United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1980
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise the formula by which certain limitations are placed upon the amount of basic grants to students ("Pell Grants").
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the peaceful resolution of the Polish workers' strike contributes to international peace. Encourages implementation of the strike settlement without outside interference.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an additional $1,000 personal tax exemption for a taxpayer, his or her spouse, or a dependent who is disabled. Defines "disability" as an inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a physical impairment which has lasted or will last continuously for at least 12 months and which requires a wheelchair for mobility. Disallows the additional exemption if the taxpayer or his or her spouse already receives an extra exemption due to blindness.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1980
Urges the peaceful resolution of issues raised by Polish workers in accordance with international agreements. Requests the Polish government to release persons unjustly imprisoned during recent worker unrest. Asks all signatories to observe the Declaration on Principles Guiding Relations between Participating States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1980
Establishes a commission to recommend an appropriate public memorial to former United States Representative Allard K. Lowenstein. Requires the Commission to transmit a report to each House of Congress by January 31, 1981, containing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should convey congressional concern about the deprivation of the rights of Christians by the Soviet Union, particularly the Pentecostals living in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Directs the President to report to Congress on the prospects for religious freedom in the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1980
Declares that the people of Poland should be allowed to settle their own affairs, including the formation of independent trade unions and the right to strike, without foreign interference.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should convey congressional concern about the deprivation of the rights of Protestant Christians by the Soviet Union, particularly the Pentecostals living in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Directs the President to report to Congress on the prospects for religious freedom in the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1980
Reaffirms congressional support for full implementation of the Helsinki Final Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that human rights concerns should be given serious attention at the Madrid meeting to review such Act. Declares that any new measures should be balanced among all sections of the Final Act. Directs the U.S. delegation to seek another review meeting within two years.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. delegation to the Copenhagen conference on the United Nations Decade for Women should be encouraged to support resolutions relating to health, education, and employment. Declares that the U.S. delegation to the Conference should oppose any resolutions which do not relate directly to the goals of the Conference. Requires the U.S. delegation to report to Congress on the results of the conference.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Amends the Black Lung Benefits Act to require employment in a mine after June 30, 1973 (currently, December 31, 1969) in order to receive black lung benefits from a mine operator. Makes the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund available for: (1) paying the claims of miners last employed before July 1, 1973; and (2) reimbursing operators for claims of miners last employed between January 1, 1970, and June 30, 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
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 · 1 July 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U. S. delegation to the Copenhagen conference on the United Nations Decade for Women should be encouraged to support resolutions relating to health, education, and employment and to sign the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Declares that the U. S. delegation to the Conference should be instructed to oppose any resolutions which do not relate directly to the goals of the Conference. Requires the U. S. delegation to report to Congress on the results of the conference.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Tax Reduction - Job Creation Act - Title I: Individual Tax Rates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce income tax rates for each category of individual taxpayers. Title II: Incentives for New Plant and Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits taxpayers to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1980
Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to revise the definition of "employee" to exclude (in addition to the currently excluded masters, or crew members, of any vessel) persons who at the time of injury were: (1) officers or employees of any government; (2) engaged in any employment which is not a direct or integral part of vessel loading, unloading, repairing, building, or breaking; or (3) providing services on or for any vessel less than 65 feet in length, while covered by a State workers' compensation program. Removes the conditions under which compensation for disability or death shall be payable. Increases the maximum rates of compensation for disability and extends such limits to compensation for death. Sets the maximum rate of compensation, with specified exceptions, at the lessor of: (1) an amount equal to 80 percent of the employee's spendable earnings; or (2) an amount equal to 200 percent of the applicable national average weekly wage. Defines "spendable earnings" as the employee's average weekly wage reduced by amounts required to be withheld under Federal and State tax laws. Directs the Secretary of Labor to publish tables in the Federal Register showing the amount of such "spendable earnings" for various wage levels. Entitles an employee to choose an attending physician from an applicable listing established by the deputy commissioner with jurisdiction with respect to such injury. Directs the deputy commissioner to actively supervise such medical care. Requires an attending physician who refers an employee to a medical specialist or consulting physician to notify the employer and submit a report, with reasons for such referral, to the employer and the deputy commissioner. Requires such specialists or consultants to submit reports in order to collect fees. Requires an employee seeking recovery of expenses for medical treatment or services to obtain such treatment in a specified manner and to provide written notice of such treatment or services to the employer within ten days after the date of the first treatment or services. Establishes procedures for providing independent medical examinations when medical questions arise. Entitles employers to specified relief in cases where the workplace injury is the sole cause of an