United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Commitment to the Clean Air Act resolution of the Ninety-seventh Congress - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) clean air is fundamentally important for the health and well-being of the citizens, economy, and environment of the United States; and (2) the existing Clean Air Act should be maintained and strengthened subject only to changes that will improve its administration and effectiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) proclaim the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Ukrainian Public Group to Promote the Implementation of the Helsinki Accords as a day honoring that Group; and (2) ask the Soviet Union to release the jailed members of the Group and to cease persecuting and jailing Ukrainian citizens seeking their rights.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which provide incentives for energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources should not be repealed or amended to reduce such incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should press for a negotiated settlement among the political factions in El Salvador to guarantee a safe environment for free elections.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Expresses the objection of Congress to the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, conformal fuel tanks, AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and aerial refueling aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to revise requirements for waivers that permit the hiring of 10- and 11-year-old children to hand harvest certain crops for eight weeks of a calendar year. Provides that the submission of signed statements from trained medical personnel in the affected region satisfies the requirement that the Secretary of Labor find that such employment would not be deleterious to the health or well-being of such children. Eliminates a requirement that the Secretary find, based on objective data submitted by the applicant, that the pesticides and other chemicals used would not have an adverse effect on such children. Provides, instead, that the Secretary grant such waivers unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines, based on scientific findings and other technical information, that such pesticides or chemicals may have a significant adverse effect on such children.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1981
Peace Corps Reform Act - Amends the Peace Corps Act to include within the purposes of such Act the goals of strengthening the development programs in foreign countries and of furthering a spirit of voluntary actions. Establishes the Peace Corps as an independent government corporation to carry out the purposes of such Act. Sets forth additional powers of the Peace Corps. Requires the Peace Corps to evaluate its performance and report such evaluation to Congress annually. Vests authority for the operations of the Peace Corps in a Board of Directors. Sets forth the membership of the Board. Establishes an Advisory Council in the Peace Corps to advise the Board on the policies and programs of the Peace Corps. Requires the Peace Corps to request each host country to establish an advisory council to advise the Peace Corps Country Director and appropriate host country government officials on the appropriate priorities and operating procedures for the Peace Corps in that country. Requires the Peace Corps to encourage establishment of regional advisory councils to advise the Peace Corps on its policies in the countries represented by the council. Requires the Board to appoint a Director and Deputy Director of the Peace Corps. Sets forth the duties of such officers. Requires the Peace Corps to establish procedures to maximize coordination with programs of other volunteer and development organizations. Sets forth general provisions concerning the organization of the Peace Corps as a government corporation. Limits the funds that may be used to carry out the Peace Corps Act for fiscal year 1982. Limits the amount of Peace Corps funds that may be spent for experts and consultants during such year. Repeals specified obsolete provisions of the Peace Corps Act. Increases the monthly allowance for volunteers to $150. Prohibits any volunteer from serving more than five years in any ten year period unless the Director approves an extension. Requires the Peace Corps to: (1) help returning volunteers in readjusting and using their skills; (2) help organizations in using the skills of such persons; and (3) encourage such persons to share their experiences in order to help promote American understanding of developing countries. Provides allowances and expenses for spouses of volunteers. Repeals the provisions creating Peace Corps volunteer leaders and making certain mutual defense assistance control provisions applicable. Revises the provisions governing Peace Corps employees. Prohibits security investigations of persons employed under the Peace Corps Act unless requested by the Peace Corps. Limits the amount of voluntary service program funds that may be contributed to other organizations to pay for encouraging development of international voluntary programs. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Peace Corps Act and other specified Acts. Sets forth provisions for the transition of the Peace Corps from a part of ACTION to an independent government corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Hunger Prevention and African Food Security Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to use at least half of the funds available for development assistance to provide assistance for persons living in absolute poverty as defined by specified standards. Requires special emphasis to be placed on alleviating hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa and particularly on facilitating the participation of women in food production in that region. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to specify a minimum aggregate value of all famine relief agreements. Requires famine relief agreements to provide that at least one-fifth of the commodities made available for famine relief or funds generated from the sale of those commodities in participating countries shall be used to strengthen food distribution systems in famine-prone countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa. Requires each such agreement to specify the measures taken to ensure that such commodities and funds benefit primarily the poor.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any congressional proposal to postpone the effective date of cost of living adjustments under titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act and of pensions of disabled war veterans and their dependents should be approved only if the Congress earlier acts to delay for a comparable period of time the application of certain windfall profit tax provisions and individual income tax reduction provisions applicable to taxpayers with a gross income of $50,000 or more contained in the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
First Things First Credit Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow an income tax deduction for interest paid or incurred on any loan which is used to acquire stock in order to gain control of a corporation, if the Board of Directors disapproves of the proposed acquisition by a majority vote.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the schedule of cost of living benefit increases as currently in effect under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act should be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1981
Tax Reduction and Reform Act of 1981 - Repeals the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981. Reinstates prior law. Title I: Individual Income Tax Provisions - Subtitle A - Tax Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual and estate and trust income tax rates in 1982, with further reductions in 1983 and thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations permitting workers to increase or decrease their withholding allowances. Reduces the highest marginal tax rate on all types of income from 70 to 68 percent in 1982 and to 67 percent in 1983 and thereafter. Increases the zero bracket amount for each category of taxpayers. Increases the income levels at which a taxpayer is required to file an income tax return. Increases the personal exemption to $1,100. Subtitle B - Increase in Earned Income Credit; Deduction for Two-Earner Married Couples; Etc. - Increases the rate of the earned income tax credit from ten to 11 percent of the first $5,000 of earnings beginning in 1982. Expands income eligibility requirements for such credit. Allows married individuals filing a joint return an income tax deduction from gross income of ten percent of the lesser of $30,000 or the earned income of the lower income spouse, beginning in 1983. Specifies that deduction shall be five percent of such amount in 1982. Increases the amount of the tax credit allowable for expenses for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment, beginning in 1982. Permits such credit for certain services provided outside the taxpayer's home. Extends until January 1, 1983, the time during which a State legislator may qualify for the income tax deduction for living expenses while engaged in legislative business away from his home district. Limits such deduction to 110 percent of the daily amount allowable for Federal employees away from home but serving in