The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Broyhill, James T. [R-NC-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000966_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
1,256 records where Rep. Broyhill, James T. [R-NC-10] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1982
Declares that the House of Representatives considers Arland D. Williams, Junior, to be a national hero for his heroic sacrifice after the airplane crash in the Potomac River on January 13, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Requests the President to designate the week beginning on November 21, 1982, as National Family Week.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1982
Energy Consumer Regulatory Reform Act of 1982 - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act, the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, and the Energy Reorganization Act by repealing provisions relating to energy conservation improvements to buildings. Repeals provisions of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act and the Energy Security Act relating to residential energy conservation service and commercial and apartment energy conservation service. Repeals energy efficiency standards and requirements for consumer products other than automobiles under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to repeal retail regulatory policies for electric and gas utilities. Repeals provisions of the Energy Conservation and Production Act relating to electric utility rate design initiatives. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by repealing provisions relating to State energy conservation programs and general emergency energy authorities. Repeals the Emergency Energy Conservation Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1982
Designates March 18, 1982, as National Agriculture Day.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1982
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Admiral Hyman George Rickover in recognition of his distinguished service and for his contributions to the development of safe nuclear energy and to the defense of the United States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such provision. Authorizes the Secretary to make available bronze duplicates of such medal for sale under regulations he prescribes and in accordance with provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1982
Permits Federal, State, Territorial, and local governments to establish negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1982
Designates July 9, 1982, as National P.O.W.-M.I.A. Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1982
Directs that the transcript of proceedings on September 23, 1981, incident to the presentation of a portrait of the Honorable John D. Dingell to the Energy and Commerce Committee be printed as a House document. Directs that an additional number of casebound copies of such document be printed for the use of the committee.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Clean Air Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act ("the Act") to revise provisions applicable to stationary and mobile sources of air pollution. Declares that such revision is for the purposes of: (1) preserving the basic framework and purposes of the Act; (2) continuing unchanged the Act's statutory requirements for setting and revising national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) (both "primary" NAAQS, relating to human health; and "secondary" NAAQS, relating to other "welfare" factors); (3) lessening the complexity in the process of achieving those standards and other requirements of the Act; (4) expediting the review and approval process for State implementation plans (SIPs); (5) providing reasonably appropriate extensions of time for States to attain NAAQS and providing administrative flexibility for States and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to achieve the purposes of the Act in a timely and reasonably effective way; (6) ensuring adequate consideration of economic, energy, safety, environmental, employment, and other relevant factors in achieving NAAQS and other requirements; (7) supporting training programs for State and local governments; and (8) providing sufficient budget authority and personnel for the Administrator to enable the EPA and the States to carry out the Act in a timely and efficient manner without undue reliance on contractors. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Regulation of Stationary Sources - Revises title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Act. Use of Best Available Data - Requires that the best available data obtained by monitoring or modeling be used in revisions of a list of air quality control regions that do not meet specified standards. Provides that, where available, "reliable monitoring data" shall be considered "the best available data." Directs the Administrator to decide upon "the best available data" and "reliable monitoring data." State Plans and State Implementation Plans Revision Process - Revises deadlines for development of State implementation plans (SIPs) to extend the current nine-month period to "a reasonable time as determined by the Administrator (but not to exceed two years)." Directs the Administrator to participate in public hearings conducted by a State, where appropriate to expedite the approval of any SIP revision. Authorizes the Administrator, with the consent of the State, to jointly conduct such hearings. Sets forth new provisions for a State Implementation Plan Revision Process. Directs the Administrator to publish prompt notice of any State submission of any SIP revision. Provides for a written comment period of 30 to 70 days. Permits the Administrator to approve or disapprove the SIP revision, without additional proceedings, where the revision was submitted after State administrative proceedings certified by the State to be at least comparable to specified Federal rulemaking proceedings (including reasonable notice and public hearing) and after the written comment period. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct additional proceedings within a specified period. Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove the SIP revision 70 to 120 days after submission. Allows the Administrator to: (1) extend for up to 60 days the periods for submission of written comments and for final approval or disapproval; and/or (2) conduct additional proceedings. Requires published notice of and reasons for such extension. Requires published notice of approval or disapproval before the expiration of the 120-day period or the extended period. Deems any SIP revision that has not been approved or disapproved before the expiration of the required (or extended) period to have been approved. Directs the Administrator to publish notice and a copy of the revision, at the expiration of such period (or extension). Provides that specified "noncontroversial revisions" of SIPs shall be deemed approved upon adoption by a State. Requires a State, upon adoption of a noncontroversial SIP revision and expiration of a 30-day written comment period, to transmit notice, to the Administrator and the Federal Register, to be published as if it were a revision promulgated by the Administrator. Defines a "noncontroversial revision" as one: (1) for which no person has filed a written objection based on any provision of the Act or any regulation in effect under the Act; and (2) which is adopted by the State pursuant to Administrator-approved procedures (including reasonable notice and opportunity for participation by the public and the Administrator). Prohibits treating as a noncontroversial revision any change in a stationary source emission limitation, compliance schedule or timetable, or permit provision, until the Administrator has promulgated certain regulations requiring that such changes be limited to a stationary source already in operation and do not permit emissions increases in excess of an amount deemed by rule to be significant. Directs the Administrator to take specified factors into account in promulgating such regulations. Applies the term "noncontroversial revision" also to any revision relating only to specified information requirements. Permits State variances that are SIP revisions issued on a six-month emergency basis to be treated as approved revisions under a process similiar to that for noncontroversial revisions. Directs the Administrator to conduct periodic audits of SIPs and other State activities under the Act. Directs the Inspector General to periodically review, and report to Congress on, the Administrator's audit activities. Directs the Administrator to notify a State of information derived from such audits. Authorizes the Administrator, in addition to requiring appropriate State revision or invoking Federal revisions, to suspend the application of the new SIP revision process where a State fails to correct any deficiency or problem within an appropriate period. Requires that audit reports be available to the State and the public. Allows the Administrator to grant an extension of up to four years (currently a two-year extension) for SIP compliance with NAAQS. Specifies that the Administrator may delegate approvals or disapprovals of SIPs or SIP revisions. New Source Performance Standards - Revises provisions for New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) to limit the application of percentage reduction requirements (under which coal-burning facilities must remove a certain percentage of sulfur emissions) to those categories of stationary sources to which such requirements apply under regulations in effect on December 31, 1981. Enforcement - Provides a one-year period for compliance after issuance of specified Federal enforcement orders (not including Federal orders relating to violations of national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants or State enforcement orders). Repeals a requirement that the Administrator seek an injunction or assess a civil penalty in the case of any major stationary source not in compliance within 30 days of such a Federal enforcement order. Provides discretionary authority for the Administrator to seek injunctions or assess penalties in such cases or in any other cases of noncompliance beyond 30 days of such orders (and continues such discretionary authority in cases not involving major stationary sources). Directs the Administrator to carry out specified enforcement authorities through the use of full-time Federal officers or employees. States that contractors should be used only as necessary to provide technical support for such enforcement. Prohibits the Administrator from contracting with anyone other than a full-time Federal officer or employee to provide legal assistance for such enforcement. Requires (currently allows) each State to develop and submit to the Administrator a plan for carrying out noncompliance penalty provisions in such State. Repeals the authority of the Administrator to carry out noncompliance penalty provisions in a State under certain conditions. Authorizes (currently requires) the State, or the Administrator if the State has not received a delegation, to carry out penalty provisions to assess and collect a noncompliance penalty in specified circumstances. Authorizes the State to grant exemptions from penalties in cases