impairment or disability. Provides for reexaminations of such estimates of the degree of impairment due to the workplace injury. Repeals specified provisions which made certain physicians who had participated in a fee relating to any other workmen's compensation claim during the previous two years ineligible for employment as independent medical examiners unless the parties to the claim agreed otherwise. Requires that 80 percent of spendable earnings be paid to an employee during the continuance of permanent total disability, subject to specified limitations. Requires, for a determination of total disability, that an employee prove by substantial evidence that as a result of the injury he or she is permanently unable to earn any wages in employment, in cases other than ones of loss of two or more specified body parts. Requires that 80 percent of spendable earnings be paid to an employee during the continuance of temporary total disability, subject to specified limitations. Prohibits such compensation from being paid after the employee attains the retirement age for the appropriate industry and geographical region. Sets the compensation rate for permanent partial disability at 80 percent of the spendable earnings of the employee, subject to specified limitations. Extends such limitations to the "other cases" category of permanent partial disability compensation and terminates such compensation after the employee attains the appropriate retirement age. Deletes a provision subjecting such compensation to reconsideration of the degree of impairment by the deputy commissioner. Bars employees suffering injuries in specified categories from seeking additional compensation in this "other cases" category. Allows employers to reduce permanent partial disability compensation when an employee's actual wages or wage earning capacity have increased or to suspend such compensation when such wages equal or exceed average weekly wages before the injury. Requires the approval of the deputy commissioner for such reductions or suspensions of compensation with such approval to be reviewable by an administrative law judge. Allows employees whose actual wages or wage earning capacity decrease, solely as a result of the injury, to less than their average weekly wage before the injury to request reviews of their compensation payments. Eliminates a provision for death benefits for the survivors of an employee who had been receiving "other cases" category permanent partial disability compensation and who dies from causes other than the original injury. Retains the current compensation rate for temporary partial disability, but subjects such rate to specified limitations. Provides for the designation by the Secretary of an attorney to serve as fund representative, with specified powers, of a special fund under such Act, upon recommendation by an organization representative of employer and insurance carrier interests. Revises provisions relating to: (1) compensation for employees undergoing vocational rehabilitation; (2) the wage earning capacity of injured employees in partial disability cases; and (3) approval of settlements by the deputy commissioner and the manner of payment of such settlements. Eliminates a provision for death benefits if the employee who sustains permanent total disability due to the injury thereafter dies from causes other than the injury. Increases the maximum rate of specified types of compensation for death. Revises methods of determination of the average weekly wages of injured employees at the time of injury. Revises the formula for determining yearly increases in specified compensation for permanent total disability or death. Makes revisions relating to: (1) failure to give notice; (2) the period of installment payments; (3) the right to compensation controverted; (4) penalties for overdue compensation; and (5) notice of payment. Repeals provisions concerning the deputy commissioner's authority: (1) in cases of suspended payments; and (2) to discharge the employer's liability for compensation. Limits the total money allowance payable to an employee or dependent survivors. Provides for preliminary rulings by the deputy commissioner with respect to claims, to become final orders if the parties do not request a hearing. Makes other revisions in the procedure in respect to claims. Repeals provisions relating to presumptions in proceedings for the enforcement of compensation claims. Revises provisions relating to the review of compensation orders and the Benefits Review Board. Establishes a new Benefits Review Board to be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate (the former Board was appointed by the Secretary). Transfers to such Board all officers, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records of the Benefits Review Board in the Department of Labor. Revises the procedures, functions, powers, and duties of such Board. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Revises provisions relating to: (1) powers of the deputy commissioner or an administrative law judge in proceedings under such Act; (2) fees for services; (3) institution of proceedings by a person entitled to compensation; and (4) compromise obtained by a person entitled to compensation. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) furnishing specified information and assistance in processing claims to persons covered under such Act (formerly permitted such information and assistance upon request); and (2) participating, except as an intervenor, in proceedings relating to this Act which are before any court. Makes other technical and conforming amendments. Repeals provisions relating to an administration fund and to the availability of appropriations. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation to evaluate whether this Act provides an adequate, prompt, equitable, and insurable system of compensation. Declares that the Committee shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Provides that nothing contained in the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to reduce the amount of any benefits received under the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act by any individual on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that accruals of benefits or forfeitures in a tax- qualified deferred compensation plan, which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory against certain classes of employees, will not be considered to have taken place if: (1) the total present values of such nonforfeitable benefits attributable to employee-officers or shareholders is less than the total present values of nonforfeitable benefits of all other employees; (2) employee-officers or shareholders having nonforfeitable benefits constitute a reasonable cross section of plan participants; or (3) the deferred compensation plan provides that an employee who has completed at least four years of service has a nonforfeitable right to a specified percentage of the accrued benefit derived from employer contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1980
Extends the congratulations of the Congress to the Order of the Sons of Italy in America for their 75th anniversary. Proclaims Sunday, June 22, 1980, as "National Italian-American Day."