the United States. Disallows such deduction for State legislators whose district residence is within 50 miles from the State capital. Title II: Business Provisions - Subtitle A - Depreciation Reform - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the current system of depreciation with a first-year income tax deduction equal to the basis of personal property used in a trade or business or held for the production of income (expense-method property) which is placed in service after 1980. Phases in such expensing method by limiting the income tax deduction to a specified percentage of the basis of such property each year through 1990. Permits the first $25,000 worth of qualified assets to be expensed in the year they are purchased or placed in service without regard to the phase-in period. Excludes from eligibility for expensing: (1) property used predominantly outside of the United States; (2) certain property held by noncorporate lessors; (3) certain property not eligible for the investment tax credit; (4) certain public utility property; (5) property acquired at death; (6) certain livestock; (7) railroad tank cars; (8) oil pipelines; and (9) certain films. Disqualifies expense-method property from eligibility for the investment tax credit after 1985. Exempts accelerated depreciation on leased personal property from classification as an item of tax preference for purposes of computing the minimum tax. Revises the treatment of property depreciated under the retirement-replacement-betterment method to allow a five-year amortization of the existing adjusted basis of such property. Repeals the retirement-replacement-betterment method of depreciation. Repeals the additional first-year depreciation allowance for small business. Allows the depreciation of real property based on a useful life of 20 years. Permits the taxpayer to elect either the straight-line or declining balance method of depreciation for such property. Specifies that the declining balance method shall be at a rate of 200 percent of the straight-line depreciation rate for low-income housing and targeted area property and 150 percent for all other property. Revises component depreciation rules to provide that the taxpayer must utilize the same recovery period and method of depreciation for a building and its structural components. Allows separate depreciation of substantial improvements made after the property has been in service for three years. Excludes the following types of property from eligibility for accelerated depreciation: (1) property with a class life of 12 1/2 years or less; (2) mobile homes; and (3) property eligible for amortization. Establishes a method of simplified cost recovery for long-life public utility property. Establishes the following two classes and recovery periods for such property: (1) Class 1 property which has a present class life of more than 18 but less than 25 years, 15 years recovery; and (2) Class 2 property which has a present class life of over 25 years, ten year recovery. Excludes from eligibility for accelerated depreciation public utility property for which the normalization method of accounting is not used and property eligible for amortization. Requires the taxpayer to establish a recovery account for each class of public utility recovery property. Provides special rules for the depreciation of property not eligible for the expense-method of cost recovery. Sets forth guidelines for the determination of the useful life of such property. Provides that, for purposes of computing the earnings and profits of a corporation in any taxable year, the useful life of expense-method property shall be the lower life limit of such property and the useful life of real property shall be 35 years. Subtitle B - Corporate Rate Reductions for Small Businesses - Reduces corporate income tax rates for 1982 through 1984 and thereafter. Subtitle C - Credit for Rehabilitation Expenditures - Increases the investment tax credit percentage for rehabilitation expenditures to 15 percent for 30-year buildings, 20 percent for 40-year buildings, and 25 percent for certified historic structures, effective in 1982. Qualifies for the investment tax credit certain rehabilitated buildings leased to tax-exempt organizations or to governmental units. Subtitle D - Incentives for Research and Experimentation - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit for 25 percent of the qualified research expenses incurred by a taxpayer in carrying on any trade or business to the extent that such expenses exceed the average amount of the taxpayer's expenses in a specified base period. Defines "qualified research expenses" as amounts paid or incurred for in-house and contract research. Allows such credit for basic research contracted out to colleges, universities, and tax-exempt scientific research institutes. Excludes from eligibility for such credit research conducted outside of the United States, research in the social sciences or humanities, exploration for ore or other minerals, and activities performed by the taxpayer for another person. Provides for a carryover and carry back of any unused credit. Terminates such credit after 1985. Title III - Estate and Gift Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified credit against the estate tax from $47,000 to $104,800 by specified annual increments through 1985 for farms and closely held businesses. Repeals the limitations on the estate and gift tax marital deduction. Qualifies certain terminable interests for such deduction. Redefines "qualified joint interest" for purposes of the 50 percent valuation of interest in property held by the decedent and the decedent's spouse. Sets forth special rules for: (1) the estate taxation of certain property for which the marital deduction was previously allowed; (2) the tax treatment of disposition of certain life estates; and (3) recovery rights in the case of certain marital deduction property. Title IV: Tax Reform - Subtitle A - Repeal of Percentage Depletion for Oil and Gas - Repeals the percentage depletion allowance for oil and gas, effective in 1982. Subtitle B - Tax Straddles - Provides that any loss from the holding of one or more positions in certain securities shall be recognized, for income tax deduction purposes, only to the extent that it exceeds the unrealized gain (gain which would be recognized if the position has been sold at its fair market value) from the holding of one or more positions which: (1) were acquired before the disposition resulting in the loss; (2) were offsetting positions; and (3) were not part of an identified straddle as of the end of the taxable year. Defines "offsetting position" to mean that there is a substantial reduction of the taxpayer's risk of loss from holding any position with respect to securities which are actively traded because the taxpayer also holds one or more other positions with respect to such securities (commonly referred to as a "straddle"). Creates a rebuttable presumption that two or more positions are offsetting, for purposes of the definition of a straddle, if: (1) they are in the same personal property, although they may be in a substantially altered form; (2) they are in debt instruments of a similar maturity or certain other debt instruments; (3) they are sold or marketed as such; (4) the aggregate margin requirement for such positions is lower than the sum of the margin requirement for each such position; or (5) there are other factors, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to regulation, which indicate that such positions are offsetting. Imposes a penalty upon a taxpayer who fails to report each position held with respect to which there is unrealized gain. Disallows as a deduction, and makes chargeable to capital account, interest and carrying charges with respect to personal property which is part of a straddle. Treats as sold at its fair market value any regulated futures contract held by the taxpayer at the close of the taxable year. Treats gain or loss with respect to such a contract as: (1) short-term capital gain or loss, to the extent of 50 percent of the gain or loss; and (2) long-term capital gain or loss, to the extent of 50 percent of the gain or loss. Exempts from the loss recognition provisions of this title any straddle consisting entirely of offsetting positions which are regulated futures contracts. Defines "regulated futures contracts" as contracts: (1) which require delivery of personal property; (2) with respect to which amounts deposited and withdrawn depend on a system of marking to market; and (3) which are traded on or subject to the rules of certain boards of trade. Exempts from the application of such rules any hedging transaction. Defines "hedging transaction" as any transaction: (1) which is entered into in the course of the trade or business primarily to reduce certain types of risk with respect to property or borrowing; (2) the gain or loss on which is treated as ordinary income or loss; and (3) which is clearly identified as such. Limits the three-year carryback of losses from regulated futures contracts to an amount which: (1) does not exceed the lesser of the capital gain net income from regulated futures contracts or all of the capital gain net income; and (2) does not increase or produce a net loss. Provides that obligations of the United States, a State or local government, or a U.S. possession issued on a discount basis and payable without interest in less than one year shall be treated as capital assets in determining tax consequences of gain or loss with