United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Establishes the Public Debt Retirement Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States. Appropriates to such Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the crude oil windfall profit tax and the oil import fees imposed by the President under Proclamation 4744 on April 2, 1980. Requires the transfer of such amounts at least monthly from the general fund of the Treasury to the Trust Fund. Limits the use of such Trust Fund amounts to the payment, purchase before maturity, or redemption of any obligations included in the public debt. Requires cancellation and retirement of all obligations so paid for, purchased, or redeemed. Repeals provisions of the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 which set up the Windfall Profit Tax Account in the Treasury and direct the allocation of amounts deposited therein.
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 · 1 May 1980
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct (formerly authorized) the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to issue permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters at a disposal site or sites specified by the applicant (formerly specified by the Secretary), unless the Secretary determines that such site cannot be specified through the application of certain guidelines or other considerations. Limits the definition of "navigable waters" for purposes of such permits to mean all waters which are presently used, or are susceptible to use in their natural condition or by reasonable improvement as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce shoreward to their ordinary high water mark, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide shoreward to their mean high water mark. Declares that the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters (as limited by such definition) is not prohibited by or otherwise subject to regulation under any Act of Congress. Repeals provisions relating to State programs of permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into other types of navigable waters. Eliminates the qualifying phrase "to the maximum extent practicable" in the requirement that specified agreements between Federal agencies assure that decisions on permit applications be made within 90 days of published notice.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Urban Jobs and Enterprise Zone Act of 1980 - Title I: Designation of Private Jobs and Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of private jobs and enterprise zones by local governments, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Commerce, for purposes of extending the tax incentives provided by title II of this Act to employers and employees within designated zones. Specifies that the Secretary may only approve the designation of such zones if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the designating local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires designating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's approval, to effect a permanent real property tax reduction in their respective jurisdictions, which is not less than 20 percent of the current effective rate. Expresses the sense of the Congress that in the case of any application for designation of an area in a private jobs and enterprise zone as a foreign trade zone: (1) the Foreign-Trade Zone Board should expedite the application process; (2) the Board, in evaluating such application, should consider not only the current economic conditions within the zone, but also future development to be expected as a result of the incentives provided by this Act; and (3) the Board should provide technical assistance to the applicants. Title II: Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce social security payroll taxes in designated private jobs and enterprise zones. Reduces the rate of tax on the capital gains of individuals and corporations in such zones. Exempts gain from the sale or exchange of property used in a business in a private jobs and enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Reduces the rate of tax on the income of corporations whose workforce comprises at least 50 percent of individuals working in a private jobs and enterprise zone (qualifying businesses). Authorizes accelerated depreciation for qualifying businesses (straight line method based on a three year useful life). Limits the basis for depreciation to $500,000. Permits qualifying businesses to elect to use a cash method of accounting if their gross receipts do not exceed $1,500,000 in any prior taxable year. Allows a ten year carryover of net operating losses for qualifying businesses. Title III: Effective Dates - Specifies effective dates for provisions of this Act which apply to income tax and for provisions which apply to social security payroll taxes.
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 · 29 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt a certain portion of royalty owner oil production from the windfall profit tax. Limits the amount so exempted per quarter to ten barrels per day. Requires proportionate allocation of any production in excess of ten barrels per day between tier 1 oil, tier 2, and tier 3 oil, and within any tier on the basis of removal prices. Requires allocation of the ten barrel amount among royalty owners who are members of the same related group.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow homeowners a nonrefundable income tax credit for 50 percent of the expenses paid or incurred to make alterations to their residences for the purpose of making such residences more accessible to, and usable by, a handicapped individual who is either the taxpayer, his spouse, or a dependent of the taxpayer. Limits the amount of such credit, for each such handicapped individual, to the lesser of $1,000 or an amount which, when added to previous year's credits, does not exceed $5,000. Reduces the amount of such credit by one-half of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $20,000 ($35,000 in the case of married individuals filing jointly). Defines "handicapped individual" as any individual who has a medically identifiable mental or physical impairment which can be expected to result in death or which can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months, and which substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual. Requires the handicapped individual to live in the principal residence for which the alterations are made for not less than a nine month period during the taxable year.