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1980
Authorizes the President to present a gold-plated medal, on behalf of the Congress, to those athletes selected through the Olympic trial process to be members of the United States Summer Olympic Team of 1980. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be stricken 650 such medals with suitable emblems. Declares that such medals are national medals and that funds to carry out this Act shall be made available under the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide complete medical coverage to any individual during any period in which that person is considered eligible for supplemental security income benefits because of an incorrect determination by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Secretary to promptly give notice and explain any termination of payment of supplemental security benefits to the State agency which administers that individual's State Medicaid Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Extends the congratulations of the House of Representatives to members of the 1980 handicapped Olympic team and recognizes specified organizations for their efforts in producing the second winter Olympics for the physically handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the independence of Yugoslavia and its continued development of a multinational federation are consistent with U.S. and European security interests and contribute to world peace; and (2) the President should assist Yugoslavia in maintaining its independence and in improving the well-being of its people.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers an income tax credit for the purchase price of a new highway vehicle purchased between May 31, 1980 and June 1, 1981, which is a 1979 model year or later and which is manufactured in the United States. Limits the amount of such credit to $500. Allows a $750 tax credit for the purchase of a highway vehicle which has a fuel economy which is 20 percent greater than the average fuel economy standard. Specifies that the income tax credit is available only for the purchase of one highway vehicle.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1980
Urges the President to secure greater international cooperation with respect to the large number of Cubans who recently have fled or are attempting to flee Cuba. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should seek the discussion of such situation in an appropriate international forum.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the income tax deduction for the away-from-home lodging expenses of employees which are not reimbursed by their employers shall not be less than the per diem allowance for Federal employees for similar expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the seven-day period beginning October 5, 1980, as "National Port Week." Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on the conditions of U.S. public ports.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1980
Amends the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1980 and 1981, to increase the authorization of appropriation to the State Department for fiscal year 1980 and 1981 for international organizations and conferences and for fiscal year 1981 for the administration of foreign affairs (earmarks a specified portion for payment ex gratia to Yugoslavia for injuries sustained by a Yugoslav national). Decreases the authorization of appropriations for international commissions. Repeals the ceilings on the aggregate amount spent on the administration of foreign affairs, international organizations and conferences, and international commissions. Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to increase the authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 1980 and 1981 for the Board for International Broadcasting. Amends specified passport provisions to provide for the Secretary of State to prescribe a fee for issued passports which shall be paid into the U.S. Treasury (presently such fees are set at ten dollars for each passport and are paid quarterly). Extends the period of validity of a passport from five years to ten years. Removes the ceiling on authorized funds for the U.S. share of expenses of the Pan American Institute of Geography and History. Prohibits the U.S. payment of its share of the annual expenses of the Hague Conference on Private International Law and of the International (Rome) Institute for the Unification of Private Law from exceeding ten percent of the total expenses after 1978 (currently seven percent). Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to direct the President to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a U.S. representative to the Vienna office of the United Nations. Authorizes the use of appropriated funds for living quarters for the staffs of U.S. representatives to the United Nations. Authorizes necessary appropriations for the U.S. share of the expenses of the United Nations peacekeeping forces (presently limited to those in the Middle East). Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for the Inter-American Foundation. Exempts private sector representatives on U.S. delegations to international telecommunications conferences, who are specifically designated as the U.S. Representative with respect to a particular matter, from specified criminal code provisions on conflicts of interest. Requires such representatives to have on file a financial disclosure report with the State Department. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to permit any person having special scientific, technical, or professional qualifications, in the employ or service of the U.S. Government, to be assigned to a foreign government (presently restricted to U.S. citizens). Authorizes the making of procurement contracts for periods which do not exceed five years if: (1) appropriations are adequate for the first fiscal year; (2) Government need is reasonably firm and continuing; (3) such contract will encourage effective competition or promote economics in performance and operation; and (4) such method will not inhibit small business participation. Requires such contracts to be cancelled if funds are not available for continuation into subsequent fiscal years. Revises the authority of the Director of the International Communication Agency (ICA) to purchase vehicles for use abroad to permit security vehicles to be purchased without regard to maximum price limitations. Provides for the principal assistant of an ICA Associate Director to perform the duties of any Associate Director who dies, resigns, or is sick or absent. Requires the ICA Director to make available the film, "Reflection: Samuel Eliott Morison," for public distribution within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Year-End Spending Control Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to apportion appropriations to Federal agencies in a manner which insures that no more than 20 percent of the total appropriations available to an agency in a fiscal year may be obligated during the last two months of that year. Authorizes the Director to waive such a spending limitation upon determining that it would seriously disrupt an agency program or operation, if the Director reports on such waiver to Congress before the agency violates such limitation. Requires the Director to report to Congress concerning: (1) the implementation of this Act; (2) violations of spending limitations; (3) the results and impacts of this Act including the effects upon procurement and apportionment processes; and (4) recommendations on continuing the spending limitations. Exempts reserves established to comply with a spending limitation under this Act from reporting requirements of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Directs an agency to consider an employee's compliance with agency rules and procedures applicable to year-end expenditure practices when: (1) evaluating the performance of a member of the Senior Executive Service; and (2) determining any pay increase for a supervisor or manager under the merit pay system.