United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual to elect hospice care, in lieu of certain other benefits, during two periods of 180 days each during the individual's lifetime. Provides for full reimbursement of reasonable costs to a hospice program, subject to a ceiling. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the hospice reimbursement method. Defines hospice care as including items and services furnished to the terminally ill in their homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short term inpatient basis.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1981
Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to direct the Government National Mortgage Association, during fiscal year 1982, to provide financial assistance to mortgagors by reducing the mortgage payments for certain new homes to amounts the payments would equal if the interest rates on such mortgages were 12 percent. Directs the Association to provide such assistance by: (1) purchasing and servicing mortgages; or (2) making payments to mortgagees on the principal of or interest on mortgage loans. Requires the Association to recapture the lesser of the amount of assistance provided to a mortgagor or 50 percent of the net appreciation of the assisted property whenever the property is sold or refinanced or whenever the property is no longer the mortgagor's principal place of residence. Directs the Secretary to provide that: (1) assistance is allocated among the regions of the country on the basis of each region's inventory of unsold, newly constructed homes; (2) the amount of assistance provided to any mortgagor shall not exceed $6,000; and (3) priority for assistance is given to first-time buyers who could not otherwise afford to buy and who are purchasing modest homes constructed by small homebuilders.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Title I: Guam - Amends the Organic Act of Guam to grant Guam the right of initiative and referendum. Makes the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the members of the legislature subject to removal from office by a referendum election. Title II: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands - Changes the date by which all federally owned personal property located in the Trust Territory and all personal property owned by the Trust Territory government must be transferred to the various island governments. Title III: Virgin Islands - Authorizes appropriations for the planning of an institution for Caribbean educational, cultural, and technical interchange by the College of the Virgin Islands. Title IV: Miscellaneous - States that certain funds that have been authorized but not appropriated may remain available for appropriation in succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1981
Title I: Federal Royalties Collection - Federal Royalties and Rents Collection Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: establish a comprehensive system for accounts applicable to: (1) all mineral interests under the Secretary's jurisdiction; and (2) all revenues collected in connection with the sale or lease of such mineral interests. Requires the Secretary, upon promulgation of such system, to submit to Congress: (1) a report concerning such system; and (2) a report concerning the outstanding accounts due the United States from the sale or lease of U.S. mineral interests. Provides for an annual independent audit of Department of Interior accounts relating to the sale or lease of minerals. Makes individuals handling money in connection with a mineral sale or lease liable for negligent losses and requires such individuals to be bonded. Title II: State Collection of Federal Royalties - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to direct the Secretary to collect all money due in connection with public land sales, rentals, interest, and penalties unless there is a State management program for the management of Federal leases. Requires 50 percent of all money collected to be paid to the State within which the leased lands or deposits are or were located, except that the rate shall be 90 percent for Alaska. Requires the Secretary, upon a State's request, to relinquish the administration of all contracts and leases issued by the Secretary within that State to the State, subject to stated requirements. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 - Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations applicable to lessees of oil or gas leases requiring certain: (1) recordkeeping practices; (2) accountability to the Secretary; and (3) reports to the Secretary. Sets forth provisions relating to enforcement of this Act. Title IV: Indian Access to Certain Records - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: promulgate regulations to make certain records available for mining purposes to lessees of Indian lands.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1981
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Bryan Lewis Allen, the first aviator to cross the English Channel in a self-powered plane. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 November 1981
Civil Aeronautics Board Sunset Act of 1981 - Title I: Termination and Transfer of Functions of the Civil Aeronautics Board - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to terminate certain functions of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) pursuant to a specified timetable. Transfers certain authority of the CAB to the United States Postal Service and the Secretary of Transportation. Title II: Amendments to Conform to Civil Aeronautics Board Sunset and Related Aviation Amendments - Part A: Provisions to Take Effect on Date of Enactment - Directs that any certificate for temporary air transportation shall be issued for an initial period of at least five years. Revises provisions concerning the establishment and division of joint fares. Describes procedures for the reduction of airmail transportation subsidies. Denies the CAB the authority to find proposed fares for foreign air transportation of persons to be unjust or unreasonable if such fares are below specified limits. Prohibits States and subdivisions thereof from placing an unreasonable burden on or discriminating against interstate commerce. Sets forth procedures for certification for limited designation international markets. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning air carrier agreements. Directs the Secretaries of State and Transportation and the CAB to eliminate discrimination and unfair competitive practices faced by U.S. air carriers in foreign air transportation. Provides protection for employees affected by consolidations, mergers, or the acquisition of control. Part B: Provisions to Coincide with Termination Generally of Functions of the Civil Aeronautics Board - Subpart I: Federal Aviation Act of 1958 - Makes certificates of public convenience and necessity necessary only for air carriers engaged in foreign air transportation. Authorizes the CAB to issue charter air transportation certificates to any qualified applicants. Revises procedures for acquiring such certificates. Repeals provisions concerning special operating authorizations and certificates for all-cargo air service. Prohibits air carrier operating certificates from being issued unless the applicant therefor complies with all insurance regulations issued by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Allows the CAB to intervene and appear in any suit, action, or proceeding under specified antitrust laws involving air carriers. Requires air carriers to give at least 90 days notice before terminating or suspending all air transportation to a particular point. Directs air carriers to file in advance with the CAB fare changes for interstate and overseas air transportation of persons. Repeals certain reporting requirements of the CAB. Makes air carrier tariffs applicable to foreign air transportation only. Repeals provisions concerning: (1) airport security in Alaska; and (2) aircraft loan guarantees. Revises requirements regarding the issuance of airport operating certificates. Subpart 2: Other Laws - Makes conforming amendments. Part C: Provisions to Coincide with Transfer of Functions and Sunset of the Civil Aeronautics Board - Subpart I: Federal Aviation Act of 1958 - Accelerates the termination of the CAB. Repeals provisions concerning airmail transportation. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to reduce reporting requirements under such Act. Transfers functions of the CAB relating to unfair and deceptive practices and unfair methods of competition to the Federal Trade Commission. Subpart 2: Other Laws - Makes conforming amendments. Part D: Provisions to Coincide with Later Terminations of Functions of the Civil Aeronautics Board - Revises provisions concerning air carrier agreements, joint fares, and through routes. Title III: Administrative and Personnel Provisions - Transfers to the appropriate agencies the personnel, assets, liabilities, and records connected with any function transferred by this Act. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the CAB and the appropriate agencies, to assist in such transfers. Declares that all orders, rules, and regulations issued or granted by the Board shall remain in effect according to their terms.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Small Business Investment Incentives Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to repeal the $35,000,000 limitation on the amount of debentures issued by a small business investment company eligible for purchase or guarantee by the Small Business Administration. Permits small business investment companies to make loans to their employees for the purchase of company stock. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a non-refundable investment tax credit of 30 percent of the proceeds of a small business participating loan issued by a socially and economically disadvantaged small business and 20 percent of the proceeds of such a loan issued by a non-disadvantaged small business. Limits such credit to $30,000 ($60,000 in the case of a joint return) for such loans issued by a disadvantaged small business and $20,000 ($40,000 in the case of a joint return) for loans issued by a non-disadvantaged small business. Disallows such credit for loans issued by a related party and loans disposed of prematurely. Allows the carryover of any unused portion of such credit to each of the 7 taxable years following the unused credit year. Treats as long-term capital gain amounts actually paid to a taxpayer, with respect to a small business participating loan, which constitute the distribution of a share of the earnings of the issuer. Denies such capital-gain treatment in cases where the taxpayer would not qualify for the tax credit. Treats losses on a small business participating loan as ordinary losses. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on a small business participating loan. Treats as ordinary income the original issue discount interest of a small business participating loan. Defines "small business participating loan" as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which: (1) is a general obligation of such business; (2) bears a stated interest rate of not less than 6 percent; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's total earnings. Defines a "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $10,000,000; (2) the face value of all of whose outstanding small business participating loans does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Requires the appropriate non-Federal public body to reimburse the Federal Government for expenditures by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for certain operation, maintenance, construction, or rehabilitation activities concerning deep draft channels or ocean or Great Lakes ports. Requires that such reimbursements be made no later than September 30, 1983, and annually thereafter. Requires completion of such reimbursements within the life of the project concerned but in no event more than 50 years after the date the project is available for use. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine the rate of interest to be charged on any unpaid balance. Allows non-Federal public bodies to secure financing by other means. Permits an affected non-Federal public body to recover its reimbursement obligation by collecting fees from specified vessels engaged in commercial waterway transportation in such deep draft channels or ports. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the Secretaries of State, Commerce, Transportation, Treasury, Energy, and Agriculture, the Attorney General, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to promulgate regulations and guidelines concerning such fee collections. States that this Act shall not prohibit or interfere with national defense transportation requirements. Authorizes the Chief of Engineers to study, design, construct, and rehabilitate channel and port projects according to the provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary of State to consult with the Government of Canada on environmental impacts and financing if port or waterway improvements are subject to any treaty with Canada. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Requests the President to designate February 22, 1982, as a day of national celebration in honor of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Bus Regulatory Reform Act of 1981 - Sets forth the findings of Congress regarding a safe, competitive, and fuel-efficient motor bus system. Requires the appropriate congressional committees to conduct periodic oversight hearings on the effects of this Act no less than annually until July 1, 1985. Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to include the interstate motor carrier transportation of passengers in the overall transportation policy of the United States. Revises the entry policy for motor carriers of passengers, motor contract carriers, and brokers of passengers. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to implement by regulation, within 180 days after the effective date of this Act, procedures to process expeditiously applications of motor carriers of passengers to remove certain operating restrictions. Requires the ICC to consider the adverse effects of such removals on commuter bus operations. Allows a motor common carrier of passengers to transport special or charter passengers in the same motor vehicle with regular-route passengers. Describes ratemaking procedures and the use of rate bureaus by motor carriers of passengers. Amends the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 to increase the membership of the Motor Carrier Ratemaking Study Commission. Extends to January 1, 1984, the due date of such Commission's final report on the collective ratemaking process. Sets forth the zone of pricing freedom for motor carriers of passengers. Permits the ICC to increase rates within specified percentage ranges. Declares that rates and fares implemented pursuant to this Act shall be subject to specified antitrust laws. Prohibits ICC investigation or suspension of rates proposed by motor common carriers of passengers applicable to special or charter transportation. Authorizes the ICC to grant, to motor carriers of passengers, temporary and emergency temporary authority to provide transportation. Sets forth procedures by which carriers may discontinue or substantially reduce service on the intrastate portion of a route for which they have both interstate and intrastate authority. Authorizes the ICC to prescribe rates, rules, or practices applicable to intrastate transportation provided by a motor common carrier of passengers under specified conditions. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that such rates, rules, or practices impose an unreasonable burden on interstate commerce if: (1) such a rate, rule, or practice results in intrastate rates lower than comparable interstate rates; (2) a carrier's revenues fall below the variable costs of providing such intrastate service; or (3) the State having jurisdiction over the rate, rule, or practice failed to act on a carrier's request within a specified time. Directs the ICC to report to Congress on the results of its efforts to establish uniform standards and procedures applicable to carrier rates, rules, and practices. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish minimum levels of financial responsibility for any motor vehicle operated in interstate or international commerce by a motor carrier of passengers. Establishes civil penalties for violations of such financial responsibility provisions. Exempts school buses, taxicabs, and certain roundtrip commuter vehicles from such provisions. Removes the issuance of securities by motor carriers of passengers from ICC jurisdiction. Prohibits a State or subdivision thereof from levying a discriminatory or unreasonably burdensome tax on interstate motor carrier transportation. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study the use of citizen band radios by the bus operator on motor vehicles providing intercity motor carrier passenger transportation. Requests the Academy to report to the Secretary and to Congress on such study. Requires the Secretary and the ICC to report to the President and to Congress on the ownership, location, and adequacy of bus terminals. Provides specified protection to employees whose employment is terminated by a motor common carrier of passengers (other than for cause) within ten years after enactment of this Act. Directs the ICC to maintain a list of jobs available with class I motor carriers of passengers.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Tribal-State Compact Act of 1981 - Title I: Authorization of Compacts and Agreements - Authorizes the States and the Indian tribes to enter into compacts on matters relating to: (1) the enforcement or application of civil, criminal, and regulatory laws of each within their respective jurisdictions; (2) the allocation or determination of governmental responsibility of States and tribes over specified subject matters or specified geographical areas, or both, including agreements or compacts providing for concurrent jurisdiction between the States and the Tribes; and (3) agreements or compacts providing for the transfer of jurisdiction of individual cases from tribal courts to State courts or State courts to tribal courts in accordance with procedures established by the laws of the tribes and States. Provides for revocation of such agreements and compacts. Sets forth certain limitations on such agreements and compacts. Authorizes Federal assistance to tribal and State authorities to implement such agreements. Allows the United States, upon agreement of the parties and the Secretary of the Interior, to provide up to 100 percent of the costs for personnel or administrative expenses in any agreement or compact between an Indian tribe and a State under this Act. Sets forth criteria which the Secretary may consider in determining the amount of Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations, not exceeding $10,000,000 each fiscal year, for fiscal years 1982 and thereafter to carry out the compacts entered into in accordance with this title. Title II: Planning and Monitoring Boards - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) encourage the tribes and the States to establish councils, committees, boards, or task forces to discuss jurisdictional questions; and (2) provide Federal representatives to such conferences. Authorizes the utilization of specified funds to assist such conferences and further deliberations among the tribes. Title III: Judicial Enforcement - Grants to district courts original jurisdiction over civil actions to secure equitable relief brought by parties to an agreement entered into in accordance with this Act. Declares that actions for damages shall only exist as specifically provided for in such agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the individual income tax rate reductions enacted by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 shall be reflected in withholding adjustments six months sooner than scheduled.