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United States · Official source
883 records where Rep. Clausen, Don H. [R-CA-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Expresses the recognition by the California congressional delegation of August 24, 1981, as "Dia de Mexicanos Americanos" in the State of California.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 - Expresses the sense of Congress, with respect to the education of handicapped children, that: (1) the Education of All Handicapped Children Act needs to be amended in the light of limited financial resources and questions of administration and application; and (2) it would not be advisable at this time to consolidate funds for the education of disadvantaged children. Declares that the national interest in the education of handicapped children would be best served by the establishment of a national commission to study the operation of the Education of All Handicapped Children Act and to advise the President, the Secretary of Education, and the Congress on appropriate amendments to or restructuring of such Act by January 15, 1982. Title I: Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to continue to provide financial assistance to State and local educational agencies to meet the special needs of educationally deprived children, on the basis of entitlements calculated under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), in a manner which will eliminate burdensome and unproductive paperwork and free the schools of Federal supervision. Directs the Secretary of Education, during fiscal years 1983 through 1987, to make payments to State educational agencies for grants made on the basis of entitlements created under title I of ESEA and calculated in accordance with provisions of such title in effect on September 30, 1982. Directs the Secretary, in making such payments, to continue to utilize specified provisions of title I of such Act, with the exception of provisions relating to local program requirements and applications and to State and Federal administration of programs and projects. Requires that State and local educational agencies use such payments for programs and projects (including the acquisition of equipment and the construction of school facilities) designed to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived children. Requires that State agency programs be designed to serve those categories of children (migratory, handicapped, neglected and delinquent) counted for eligibility for grants under specified ESEA provisions in accordance with the requirements of this title. Requires that local educational agencies use ESEA funds received under this title only for programs and projects: (1) designed to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived children identified in accordance with specified provisions of this title; and (2) included in an application for assistance approved by the State educational agency and containing specified assurances concerning such programs and projects. Provides for the participation of children enrolled in private schools in special educational services and arrangements. Provides for appeals by State and local educational agencies of determinations by the Secretary that a local educational agency has substantially failed to provide for such participation on an equitable basis and that an alternative provider of such services should be sought. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) maintenance of effort; (2) use of funds limited to excess costs; (3) Federal funds to supplement, not supplant regular non-Federal funds; (4) comparability of services (and written assurances thereof by local agencies); (5) exclusion of special State and local program funds; and (6) allocation of funds in certain States. Title II: Consolidation of Federal Programs for Elementary and Secondary Education - Declares it to be the purpose of this title: (1) to consolidate the program authorizations contained in titles II through IX of ESEA into a single authorization of grants to States for the same purposes set forth in such titles, but to be used in accordance with the educational needs and priorities of each State as determined by the State; and (2) to financially assist State and local educational agencies to improve elementary and secondary education (including preschool education) for public and private school children, in a manner which eliminates administrative and paperwork burdens on the schools. Vests basic responsibility for the administration of funds made available under this title in State educational agencies. Admonishes such agencies to discharge such responsibility in a manner which will not impose an unreasonable administrative burden. Declares the intent of Congress that the responsibility for the design and implementation of programs assisted under this title is mainly that of local boards of education, school superintendents and principals, classroom teachers, and supporting personnel. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1987. Sets forth provisions for allotments to States and for State grant applications. Requires that a State educational agency distribute at least 80 percent of the sums received as a State allotment to local educational agencies. Provides that such allocation be according to relative enrollments in public and nonpublic schools within the school districts of the local agencies, adjusted to provide higher per pupil allocations to agencies with the greatest numbers or percentages of children whose education imposes a higher average cost per child, such as children: (1) from low-income families; (2) of limited English proficiency; or (3) living in sparsely populated areas. Directs the Secretary to approve State agency criteria for such allocation adjustment if such criteria are reasonably calculated to produce an equitable distribution of funds. Sets forth requirements for local educational agency applications to receive such allocations. Requires that specified funds be used by State and local educational agencies to develop and implement a basic skills improvement program, as formerly authorized under title II of ESEA (Basic Skills Improvement). Authorizes State educational agencies to provide leadership and support for the basic skills improvement program. Sets forth requirements for school level basic skills improvement programs which local educational agencies must meet in applying for program funds. Authorizes State education agencies to carry out selected activities from among the full range of programs and projects formerly authorized under titles IV, V, VI, and VII of ESEA (Educational Improvement, Resources, and Support; State Leadership; Emergency School Aid; and Bilingual Education Programs) and titles III, VIII, and IX of ESEA (Special Projects; Community Schools; and Additional Programs for Gifted and Talented Children, Educational Proficiency Standards, and Women's Educational Equity), in accordance with requirements of this title, including a planned allocation of funds set forth in the State application. Sets forth authorized activities under such programs and projects. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) maintenance of effort; (2) Federal funds being supplementary to, and not supplanting, non-Federal funds; and (3) participation of children enrolled in private schools. Authorizes the Secretary to use discretionary reserved funds for activities relating to the purposes of and programs under this Act, such as: (1) a national information source to assess program effectiveness and the needs of those served; (2) research and demonstrations; (3) teacher training improvement; and (4) implementation assistance for State and local educational agencies. Directs the Secretary to fund, from such discretionary reserved funds, the inexpensive book distribution program (Reading Is Fundamental), the special mathematics program, the national programs of arts in education, and the national diffusion network, as formerly authorized in specified provisions of ESEA, at least in amounts necessary to sustain these activities at the level of operations during fiscal year 1981, and then use the remainder of such funds for other authorized activities. Title III: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations relating to this Act: (1) on duties specifically assigned to the Secretary; (2) on proper fiscal accounting for appropriations and on the method of making payments authorized; and (3) which reasonably insure compliance with the specific requirements and assurances required. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing regulations on all other matters relating to the details of planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating State and local educational agency programs and projects. Permits the Secretary to consult with appropriate State, local, and private educational agencies and to provide, upon request, technical assistance, information, and suggested guidelines. Provides that regulations issued pursuant to this Act shall not have the standing of a Federal statute for the purposes of judicial review. Sets forth provisions for withholding of payments and for judicial review thereof. Provides that specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act (relating to "State Educational Agency Monitoring and Agency Applications") shall not: (1) apply to programs authorized under this Act except to the extent that such provisions relate fiscal control and fund accounting procedures; and (2) be construed to authorize the Secretary to require any reports or take any actions not specifically authorized by this Act. Declares that the provisions of this Act shall take effect October 1, 1982. Repeals the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Provides that funds appropriated in fiscal year 1982 pursuant to authorizations repealed by this Act and intended for use in the school year 1982 through 1983 shall be used in accordance with, and to carry out the purposes of, this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Requests the President to designate July, 1981, as "National Peach Month."
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Anti-Arson Act of 1981 - Establishes an Interagency Committee on Arson Prevention and Control to coordinate Federal anti-arson programs and to provide assistance to State and local governments for the prevention, detection, and control of arson. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require the Federal Bureau of Investigation to classify arson as a part I crime in the Uniform Crime Reports.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 to specify the revenues that shall make up the Fishermen's Contingency Fund. Limits certain revenues to a specified sum. Lists activities for which such Fund may be used, including administrative expenses and attorney fees. Exempts geological and geophysical permits, other than pre-lease exploratory drilling permits, from payments and assessments under this Act. Increases the funding level of area accounts established by such Act. Revises procedures for replenishing such area accounts. Restricts the compensation payable to commercial fishermen for specified "resulting economic losses" to 25 percent of such losses. Revises the eligibility of certain claims for payments from such area accounts. Establishes a presumption that damages to a fishing vessel were caused by activities related to oil and gas exploration, development, or production if a claimant establishes certain facts. Extends the time within which a report on the location of the material that caused such damage must be filed. Revises procedures for filing claims under such Act. Refers claims that exceed $25,000 to an administrative law judge for adjudication. Declares that judicial review of such adjudication shall be sought in the circuit in which the home port of the claimant is located or within such circuit as may be mutually agreeable to the claimant and the Secretary of Commerce. Allows claimants who have filed for compensation before the effective date of this Act to re-file under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Indian Tribal Governmental Tax Status Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat an Indian tribal government as a State for purposes of: (1) determining the deductibility of a charitable contribution made to such tribe; (2) certain excise taxes; (3) deductions for State and local taxes; (4) the unrelated business income tax applicable to colleges and universities; (5) the credits for public retirement system income and contributions to candidates for public office; (6) the exclusion from gross income of certain scholarships and fellowship grants and contributions of certain employers for employee annuities; (7) the tax on excess lobbying expenditures by public charities; and (8) the tax treatment of activities of private foundations. Excludes from gross income, under specified circumstances, interest on industrial development bonds issued by an Indian tribal government. Defines "Indian tribal government" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the week commencing on June 7, 1981, should be designated as "National Italian-American Heritage Week."