of minor noncompliance (and continues the authority of the Administrator, when appropriate, to do so). Repeals a requirement that the Administrator send notices of noncompliance to specified persons, in the event the State fails to send such notices. Requires persons receiving such notices to submit a calculation of the amount of penalty owed and a schedule of payments within a reasonable period prescribed by the Administrator or the State (currently requires such submission within 45 days of notice issuance or petition denial). Makes a similar change in the deadline for submissions of petitions challenging such notice or alleging entitlement to an exemption. Provides that public hearings on such petitions be conducted by the Administrator or the State, as appropriate, and that decisions on such petitions be made within a reasonable time (currently requires the Administrator to hold such hearings unless the State agrees to do so and currently requires a decision within 90 days after receipt of the petition). Repeals provisions authorizing the Administrator to review State decisions on such petitions and requiring such review under certain conditions. Authorizes the State or the Administrator, as appropriate, to adjust or compromise any penalty assessment if the source is in compliance. Repeals provisions for: (1) final adjustments of penalties after compliance; and (2) Administrator objections to, and substitutions for, State noncompliance penalties. Revises requirements for noncompliance penalty assessed amount determinations and payment schedules. Attainment Date Extensions - Permits States to receive up to five-year extensions beyond the December 31, 1982, primary NAAQS attainment date for pollutants in nonattainment areas (the Act currently permits extensions up to December 31, 1987, for carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants). Requires, in order to receive such extensions, that a State: (1) certify to the Administrator that attainment is not possible before December 31, 1982, despite implementation of all reasonably available measures; and (2) commit itself to not modifying State nonattainment plan provisions so as to adversely affect reasonable further progress. Directs the Administrator to publish notice of such certification and afford an opportunity of not more than 60 days for public comment, including a hearing where appropriate. Directs the Administrator, if satisfied that such attainment is not possible, to extend the deadline to a date providing for attainment as expeditiously as possible, but not later than December 31, 1987. Grants the Administrator discretionary authority, upon State application and after notice and public hearing, to provide an additional extension of an attainment date for any NAAQS, for up to six years beyond the December 31, 1987 extension. Conditions such additional extensions on a State demonstration that: (1) reasonable further progress toward attainment has been made during the previous extension period; (2) air quality problems are so severe and persistent, for identified reasons, that the previous extended deadline cannot be attained; (3) all applicable SIP provisions, including those relating to legislative and funding actions and reasonably available control technology are being adequately implemented; (4) an approved program has been adopted and implemented applicable to in-use motor vehicle emissions (including a vehicle inspection and maintenance program, where appropriate in the case of carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants; and (5) a reasonable and practical program for attainment within a specified period has been submitted as a revision of the SIP. Directs the Administrator to: (1) promulgate regulations for determining the terms of such additional extensions; and (2) annually audit the progress of any State that has not attained a NAAQS by the additional extension deadline. Prohibits issuance of a construction or modification permit for any major stationary source which emits a pollutant for which a NAAQS has not been attained by the appropriate deadline. Permits case-by- case waivers of such prohibition for the construction of any new stationary source to replace an existing stationary source, upon determination that emissions from the new source of each air pollutant for which the area is designated a nonattainment area will be less than such emissions from the existing source. Directs the Administrator to: (1) enforce such permit requirements by issuing an order or bringing a civil action; and (2) seek an injunction or assess a civil penalty for violations of such prohibitions against construction or modification. Nonattainment (other amendments) - Revises other part D provisions for permit requirements in nonattainment areas to require that proposed new or modified major stationary sources comply with the best available control technology (BACT) standard, in the case of permits issued on or after the date 180 days after the enactment of this Act (compliance with the lowest achievable emission rate (LAER) standard is thus required only for permits issued before such date). Repeals a requirement that SIP provisions for nonattainment areas establish a specific schedule for implementation of a vehicle emission control inspection and maintenance (I and M) program in order to qualify for a deadline extension in meeting the primary NAAQS for photochemical oxidants or carbon monoxide. Requires that SIP nonattainment provisions for urban areas with greater than 500,000 population in which the 1981 photochemical oxidants and/or carbon monoxide level exceeded the respective primary NAAQS by 50 percent or more must contain a cost-effective program applicable to in-use motor vehicle emissions and not inconsistent with title II (Emission Standards for Moving Sources) of the Act. Requires that such program include an I and M program, if the Administrator deems this appropriate. Allows a State to decide that the I and M program will apply first to motor vehicle fleets and commercial operators and then, when the State determines necessary for attainment, to other vehicles. Permits any State to: (1) continue an I and M program for any nonattainment area which does not fall under the new requirements concerning urban areas with the above-mentioned population and pollution areas; or (2) submit revisions to modify or eliminate such program. Makes specified emissions level requirements for construction and operation in nonattainment areas inapplicable in the case of any SIP under which: (1) all new major stationary sources are required to comply with the best available control technology (BACT) standard; (2) an adequate emissions inventory is maintained; (3) all existing major stationary sources will be in compliance with emission limitations based upon reasonably available control technology (RACT) not later than 1987 (or earlier, as appropriate); and (4) notwithstanding the construction of new major stationary sources, there is a program for obtaining such annual reductions in emissions as represent reasonable further progress. Repeals provisions for Federal authority to withhold Federal grant funds for sewage treatment and highways in cases of noncompliance with the Act. Prevention of Significant Deterioration - Revises provisions for Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD). (PSD provisions currently specify allowable short-term and long-term "increments" of emissions of sulfur oxide and particulate matter - regulations for other pollutants are not yet final - in areas with cleaner air than that required by NAAQS. Currently the smallest increments are allowed in "class I" areas, which include "statutorily designated" large national parks and wilderness areas, with larger increments in "class II" areas, and the largest increments in "class III" areas.) Repeals the "increment" limitations (specified "maximum allowable increases over baseline concentrations") for class II and class III areas. Allows, in class I areas, the short-term increment limitation to be exceeded five times per year (currently only one short-term excess is permitted). Permits State Governors to rule that concentrations of particulate matter attributable to fugitive dust from specified sources shall not be taken into account in determining compliance with maximum allowable increases in ambient concentrations, unless the Administrator rules that the inclusion of such fugitive dust is necessary to carry out the purposes of PSD provisions. Eliminates provisions for PSD area redesignations as class III areas. Revises PSD preconstruction review analysis requirements to grant discretion to the permitting authority in determining whether continuous air quality monitoring data is necessary to determine whether emissions from a facility will exceed maximum allowable increases (class I area increments) or maximum allowable concentrations (primary and secondary NAAQS). Eliminates the special definition of "best available control technology" (BACT) for purposes of PSD provisions. Defines BACT for purposes of the Act to mean the applicable New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) (the EPA-set technology-based standards for categories of industries), along with applicable national emission limitation standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs). Retains determination of the BACT by the permitting authority on a case-by-case basis where no NSPS exists for a stationary source in a particular category. Allows State and local governments to adopt or enforce standards or limitations more stringent than the BACT standard. Provides that PSD preconstruction requirements shall only apply to physical or operational changes resulting in a significant net increase in source emissions of any air pollutant regulated under provisions for NAAQS, NSPS, or NESHAPs. Sets a de minimis amount for such increase at 100 tons per year (1,000 tons per year of carbon monoxide) for any air pollutant for which a NAAQS is established (except lead). Authorizes the Administrator to determine, by rule, that a lesser amount is necessary to carry out PSD purposes. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Eliminates the requirement that PSD regulations for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, photochemical oxidants, and nitrogen oxides contain measures at least as effective as the "increment" limitations for sulfur oxides and particulate matter. Effective Data and Transitional Rules - Sets forth an effective date and transitional rules for the amendments relating to Nonattainment provisions and to PSD provisions. Regulatory Stability - Sets forth regulatory stability provisions establishing a ten-year "grandfather" period, commencing with construction or modification, during which a stationary source (unless subsequently modified) shall not be subject to more stringent requirements if the construction or modification is subject to NSPS, obtains a permit or approval, and meets all permit or approval requirements. Excludes from such "grandfather" provision any emission limitation or standard imposed on any stationary source with respect to: (1) hazardous pollutants designated under NESHAP provisions; (2) pollutants with no NAAQS in effect at commencement of the construction; or (3) any other air pollutant, if the Administrator judges that the public health or welfare may be endangered. Ozone Protection - Directs the President to report to the Congress annually, beginning within two years of the enactment of this Act, on the status of actions toward international agreements concerning the protection of stratosphere. Requires that copies of such reports be made available to the public. Directs the Administrator to make specified determinations, considerations of study results, and findings before any ozone protection regulation on chloroflurocarbon control is proposed or promulgated. Title II: Mobile Source Amendments - Revises part A (Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards) of title II (Emission Standards for Moving Sources) of the Act. Establishment of Emission Standards for New Motor Vehicle or New Motor Vehicle Engines - Requires that any more stringent new standard not become effective for at least: (1) 48 months after prescription or revision, in the case of heavy-duty vehicles or engines; and (2) 36 months after prescription or revision, in the case of all other new motor vehicles or engines. Provides that any more stringent new standards must reflect the degree of emission reduction the Administrator determines to be reasonably achievable through application of technology adequately demonstrated to be available for the appropriate model year. Directs the Administrator, in making such determination, to consider costs, applicability to gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles or engines, impact on fuel economy, effect on level of all emissions from such vehicles or engines, safety, commercial use, and other appropriate factors. Authorizes the Administrator to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review the technical feasibility of such proposed new standards and to submit written reports which shall be available to the public. Revises provisions relating to regulations applicable to emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and particulate matter from classes or categories of heavy duty vehicles or engines. Provides that the standards prescribed (after enactment of this Act) in such emissions regulations shall apply for a minimum period of four model years unless less stringent standards are prescribed for any model year during that period. Requires that standards applicable to emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter be prescribed at the same time. Directs the Administrator to arrange with NAS for a technological feasibility report with respect to any proposed standard for particulate matter to be prescribed for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. Revises provisions for a continuing pollutant specific study concerning the effects of air pollutant emissions. Revises deadlines for such study (making the next deadlines January 1, 1983, and before January 1 of each fourth year thereafter). Requires notice and opportunity for public comment before the Administrator determines that the operation or function of an emission control device, system, or element of design will cause or contribute to an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare, or safety. Adds to the factors the Administrator must consider in making such determination any information obtained from any manufacturer under specified compliance testing provisions. Revises standards for regulation of emissions from light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured during and after model year 1982 for specified pollutant grams per vehicle mile (gpm): (1) .41 gpm of hydrocarbons; (2) seven gpm of carbon monoxide; and (3) two gpm of oxides of nitrogen. Authorizes the Administrator to revise any such standard for any model year after model year 1986. Prohibits any revised standard from being more stringent than the standard applicable (without regard to any waiver) to light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured in the 1981 model year. Revises provisions for waivers of such emission standards. Directs the Administrator, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, to waive any emission standard for any model of vehicles or vehicle engines for up to four model years, upon petition and demonstration by the manufacturer that such waiver is necessary for the use of an innovative power train technology, innovative emission control device or system, or alternative fuel or power source. Adds "the potential to conserve energy" to factors to be considered in granting such waivers. Revises th maximum number of vehicles or engines per manufacturer to which such waivers may apply. Sets such maximum at 200,000 vehicles or engines per year of such waiver, but not more than 500,0000 for a four model years waiver. Prohibits extension or renewal of four model years waivers. Requires that such waivers include appropriate emissions standards to: (1) ensure, in the Administrator's judgment, no significant adverse impact on achieving applicable NAAQS; and (2) encourage development and production of such model. Limits to one-half the average original actual life for each class or category of motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine (other than light-duty or motorcycle) that period of use the Administrator is authorized to determine as appropriate for specified provisions relating to the "useful life" of such vehicles or engines. Provides that future regulations affecting the manufacture, distribution, or sale of motor vehicles or engines for high altitude areas of the United States: (1) shall include the exemptions provided in regulations for model year 1982; and (2) may provide specified high altitude performance adjustments. Prohibits any regulation requiring a percentage of reduction in emissions from high altitude motor vehicles greater than that required for non-high altitude motor vehicles. Prohibits regulations applying a numerical standard for determination of such percentage reduction for high altitude vehicles more stringent than that for non-high altitude vehicles. Prohibits regulations requiring that any emission control device or element of design needed to meet the applicable emissions standards under high altitude conditions also be installed on motor vehicles or engines intended for principal use in non-high altitude locations. Prohibited Acts - Includes among prohibited acts the failure or refusal by any manufacturer to comply with EPA requests for information for a study relating to the availability and distribution to motor vehicle dealers located at high altitudes of models of new light-duty motor vehicles. Compliance Testing and Certification - Revises provisions for compliance testing and conformity certification to direct the Administrator to reliably evaluate or require reliable evaluation of (but not necessarily to test or require testing of): (1) any new motor vehicle or new motor vehicle engine submitted by a manufacturer; and (2) any emission control system incorporated in a vehicle or engine submitted by any person. Repeals a one-year maximum limit on the period which a certificate of conformity may cover. Requires that compliance tests or other reliable evaluations determine the average emissions from vehicles or engines. Requires, in making such determination, that: (1) gasoline-fueled vehicles or engines not be in the same class or category as diesel-fueled; and (2) light-duty vehicles or engines not be in the same class or category as heavy-duty. Allows the inclusion of light-duty trucks, certified as such by the Administrator, in the same class or category as light-duty vehicles or engines. Directs the Administrator to establish an acceptable quality level for all new motor vehicles equivalent to the level applicable to 1981 model year light-duty vehicles. Repeals a requirement that all light-duty vehicles manufactured during and after model year 1984 comply with specified emission standards regardless of the altitude at which they are sold. Compliance by Vehicles and Engines in Actual Use - Revises provisions for compliance by vehicles and engines in actual use to base determinations of nonconformity with regulations by any class or category of vehicles and engines manufactured after a specified date upon the average performance in testing a statistically valid and representative sample. Permits manufacturers to elect to take other actions, in lieu of remedying such nonconformity, with respect to those or other vehicles or engines, consistent with the purposes of title II of the Act. Prohibits manufacturers from including together in the same such actions: (1) both gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles or engines; or (2) both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles or engines. Directs the Administrator to consider the effects on competition, in approving a manufacturer's plan to remedy or take other actions with respect to such nonconformity. Repeals a requirement that dealers furnish purchasers of new light-duty motor vehicles certificates of conformity with applicable emission standards, including notice of purchaser warranty rights. State Standards - Provides that, in the case of any new motor vehicle or engine designed to comply with State emission control standards for which a waiver of Federal standards has been granted, compliance with such State standards shall be treated as compliance with applicable Federal standards. High Altitude Performance Adjustments - Repeals a provision requiring that there be a State-instituted motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I and M) program in nonattainment areas of a State before authority relating to high altitude performance adjustments may be available to such State. Effective Date - Provides that specified foregoing amendments made by this title shall take effect with respect to vehicles and engines manufactured in model years beginning more than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Study and Development of Alternative Emissions Control - Directs the Administrator to initiate a study and related proceedings, including appropriate informal public hearings, to: (1) develop alternative and practicable approaches to emission control of any air pollutant, subject to such regulation, from new motor vehicles or engines; and (2) evaluate the existing control program. Sets forth the factors to be considered by the Administrator concerning such alternative approach. Requires that a report of such study, including public comments, be submitted to the appropriate committees of the Congress within one year. Sets forth criteria for proposed regulations under any such alternative approach. Prohibits promulgation of such regulations except after final rulemaking as required by this Act and pursuant to legislation reported from the appropriate committees of Congress and enacted either after the date of submission of the report of the study or after the date of submittal of the regulations to the Congress. Warranties and Parts Certifications - Repeals a requirement that manufacturers warrant that new motor vehicles or engines are: (1) designed, built, and equipped so as to conform with emissions standards at the time of sale; and (2) free from defects in materials and workmanship which cause failure to conform during the period of useful life. Requires, instead, a production warranty that the vehicle or engine is equipped with emission control components