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to commemorate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Provides that such postage stamp shall be of such denomination and design, and shall be sold for such period, as the United States Postal Service shall determine.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Aircraft Sabotage Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to redefine the offense of "destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities" to, among other revisions: (1) prohibit communicating false information which endangers any aircraft in flight; (2) prohibit any act of violence against any individual on an aircraft which is likely to endanger the aircraft in service; and (3) define "in service" to mean pre- and post-flight ground preparation. Establishes criminal penalties for whoever commits an offense in violation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation and is afterward found in the United States. Establishes a new Federal crime of "imparting or conveying threats" to commit an act which would constitute the felony of aircraft sabotage if executed. Amends the Federal Aviation Act to establish civil penalties for conveying false information regarding aircraft crimes and concealing a deadly weapon while boarding an aircraft. Makes any person who willfully and maliciously conveys false information criminally liable.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to prescribe a system of user fees to be levied on commercial transportation on the inland waterway system pursuant to this Act. Sets forth criteria by which such fees shall be established. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to utilize various mechanism as means to recover Federal costs from system users. Specifies that such fees shall recover 100 percent of Federal operation and maintenance expenditures and an amount necessary to amortize capital expenditures for rehabilitation or replacement of existing structures completed after October 1, 1981. Directs that such fees shall be credited to the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. Sets forth civil penalties for failure to pay user fees. Lists, by project, the percentage of Federal expenditures for operation, maintenance, construction, and rehabilitation of inland waterway projects to be assigned to commercial waterway transportation. Directs that costs assigned to commercial waterway transportation for the Mississipp River and tributaries project shall be 25 percent of total project costs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on fuel used in commercial transportation on inland waterways. Amends the Inland Waterways Revenue Act of 1978 to revise the list of the inland and intracoastal waterways of the United States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the inclusion of the receipts and disbursements of the social security trust funds (the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund) in the totals of the Federal budget and exempt them from any general statutory limitation on Federal budget outlays, beginning with fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Amends the Act which provides for selling certain lands in the District of Columbia to foreign governments and international organizations to name such Act the International Center Act. Authorizes the Secretary of State to develop for such governments and organizations or to sell, exchange, or lease to them certain property for legation or headquarters buildings. Changes the boundaries of such property. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services, upon request, to construct the buildings. Directs the Secretary to provide additional services for lands covered by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to retain a reserve fund from the sales or lease proceeds to maintain improvements authorized by this Act and to finance development plans for other areas for chancery and diplomatic purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which provide incentives for energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources should not be repealed or amended to reduce such incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
Rural Enterprise Zone Development Act of 1981 - Title I: Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide financial and technical assistance and tax incentives to help restore distressed rural areas. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1961 to define "rural enterprise zone" (zone) as an area under at least one local government's jurisdiction with a population density of less than 200 people per square mile and a total population of between 5,000 and 50,000 people. Requires a local entity to submit a zone plan to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval. Authorizes the Secretary to make: (1) development facility grants; (2) vocational education and agricultural extension service center loans; and (3) industrial and commercial activity loans and loan guarantees. Limits the number of annual zone designations. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983-1984. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make technical assistance grants and provide related aid to rural enterprise zones. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983-1984. Title II: Tax Incentives for Small Businesses Located in Rural Enterprise Zones - Small Rural Business Program Tax Act of 1981 - Subtitle A: Designation of Eligible Areas and Businesses - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new subchapter which sets forth criteria for the designation of rural enterprise zones and defines qualified small rural businesses for purposes of providing tax incentives for such businesses. Empowers the Secretary of Agriculture to approve the designation of an area as a rural enterprise zone if a local government submits to the Secretary a plan which meets specified requirements for the establishment of such zones. Limits the number of zones which the Secretary may designate in any calendar year. Sets forth criteria relating to population, poverty, unemployment, and per capital income growth which the Secretary must consider in approving the designation of a rural enterprise zone. Defines a "qualified small rural business" (small rural business) as an actively conducted trade or business which employs individuals who perform a specified number of hours of service for the business in a rural enterprise zone. Disqualifies any business which has had gross receipts in excess of $2,000,000 for any of the three preceding taxable years. Subtitle B: Tax Incentives for Qualified Small Rural Businesses - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the capital gains tax rates of small rural businesses and investors in rural enterprise zones. Exempts the capital gains of small rural businesses from the minimum tax. Excludes from gross income 50 percent of the total of small rural business income for a taxable year and interest on loans made to such businesses to finance business activity in a rural enterprise zone. Allows small rural businesses a five percent tax credit for interest paid on loans used to finance business activity in a rural enterprise zone. Allows a targeted jobs income tax credit for the hiring of employees for a small rural business. Allows a small rural businesses and their employees a refundable income tax credit for training designed to improve the technical and managerial skills of such employees. Allows a small rural business to elect to use the cash method of accounting. Authorizes accelerated depreciation for small rural business property. Increases by ten percent the investment tax credit for the rehabilitation expenditures of a small rural business.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1981
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1981 - Repeals a specified provision of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act thereby deleting limits on the use of public treatment works grants for treating, storing, or conveying the flow of industrial users into treatment works. Amends such Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the construction of treatment works. Increases the amount of funds that may be reserved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for fiscal year 1982 for State management assistance. Revises the Federal share of such grants. Directs the Administrator to allot funds to the State of New York to pay for conveying sewage from the New York City Convention Center to the Newtown, New York, sewage treatment plant. Reduces the authorization of appropriations for the purposes of such Act. Declares it congressional policy that waste treatment and management projects undertaken with Federal assistance under such Act shall be economical and cost effective. Describes procedures for approval or disapproval of State applications for such construction grants. Modifies permit requirements concerning pollutants discharged into marine waters. Grants certain States and the Administrator (currently, the Administrator with the concurrence of a State) discretionary powers in regard to such discharges. Repeals provisions in regard to applications for modifications of provisions concerning publicly owned treatment works in existence on July 1, 1977, or approved before June 30, 1974, or certain effluent limitations defined by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator, before approving grants under such Act, to determine the relationship between the capacity of such treatment works and the needs to be served by such works. Requires the Administrator to make grants for projects for secondary treatment or more stringent treatment and new interceptors and appurtenances. Limits to a specified sum the amount that may be allotted to a State for such purposes. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress concerning the Federal water pollution control program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission dealing with the matter of the trade regulation rule relating to the sale of used motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
United States Olympic Development Fund Checkoff Act of 1981 - Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns an election to contribute one dollar of their income tax refunds or one dollar forwarded with returns to support the fund established by this Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a United States Olympic Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund an amount equivalent to the amount designated on tax returns to be available to the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee for use in a program of expansion and improvement of amateur athletics. Sets forth reporting requirements with respect to the expenditure of such funds by the Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that both Houses of the Congress should be adjourned on October 19,1981, to permit members of the Congress to participate in the bicentennial celebration of the British surrender at Yorktown.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Federal Land Survey Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to notify affected agencies and the public of the intent to conduct, certify, or record any land survey or resurvey, at least 30 days prior to such intended action. Requires the Secretary to: (1) initiate the survey within six months of the notice of intent; (2) complete the survey affixing a permanent mark designating the year when established and otherwise complying with applicable state statutes; and (3) certify the survey in the appropriate land office within 90 days of its completion. Sets forth certain monumentation requirements for surveys involving both Federal and non-Federal lands. Provides a procedure for removal of any monumentation if the Secretary fails to certify such monument within the 90-day period. Authorizes the Secretary or his designee to conduct land surveys by contract with private sources in accordance with provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary's designee to cooperate with the Interstate Commerce Commission to conduct cadastral surveys and plat maps necessary to perpetuate land boundaries adjacent to abandoned railroads or utilities. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with State governors and the President of the National Academy of Sciences, to: (1) conduct an assessment of multipurpose national cadastre information needs; and (2) develop a feasibility study for the establishment of a multipurpose national cadastre system. Requires the submission of such feasibility report to the Congress within three years of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $100,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $20,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to honor all American servicemen and civilians still unaccounted for as a result of the conflict in Indochina. Provides that such postage stamp shall be of such denomination, and shall be sold for such a time, as the United States Postal Service shall determine.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1981
Designates the Roy A. Taylor Forest in the Natahala National Forest in North Carolina. Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior: (1) to erect appropriate signs and markings commemorating the contributions of Roy A. Taylor and the designation of Roy A. Taylor Forest; and (2) to place information and designations of such forest in publications for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1981
Coal Pipeline Act of 1981 - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to authorize a person to apply to the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) for a certificate of public convenience to construct, operate, or maintain a coal pipeline or to extend an existing coal pipeline. Directs the Commission to approve the application if the public convenience will be enhanced. Permits any person holding such a certificate to acquire rights-of-way on private lands by exercise of the power of eminent domain. Limits the scope of such exercise regarding rights to water or to certain historic or significant lands. Requires coal pipeline certificate holders to fulfill relevant common carrier transportation and service obligations. Requires the line pipe of all pipelines to be located underground, to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with environmental protection, safety, and good engineering and technological practices. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant or renew to a certificate holder rights-of-way on Federal lands for the construction, operation, maintenance, or extension of coal pipelines. Requires the Secretgary to first consult with the heads of other agencies which may administer such Federal lands. Requires a right-of-way to be granted or renewed in accordance with specified provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe additional terms and conditions. Exempts existing coal pipeline rights-of-way and law suits commenced prior to enactment of this Act from certain provisions of this Act. Prohibits the United States or its agents from using or claiming water within any State for a coal pipeline unless pursuant to State substantive and procedural law. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations establishing uniform Federal standards applicable to certain aspects of coal pipeline facilities. Exempts existing coal pipelines from certain such standards. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of Transportation, to institute a civil action to enforce any such regulation. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of the Interior, to institute a civil action to enforce any provision of this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for any person failing to comply with any provision or regulation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1981
Fiscal Year 1981 Airport Development Authorization Act - Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to extend the airport development aid program through fiscal year 1981. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to obligate a specified sum for carrying out noise compatibility programs under the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979. Authorizes the Secretary to approve certain applications for projects begun after September 30, 1980, and before the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the percentage depletion allowance for any geothermal energy source (currently, such energy must be in "deposits"). Qualifies for the residential energy credit and the investment tax credit all of the equipment of a system using both geothermal energy and a source not eligible for a credit if geothermal energy provides more than 80 percent of the energy for which the system was designed. Allows such credits for portions of such systems which produce, distribute, or use a source of energy which is at least 50 percent geothermal energy.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
Amends the Federal Plant Pest Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to take emergency measures against plant pests if State action is inadequate. Authorizes intrastate inspections without warrants by Department of Agriculture personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Geothermal Steam Act of 1981 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue geothermal leases in lands administered by another Federal agency or department, including public, withdrawn, or acquired lands. Revises the definition of "known geothermal resource area" to mean an area where the Secretary determines the prospects for extraction of geothermal resources for generating electricity in commercial quantities warrant substantial expenditures. Requires that lands within a known geothermal resource area which are offered for lease and which receive no bids be declassified and leased to the first qualified applicant. Entitles the first qualified applicant for a lease not within a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease if the land involved is not designated a known geothermal resource area within one year of the application being filed and before the lease is issued. Permits such an applicant to match the highest