance in an amount equal to the amount of National Service Life Insurance such veteran already has in force.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of the Congress specially struck gold medals to fifty-three individuals held hostage in the United States Embassy in Iran. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) strike fifty-three gold medals with suitable emblems, devices and inscriptions; and (2) coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medals. Authorizes appropriations.