designed to enable such vehicle or engine to conform at the time of sale with emissions standards for the first 24 months or first 24,000 miles. Repeals provisions for motor vehicle or engine parts certifications by manufacturers or rebuilders for compliance with emissions standards. Limits a free replacement obligation of manufacturers to emissions control components installed for the sole (currently, sole or primary) purpose of reducing vehicle emissions. Limits specified performance warranties to: (1) the first 24 months or 24,000 miles; and (2) certain components installed for the sole purpose of emissions control. Revises provisions for manufacturers' instructions for the maintenance, replacement, and repair of emission control parts or components to eliminate requirements that: (1) such instructions correspond to regulations promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (2) the replacement parts be certified. Eliminates provisions for waivers of a prohibition against including conditions on the purchaser's using components or services unconnected with the manufacturer. Specifies that waivers of the prohibition against State or local standards for emissions control of new motor vehicles or engines subject to Federal standards will be given only: (1) insofar as numerical emission levels are concerned; and (2) if such standards and new motor vehicle certification and other tests are consistent with Federal standards. Specifies that tampering prohibitions refer to parts or components placed on or in motor vehicles or engines for the sole purpose of controlling emissions. Exempts communications regarding any part, component, system, or service provided without charge under the terms of the purchase agreement from specified prohibitions against manufacturer's communications conditioning warranty coverage on use of certain products or services. Prohibits State new motor vehicle emission standards in nonattainment areas from including any provision similar to the production or performance warranty provisions under the Act. Title III: Study and Conforming Provisions - High Altitude Study - Directs the Administrator, upon the request of any national association of motor vehicle dealers with a membership which includes a majority of U.S. retail franchisers selling imported and domestic new light-duty motor vehicles, to compile data relating to the availability and distribution to dealers located at high altitudes of all models of such vehicles manufactured by any specified manufacturer in a specified model year. Authorizes the Administrator to utilize specified information and to require manufacturers to submit relevant information (except information identifying shipments to individual dealers). Directs the Administrator, within six months after such a request is made, to submit to the Congress and publish in the Federal Register a report setting forth the data so compiled, including specified information. Title IV: Amendments Relating to Authorizations - Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Provides for sums necessary for: (1) the Administrator and the States to effectively carry out the Act's provisions, including training of State and local personnel, enforcement, abatement, and control, consideration of SIPs and revisions, and audits; and (2) sufficient funding for personnel for the Administrator to carry out the Act, particularly its regulatory functions, without undue reliance on contractors. Requires that such authorization not be less than the appropriations authorized in fiscal year 1981 to carry out the Act (except provisions relating to the National Commission on Air Quality). Prohibits the Administrator from using any funds appropriated under the Act for any payment for a reduction-in-force in any fiscal year. Directs the Administrator to inform the appropriate committees of the Congress of the reasons for such reduction, its impact on carrying out the Act, and other detailed or pertinent information, at least 30 days prior to issuing any general notice of such reduction. Declares that nothing in this title shall authorize appropriations for any research and development activities under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Broadcast Licensing, Renewal, and Deregulation Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish new procedures for reviewing petitions to deny broadcast license applications. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station licensee unless the actions of the licensee evidence such serious disregard for the Communications Act and for the rules and policies of the FCC that denial of the application is justified. Prohibits the FCC from considering the applications of other persons for a broadcast station's facilities when the FCC is acting upon a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station. Permits persons holding construction permits or station licenses to transfer the permit or license without first obtaining an FCC finding that the transfer serves the public interest. Requires the FCC to be notified of such transfer. Provides for public notice of the transfer. Provides for disposition by the FCC of objections to such transfer. Prohibits the FCC from considering whether the public interest would be served by the transfer of the permit or license involved to a different person. Repeals certain provisions relating to the application of the antitrust laws. Prohibits the FCC from imposing requirements on radio or television licensees relating to: (1) programs; (2) programming formats; (3) ascertainment; (4) commercialization; and (5) maintenance of program logs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Expands the membership of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to include three elected school board officials from different States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Telecommunications Act of 1981 - Title I: General Provisions - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to add new purposes to the list of purposes of the Act. States that such Act shall apply to: (1) all interexchange (long-distance) and international transmissions and to all persons engaged in the United States in providing transmissions subject to title II of such Act; (2) exchange (local) transmissions, to the extent not regulated by the States; (3) all radio transmissions originating or received in the United States; and (4) the allocation and use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Title II: Interexchange and International Transmissions - Changes the title of title II of such Act from "Common Carriers" to "Interexchange and International Transmissions". Deletes specified provisions. Sets forth the purposes of title II. Part A: Regulatory Authority of the Commission - Grants the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority over the electronic transmissions and certain other activities of a carrier and the activities of any other person to the extent they directly affect the provision of electronic transmissions. Prohibits the FCC or any State commission from considering the income derived from the unregulated products or services of an affiliate or separate subsidiary in determining the revenue requirements of a regulated carrier, unless such carrier has filed a tariff including costs connected with an unregulated service or product. Prohibits restrictions on the resale or shared use of any transmission service or enhanced service. Prohibits regulation of data processing services or products other than the regulation required by this title. Directs the FCC to classify all carriers that own interexchange transmission facilities as dominant, regulated, or deregulated carriers. Requires completion of the initial classification of carriers within a specified time. Requires carriers classified as deregulated to continue carrying services that had previously been regulated for a specified time. Authorizes the FCC to classify new carriers, facilities, or services upon request. Authorizes the FCC to review such classifications. Directs the FCC to classify a carrier as a dominant carrier if: (1) it owns, on a nationwide basis a majority of the support facilities for the transmission of exchange and interexchange telecommunications; and (2) adequate alternative facilities are not available from unaffiliated carriers. Makes such carriers subject to the requirements of the Communications Act applicable to dominant, regulated, and interexchange carriers. Classifies an interexchange carrier as a regulated carrier if the interexchange carrier offers a regulated service. Defines regulated service. Permits a regulated carrier to offer an unregulated transmission service only if specified conditions are met. Permits the FCC to establish additional criteria for classifying carriers and to establish subcategories of regulated carriers. Sets forth the standards for determining the adequacy of alternative transmission facilities. Requires business entities which own or offer inside wiring and carriers to: (1) provide interconnection to any transmission service or facility or any terminal equipment which meets FCC standards; and (2) furnish technical information necessary for interconnection. Prohibits unreasonable or anticompetitive discrimination relating to such interconnection. Authorizes the FCC to enforce the interconnection provisions and to specify or approve the conditions for providing interconnection to regulated services or facilities. Part B: Interexchange Transmission - Authorizes the FCC to prescribe different requirements for: (1) different subcategories of regulated carriers; (2) different transmission facilities or services; or (3) various combinations of carriers, facilities, and services. Limits such authority by prohibiting the FCC from prescribing different requirements if the carriers are substantially similar. Authorizes the FCC to prescribe conditions governing the provision of any interexchange service by regulated carriers. Prohibits carriers from imposing or enforcing conditions on the resale or shared use of any transmission service or enhanced service. Requires all interexchange carriers to provide interconnection. Prohibits any carrier from offering interexchange service until 30 days after notifying the FCC of its intent to provide such service. Prohibits termination or suspension of such service unless notice is given to the FCC, to any affected customers, and to any State commission involved. Requires the FCC to permit the suspension or termination of regulated services that do not meet specified criteria. Authorizes FCC review of the classification of services that carriers propose to suspend or terminate. Requires persons who intend to offer or to terminate resale of interexchange service to notify the FCC. Authorizes the FCC to obtain certain information from carriers, persons who resell telecommunications services, and other persons. Requires regulated carriers to furnish regulated services to any person upon reasonable request. Requires carriers that provide regulated services to establish just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory tariffs for such services. Prohibits unjust, unreasonable, and discriminatory tariffs. Prohibits tariffs for regulated service from including certain costs. Requires every regulated carrier to file with the FCC copies of all