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 · 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 · 31 March 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employee, in the case of an employee annuity, to elect to exclude from gross income all amounts received by such employee under the annuity until the employee recovers his consideration, without regard to whether such consideration is recovered during the first three years of such annuity. Authorizes revocation of such election only with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1980
Authorizes the President to impose a $25,000,000 fine against the Iranian government for each day after a date designated by the President that U.S. citizens continue to be held hostage. Authorizes the President to collect such fine from the Iranian assets blocked by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
American Sovereignty Protection Act - Amends the Alien Enemies Act to include within the definition of a predatory act against the United States: (1) the seizure of a diplomatic mission; or (2) the seizure of such premises together with the taking of diplomatic hostages.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should increase the power of the transmitters and improve the quality and quantity of foreign language programs of the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Liberty; and (2) research should be undertaken to speed progress in the area of international mass communication media.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1980
Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to prohibit the President from taking action, pursuant to the President's authority to adjust the imports of articles which threaten national security, to impose import fees on petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States without specific authorization from Congress, effective March 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Small Business Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Small Business Innovation - Amends the Small Business Act to require the head of each Federal agency which obligates over $100,000,000 for research and development in a fiscal year to: (1) expend at least one percent of the amount spent on research and development during the next year for a small business innovation program; (2) solicit research and development proposals from small businesses during the next year; and (3) promote the use of small businesses to conduct research and development. Requires the head of each Federal agency to increase the amount of funds obligated for the conduct of research and development by small businesses by one percent each year until the amount obligated to small businesses in a fiscal year equals at least ten percent of the total amount obligated by such agency for research and development. States that it is an objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions. Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances, including when necessary to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization, including provisions: (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization, other than small business firms, from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education. Provides that the first commercial use with respect to a product of the invention shall not end the exclusive period to different subsequent products covered by the invention. Requires the head of a Federal agency to approve provisions of a funding agreement which require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor. Sets forth terms and conditions under which such approval may be granted. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assignees to grant licenses in order to: (1) achieve practical applications of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacturing of an invention. Entitles the government to 15 percent of all net income in excess of $70,000 gross income received by a contractor after a patent application is filed on a subject invention. Provides that if a contractor receives a gross income of $1,000,000, the government shall be entitled to a share of the excess of $1,000,000 that shall be negotiated but not to exceed five percent of such excess. Limits the government share of any excesses to its contributions under the funding agreement. Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to revise the government entitlements in light of changes to the Consumer Price Index or other indices at least every three years. Declares such government entitlements applicable to subject inventions upon which United States patents are granted and in effect. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign-owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States where commercially feasible. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, granting licenses, and transferring custody of patents. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions. Title II: Depreciation Acceleration; Repeal of Used Property Limitation in Investment Tax Credit; Corporate Income Tax Rate Reductions - 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 a taxpayer 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. Repeals the $100,000 limitation on the amount of used property which is eligible for an investment tax credit. Reduces the tax rates applicable to corporate income. Repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property"s basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent. Title III: Tax Incentives for Small Business Capital Formation - Provides for the nonrecognition of gain on the sale or exchange of an equity interest in a small business which is reinvested in another small business within two years. Defines a "small business" as any business entity in which the aggregate equity interests do not exceed $25,000,000. Allows a tax credit for proceeds received from small business debentures which have a fixed maturity and grant no conversion or voting rights. Limits the amount of such credit to $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return). Disallows such credit if the issuing small business has $1,000,000 of such debentures outstanding or has a class of securities subject to regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats amounts paid on such debentures which represent a share of the issuer's earnings as long-term capital gain. Treats losses on such debentures as an ordinary loss. Requires distributions on such debentures, which represent either interest or a share of earnings, to be treated as interest. Title IV: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Amends title II of the Small Business Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this title: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this title applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this title six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in this title. Title V: Small Business Regulatory Flexibility - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small businesses and small organizations. Permits Federal agencies to modify the definition of "small business", if appropriate, after notice and opportunity for hearing. Defines "small organizations" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops enterprises which are not dominant in their fields, and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule, not in conflict with the definition of "small business." Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any proposed rule affecting a substantial number of small businesses and organizations which considers: (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standard for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking, which substantially affects such enterprises, unless otherwise provided. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating or modifying those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this title in conjunction with any other analysis required by law. Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this title. Title VI: Sunset Provisions - Requires the Congressional Budget Office in conjunction with the congressional committees having jurisdiction over each Government program, within one year after enactment of this Act, to set forth a timely review of all Government programs. Terminates any program which has not been reviewed within three years after enactment of this Act unless both Houses of Congress vote to continue such programs pending completion of a review. Requires that each review: (1) identify the need for the program; (2) identify conflicting or duplicative programs; (3) assess the program's effectiveness and cost; and (4) assess the impact of the program on the national economy.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the first concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 1981 reported by the Committee on the Budget shall limit budget outlays to 21 percent of the gross national product.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that illegal aliens should be excluded from the total population of States as determined in the decennial census for the purpose of apportioning Representatives in Congress among the States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1980
Declares it to be the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Education and the Attorney General of the United States should take all appropriate steps to assist local educational agencies to eliminate violent crime in the Nation's schools.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Research Revitalization Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer engaged in a trade or business an income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the cash contributions made by such taxpayer to a reserve fund established to finance research or experimentation related to the taxpayer's business. Limits the total amount of such credit to five percent of the taxable business income of the taxpayer for the taxable year. Exempts such reserve fund from income taxation. Allows an income tax deduction for research expenses paid out of the reserve fund during the taxable year. Specifies that research financed pursuant to this Act shall be performed by an institution of higher education. Prescribes tax penalties for the use of funds from the research reserve for purposes other than research and experimentation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1980
Credit Union Savers Relief Act of 1980 - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to establish a maximum interest rate on loans to members of 12 percent per year inclusive of all finance charges. Authorizes the board of directors of each credit union to increase this rate to 15 percent in accordance with regulations promulgated by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Empowers the Board to increase the 15 percent maximum rate for a single, 18-month period if money market interest rates have risen over the preceding six months, and disintermediation threatening credit unions has occurred. Requires the Board to consult with the appropriate committees of the Congress, the Department of the Treasury, and the other Federal agencies regulating financial institutions before exercising such authority. States that required balances need not be considered when determining the interest rate on loans made by agent members of the National Credit Union Administration Central Liquidity Facility.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1980
Declares February 26, 1980, as a national day of prayer, meditation, and unity if the hostages being held in Iran are not released by February 25, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction to business enterprises engaged in the manufacture, importation, distribution, lease, or sale of products for which such businesses may incur product liability for contributions to their product liability loss reserve accounts and for amounts paid to captive insurers (wholly or partially-owned by such businesses) for product liability insurance. Requires that such businesses demonstrate difficulty in obtaining product liability insurance at reasonable rates. Disallows any deductions for product liability losses which do not exceed the sum of the total trust funds in the taxpayer's account at the beginning of the taxable year plus the amount of deductible payments made by the taxpayer to the account during such year. Imposes penalties for the improper use of product liability reserve funds.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1980
Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles, unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency establishes separate inspection and testing of each new motor vehicle before the vehicle is sold by the manufacturer.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1980
Sets forth venue provisions applicable to the National Environmental Policy Act or any Act of Congress relating to environmental quality, including Acts relating to nonstatutory Federal water rights, in which the impact or injury alleged is less than nationwide in scope, requiring such actions to be brought only in a judicial district in which a substantial portion of the impact or injury occurs. Requires appeals from any agency decision arising under such Acts to be appealed to the court of appeals for the judicial circuit in which a substantial portion of the impact or injury occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1980
Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the International Olympic Committee should allow Taiwan to participate in the 1980 winter Olympic games under its own name, flag, and national anthem.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Small Business Equal Access to Justice Act - Title I: Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy - Amends title II of the Small Business Investment Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Title II: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this Act: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this Act six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to deny access by all Soviet vessels to all U. S. ports, until Soviet troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should release Andrei Sakharov from internal exile immediately. Urges the President to: (1) protest Sakharov's exile and the continued suppression of human rights in the Soviet Union; (2) call upon other nations to join in such protests and impose sanctions against the Soviet Union; and (3) inform Helsinki signatory governments that the U.S. delegation intends to raise these violations at the 1980 Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe review meeting.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1980
Medical Expense Protection Act - Title I: Catastrophic Automatic Protection Plan - Adds a new title to the Social Security Act, Title XXI - Catastrophic Automatic Protection Plan. Establishes a voluntary insurance plan to provide automatic protection to families against catastrophic medical expenses, the Catastrophic Automatic Protection Plan (CAPP), to be funded by general revenues and coinsurance amounts. Provides that a family will be eligible for CAPP assistance for CAPP covered expenses after members of the family incur medical expenses equal to the deductible. Stipulates that eligibility is contingent upon the payment of specified coinsurance amounts. Provides that the deductible and coinsurance amounts shall be equal to approximately 10 to 20 percent of family income, graduated according to income. Provides that there shall be no coinsurance payments after a family has incurred expenses equal to the "CAPP stop-loss". Provides that the CAPP stop-loss for any year shall be equal to approximately 10 to 25 percent of family income, again graduated according to income. Sets forth provisions relating to applications for assistance under this Act. Requires any family filing for assistance under this Act to file an income statement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Permits civil penalties to be imposed for submission of an intentionally false statement. Provides that payments shall be made for 100 percent of covered CAPP medical expenses and services except that in the case of prescription drugs for chronic illness the payment rate shall be 75 percent. Provides that there shall be no coinsurance for such drugs. Provides that payments with respect to CAPP covered services which are described in title XVIII (Medicare) of the Act shall be made to providers, with specified exceptions, in the amount and in accordance with the procedures set forth in such title. Establishes the Catastrophic Automatic Protection Plan Trust Fund in the United States Treasury. Appropriates to the fund, out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, amounts necessary to make CAPP payments. Creates a Board of Trustees to hold the Fund, report to Congress concerning the Fund, and review policies allowed in managing the Fund. Directs the Secretary to provide for a listing of drug entities which may be legally introduced into interstate commerce with specified therapeutic categories. Provides that any individual dissatisfied with any determination relating to the individual's eligibility for or amount of CAPP benefits shall be entitled to a hearing concerning such determination and to judicial review of the Secretary's final decision. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act, including "CAPP covered services" which is defined as services furnished to an individual to the extent payment for such service may be made under the Medicare program, except that under CAPP: (1) inpatient psychiatric services shall be covered for 45 days in a calendar year; (2) items and services related to pregnancy, delivery, and care of a child through the first year are covered; (3) immunizations against serious communicable diseases are covered; and (4) prescription drugs for "chronic illness" are covered for an individual entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare. Directs the Secretary to provide for an evaluation, by an entity outside the Department of Health and Human Services, of the implementation of this Act during its first five years and to report to Congress on the evaluation. Title II: Employer Health Plans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income, subject to stated conditions, amounts received by an employee through an accident or health plan towards which the employer contributed, only if the plan is a qualified plan. Subjects such exclusion to certain conditions, including: (1) the employer must make a contribution equal to at least 50 percent of the premium for the least expensive qualified plan; (2) requiring the employer to pay the employee a monthly rebate if the employee is offered more than one qualified plan and the employer contribution for the plan the employee selects would be greater than the premium of a low option plan, or the employee elects to participate in no qualified plan and is otherwise covered by a qualified plan; and (3) that the employer contribution for any employee for a family plan shall not exceed $120 per month. Defines terms including, among others, "qualified health plan." Defines such plan as a plan of an employer providing medical care for employees and their families which the Secretary certifies as meeting certain requirements, including the provision of CAPP covered services after the employee has incurred out-of-pocket expenses in excess of $2,500. Prohibits an income tax deduction for contributions by an employer to a health plan for compensation to his or her employees for sickness, unless the employer offers a qualified plan. Limits the income tax deduction for medical and dental expenses to an individual: (1) who is blind or disabled as determined under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Act or is receiving Medicare benefits because of end-stage renal disease; or (2) for care while a resident of a long-term care facility or of an institution for the care, rehabilitation or training of the physically or mentally handicapped. Provides for a deduction, not to exceed $250, for one-half of the premiums for a qualified health plan. Title III: Medicare Amendments - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the time limitation on inpatient hospital care. Makes individuals entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII of the Act eligible for certain benefits under CAPP. Eliminates coinsurance under part A. Provides that any charge for any service or procedure performed by a doctor shall be reasonable if: (1) the service or procedure is performed in a designated