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Expresses a congressional tribute to the members of the Armed Forces who participated in the mission to rescue the Americans held hostage in Iran and urges the President to dedicate May 17, 1980, Armed Forces Day, to such military personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1980
Extends the commendation of the Congress to the military personnel who took part in the attempt to rescue the hostages in Iran and recommends that the President consider awarding appropriate military decorations to such personnel. Extends congressional condolences to the families of the men who died during the attempted rescue. Recommends that Iranian assets frozen in the United States be made available to certain American claimants for damages against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1980
Arts and Humanities Act of 1980 - Title I: Amendments to National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 to authorize the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts to establish and carry out a program of loans to groups or individuals for projects and productions of substantial artistic and cultural significance. Includes cultural diversity as a factor to be considered by the Chairman in making grants or loans under such Act. Limits the amount of funding the Chairman may allot to certain jurisdictions, other than States which have a population of less than 200,000. Permits the Chairman to enter into interagency agreements on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis to promote or assist with the arts-related activities of other Federal agencies. Permits the use of program funds for such purpose. Authorizes the Chairman to establish and carry out a program of contracts with, or grants-in-aid to, public agencies and private nonprofit organizations on a national, State, or local level to assist cultural organizations and institutions and provide additional support for cooperative efforts undertaken by State art agencies and local art groups to promote effective arts activity at the State and local level. Eliminates financial assistance to State agencies for photography and film projects. Eliminates the requirement of Senate advice and consent for the appointment of the members of the National Council on the Arts. Makes available to the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities specified percentages of excess funds from the grants-in-aid programs to be allotted among specified grant recipients. Limits the amount of funding such Chairman may allot to certain jurisdictions, other than States, which have a population of less than 200,000. Permits such Chairman to enter into interagency agreements on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis to promote or assist with the humanities-related activities of other Federal agencies. Permits the use of program funds for such purpose. Eliminates the requirement of Senate advice and consent for the appointment of the members of the National Council on the Humanities. Permits such Chairman to unilaterally approve or disapprove any application for $30,000 or less, subject to Council delegation and review. Directs the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities to undertake studies and make reports which address the state of the arts and humanities, particularly with respect to their economic needs and problems. Directs the Council to report to Congress on the state of employment opportunities for professional artists, including the effectiveness of existing Federal programs and the need for new programs. Directs the Council to report to Congress on the effectiveness and feasibility of expanding the indemnity program created by the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act. Directs the Chairmen of the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities to each conduct a study of and report to Congress on the use, sale, or other disposal of property to carry out the purposes of such Act, the effectiveness of such use, sale, or disposition as an incentive for increasing the levels of non-Federal support, and the extent to which such activities of each Chairman result in undue administrative and financial burdens upon grant recipients. Authorizes appropriations for the National Endowment for the Arts and for the Humanities for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of such authorizations based upon the value of donated property and the total amounts received by grantees from non-Federal sources. Establishes authorization ceilings for fiscal year 1981. Directs the Chairmen of the Endowments to issue guidelines to implement the authorizations. Title II: Museum Services - Amends the Museum Services Act to authorize the Director of the Institute of Museum Services to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with professional museum organizations to provide financial assistance to undertake projects designed to strengthen museum services. Limits such assistance for projects to a one-year period. Prohibits the use of such assistance for operational expenses. Limits the aggregate amount of financial assistance to such organizations. Requires the Director to establish procedures for reviewing and evaluating grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of Education to eliminate or restructure the Institute of Museum Services. Title III: Amendments to Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act - Amends the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to increase from $250,000,000 to $400,000,000 the aggregate amount covered under indemnity agreements. Increases the amounts deductible under such agreements if the estimated value of the covered items exceeds $2,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1980