contracts, agreements, or arrangements between the regulated carrier and any other carrier. Retains the current provisions governing: (1) valuation of carrier property; (2) depreciation charges; (3) extension of facilities; and (4) transactions regarding services and equipment. Prohibits tariffs proposed after a specified date by a regulated carrier for regulated services from taking effect until accepted or conditionally accepted by the FCC. Requires the carrier to establish the reasonableness of the tariff. Provides for public notice and comment on the proposed tariff. Requires the FCC to: (1) accept the tariff; (2) accept the tariff with conditions; (3) reject the tariff; or (4) prescribe a different tariff. Authorizes the FCC to help facilitate public negotiations on disputed tariff proposals. Requires the FCC to hold hearings on tariff proposals if requested. Authorizes a regulated carrier to file a tariff for joint service with another regulated carrier. Permits such carriers to divide the revenues from such service without being considered affiliates. Sets forth the requirements applicable to interexchange service offered by dominant carriers. Prohibits the FCC and State commissions from regulating the provision of enhanced services by persons other than regulated carriers or regulated exchange carriers. Authorizes such commissions to regulate the provision of enhanced services by such carriers to a limited extent. Defines enhanced service to mean offering the capacity to make available information in a form capable of electronic transmission or to alter an electromagnetic impulse during transmission. Requires regulated carriers and regulated exchange carriers to keep the charges for enhanced services separate from other charges and costs. Prohibits dominant carriers from providing enhanced services except through separate subsidiaries. Retains the current provisions relating to franks and passes. Part C: Exchange Transmission - Grants to State commissions the exclusive authority to specify the carriers, rates, terms, and conditions for offering exchange transmission service. Requires each State commission to establish exchange areas within the borders of the State involved. Makes such exchange areas subject to review by the transitional joint board established by this Act. Sets forth the criteria that exchange areas must meet. Prohibits a State from being a single exchange area. Prohibits an exchange area located in one State from including a point located in another State without the approval of the transitional joint board. Prohibits an exchange area that includes part or all of one standard metropolitan statistical area from including a substantial part of another such area except in certain densely populated States. Prohibits carriers that offer exchange transmission service for which there are not adequate alternative facilities from impeding the development of competition in markets that depend upon or that may be used in conjunction with exchange facilities and services. Requires exchange carriers to: (1) provide all interexchange carriers with equal interconnection to exchange services and facilities; and (2) offer all interexchange carriers exchange access that is equal to the access provided the interexchange services of the exchange carrier and its affiliates. Authorizes the FCC to postpone the application of the competition requirements with respect to small exchange carriers. Prohibits exchange carriers from discriminating between affiliates and non-affiliates in the provision of certain transmission services. Retains the current provisions relating to pole attachments. Authorizes State commissions to obtain certain information from carriers, persons who resell telecommunications services, and other person within the State. Sets forth the purposes of the system of access fees charged by regulated exchange carriers for the use of their services by interexchange customers. Requires each exchange carrier to submit a schedule of its access fees to the FCC. Requires services to be provided only in accordance with that schedule. Requires the FCC to follow a specified formula in establishing or approving such fees. Sets forth certain costs that must be included in the schedule. Requires each schedule to include a certification that the exchange carrier is providing equal interconnection in compliance with specified requirements and that the fees do not include any cost not associated with the provision of exchange access. Directs the FCC to accept or reject the fee schedules or to prescribe a different schedule. Authorizes the FCC to delegate to State commissions the authority to approve such fee schedules for small exchange carriers. Permits State commissions to authorize or require exchange carriers within the State to divide revenues received from access fees. Directs the transitional joint board to establish and administer the National Telecommunications Fund consisting of three separate accounts. Specifies the contents of each such account. Provides for payments from such Fund to eligible exchange carriers. Makes such payments subject to audit and adjustment. Directs the FCC to establish a Federal-State Joint Board to promote the sharing of information among the State commissions and between State commissions and the FCC regarding the regulation of carriers. Part D: Telecommunications Equipment - Directs the FCC to establish and enforce uniform technical standards for terminal equipment and telecommunications facilities and services. Requires terminal equipment to be labelled to identify nation of origin and other significant information. Prohibits the FCC from imposing any requirements, with specified exceptions, upon persons engaged in the manufacture, sale, or supply of any telecommunications facilities, terminal equipment, or inside wiring. Prohibits the FCC or any State commission, with specified exceptions, from regulating the production, installation, or marketing of terminal equipment by a regulated carrier or regulated exchange carrier, unless such carrier violates specified provisions relating to tariffs. Requires the FCC to prescribe rules, within a specified time, relating to the pricing of terminal equipment. Authorizes dominant carriers or affiliates, after a specified time, to provide terminal equipment only through separate subsidiaries. Prohibits regulated carriers or regulated exchange carriers from filing tariffs for regulated service which include costs associated with or caused by the provision of terminal equipment or inside wiring, unless such filing falls within a specified exception. Requires all persons offering terminal equipment, inside wiring, or telecommunications services and facilities to provide separate charges. Requires such charges to be the same for items in each category. Requires that the policies of regulated carriers relating to the procurement and construction of facilities shall promote competition and avoid the imposition of unnecessary costs upon the users of regulated services. Requires regulated carriers and regulated exchange carriers to procure on a nondiscriminatory basis any facility intended to be used to provide a regulated service or regulated exchange service. Sets forth a schedule according to which a dominant carrier will increase annually the percentage of its requirements in each product category that it will purchase from unaffiliated manufacturers. Provides for FCC review of the effectiveness of such schedule. Authorizes the FCC to prescribe rules to protect users of regulated services from paying the costs of procurement by a dominant carrier on noncompetitive terms. Part E: Dominant Carriers - Authorizes the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) to provide any type of telecommunications facility, terminal equipment, or enhanced service, notwithstanding the 1956 decree. Permits AT&T to offer any service, facility, or product (except transmission services or facilities) only through a separate subsidiary which meets specified requirements. Designates certain dominant carrier subsidiaries as limited separate subsidiaries. Permits a limited separate subsidiary to perform only one of the following: (1) the manufacture and marketing of terminal equipment and the manufacture and installation of inside wiring; (2) the provision of enhanced services; or (3) the provision of information publishing services. Sets forth the structure of separate subsidiaries and the method of conducting business between a separate subsidiary and the dominant carrier. Requires separate subsidiaries to be audited annually. Requires the FCC to submit the audit to Congress and to make it available to the public. Prohibits separate subsidiaries from: (1) providing an information publishing service that uses a facility owned by the dominant carrier; (2) entering into any joint venture or partnership with the dominant carrier; (3) having a financial structure in common with the dominant carrier; or (4) owning or using property in common with the dominant carrier except for certain transmission services. Sets forth general provisions governing: (1) the activities that a separate subsidiary must conduct separately from a dominant carrier; (2) the use of a trade name by a separate subsidiary; and (3) the issuance of securities by such a subsidiary. Limits the amount of any class of a limited separate subsidiary's outstanding capital stock that a dominant carrier may own. Prohibits limited separate subsidiaries from owning or providing transmission facilities or services substantially similar to transmission services offered by the dominant carrier. Authorizes the FCC to: (1) prevent anticompetitive practices between a general or limited separate subsidiary and the dominant carrier; and (2) protect users of regulated services and regulated exchange services from bearing any cost associated with such subsidiaries. Permits a separate subsidiary and the dominant carrier to offer pension plans on a joint basis. Designates a subsidiary of a dominant carrier as a general separate subsidiary if it follows the provisions governing separate subsidiaries as well as certain requirements applicable only to general separate subsidiaries. Authorizes a general separate subsidiary to perform all the functions of a limited separate subsidiary. Directs the FCC to authorize a general separate subsidiary to engage in the resale of a transmission service if it will not affect substantially the pricing of such service. Prohibits a general separate subsidiary from: (1) purchasing or receiving a transmission facility from a carrier affiliated with the dominant carrier; and (2) making a transmission facility available to the dominant carrier. Permits a general separate subsidiary to manufacture and sell transmission facilities after a specified period if the dominant carrier has substantially complied with specified requirements. Terminates the authority of the FCC to approve a security issued by a general separate subsidiary after such period. Limits the amount of any class of outstanding capital stock of the general separate subsidiary that may be owned by the dominant carrier during such period. Sets forth provisions governing the separation of the general separate subsidiary and the dominant carrier. Requires a dominant carrier to file specified information with the FCC regarding its transmission services and