respect to such obligations. Treates as ordinary income any gain realized from the sale or exchange of short-term government obligations which does not exceed an amount equal to the ratable share of the excess of the stated redemption price at maturity over the taxpayer's basis. Excludes from capital gains tax treatment gains by a securities dealer from the sale or exchange of any security, unless the security was clearly identified in the dealer's records before the close of the day on which it was acquired as a security held for investment (currently, before the end of the date of acquisition). Extends capital gains treatment to gains or losses attributable to the termination of a right or obligation with respect to personal property of a type which is actively traded and which is or would be a capital asset in the hands of the taxpayer. Subtitle C - Treatment of Foreign Oil and Gas Income - Foreign Oil and Gas Tax Act of 1981 - Excludes from gross income any foreign oil and gas extraction income of a taxpayer. Disallows any tax credits or deductions attributable to such income or for the amount expended for oil and gas exploration outside of the United States. Disallows the foreign tax credit for excess foreign oil related payments by domestic corporations. Provides that the oil-and gas-related income of a foreign corporation controlled by a U.S. company shall be presently taxed (instead of deferred as under present law). Subtitle D - Cash Management - Increases from 60 to 80 percent the amount in total tax liability which certain large corporations must pay in estimated taxes. Title V: Financing of Railroad Retirement System - Increases the rate of the employer and employee railroad retirement taxes. Allows the Railroad Retirement Account to borrow funds from the Treasury if the balance of such Account is insufficient to pay annuity amounts due.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Condemns South Africa's military invasion of Angola. Recognizes that Cuban and Soviet military personnel have contributed to instability in southern Africa. Urges all parties to the Namibian conflict to cooperate in implementing a specified United Nations Security Council Resolution which embodies the Western plan for Namibian independence.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Repeals provisions in the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 regarding the windfall profit tax which: (1) increase the credit for royalty owners for 1981 and exempt royalty oil for 1982 and thereafter; (2) reduce the tax imposed on newly discovered oil; and (3) exempt independent producer stripper well oil.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (3) report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding agreements for research or research and development to small businesses with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with a SBIR program to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 in amount made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Repeals provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 which eliminate the minimum monthly social security benefit under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Amends title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the minimum monthly social security benefit for individuals who first become entitled to social security benefits after December 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Secretary of Commerce dealing with the Federal consistency provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Full Recognition of Angola Resolution - Calls upon the President to recognize the present Government of Angola and to establish full diplomatic relations with Angola.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $100,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $20,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1981 - Title I: Improved Identification for Motor Vehicle Parts and Components - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle security standard, applicable to parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles other than motorcycles after the effective date of such standard or manufactured as new replacement parts after such date. Directs the Secretary to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before promulgating such standard, which includes the effect on domestic motor vehicle production and sales. Stipulates that the standard shall not: (1) impose additional costs upon manufacturers in excess of $10 per motor vehicle; and (2) require the identification of more than 14 parts for any motor vehicle, nine parts for any truck, and four parts for any trailer. Declares that a Federal motor vehicle standard supercedes any State or local standard. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies on the development of security devices and systems. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on such devices and systems within one year of enactment. Provides for repeal of this title on a specified date. Title II: Antifencing Measures - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for removing or altering any identification number of any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulation. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or part which has had such number removed, with specified exceptions. Applies to the seizure and forfeiture of motor vehicles and parts those provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels and merchandise under the customs laws. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title III: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any self-propelled vehicle or vehicle part knowing that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used self-propelled vehicle to present to the appropriate customs officers the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Title IV: Reporting Requirements - Directs the Attorney General to establish a task force to study problems relating to the theft of off-highway mobile equipment. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a task force to study problems relating to motor vehicle titling and controls over motor vehicle salvage which may affect the motor vehicle theft problem. Directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Treasury and Transportation and the Postmaster General, to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the House shall not consider any bill, resolution, or conference report thereon reducing social security benefits prior to the opening of the second session of the 97th Congress. Instructs the House conferees on H.R. 3982 to recede and concur in an amendment deleting from the conference report on H.R. 3982 the section which repeals minimum social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Expresses Congressional disapproval of the proposed transfer by the Republic of Korea to Uruguay of howitzers, six vulcan guns, and ammunition produced from technical data packages acquired from the United States under the foreign military sales program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1981
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the three day prior hospitalization requirement for coverage of extended care services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Airline Deregulation Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to modify the definition of "ticket agent" as used in such Act. Directs air carriers to file with the Civil Aeronautics Board until December 31, 1982, individual and joint fares and charges, classifications, rules, and services for or in connection with interstate and overseas passenger air transportation. Requires that such filings shall be made with the Secretary of Transportation between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 1984. Prohibits air carriers and ticket agents from charging or collecting greater or less or different compensation than that specified in such filings. Transfers the authority of the Board relating to foreign air transportation to the Department of Transportation. Accelerates to January 1, 1983, the transfer of specified authority of the Board. Allows the Board to approve any contract or agreement that reduces or eliminates competition if it finds that the contract or agreement is necessary to secure important public benefits, including the marketing and sale of transportation through ticket agents. Sets forth the expiration dates for specified authority of the Secretary relating to contract approvals. Revises the expiration date and contents of the Secretary's (currently the Board's) report to Congress concerning the implementation of such Act. Prohibits the Board from issuing any final order or rule in regard to agreements among air carriers and agreements among foreign air carriers insofar as those agreements provide for the accreditation and supervision of travel agents. Directs the Board to forward the recommendations and analyses concerning such proceedings to the Secretary for final disposition. Prohibits the Board and the Department from attaching an expiration date on any certificate of public convenience and necessity. Deletes provisions concerning the issuance of such certificates for temporary authority to provide air transportation. Requires that each air carrier or foreign air carrier shall keep on file with the Board after January 1, 1983, the established divisions of all joint rates, fares, and charges for air transportation in which such carrier participates.