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit total budget outlays for any fiscal year after fiscal year 1980 from exceeding the total budget outlays for the preceding fiscal year by a greater percentage than the percentage increase in the gross national product in the preceding calendar year. Reduces further the permissible total budget outlays by percentages based upon the inflation rate and Federal grants to State and local governments. Permits: (1) an increase in the permissible total budget outlays if both Houses of Congress agree by a three-fourths vote; and (2) emergency outlays to be authorized if the President has declared an emergency and both Houses agree by a two-thirds vote. Prohibits requiring State or local governments to perform additional functions without compensation for necessary costs incurred in connection with such functions. Requires such compensation to have been authorized and included as a part of the permissible total budget outlays. Requires concurrent resolutions on the budget to include the estimated amount of grants to State and local governments, in the aggregate and as a fraction of total budget outlays, and any changes. Sets forth restrictions on the consideration of concurrent resolutions on the budget which violate these provisions. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to require the Budget to be prepared in compliance with this Act. Directs the President to take necessary action to assure continuing compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1980
Hostage Relief Act of 1980 - Title I: Amendments to Title 5 of the United States Code - Amends title 5 of the United States Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a savings fund to which the head of an agency may allot all or a portion of the pay and allowances of any employee who is in a missing status on or after November 4, 1979, as the result of a hostile action against the United States. Requires interest on such fund to be compounded quarterly at the average rate paid on United States Treasury bills with three-month maturities issued during the calendar quarter immediately preceding the first day of the applicable pay period. Directs the President to issue regulations to authorize agency heads to reimburse (up to $25,000 in any calendar year) any such employee, or dependent of such an employee, for necessary travel, rest and recuperation, private medical car, and other expenses related to the ordeal which are incurred on or after such date. Entitles the spouse of such an employee to reimbursement, for a certain time, for expenses incurred for tuition, books, fees, and subsistence while attending an educational or training institution. Extends to such employees the provisions of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, deferring civil actions that affect property rights of such persons until their missing status is ended. Applies the provisions of this Title to all citizens and resident aliens of the United States held hostage in Teheran at any time during November, 1979, and to their dependents and spouses, regardless of whether they are Federal employees. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of such an employee compensation received for active service for any month during the period of his or her missing status, or during which such employee was hospitalized as a result of wounds, injury, disease, or partial or total physical or mental disablement incurred during a hostile action against the United States. Cancels the income taxes for any such employee who dies as a result of such hostile action, for the year in which death occurs and for all prior years during which the employee was in missing status. Authorizes spouses of such employees to file a joint income tax return. Defers the filing of an income tax return by such an employee until after 180 days following the termination of his or her missing status. Applies the provisions of this Title to all citizens and resident aliens of the United States held hostage in Teheran at any time during November, 1979, regardless of whether they are Federal employees. Applies the tax exclusion to non-employees only to the extent of the daily equivalent of the annual basic rate of pay in effect for level V of the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1980
Directs the President to utilize the forum of the Venice Economic Summit to urge the development of an International Code of Business Conduct. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should negotiate and report to Congress concerning agreements to establish standards of ethical and equitable conduct of international business and mechanisms to resolve problems. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to report to Congress concerning its recommendations regarding such negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to repeal the provision under which a State is prohibited from charging an enrollment fee, premium, or deduction for inpatient hospital services, outpatient services, laboratory and X-ray services, skilled nursing facility services, certain physicians' services, and home health services to an individual who is eligible for Medicaid and who is receiving aid or assistance under titles I (Old Age and Medical Assistance), X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), XVI (Supplemental Security Income), or IV part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of such Act. Directs that any charge for any Medicaid benefit provided to any such individual shall be nominal.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Permits a State to establish a program under which relatives of a Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) beneficiary receiving skilled nursing facility services or intermediate care facility services may contribute to a fund used to provide such services.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Authority Amendments of 1979 - Amends the National Housing Act to remove the specific dollar limitations on the original principal obligation of a mortgage which may be purchased by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) under the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act. Limits such purchasing authority to mortgages in an amount which would make a residence or project eligible for mortgage insurance under the applicable Federal insurance program. Permits such amounts to be raised by up to ten percent in high cost areas determined by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Limits the sales price of a principal residence covered by a mortgage which may be purchased under the emergency authority of the GNMA to 105 percent of such maximum mortgage amount which may be raised an additional 10 percent in high-cost areas. Eliminates the 7 1/2 percent interest rate limitation on mortgage loans eligible for purchase. Permits the Secretary to establish the maximum interest rate at a level consistent with market conditions provided it does not exceed the maximum rate on mortgages eligible for Federal insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit a State, under certain circumstances, to purchase, either through a competitive bidding process or otherwise: (1) laboratory and X-ray services; (2) family planning supplies; (3) prescription drugs; (4) dentures; (5) prosthetic devices; or (6) eyeglasses.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit a State to terminate benefits, for up to one year, to an individual who, after notice and opportunity for hearing, is determined by a preponderance of the evidence to have committed specified abuses under Medicaid.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980