facilities. Prohibits a dominant carrier's subsidiary, division, or affiliate from disclosing such information to another subsidiary division, affiliate, or separate subsidiary until it has been made public. Directs the FCC to establish additional standards to prohibit disclosures by dominant carriers to separate subsidiaries that would confer a significant competitive advantage. Part F: Telecommunications Industry - Makes it lawful for carriers jointly to agree, under the auspices of the FCC, on matters affecting a network of telecommunications services or facilities or on proposed technical standards for such services and facilities. Disavows any intent to affect the applicability of the antitrust laws. Authorizes the FCC to coordinate arrangements among all interexchange and international carriers for dealing with disasters or national emergencies. Authorizes the President and Federal agencies to take specified actions to ensure that there are sufficient telecommunications services and facilities available for national defense or emergency preparedness. Directs the Chairman of the FCC to designate a national security and emergency preparedness Commissioner. Directs the President to appoint an advisory council to: (1) examine the needs of Federal telecommunications management for national defense and emergency preparedness under deregulation; and (2) ensure the existence of a viable telecommunications industry. Authorizes any carrier to offer an information publishing service over any facility it owns. Prohibits regulated carriers or regulated exchange carriers from filing a tariff based on costs associated with the provision of information publishing services other than directory listings. Prohibits such carriers from discriminating among their customers in providing a support service used in connection with the information publishing services. Prohibits a regulated exchange carrier from cross subsidizing its information publishing service with its exchange service. Requires certain large regulated exchange carriers to make their information publishing service available on a nondiscriminatory basis to persons who make a reasonable request for it. Prohibits dominant carriers or their separate subsidiaries from providing an information publishing service through a transmission facility used to provide regulated service or regulated exchange service. Permits dominant carriers to provide: (1) facilities to unaffiliated persons for information publishing services; (2) directory listings or assistance; or (3) through a separate subsidiary weather or time information, printed directory advertising, electronic directory information, or a certain audio information service. Directs the FCC to promote diversity among available information sources and to foster competition in the provision of telecommunications services and facilities. Prohibits a regulated exchange carrier from providing cable services or broadcasting services in the same area in which the carrier offers exchange services. Exempts carriers serving rural areas with low population densities from such prohibition. Authorizes the FCC to allocate portions of the electromagnetic spectrum for transmission services. Permits the FCC to establish a preference that increases the diversity of persons authorized to use the spectrum. Prohibits a preference based upon the services provided by the applicant. Sets forth as the provisions governing international transmissions the provisions of current law relating to: (1) service and charges of common carriers; and (2) interlocking directorates. Redesignates the current provision governing consolidations and mergers of telegraph carriers as the provision governing competition among record carriers. Directs the FCC to establish conditions applicable to foreign enterprises supplying telecommunications services or facilities in U.S. markets which are reciprocal with conditions applicable to U.S. persons operating in specified foreign nations connected with such foreign enterprises. Directs the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to compile a list of foreign nations that do not provide reciprocal rights to U.S. telecommunications equipment manufacturers. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to revise such list under certain circumstances. Sets forth the requirements for establishing that a foreign nation has provided market access reciprocity. Permits the FCC to exclude from interconnection rights certain terminal equipment if more than half of its value added was manufactured in a foreign nation that does not extend reciprocal market access. Directs the FCC to consult with other Federal officers in determining whether to restrict entry of a foreign enterprise because of lack of reciprocity. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to monitor implementation of the reciprocity provisions and to collect information necessary to implement such provisions. Part G: Protection of Ratepayers and Employees in Transition to Competitive Marketplace - Requires that terminal equipment which is provided by a regulated carrier under tariff on a specified date shall continue to be provided under the tariff in force on such date until the equipment is fully depreciated. Grants State commissions the authority to: (1) increase such tariffs; and (2) set the price for equipment that is sold before it is fully depreciated. Requires the customer using such equipment to receive full ownership of it after it has been fully depreciated, unless the State commission elects to allow a regulated carrier to retain ownership of it or to provide for the sale or transfer of the equipment. Requires tariffs for the sale of terminal equipment on an unbundled basis for a specified time. Requires the State commissions to authorize the public sale of certain terminal equipment. Requires each State commission to arrange such sales so that they promote the orderly development of a competitive secondary market and achieve the maximum compensation for ratepayers of regulated exchange carriers. Requires the FCC to ensure the availability of parts and technical specifications for equipment sold at public sales. Grants each State commission authority, for specified periods, over terminal equipment offered for sale or lease in such State by a regulated carrier or its affiliates or by a dominant carrier. Requires regulated exchange carriers to continue to offer inside wiring on a regulated basis for a specified time. Authorizes customers of such carriers to buy such wiring before it is fully depreciated at a price set by the State commission involved. Requires the State commissioners to consider the revenues obtained from such sales or transfers in determining the lawfulness of tariffs submitted by a regulated carrier or regulated exchange carrier. Directs the FCC to establish a transitional joint board to: (1) evaluate and determine the value of certain assets of regulated carriers; (2) ensure equitable treatment of users of exchange and interexchange service; (3) provide for an orderly transition to the system of exchange access fees established by this Act; and (4) achieve cooperation between the Federal and State governments. Sets forth the authority, composition, powers, and duties of the board. Requires the board to determine the value of assets which are subject to the jurisdiction of a State commission before a specified date and which are subsequently transferred to a separate subsidiary or to an entity carrying out unregulated activities. Makes such valuation binding upon the FCC and the State commissions. Requires a separate subsidiary to reimburse regulated carriers and certain regulated exchange carriers for assets or payments transferred from such carrier. Requires an unregulated activity of a regulated carrier to reimburse the regulated accounts of such carrier for assets or payments transferred from such carrier. Terminates the transitional joint board after a specified time. Permits State commissions to continue to regulate, during the transition period, certain tariffs relating to regulated service that originates and terminates within the boundaries of the State involved. Requires a dominant carrier to file a plan with the FCC stating its proposed method of complying with the requirements of Part E before such carrier may offer service or equipment through a separate subsidiary. Sets forth the procedures for filing and gaining approval of such plan. Requires the FCC to determine the value of certain assets that are proposed to be transferred to a separate subsidiary or to an entity carrying out unregulated activities. Requires the FCC to allocate certain payments associated with activities or assets not subject to the jurisdiction of a State commission. Sets forth the transitions periods after which a dominant carrier must acquire specified services and equipment from a separate subsidiary or from unaffiliated persons. Puts additional restrictions on the equipment and services provided by separate subsidiaries. Provides for the protection of the benefits and rights of employees transferred from a carrier or affiliate to a separate subsidiary. Entitles transferred employees to payments from the separate subsidiary covering moving expenses under certain circumstances. Prohibits restricting benefits for seven years following the transfer of an employee. Provides for the continued application of a collective bargaining agreement with respect to transferred employees. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) termination allowances for employees terminated within seven years after their transfer; and (2) preferential rights of rehire for employees laid off during such period. Requires notification of a labor organization before a transfer of a work group if the labor organization represents employees in the affected work group. Restricts the right of a carrier or affiliate to lower the wages, lay off, or terminate the employment of a regular employee during the six months immediately before the establishment of a separate subsidiary. Sets forth provisions covering court actions to enforce the employee benefit protection provisions. Part H: Rights of Ratepayers - Authorizes the FCC to provide financial assistance for public participation in certain proceedings. Authorizes the use of civil suits to acquire nonregulatory remedies of specified violations of this Act. Directs the FCC to prescribe rules to protect the privacy of persons using regulated services and of employees of regulated carriers. Requires limitations on the circumstances under which regulated carriers may: (1) intercept conversations between their employees and users of regulated services; and (2) make available information derived from the provision of regulated services. Transfers to title 5 of the Communications Act (dealing with Penal Provisions and Forfeitures) specified provisions of such Act relating to: (1) carriers' liability for damages and for agents' acts and omissions; (2) recovery of damages; (3) complaints to and investigations by the FCC; (4) orders for payment of money; and (5) obscene or harassing telephone calls. Authorizes the FCC to increase certain requirements applicable to a regulated carrier, its affiliate, or separate subsidiary if the FCC finds that such carrier, affiliate, or subsidiary violated this Act. Sets forth considerations to be made by the FCC in reaching such a decision. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the definitions of the terms used in this Act. Disavows any intent to limit by this Act the applicability of Federal or State antitrust laws. Makes certain technical and conforming amendments. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a program to encourage and assist food manufacturers to voluntarily declare the sodium content in their food products on the product labels. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to report to Congress within fifteen months of enactment of this Act on the results of such program. Requires the Secretary, not later than twelve months thereafter, to report to Congress on the adequacy of such program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Requests the President to designate February 22, 1982, as a day of national celebration in honor of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1981