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 · 8 July 1981
Maritime Act of 1981 - Transfers all of the functions, powers, duties, assets, and liabilities of the Maritime Administration of the Department of Commerce to the Department of Transportation. Establishes the office of the Maritime Administrator to head the Maritime Administration. Transfers personnel employed in connection with the functions transferred by this Act. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to make such incidental dispositions of personnel, assets, liabilities, records, and appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Makes conforming amendments to specified Acts.
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 · 11 June 1981
Condemns the violence in Northern Ireland. Urges the exploration of all possible steps to avoid further deaths in the hunger strike and to achieve an immediate and humanitarian resolution of the strike issues. Urges Great Britain to exercise greater flexibility in administering prison rules in Northern Ireland and to invite the European Commission on Human Rights or other appropriate independent parties to participate in settling the strike. Urges the political leaders in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland to seek the earliest possible settlement in Northern Ireland through a negotiated agreement. Requests the President to express to the Prime Minister of Great Britain American concern for an immediate hunger strike settlement and a lasting settlement of the conflict in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Expresses the dismay of the Congress at the U.S. vote against the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Urges the administration to notify the World Health Organization that the United States will cooperate in implementing the Code. Urges the U.S. infant formula industry to abide by the Code's guidelines. Reaffirms U.S. dedication to protect the lives of all children and to support efforts to improve world health.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for home health care and nursing home expenses paid by families on behalf of their relatives.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary insurance program to provide insurance benefits for aged and disabled individuals and individuals medically determined to have end stage renal disease to be financed from premium payments by enrollees and excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products. Provides for coverage of the following under the program: (1) routine physical checkups, not exceeding one in any two-year period; (2) routine eye care, including the dispensing of eyeglasses no more than once a year; (3) dental care, including teeth cleaning, extractions, and crowns and bridges (as authorized); (4) hearing care, including examinations and hearing aids; and (5) prescription drugs and biologicals. Directs the Secretary to provide for a program certifying hearing aids. Creates a Trust Fund from which benefits will be paid to enrolled individuals, after payment of an annual $60 deductible. States that the Fund shall consist of gifts and bequests as provided in title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Act and 100 percent of a special tax on alcohol and tobacco established under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish such tax. Creates a Board of Trustees for the Fund and sets forth the reporting requirements. Sets forth provisions detailing the procedure for payment of claims of providers of services and the use of carriers for administration of benefits. Declares that every individual who: (1) is entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII; or (2) has attained age 65, is eligible to enroll. Sets forth provisions relating to enrollment and the enrollment period. Provides that the monthly premium shall be equal to the monthly premium under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, at the request of a State, to enter into an agreement with a State pursuant to which individuals receiving money payments under the following titles of the Act will be enrolled under the program: (1) individuals receiving money payments under a plan approved under title I (Old Age and Medical Assistance for the Aged) or XVI (Supplemental Security Income); or (2) individuals receiving money payments under all of the State plans approved under titles I, X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), XVI, and IV, part A (Aid to families with Dependent Children). Permits the Secretary to enter into a modification of an agreement with a State under which individuals who are entitled to benefits under title II of the Act or who are eligible under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act may be included within the coverage group covered under such a State agreement. Directs the Secretary to provide for a project demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of providing services and appliances, as a benefit under the program established by this Act, to assist or compensate for visual impairment in low-vision individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income medicare payments for physicians' services which exceed $10,000. Limits the aggregate amount excluded from gross income and which is attributable to services performed by any one physician to $15,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
United States Flag Ship Fair Competition Tax Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit accelerated depreciation for vessels documented under the laws of the United States. Provides a useful life of one or more years for vessels constructed in the United States and a useful life of five or more years for foreign-built vessels.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1981
Missing Children Act - Directs the Attorney General to collect and preserve information which would assist in: (1) the identification of any deceased individual who has not been identified within 30 days of his or her death; and (2) the location of any missing child who is under the age of 17, does not have a history of running away, and has been missing for at least 48 hours.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Provides for the disposition by the Secretary of the Interior of funds appropriate to pay a judgment in favor of the Cowlitz Tribe of Indians in a specified Indian Claims Commission case. Declares that enrolled members of the Yakima Tribe who have continued their interest and support of the Cowlitz Tribe and who are otherwise eligible under this Act shall not be precluded from a share in the per capita distribution of such funds.