Proclaims October 19, 1981, a national day of celebration as the two hundredth anniversary of the victory of General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1980 - Title I: Military and Related Assistance Programs - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to repeal the President's authority to reduce or waive charges for the use of plant and production equipment and nonrecurring research, development, and production costs pursuant to coproduction arrangements for foreign procurement in the United States of defense articles and services. Authorizes the President to sell or contract to sell design or construction services to eligible countries or international organizations if the United States is paid in full in advance for the costs of furnishing such services. Makes such sales subject to the statutory provisions applicable to defense articles and services. Requires the President to certify information to Congress concerning any letter of offer to sell any design and construction services for $200,000,000 or more. Authorizes appropriations for foreign military sales for fiscal year 1981. Stipulates that credits and loan guaranties may be made only to the extent provided in advance in appropriations acts. Establishes separate ceilings on the total amount of credit and of loan guarantees authorized to be extended for fiscal year 1981. Increases the amount earmarked for Israel. Makes a specified amount available only for the costs of relocating Israeli forces from the Sinai. Sets a ceiling on the amounts which may be made available for the Philippines and for Thailand. Exempts Israel from specified credit and loan guarantees restrictions for fiscal year 1981. Releases Israel from a specified amount of its contractual liability to repay the United States. Grants a ten year grace period before Egypt, the Sudan, and Turkey are required to begin repayment of the principal of loans guaranteed to finance credit sales of defense articles and services. Requires the President to submit written certification to Congress concerning the transfer of defense articles and services only if such transfer involves major defense articles or services valued above specified amounts to countries other than Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Exempts letters of offer to sell and applications for licenses to export defense articles and services to such nations from certification requirements. Raises the ceiling on arms sales which are required to be sold under the Arms Export Control Act in order to be issued an export license. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish military assistance to friendly countries or international organizations by transferring authorized funds for specified recipients to be used to meet obligations of such recipients for payment for arms sales under the Arms Export Control Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for military assistance with specified limitations on amounts for Portugal, Spain, and the Philippines. Increases the aggregate value of the drawdown of defense articles from Defense Department stocks, defense services, and military education and training authorized in emergencies. Extends the authority to furnish military assistance until September 30, 1982, or for five years after such assistance is authorized. Decreases the value of additions of defense articles to stockpiles in foreign countries during fiscal year 1981. Revises the list of foreign countries to which the President is authorized to assign members of the U.S. Armed Forces to manage security assistance programs by deleting Iran and Kuwait and adding Egypt. Permits the number of defense attaches performing overseas management functions to exceed by up to six the number of attaches authorized on December 31, 1979. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for international military education and training. Requires a human rights program to be included in the curriculum of programs receiving such funds. Makes such program a prerequisite for completion of all other courses. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning specific measures taken to implement such program. Includes the additional costs of furnishing such training within the definition of "value." Amends the Arms Export Control Act to require purchasers of training who are concurrently receiving training assistance to pay such additional costs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for peacekeeping operations. Repeals the provision creating the Middle East special requirements fund. Permits the President to make sales, extend credit, or issue guaranties under the Arms Export Control Act, as well as furnish assistance, without regard to statutory limitations if to do so is vital to U.S. security. Prohibits the expenditure of appropriated funds for foreign intelligence operations unless the President, prior to the initiation of such operation, reports a description and scope of such operation to the House and Senate Select Committees on Intelligence (presently such reports are required to be submitted in a timely fashion to the appropriate congressional committees). Permits the President to defer, for the shortest practicable period, such prior reporting in extraordinary circumstances or to avoid unreasonable risks. Title II: Economic Support Fund - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for the Economic Support Fund. Prohibits the use of such funds for nuclear facilities in a foreign country, unless the President certifies to Congress that such use is indispensable to the achievement of U.S. nonproliferation objectives. Repeals the Fund's regional programs. Earmarks specified amounts for Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and special requirements in the Middle East. Prohibits making funds available for Syria, unless the President certifies to Congress that Syria is making good faith efforts towards a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East and such funds will serve the peace process in the Middle East. Makes specified amounts available to Jordan for the Maqarin Dam and Jordan Valley Irrigation System and for other development programs. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the obligation of funds for Middle East special requirements. Provides for a congressional veto of such proposed use. Makes specified amounts available for emergency uses to promote economic or political stability. Limits the amount which may be used for Mozambique. Title III: Development Assistance Programs - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for: (1) agriculture, rural development, and nutrition; (2) population planning and health programs; (3) education and human resources development; (4) development of indigenous energy resources (with a specified amount for survey work and exploration for potential oil, natural gas, and coal reserves in developing countries which are not members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries); (5) human rights promotion; (6) Sahel development program; (7) international organizations and programs; (8) reimbursable development programs; and (9) the Institute for Scientific and Technological Cooperation. Declares that energy production from renewable decentralized sources and energy conservation are vital elements in the development process. Authorizes cooperative programs to include research and development of suitable energy technologies, analysis of energy uses, needs and resources, training and institutional development, and scientific interchange. Stipulates that prohibitions on assistance to countries shall not be construed to prohibit the continuation of assistance to private and voluntary organizations and cooperatives. Directs the President to take into consideration whether such continued support is in the U.S. national interest. Stipulates that prohibitions on assistance to countries shall not be construed to prohibit the continuation of assistance to private and voluntary organizations and cooperatives. Directs the President to take into consideration whether such continued support is in the U.S. national interest. Decreases the amount due and payable during fiscal year 1981 to the United States from relatively least developed countries on development loans. Permits expenses for orderly termination of programs to include funds to enable students abroad to complete their training. Urges the President to use appropriated funds for fiscal year 1981 for bilateral development assistance in the eastern Caribbean countries. Directs the President to report to Congress on the implementation of such assistance. Title IV: Other Assistance Programs - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for: (1) American schools and hospitals abroad; (2) international narcotics control (with specified limitations on the amount which may be contributed to the United Nations Fund for Drug Abuse Control); (3) international disaster assistance; and (4) the rehabilitation and resettlement needs of displaced persons and other victims of civil strife in Africa in ways not generally provided by existing refugee relief agencies. Amends the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1980 and 1981, to increase the authorization of appropriations for migration and refugee assistance for fiscal year 1981. Authorizes the President to transfer up to a specified amount from other accounts for international disaster assistance. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should encourage Indonesia to allow: (1) increased access to East Timor by international relief agencies and international journalists; and (2) free emigration from East Timor. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to authorize the President to transfer up to 15 percent of available funds between the titles of such Act. Title V: African Development Foundation - African Development Foundation Act - Establishes the African Development Foundation to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the people of Africa and the United States and to assist in the development of Africa. Requires such Foundation to cooperate with indigenous organizations representative of Africa and other private, regional, and international organizations. Authorizes such Foundation to make grants, loans, and loan guarantees (not to exceed $250,000 in total) to African entities for developmental purposes. Requires the Foundation to give priority to community self-help projects with the maximum feasible participation of the poor. Sets forth the corporate powers of such Foundation. Sets forth conflict-of-interest provisions. Exempts such Foundation from Federal, State, or local taxation. Provides for the appointment of a Board of Directors to manage such Foundation. Requires the Board to consult with an advisory council composed of individuals knowledgeable about development activities in Africa. Makes any spending authority effective only to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts. Earmarks a specified portion of the fiscal year 1981 authorization of appropriations for development assistance for this title. Title VI: Peace Corps - Amends the Peace Corps Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for the Peace Corps and for any necessary increases. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to prohibit assistance to countries causing the disappearance of persons by the abduction and clandestine detention of those persons. Directs the Comptroller General to report on the audits of funds administered by international organizations to the President and Congress. Directs the President to seek the establishment of external, professionally qualified groups to evaluate and audit the programs and activities of the United Nations and its affiliated organizations (presently calls for a single professionally qualified group to evaluate). Provides for the auditing of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Asian Development Bank. Requires the Comptroller General to include an evaluation of such reports submitted to Congress and the President. Requires the Secretary of State to submit the annual reports to Congress on U.S. contributions to international organizations within nine months after the fiscal year to which they relate or, in the case of fiscal year 1978, by December 31, 1980. Directs the President to submit semiannual reports to Congress listing all voluntary U.S. contributions to international organizations. Allows foreign assistance funds to be used to procure agricultural products outside the United States when the domestic price is less than parity if the commodity can not reasonably be procured in the United States in fulfillment of the objectives of a particular assistance program. Replaces the Auditor General with an Inspector General. Makes such Inspector General responsible for security activities, as well as audit and investigative activities, of the agency administering development assistance and, to the extent requested, the U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency. Gives the Inspector General subpoena power. Sets forth additional duties of the Inspector General. Authorizes the Inspector General to investigate employee complaints concerning the U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency. Permits economic support funds to be used to pay shipping differentials resulting from the use of U.S.-flag vessels. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for the operating expenses for administering the international development programs. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning: (1) the effectiveness of the Interagency Group on Human Rights and Foreign Assistance; (2) the commitment to peace of the parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict; and (3) the responsibility of Jordan to act in good faith to achieve peace in the Middle East in order to receive foreign assistance under this Act. Directs the President to report to Congress regarding the economic conditions prevailing in Egypt, Israel, Portugal, and Turkey which may affect their international debt obligations and economic stability.