Directs the President to name the next Nimitz class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as the United States Ship Hyman G. Rickover.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1981
Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System Private Financing Act - Amends the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976 to require natural gas purchasers to pay their proportionate cost of the transportation and acquisitions costs of Alaskan natural gas. Exempts from the maximum price sales provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 the first sale of any natural gas produced from the Prudhoe Bay Unit of Alaska. Waives provisions of the report to Congress on the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System (September 1977) to the extent necessary to permit producers of Alaska natural gas to participate in the ownership of the Alaska pipeline segment of the approved transportation system. Requires certain antitrust consideration and findings. Waives provisions of the Natural Gas Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act which place certain restrictions on the importation and exportation of Alaska natural gas with respect to Canada.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
National Petroleum Supply Evaluation Act of 1981 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with others, to investigate the impacts of acquisitions of domestic petroleum companies by major international concerns and to report to Congress concerning such investigation by May 1, 1982. Requires the investigation to evaluate the effect of such acquisition on the exploration, development, production, refining, transportation, distribution, and marketing of domestic petroleum supplies. Prohibits any major international energy concern from acquiring more than five percent of any domestic petroleum company between October 1, 1981, and June 30, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of November 7, 1982, through November 13, 1982, as "National Disabled Veterans Week."
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1981
Record Carrier Competition Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to eliminate the current provisions governing consolidations and mergers of telegraph carriers except with respect to certain contracts between domestic and international record carriers. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote the development of fully competitive domestic and international markets for record communications service. Defines "record communications service" to mean any telecommunications service that is designed or used primarily to transfer information which originates or terminates in written or graphic form. Defines "record carriers" as carriers of such service. Requires the FCC to reduce its regulation of record carriers as competition develops. Requires the FCC to assure that the costs of record communications services, facilities, and terminal equipment are borne by users of any other record communications services. Requires record carriers, upon reasonable request, to provide full interconnection for other record carriers with any record communications service or facility. Treats a record carrier which provides both domestic and international record communications services as a separate domestic and a separate international record carrier for purposes of interconnection. Requires such a carrier to furnish the same quality interconnection under equal terms to its domestic or international branch as it furnishes to other carriers with one specified exception. Requires that any agreement between record carriers on furnishing record communications services or facilities will establish a nondiscriminatory formula for allocating revenues from such services. Requires such allocation to be based on costs to the extent it is possible. Directs the FCC to convene a meeting between all existing international record carriers and any record carriers which would be parties to an interconnection agreement. States that the purpose of the meeting is to negotiate such agreement. Requires the FCC to establish an agreement if certain carriers fail to agree. Authorizes a record carrier not subject to the agreement to become subject to the agreement by furnishing written notice to the FCC and the existing parties to the agreement. Terminates the agreement after a specified time. Authorizes the FCC to establish an interconnection agreement after such termination under specified circumstances. Prohibits enforcement of agreements that impede the development or operation of competitive record communications service market. Authorizes the FCC to modify or vacate an interconnection agreement if it is inconsistent with developing a competitive market. Sets forth the authority of the FCC with respect to applications by record carriers for providing international record communications service. Authorizes all record carriers to provide record communications service domestically and internationally. Requires such carriers that want to provide such service to apply to the FCC. Requires the FCC to act expeditiously on such applications. Authorizes the FCC to consider in connection with such an application the effect on foreign commerce of granting or denying the application. Extends for one year after enactment the FCC oversight of the distribution formulas for unrouted outbound telegraph traffic and the revenue allocations with respect to such traffic.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States must manage its assets in a manner more prudent and beneficial to the interests of the American people; (2) all executive branch agencies should inventory their assets, estimate the approximate value of each asset, and identify the uses to which each asset is put; (3) the President should then identify which assets are surplus to Federal needs and should be candidates for liquidation; (4) the President should submit recommendations to Congress on any legislative and administrative revisions that may be needed to carry out such a program of liquidation in an orderly manner; (5) the receipts of this program should be used only to restrain and ultimately reduce the national debt; and (6) the Comptroller General should investigate and recommend to Congress and each agency improved processes for managing Federal assets, estimating their value, and liquidating those which are unneeded.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no limitation should be placed on the Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on a residential mortgage.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Requests the President to designate 1982 as the "National Year of Disabled Persons."
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Record Carrier Competition Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to eliminate the current provisions governing consolidations and mergers of telegraph carriers except with respect to certain contracts between domestic and international record carriers. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote the development of fully competitive domestic and international markets for record communications service. Defines "record communications service" to mean any telecommunications service that is designed or used primarily to transfer information which originates or terminates in written or graphic form. Defines "record carriers" as carriers of such service. Requires the FCC to reduce its regulation of record carriers as competition develops. Requires the FCC to assure that the costs of record communications services, facilities, and terminal equipment are not borne by users of regulated communications services. Requires record carriers, upon reasonable request, to provide full interconnection for other record carriers with any record communications service or facility. Treats a record carrier which provides both domestic and international record communications services as a separate domestic and a separate international record carrier for purposes of interconnection. Requires such a carrier to furnish the same quality interconnection under equal terms to its domestic or international branch as it furnishes to other carriers. Requires that any agreement between record carriers on furnishing record communications services or facilities establish a nondiscriminatory formula for allocating revenues from such services. Requires such allocation to be based on costs to the extent it is possible to do so. Directs the FCC to convene a meeting between all existing international record carriers and any record carriers which would be parties to an interconnection agreement. States that the purpose of the meeting is to negotiate such agreement. Requires the FCC to establish an agreement if certain carriers fail to agree. Authorizes a record carrier not subject to the agreement to become a party to the agreement by furnishing written notice to the FCC and the existing parties to the agreement. Terminates the agreement after a specified time. Authorizes the FCC to establish an interconnection agreement after such termination under specified circumstances. Prohibits enforcement of agreements that impede the development or operation of competitive record communications service market. Authorizes the FCC to modify or vacate an interconnection agreement if it is inconsistent with developing a competitive market. Sets forth the authority of the FCC with respect to applications by record carriers for providing international record communications service. Authorizes all record carriers to provide record communications service domestically and internationally. Requires such carriers that want to provide such service to apply to the FCC. Requires the FCC to act expeditiously on such applications. Authorizes the FCC to consider in connection with such an application the effect on foreign commerce of granting or denying the application. Extends for one year after enactment the FCC oversight of the distribution formulas for unrouted outbound telegraph traffic and the revenue allocations with respect to such traffic.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits any change in the compensation of Senators and Representatives until an election of Representatives has intervened.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning February 28, 1982, as "National Construction Industry Week."