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 · 13 May 1981
Export Administration Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Export Administration Amendments Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to carry out such Act. Prohibits any department or agency from withholding confidential information necessary for enforcement of such Act from any enforcement department or agency. Exempts census information from such prohibition. Increases the maximum criminal fine: (1) for violations of such Act; and (2) for failure to report that goods exported under a validated license are being used by the importing country for military or intelligence gathering purposes contrary to the license conditions. Makes such fines less for individuals than in other cases. Limits the civil fine for violations of such Act to $10,000 for individuals and to $100,000 in all other cases. Prohibits the imposition of export controls on food if it is determined such controls would cause measurable malnutrition in the countries against whom the controls are proposed, unless the President determines that the controls are necessary to protect U.S. security or that arrangements are insufficient to ensure that food will reach those most in need. Amends the International Investment Survey Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1981 - Title I: Military and Related Assistance and Sales - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to set the trigger price that would require the President to submit a certification to Congress before consenting to transfers of defense equipment, articles, and services. Exempts such transfers from the 30-day waiting period between submission of certification and effectiveness of consent if the recipient is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), any NATO member, Japan, Australia or New Zealand. Requires the President to submit the certification before consenting to such a transfer, unless an emergency exists. Prohibits the President from consenting to a transfer of defense articles or services valued at such trigger price, from one foreign country or international organization to another, unless the President submits a certification to Congress before consenting. Requires all such certifications to be submitted 30 days before the President consents, unless the transfer is to NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Deletes the provision which exempted transfers to such countries from the certification requirement. Extends the time within which the President must report the price and availability estimates of such defense articles, services, and major equipment. Retains the current trigger price that would make it necessary for the President to include in such report a request by a foreign country for a letter of offer to sell defense equipment, articles, or services. Increases, with respect to letters of offers to sell, the trigger price of defense equipment, articles, or services that would require the President to submit a specified certification to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires all such certifications to be submitted 30 days before a letter of offer is issued, unless an emergency exists or the recipient of the letter is NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Requires certifications for such countries before the letters are issued, unless an emergency exists. Increases the trigger price, with respect to applications for export licenses of defense equipment, articles, or services, that would require the President to submit a specified certification to Congress. Eliminates the 30 day waiting period between certification by the President and issuance of such an export license for NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Requires such certification to be submitted before an export license is issued to such countries, unless an emergency exists. Authorizes the President to reduce or waive certain charges and costs involved in producing defense articles and equipment that would advance standardization of U.S. armed forces with the armed forces of Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the foreign military sales credit and guarantee program. Sets the ceiling for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 on: (1) the total amount of military sales credits; and (2) the total principal amount of loan guarantees for foreign military sales. Allots a specified amount of such credits and guaranteed loans for Israel. Allots a specified amount of such loan guarantees for Greece. Authorizes funds for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to finance procurement by Israel of defense articles and services. Sets forth the terms of repayment by specified countries of such loan guarantees. Directs the President to review periodically the items on the U.S. Munitions List. Includes extraordinary expenses in charges for administrative expenses for foreign military sales. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a Special Defense Acquisition Fund to finance the acquisition of defense articles and services in anticipation of their transfer to eligible foreign countries and international organizations. Requires acquisitions of short supply items to be emphasized when compatible with security assistance requirements. Authorizes appropriations for such Fund for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Prohibits the transfer of any defense articles or services acquired by such Fund to any foreign country or international organization unless authorized by law. Authorizes the temporary use of such defense articles and services by U.S. armed forces prior to their transfer. Authorizes the use of such Fund to pay for the costs related to the acquisition and transfer of such defense articles and services. Directs the President to report to Congress annually on such acquisitions of defense articles and services. Authorizes the President to lease in-stock defense articles to an eligible foreign country or international organization if: (1) the President determines there are compelling foreign policy and national security reasons for leasing rather than selling such articles; (2) the President determines the articles are not presently needed for public use; and (3) the foreign country or international organization has agreed to pay all costs incurred in leasing such articles. Limits each lease agreement to five years duration. Requires each lease to provide that the President may terminate the lease and require immediate return of the leased articles. Authorizes loans for leases of such defense articles. Directs the President to submit a certification to Congress before entering into or renewing such a lease or loan. Authorizes the waiver of such certification if the Presidents reports to Congress that an emergency exists. Prohibits any lease or loan of defense equipment or articles valued at or above specified amounts if Congress objects to the proposed lease or loan by adopting a concurrent resolution. Exempts such loans or leases to NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand from such legislative review. Applies laws restricting the countries or organizations to which arms sales may be made to leases of defense articles under this Act. Makes the Secretary of State responsible for the supervision and general direction of such leases. Requires such leases to meet the same prerequisites for consent by the President as sales of such articles or services. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require loan agreements covering defense articles to provide for restoration or replacement of loaned defense articles which are damaged, lost, or destroyed. Amends the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1980 to repeal the provision relating to leasing defense property. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to eliminate the requirement that the President report to Congress on certain leases of military property to foreign governments. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for military assistance. Allots a specified amount of the military assistance funds available for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to provide grants to finance procurements of defense articles and services for certain countries for which military sales credits were requested but not made available. Repeals the provision that terminated the authority to furnish military assistance to any country unless Congress specifically authorized such assistance. Sets dollar amount limitations on additions to stockpiles of defense articles for foreign countries for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Eliminates the requirement of specific congressional authorization for the operation of a military assistance advisory group, military mission, or organization of U.S. military personnel in a foreign country. Authorizes the President to assign U.S. military personnel to a foreign country to perform specified functions. Limits advisory and training assistance conducted by such personnel. Expresses the sense of Congress that advising and training assistance in countries to which such personnel are assigned shall be provided by other personnel who are detailed for limited periods to perform specific tasks. Limits to six the number of such military personnel assigned to a foreign country unless specifically authorized by Congress. Authorizes the President to waive this limitation upon reporting to Congress that U.S. interests require more than six be assigned to carry out international security assistance programs. Authorizes specified countries to have U.S. military personnel strengths larger than six for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Prohibits the total number of such military personnel assigned to a foreign country from exceeding the number justified to Congress, unless the appropriate Congressional committees are notified before the introduction of the additional military personnel. Specifies the funds to be charged with the costs of overseas management of international security assistance programs. Retains provisions that: (1) make the Chief of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission responsible for supervising such military personnel; and (2) restrict encouragement by U.S. diplomatic and military personnel of military equipment purchases by foreign countries. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) international military education and training; and (2) peacekeeping operations. Prohibits using the authority for peacekeeping operations to finance the establishment of a peacekeeping force in the Sinai or to position U.S. military units in the Sinai without express Congressional approval. Increases the amount of funds that may be transferred in any fiscal year from economic support funds for peacekeeping operations. Expresses support for holding free elections in El Salvador. Authorizes the obligation of funds for military and economic assistance under specified Federal laws for El Salvador only if, prior to each such grant of assistance, the President certifies to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that El Salvador's Government: (1) is not engaged in consistently violating internationally recognized human rights; (2) has achieved substantial control over its armed forces; (3) is making progress in implementing essential economic and political reforms; (4) is committed to holding free elections; and (5) has demonstrated its willingness to negotiate a political resolution of the conflict. Directs the President, if such certification is not made, to: (1) suspend specified military assistance and military education and training for El Salvador; (2) withhold approvals for use of certain credits and guarantees for El Salvador; (3) suspend deliveries of certain defense articles, defense services, and design and construction services; and (4) withdraw from El Salvador all U.S. armed forces performing specified functions. Prohibits the President from making such certification until the President also certifies that El Salvador's government has made good faith efforts to investigate the murders of six U.S. citizens in El Salvador and to bring those responsible for the murders to justice. Title II: Economic Support Fund - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the Economic Support Fund. Deletes provisions relating to: (1) the use of fiscal year 1981 funds; and (2) Central American economic support. Allots a minimum amount of the authorized economic support funds for such years for Israel and Egypt on a grant basis. Authorizes making such funds available to Israel as a cash transfer. Replaces funds authorized and appropriated for Egypt and Israel in fiscal year 1981 which were reprogrammed to aid other countries. Authorizes obligating economic support funds for Egypt to finance activities relating to the reclamation of desert lands (new lands development). Authorizes the use of a specified amount of such funds, under the famine prevention and freedom from hunger programs, to build agricultural extension services in Egypt for the small farmer. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of such funds for such years for special requirements in the Middle East, if the President makes a specified report to Congress. Requires the President to report to Congress at the end of each of fiscal years 1981 through 1983 on the use of such funds. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should finance and participate in cooperative scientific and technological projects involving Israel, Egypt, and other Middle East countries. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of economic support funds for such projects. Deobligates all economic support funds appropriated in prior fiscal years for Syria, except specified earmarked funds. Authorizes using such deobligated funds to reimburse U.S. companies or persons that meet specified criteria. Requires a minimum of two-thirds of the economic support funds available for Turkey for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to be provided on a grant basis. Allots a specified amount of the authorized economic support funds for each of fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for Cyprus. Prohibits use of economic support funds available for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to finance any foreign nuclear facility, unless the President certifies to Congress that it is indispensable to achievement of nonproliferation objectives. Earmarks a specified amount of economic support funds for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for emergency use when U.S. national interests require economic support to promote stability. Title III: Development Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) agricultural development programs; (2) participation in the International Fund for Agricultural Development; (3) assistance for voluntary population planning and health programs; (4) education and human resources development, with a minimum amount earmarked to finance scholarships for disadvantaged South African students; (5) energy development and production, including an earmarked amount for facilitating geological and geophysical survey work; and (6) private voluntary organizations and selected development activities, including programs of disaster preparedness. Retains references to a target figure and fiscal year for promotion of human rights. Authorizes the President to assist developing countries in strengthening their capacity to protect and manage their environment and natural resources. Directs the President to take into account the environmental impact of development programs on developing countries. Requires agencies responsible for such programs to take into account: (1) an environmental impact statement for any development program significantly affecting the environment of the United States or of areas outside the jurisdiction of any country; and (2) an environmental assessment of any proposed program significantly affecting a foreign country's environment. Expresses the concern of the Congress about the continuing loss of tropical forests in developing countries. Directs the President to consider such concerns and the recommendations of the U.S. Interagency Task Force on Tropical Forests: (1) in carrying out programs with respect to developing countries; and (2) in seeking opportunities to coordinate development and investment activities which affect such forests. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct U.S. representatives to international organizations to urge that: (1) higher priority be given to the problems of tropical forest alteration and loss; and (2) there be improved cooperation among these organizations with respect to tropical forest activities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for implementation of the Sahel development program. Conditions disbursement of such funds upon a finding that the foreign government will maintain an accounting system that adequately provides identification of and control over the receipt and expenditure of those funds. Increases and extends through fiscal year 1983 the authorization of appropriations for worldwide housing guaranty programs. Sets up a revolving fund in the Treasury for all fees derived from certain guaranty programs. Authorizes investment of such funds in U.S. obligations. Authorizes U.S. participation in the International Food Policy Research Institute. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) participation in international organizations and programs; (2) trade and development programs; and (3) the African Development Foundation. Title IV: Food for Peace Programs - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to: (1) authorize the President to agree to sell agricultural commodities for foreign currencies on credit terms and on terms which permit conversion to dollars at the exchange rate applicable to the sales agreement; (2) eliminate the provision for the progressive transition from sales for foreign currencies to sales for dollars;(3) repeal the provision which excluded from the definition of friendly country any country or area dominated by a communist government; (4) repeal the requirement that purchasing countries identify food commodities sold for foreign currencies as being provided through U.S. generosity; (5) authorize the President to use for specified purposes the foreign currencies that accrue from such sales entered into before a specified date; and (6) require payments by friendly countries for commodities purchased for foreign currencies to be upon terms no less favorable to the United States than those for development loans. Repeals provisions which: (1) authorize financing ocean transportation costs for such sales; and (2) require a minimum allocation of foreign currencies for self-help measures. Increases the maximum amount of such foreign currencies that may be used for emergency relief requirements other than food commodities. Directs the President to consider, before agreeing to sell U.S. agricultural commodities, to what extent a recipient country is using self-help measures to reduce illiteracy among farmers and to improve farmers' health. Requires each such agreement to describe the economic development and self-help measures extensively and in a manner which ensures that the country's needy people will be the major beneficiaries of the self-help measures. Directs the President to ensure that the self-help provisions are additional to measures that would otherwise be undertaken and to determine whether such provisions are being fully carried out. Limits the amount of financing from sales of agricultural commodities for foreign currencies which can be made available for any one country beginning in fiscal year 1983. Decreases the minimum quantity of agricultural commodities which must be distributed through nonprofit voluntary agencies and the World Food Program for famine relief in fiscal year 1982. Title V: Other Assistance Programs - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) American schools and hospitals abroad; (2) international narcotics control; (3) international disaster assistance; and (4) assistance for displaced persons in Central America. Repeals the provision which prohibits the use of aid funds to pay for herbicide spraying to eradicate marihuana. Authorizes the use of funds appropriated before enactment of this Act to pay for such herbicide spraying. Authorizes the use, without limitations, of narcotics control funds appropriated for fiscal year 1980 that were obligated for Columbia. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance for displaced persons in Central America. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for fiscal year 1982 and 1983. Title VI: Peace Corps - Requires the Peace Corps to be an independent agency within the executive branch. Amends the Peace Corps Act to delete certain provisions relating to readjustment allowance payments to Peace Corps volunteers. Transfers to the Director of the Peace Corps all functions relating to the Peace Corps that were vested in the Director of the ACTION agency. Provides for the transfer of personnel, contracts, property, records, and funds used primarily by the Peace Corps to the Peace Corps. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General to submit reports to the appropriate congressional committees on the implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the Peace Corps. Requires the Peace Corps to give particular attention to programs that tend to integrate disabled people into developing countries' national economies. Authorizes the Director of the Peace Corps to procure legal services under certain conditions. Applies the malpractice protection currently covering State Department personnel to Peace Corps volunteers and personnel. Removes present malpractice protection for Peace Corps volunteers. Removes the applicability of the Mutual Defense Control Act of 1951 to the functions of the Peace Corps. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require property already owned by a Federal agency to be used in furnishing international development assistance in lieu of or supplementary to purchasing new items. Makes permanent the exemption from limitations for U.S. assistance to construction of productive enterprises in Egypt. Provides for compensation of Federal agency employees assigned to work outside the United States. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the operating expenses of administering the international development program. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to establish in the Agency for International Development (AID) an office of Inspector General. Directs the Inspector General of AID to supervise: (1) all security activities relating to AID operations; and (2) all audit, investigative, and security activities relating to operations within the U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency, to the extent requested by the Director of such Agency. Directs the Inspector General of AID to appoint an Assistant Inspector General for security. Authorizes the Inspector General of AID to assign members of the Foreign Service as employees of the Inspector General. Exempts AID from specified overseas personnel ceilings. Repeals the provision requiring the appointment of an Auditor General for the international development program. Requires the President to use the currencies or credits received from Poland from the sale of surplus dairy products to serve U.S. interests in Poland. Declares that eliminating hunger shall be a primary objective of U.S. relations with developing countries. Directs the President to: (1) encourage other grain exporting countries to establish food security reserves; and (2) report to Congress on the actions taken by the President and the response of other countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that up to $15,000,000 of international development funds should be made available for development assistance for Haiti. Authorizes additional appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for agricultural research. States that development assistance for Haiti for such fiscal year should be provided through private and voluntary organizations to the maximum extent possible. Authorizes funding for development assistance, military assistance, military education and training, and arms credits and guarantees for fiscal year year 1982 for Haiti only if the President determines that Haiti's government: (1) has cooperated in halting and has not supported illegal emigration from Haiti; (2) has provided assurances that it will cooperated in implementing U.S. development assistance programs in Haiti; and (3) is not engaged in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. Directs the President to report to Congress every six months on the extent to which Haiti's actions are consistent with such determinations. Exempts assistance for halting significant illegal emigration to the United States from the prohibition on aid for police training in foreign countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take into account whether elections will be held and whether political groups in Nicaragua will be allowed to promote specific candidates in considering any aid for Nicaragua. Reaffirms congressional support for human rights provisions. Directs the President to report to the Speaker of the House and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on prevailing economic conditions in Egypt, Israel, and Turkey that may affect their ability to meet international debt obligations and to stabilize their economies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should continue diplomatic efforts to implement a policy with respect to Lebanon that provides for: (1) an immediate cease fire; (2) reaffirmation of the U.S.-Lebanon relationship and commitment to restoring the freedom, sovereignty, and integrity of Lebanon; (3) restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty; and (4) support for a free and open national election. Repeals the prohibition against assistance and arms sales to Argentina. Authorizes the provision of military assistance, economic assistance, arms sales credits, and export licenses only if the President certifies to the Speaker of the House and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Argentina has made significant progress in complying with internationally recognized human rights principles and that the provision of such assistance is in the interest of the United States. Expresses the sense of Congress that assistance furnished to El Salvador should be used and all other fundamental to encourage: (1) observance of internationally recognized human rights; (2) continued progress in implementing essential economic and political reforms; (3) an investigation of the deaths in El Salvador of U.S. citizens; (4) an end to extremist violence; (5) free elections; and (6) increased professional capability of the Salvadoran military to establish a peaceful and secure environment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Title I: Department of State - Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the Department of State to be used for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations and conferences; (3) international commissions; and (4) migration and refugee assistance. Limits the amount of any U.S. payment to the United Nations budget to the amount assessed as the U.S. contribution less: (1) 25 percent of the budget for the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People; and (2) 25 percent of the budget for the Special Unit on Palestinian Rights. Makes a specified amount available for an ex gratia payment to Yugoslavia as an expression of U.S. concern for the injuries suffered by a Yugoslav national who was attacked in New York City. Makes available specified amounts for aid in resettling refugees from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in Israel. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for payment of the U.S. share of expenses of the science and technology agreements between the United States and Yugoslavia and the United States and Poland. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948, and the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for, respectively, the State Department, the International Communication Agency (ICA), and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Incorporated, to offset fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates occurring after November 30 of the calendar year preceding the enactment of the authorization authorization legislation for such fiscal year (current laws offset fluctuations occurring after November 30 of the preceding preceding fiscal year). Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary of State to transfer from accounts under the heading of administration of foreign affairs to the account set up to offset such fluctuations any amount which exceeds the needs of the approval level of operations because of such fluctuations. Amends the passport provisions to authorize the Secretary of State to set the amount of the fees for issuance of a passport and for executing passport applications. Extends the duration of a passport's validity from five to ten years. Authorizes the Secretary to limit a passport's validity to a shorter period in an individual case or on a general basis pursuant to regulation. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to allow as proof of U.S. citizenship: (1) a passport during its period of validity if such period is the maximum authorized by law; and (2) a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. Deletes the limitations under current Federal laws on the authorized appropriations for payment of the U.S. share of the expenses of the: (1) Pan American Institute of Geography and History; (2) Hague Conference on Private International Law and of the International (Rome) Institute for the Unification of Private Law; and (3) Pan American Railway Congress. Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to direct the President to appoint a U.S. representative to the Vienna office of the United Nations. Provides for living quarters for certain U.S. representatives to the United Nations rather than only for the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Credits any payments made by U.S. personnel for such living quarters to the fund used by the Secretary to rent the premises. Provides that the Federal criminal provisions relating to compensation, activities, disqualification, and acts affecting personal financial interests of Federal employees shall not apply to certain private sector representatives on U.S. delegations to international telecommunications conferences. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to limit the duration of any procurement contract for the Department of State or the Foreign Service to five years when: (1) appropriations are available for the first fiscal year and for potential cancellation costs; and (2) the Secretary makes specified determinations. Provides for cancellation of the contract if funds are not available for its continuation. Makes the provisions of the Defense Base Act relating to the compensation for disability or death for persons employed at military bases outside the United States inapplicable with respect to contracts with persons employed by the State Department or the Foreign Service on an intermittent basis. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent Office of Foreign Missions within the Department of State. Authorizes the Director of such Office to: (1) assist Federal, State, and municipal agencies to ascertain the benefits due a foreign mission; (2) provide benefits for or on behalf of a foreign mission; and (3) perform such other functions as the Secretary determines necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to require a foreign mission to obtain benefits from the Director on terms approved by the Secretary or to comply with certain terms, including paying the Director a fee and waiving any recourse against any governmental authority or employee, as a condition to the performance in the United States of any contract, the acquisition of any real property, or the application for or acceptance of any benefit, if the Secretary determines such actions are necessary to: (1) facilitate relations between the U.S. and a sending state (a state represented by such mission); (2) protect U.S. interests; (3) adjust for costs and procedures of obtaining benefits for U.S. missions abroad; or (4) assist in resolving a dispute affecting U.S. interests. Authorizes the Secretary to require any foreign mission to: (1) notify the Director before such mission acquires or disposes of any real property; and (2) divest itself of or forgo the use of any real property acquired without notice to the Director or exceeding the limits placed on real property available to a U.S. mission in the sending state. Authorizes the Secretary to protect and dispose of any property of a foreign mission which has ceased conducting governmental activities and has not designated a protecting power. Makes the location and dimensions of any foreign mission's real property in the District of Columbia subject to the approval of the National Capital Planning Commission. Sets forth the criteria for the Commission's determinations about such real property. Provides for the administration and management of the Office of Foreign Missions. Makes the provisions of this Act applicable to public international organizations. Prohibits compliance with this Act by a foreign mission from being deemed a waiver of any immunity. Prohibits making benefits available to foreign missions contrary to this Act. Extends the privileges and immunities of the Vienna Convention to missions of nonparties to the Convention. Authorizes the President to extend to such missions treatment that is more favorable or less favorable than that provided under the Vienna Convention. Title II: International Communication Agency - International Communication Agency Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for the ICA for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to carry out certain international communication, educational, cultural, and exchange programs. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to permit any Federal employee who has special scientific, technical, or professional qualifications to be assigned to a foreign government (presently only U.S. citizens can be so assigned). Authorizes the making of procurement contracts for periods which do not exceed five years if: (1) appropriations are adequate for the first fiscal year; (2) Government need is reasonably firm and continuing; (3) such contract will encourage effective competition or promote economics in performance and operation; and (4) such method will not inhibit small business participation. Requires such contracts to be cancelled if funds are not available for continuation into subsequent fiscal years. Authorizes the Director of the ICA to purchase security vehicles without regard to any maximum price limitation. Provides for the principal assistant of an ICA Associate Director to perform the duties of any Associate Director who dies, resigns, is sick, or absent. Excludes employees of certain exhibits of U.S. economic or cultural accomplishments from the provisions of the Defense Base Act relating to compensation for disability or death. Makes the limitation on obligations or expenditures of appropriations to carry the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 inapplicable with respect to any appropriations for liquidating notes which were assumed in the operation of the informational media guaranty program and were outstanding on a specified date. Directs the ICA Director to make available for distribution within the United States the film "Reflections: Samuel Elliott Morison." Title III: Board for International Broadcasting - Board for International Broadcasting Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to increase the authorized appropriations for fiscal year 1981 and to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969 to authorize appropriations for the Inter-American Foundation for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Changes the method for reimbursing travel expenses of the Foundation's Board members.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Title I: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Requires a principal who enters into a contract with a sales representative for the solicitation of orders for merchandise of the principal to furnish specified information to the representative, including monthly commission statements. Enumerates items to be included in any written contract between a principal and sales representative in order to conform with this Act. Title II: Indemnification - Exempts principals who have entered into a written contract in conformity with title I from the indemnification requirements of this title. Requires any principal to indemnify a sales representative in accordance with this title if such principal: (1) without good cause terminates a representative's assignment or reduces the geographical territory assigned to a representative; (2) reduces the rate of commission paid to a representative; or (3) reduces the number of accounts assigned within a geographical territory. Sets forth a formula for the indemnification of such representatives. Title III: Miscellaneous - Permits actions to be brought in Federal district court to enforce the rights or liabilities of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest earned on certificates of deposit issued by banks, certain savings institutions, or credit unions. Requires such certificates to be issued between June 30, 1981 and July 31, 1982, to have a one year maturity, and to bear interest at a rate not greater than 70 percent of the average yield of U.S. Treasury bills. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns).
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981
Congressional Campaign Financing Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to place limits and reporting requirements on Congressional primary and general election expenditures for candidates receiving public financing. Sets forth penalty provisions for knowing violations of such requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new chapter, the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Entitles to campaign payments Congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and certify that: (1) they and their authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations; and (2) they have received contributions in excess of a specified sum. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment by a candidate of excess payments and unexpended payments. Establishes criminal penalties for use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct an audit of the qualified campaign expenses of every candidate who receives matching payments; and (2) report to Congress with respect to such expenses and payments, such report to be made readily available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bonker, Don [D-WA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000620_200.jpg)