physician shortage area; (2) the physician has a regular practice in the shortage area; (3) the charge does not exceed the prevailing charge level as otherwise determined; and (4) the charge does not exceed the amount generally charged by such physician for similar services. Permits entities utilized for administering the Medicare program to be utilized for administering CAPP. Title IV: Studies and Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary: (1) to provide for studies of, and demonstration projects with respect to, the desirability and feasibility of adding a long-term care program into the Medicare program or CAPP and to report to Congress the results of the studies and projects; (2) to conduct a study of the feasibility of, and options with respect to, consolidating title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act into CAPP or other programs and to report to Congress concerning such study; and (3) to conduct a study of the feasibility of promoting better efficiency and effectiveness in the Medicare and Medicaid programs by permitting those eligible under such programs the option of receiving benefits through competitive private plans to report to Congress concerning such study. Requires the Secretary to reduce Medicaid payments to a State if the State reduces the number of categories of individuals eligible for benefits or the amount of benefits provided under: (1) title V (Maternal and Child Health), XIX, or XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Act; or (2) any program providing benefits similar to those under title XXI, and such reduction results in an increase in the amount of payments that would otherwise be made under such title. Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to consider it an unfair trade practice for any entity to advertise that any amounts paid to an individual represents reimbursement for the deductible under CAPP.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal of appropriate design to Ambassador Kenneth Taylor in recognition of his efforts to secure the return of six American Embassy officials in Tehran. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be struck such gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any Member of Congress from using funds received as contributions to pay personal expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Fusion Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish research, development, and demonstration programs involving magnetic fusion energy systems to: (1) construct and operate a fusion engineering test facility by 1986; (2) construct and operate a magnetic fusion demonstration facility before the end of this century; (3) maintain and expand the base programs for fusion energy research and the development and testing of appropriate alternative confinement technologies; (4) maintain a strong research and development program in advanced fusion fuels; and (5) ensure an uninterrupted source of scientific and engineering talent from institutions of higher learning to support such effort. Requires such programs to include a study of the potential of using fusion energy for the production of synthetic fuels and the electrification of ground transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information promoting the practical uses of fusion energy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to prohibit "special activity" (as defined by this Act) abroad unless the President determines such activity to be important to national security, and reports to the House and Senate select intelligence committees regarding such activity. Stipulates that such prohibition shall not apply to operations pursuant to a declaration of war, or under authority of the War Powers Resolution. Repeals a provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 requiring the President to report to the appropriate Congressional committees regarding expenditures for Central Intelligence Agency operations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Individual Investors' Incentive Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to ten percent of the cost of corporate securities purchased by such taxpayer during the taxable year. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $1,000 ($2,000 for married individuals filing jointly). Requires the recapture of specified amounts of such credit if any securities for which the credit is allowed are disposed of by the taxpayer within one year of their purchase. Disqualifies estates, trusts, and nonresident aliens from eligibility for the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should relocate the 1980 summer Olympic games; (2) the U.S. Olympic Committee and U.S. athletes should urge such a relocation; (3) the United States should support financially such relocation; (4) if such games are not relocated, the possibility of alternative games should be explored; and (5) the IOC should explore the possibility of establishing a permanent site for such games.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation honoring the memory of Walt Disney on the 25th anniversary of his contribution to the American dream.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should relocate the 1980 summer Olympics; (2) the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) should boycott such games if the IOC refuses to relocate such games; and (3) the USOC, with the IOC, should investigate the feasibility of a permanent site for the Olympic games.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
States that no license or permit issued under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 for any facility or activity which generates low-level radioactive waste may remain in effect, and no new licenses or permits for such activities may be issued or renewed unless the State in which the licensee or permittee is located has provided for the safe storage and disposal of all low-level radioactive waste generated in such State. Authorizes States to enter into agreements and compacts with other States for the establishment of facilities for the disposal of such wastes. Authorizes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to provide financial assistance to each State having such a facility to reimburse such State for costs incurred in the preconstruction activities involved in establishing such a facility. Requires that such facilities collect a fee for the receipt of such wastes set at a level necessary to amortize the full costs of construction and operation of the facility over its useful life.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Provides for an exemption from the windfall profits tax for independent oil producers for an amount equal to 1,000 barrels of crude oil multiplied by the number of days in the taxable period.
![Official portrait of Rep. Burgener, Clair W. [R-CA-43]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001080_200.jpg)