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the inclusion of the receipts and disbursements of the social security trust funds (the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund) in the totals of the Federal budget and exempt them from any general statutory limitation on Federal budget outlays, beginning with fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1981
Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to identify Medicare patients and other individuals entitled to benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act who have died in order to eliminate improper OASDI benefit payments to deceased individuals. Directs the Inspector General to report to Congress annually on the progress being made pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1981
Amends titiles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to require Federal agencies to give to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon request, the names and social security account numbers of disability or SSI benefit recipients who are inmates of penal institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Fred Waring, Louis L'Amour, and the widow of Joe Louis. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of each medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the retired senior volunteer program (RSVP), administered by the ACTION agency, should be commended upon its tenth anniversary for successfully providing meaningful opportunities for retired persons to render volunteer service in their communities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1981
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of the tax on employment income. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or, if he does, such place of business is not provided, or is not provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes; and (5) the recipient of such individual's services files returns disclosing payments made to such individual. Provides that the criteria established by this Act shall not be applicable to agent-drivers, commission-drivers, full-time life insurance salesmen, home workers, and traveling or city salesmen who are statutorily designated as employees for purposes of social security taxation. Provides that the failure of an individual claiming independent contractor status to meet the criteria established by this Act shall not create an inference that such an individual is an employee or that the recipient of his services is an employer. Limits the applicability of the criteria established by this Act to questions of employment status arising under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, self-employment tax provisions, and withholding requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires recipients of services performed by an independent contractor to file an information return with respect to payments made for such services in excess of $600 for the taxable year. Requires individuals who file such information returns to furnish written statements to persons with respect to whom such information is reported which indicate the amount of payment reported. Provides penalties for failure to furnish information returns or statements. Applies deficiency procedures for the assessment of unpaid taxes due to the reclassification of an individual as an employee who had been treated as an independent contractor. Treats as employees, for purposes of the withholding of income tax, certain traveling or city salesmen.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning October 4, 1981, as "National Home Health Care Week."
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1981
Provides a one-year period during which Federal retirees may revoke, modify, or make an election to receive a reduced annuity to provide for a survivor annuity.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1981
Requests the President to designate October 7, 1981, as "National Guard Day."
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Social Security Alien and Foreign Resident Limitations Act of 1981 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national and whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a resident of a foreign country who is entitled to old-age or disability benefits if such individual does not bear a spousal, filial, parental, divorced, or surviving relationship to such resident as of the date such resident reaches age 57. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national on the basis of such individual's own wages and self-employment income. Entitles a non-U.S. citizen or national to a single lump-sum benefit on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income if such individual is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or employment purposes or such individual's status is changed to permit such individual to work in the United States. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a non-U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national who is not a permanent resident of the United States or who has not been admitted to the United States for employment purposes. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of October 19 through October 25, 1981, as "National High School Activities Week."
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require that petroleum company overcharges, paid to the United States, be used to complete the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Provides for initial good-faith efforts to refund such amounts to original purchasers. Permits payment either by cash or by in-kind transfers of petroleum products. Requires the Secretary of Energy to study and report to the President and the Congress on the final Strategic Storage Level.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of April 19 through April 25, 1982, as "National Nurse-Midwifery Week."
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Requests the President to designate the month of October 1981 as "National PTA Membership Month."
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
Requests the President to designate December 7, 1981, as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1981
Designates the Roy A. Taylor Forest in the Natahala National Forest in North Carolina. Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior: (1) to erect appropriate signs and markings commemorating the contributions of Roy A. Taylor and the designation of Roy A. Taylor Forest; and (2) to place information and designations of such forest in publications for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Authorizes appropriations for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Sets ceilings on funds allocated for: (1) nuclear reactor regulation, including gas-cooled thermal reactor preapplication review; (2) inspection and enforcement; (3) standards development; (4) nuclear material safety and safeguard; (5) nuclear regulatory research; (6) program technical support; and (7) program direction and administration. Limits the Commission's authority to enter into grants and cooperative agreements with universities to not more than one percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for nuclear regulatory research. Prohibits the Commission from reprogramming the funds authorized to be appropriated for any activity under this Act by an increase or decrease in excess of $500,000 for a period of 30 calendar days after notice of such action to the appropriate Congressional committees unless each committee has transmitted a written notice that it has no objection to such action. Authorizes the Commission to retain monies received for cooperative nuclear research programs for salaries and expenses for such programs and to transfer sums from the amounts appropriated under this Act to other Government agencies which perform the work for which such appropriations were made. Authorizes payments under this Act only to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts. Sets a ceiling on the amount of funds which may be used for the acquisition and installation of equipment for the small test prototype nuclear data link program or for any other program for the collection and transmission to the Commission of data from licensed nuclear reactors during abnormal conditions. Exempts from such limitation equipment for which the Commission prepares and submits to Congress a specific acquisition and installation proposal unless either House of Congress rejects such proposal within 60 days of submission. Limits the amount of funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act for fiscal year 1982 which may be used to continue tests at the Loss-of-Fluid Test Facility. Makes available from amounts authorized to be appropriated for program direction and administration funds for interim consolidation of Commission headquarters staff offices in the District of Columbia and in Bethesda, Maryland, but not for relocation of offices of Commission members outside of the District of Columbia. Authorizes the Commission to use funds, in the absence of a State or local emergency preparedness plan approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to issue an operating license for a nuclear reactor if there is a State, local, or utility plan for the public health and safety. Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act to promulgate or publish a safety goal for nuclear reactor regulation until after public hearings on such goal have been held. Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act to assist the General Public Utilities Corporation with the decontamination, clean-up, repair, or rehabilitation of facilities at Three Mile Island Unit 2. Permits the Commission to use funds to monitor or inspect such activities and to carry out regulatory functions with respect to the facilities at Three Mile Island. Requires the Commission to use funds from amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Office of Nuclear Materials, Safety and Safeguards to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Energy specifying interagency procedures for the disposition of radioactive materials resulting from the cleanup of Three Mile Island Unit 2. Authorizes the use of funds for the issuance of nuclear reactor license amendments prior to the conduct of required hearings and after notice to the State in which the facility is located if the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration. Authorizes the use of funds for the issuance of temporary operating licenses, prior to the conduct of required hearings, for fuel loading, testing, and operation of nuclear reactors at a power level not to exceed five percent of the rated full thermal power. Establishes an independent Temporary Advisory Panel to evaluate the nuclear powerplant licensing process. Requires the Panel to report its evaluation within a specified time period to the Commission and specified Congressional committees. Terminates the Panel upon submission of such report. Requires the Commission to set forth its views on the Panel's report and recommend improvements for the nuclear powerplant licensing process to such Congressional committees.