competitive bid for such land if that land is designated a known geothermal resource area within such time period. Entitles the applicant or lessee responsible for the exploration resulting in the designation of a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease for all lands in the designated area for which the applicant or lessee had filed applications prior to such exploration. Requires that geothermal leases provide for a royalty of: (1) not less than ten percent or more than 15 percent of the value of the energy produced and sold for electrical generation; or (2) not less than five percent or more than ten percent of such value produced for nonelectrical use. Provides, in certain cases, that the term "commercial quantities" shall include, either: (1) a drilled well and a bona fide sale for delivery; or (2) proof of a commitment to construct utilization facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to consider an additional extension, of up to ten years, of an extended primary lease term if construction of such facilities has not been possible due to administrative delays beyond the lessee's control or demonstrated marginal economics of such facilities and if there has been substantial investment in development of the lease. Requires the lessee to make bona fide efforts to resolve such problems. Increases the State-wide acreage limitation for Federal geothermal leases from 24,480 acres to 51,200 acres. Authorizes the Secretary to increase such limitation up to 115,200 acres at any time after 15 years from the effective date of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (currently such limitation may be increased to 51,200 acres). Excepts from the counting of such limitation leases which contain wells capable of commercial production and leases operated under approved operating, drilling, or development contracts. Permits readjustment of geothermal lease terms and conditions at 20 year intervals beginning 20 years after the date production is commenced (currently such readjustment is permitted at ten year intervals beginning ten years after geothermal steam is produced). Prohibits the Secretary from issuing leases on acquired lands of other Federal agencies or departments without the consent of the agency or department head. Requires the Secretary to establish a buffer zone around Yellowstone National Park and along the southern border of Lassen Volcanic National Park in which no leases shall be issued on Federal lands. Permits geothermal leases within a specified area within the Island Park caldera of Yellowstone National Park. Requires lessees in the Island Park caldera to implement monitoring programs to detect any significant adverse effects on the thermal features of Yellowstone National Park. Authorizes the Secretary to issue leases within such Parks outside the buffer zones. Requires such lessees to implement monitoring programs. Allows modification of buffer zones if necessary. Prohibits exploration, development, or production activities on a lease which are adversely affecting the thermal features of such Parks. Sets forth procedures for judicial review of a decision by the Secretary. Authorizes the issuance of free use permits for: (1) noncommercial application of geothermal resources in lands administered by the Secretary; and (2) surface use and use of geothermal resources for the continued operation of any geothermal energy research and development facility, pilot plant, or demonstration facility the Federal interest in which is transferred. Permits the head of each Federal agency to develop, for the benefit of the agency, the geothermal energy resources within the lands under its jurisdiction, provided such use is in the public interest and will not deter commercial development which might be more beneficial. Authorizes the issuance of leases and exploration and testing activities on lands subject to wilderness study and on national forest lands identified by the President for further use planning. Requires that such leases include stipulations to ensure that such activities will not permanently impair the wilderness values of such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Declares that it is the general policy of the Federal Government to rely on competitive private industry to supply the products and services it needs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, to administer such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Olympic Coin Act of 1981 - Declares the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to provide for the minting of coins to commemorate the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games; and (2) to help finance those games without the use of tax revenues. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint: (1) not more than 30,000,000 copper-nickel clad coins with a face value of one dollar; (2) not more than 22,400,000 silver coins with a face value of ten dollars; (3) not more than 2,400,000 gold coins with a face value of fifty dollars; and (4) not more than 1,400,000 gold coins with a face value of one hundred dollars. Specifies the size and weight of such coins. Specifies that the designs of such coins shall be determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. Sets certain minting specifications for such coins. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee which shall provide for the implementation of the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to furnish such coins to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee at a price agreed to pursuant to such implementation agreement. Provides that all coins minted shall be delivered to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for distribution and sale to the public in accordance with the terms of the implementation agreement. Sets the delivery date for each series of coins. Provides that all proceeds received by the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee from the commercial sale of such coins shall be used for the purpose of staging and promoting the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and assisting the U.S. Olympic Committee and amateur athletics. Provides that all coins authorized by this Act shall be legal tender. Directs that no coins shall be minted pursuant to this Act after December 31, 1984.
![Official portrait of Rep. Clausen, Don H. [R-CA-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000475_200.jpg)