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Powerplant Fuel Conservation Act of 1980 - Title I: Accelerated Fuel Conversions of Certain Powerplants - Prohibits the use of petroleum or natural gas as a primary energy source after the 90th day following the enactment of this Act by any powerplant capable of converting to coal or other alternate fuel, without express exemption approved by the Secretary of Energy. Provides a procedure for procuring a stay of such prohibition pending consideration of such exemption. Limits the duration of any exemption to: (1) five years after its approval; or (2) December 31, 1985, whichever is later. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to any owner or operator of any alternate fuel capable powerplant for up to 50 percent of any amounts paid or incurred after November 9, 1978, for the conversion of such powerplant from the use of petroleum to coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source. Disqualifies from eligibility for such a grant any powerplant for which an exemption is sought. Specifies grant application requirements. Excludes from the reasonable costs coverable by a grant any costs for real estate acquisition, or for facilities, equipment, or improvements which are not at the same site as the designated powerplant. Requires: (1) publication in the Federal Register of every such grant application upon receipt, with opportunity afforded for public comment; and (2) consultation by the Secretary with the Governor (or designee) of the State where the powerplant is located, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Conditions award of a grant upon assurances that the conversion of the powerplant involved will occur not later than December 31, 1985, or three years after grant approval. Prohibits payment of any grant funds to any State regulated utility unless the State regulatory authority has certified to the Secretary, and the Secretary is satisfied, that the base used for ratemaking purposes by such utility will be reduced by the amount of the grant. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to any electric utility which owns or operates any existing electric powerplant using coal as a primary energy source, for any reasonable amounts paid or incurred after enactment for the design and installation of equipment and facilities for reducing the sulfur atmospheric pollutants emitted by such powerplant. Requires the Secretary to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency of any application for such a grant and authorizes approval if approval has been recommended by the Administrator. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of sulfur removal systems for which grants are made. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to any person for up to 20 percent of the reasonable costs paid or incurred for the design and installation of equipment and facilities for reducing the sulfur content of coal committed for use in any powerplant. Prohibits recovery after December 31, 1985, of any costs incurred by an electric utility for petroleum or natural gas used for certain powerplants by use of an automatic adjustment clause in its rate schedule, without express exemption by the Secretary. Title II: Additional Incentives for Reduction of Powerplant Use of Petroleum and Natural Gas - Directs the Secretary to make a grant to any electric utility for reasonable costs incurred after enactment in carrying out an approved fuel displacement plan. Limits the amount of a utility's grant to its pro rata share of the total appropriation for such grants, determined according to the ratio of: (1) the utility's base period fuel usage to (2) the estimated base period fuel usage of all electric utilities. Keys the obligation of approved grant amounts to any utility to the fuel reduction target established in its fuel displacement plan, depending on the percentage by which such target meets or falls short of such utility's pro rata share of a national fuel reduction goal of 600,000 barrels per day of petroleum and natural gas. Makes available additional grant amounts for any excess of such pro rata share. Sets a maximum grant ceiling of $4.00 per barrel of petroleum or natural gas conserved under the utility's fuel displacement plan. Specifies application and reporting requirements. Sets a minimum grant funds pay-out schedule of five years. Provides for recapture by the United States of funds paid out to any utility failing to meet the fuel displacement target established in its fuel displacement plan. Sets the period beginning January 1, 1974, and ending December 31, 1978, as the base period for purposes of determining base period fuel usage. Specifies factors for appropriate adjustments to the base period fuel usage. Specifies general contents of any fuel displacement plan. Requires prior approval of any such plan by the appropriate State regulatory authority in the case of a State regulated electric utility before the Secretary may approve. States that such prior approval shall be deemed to satisfy any State or local requirement that construction or operation of a new powerplant is permissible only if such facility is demonstrated to be needed because of an increase in demand for power. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires every electric utility which consumed 250,000 barrels or more of petroleum or natural gas per year between January 1, 1974, and December 31, 1978, to prepare a study of its fuel usage containing a 15-year forecast of: (1) the estimated costs of continuing to use petroleum or natural gas as a primary energy source; and (2) the total estimated cost of converting existing powerplants to coal or other alternate fuel use, constructing new plants using coal or other alternate fuel as a primary energy source, and implementing energy conservation programs to eliminate or reduce the use of petroleum and natural gas. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to any State agency which meets specified requirements of an Office of Consumer Services for the purpose of assisting consumers in making presentations directly related to the development and review of fuel displacement plans. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Specifies circumstances under which funds appropriated for the Economic Regulatory Administration of the Department of Energy may be used for program administration relating to this Act. Limits the making of grants under this Act to capital costs. Requires final action on grant applications within six months after filing. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as permitting any powerplant to delay or avoid compliance with applicable environmental requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
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.