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Veterans' Educational Assistance Act of 1981 - Establishes a new educational assistance program for the all-volunteer force. Entitles veterans who are graduates of a secondary school and who have served in the armed forces on continuous active duty for at least three years to basic educational assistance. Entitles veterans of the Selected Reserve and the National Guard who are graduates of secondary school and who have served at least two years of continuous active duty in the armed forces and at least four years of continuous duty in the Selected Reserve to basic educational assistance. Sets forth the formula for determining the length of such assistance based on the length of time served. Entitles such veterans to a monthly assistance allowance of $250 for a full-time approved program of education. Permits enrollment, if eligible, in a program of education while an individual continues to perform his duties. Entitles veterans who have served three or more consecutive years of active duty in addition to those required for basic educational assistance to supplemental educational assistance. Entitles veterans of the Selected Reserve who have served two or more consecutive years of active duty and four or more consecutive years of duty in the reserves in addition to that required for basic educational assistance to supplemental educational assistance. Entitles such veterans to a monthly supplemental assistance allowance of $300 a month. Permits the provision of such assistance to an individual entitled to basic educational assistance who has a skill or specialty in which there is a critical shortage of personnel. Permits the Secretary of Defense to authorize such an individual to transfer to a dependent part or all of such individual's entitlement to educational assistance. Sets forth the conditions under which transferred benefits may be provided. Permits the Secretary of a military branch to enter into preservice educational assistance agreements to encourage enlistment in the active-duty and reserve components. Sets forth the terms and conditions for such assistance. Establishes a ten year delimiting period for educational assistance. Excludes time spent as a prisoner of war subsequent to discharge and time spent physically or mentally disabled. Limits educational assistance to individuals being furnished subsistence to the amount an institution would charge similarly circumstanced nonveterans. Prohibits participation in more than one program of educational assistance. Allocates the administration and costs of such programs to the Veterans' Administration and the Department of Defense. Requires predischarge counseling which includes a discussion of educational benefit entitlements. Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator to submit to Congress a biennial report on the operations of such programs. Amends the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Act of 1977 to terminate the right to enroll in the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program after December 31, 1981. Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1981, to extend the pilot Department of Defense educational loan repayment program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Requests the President to designate October 23, 1981, as "Hungarian Freedom Fighters Day."
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1981
Transit Assistance Act of 1981 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to prohibit a discretionary capital grant or loan from being made by the Secretary of Transportation unless the applicant has sufficient capability to maintain the facilities and equipment purchased with such grant or loan. Revises the Federal share of such grants and loans. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of such Act, including research and development and training and demonstration projects. Authorizes appropriations, beginning in fiscal year 1983, for administrative costs necessary to carry out the functions of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make capital grants to States and local public bodies for repair or replacement of public transportation equipment and facilities damaged by natural disaster or catastrophic occurrence. Sets forth conditions for approval of such grants. Authorizes appropriations for formula grants for fiscal years 1981 through 1984 for: (1) urban mass transit; (2) construction or operating assistance; (3) commuter rail and fixed guideway systems; and, for fiscal years 1982 through 1986, (4) the purchase of buses and related equipment or the construction of bus-related facilities; and (5) areas other than urbanized areas. Authorizes a Governor to transfer part of a specified apportionment made to his or her State to supplement funds apportioned to the State for areas other than urbanized areas. Requires that such amounts so transferred be utilized for construction projects. Directs that, after fiscal year 1983, unobligated or deobligated funds for urban mass transit grants shall be added to the amount available for apportionment for buses, bus-related equipment, and construction of bus-related facilities. Declares that apportionments for fiscal year 1975 shall lapse on September 30, 1977, and apportionments for fiscal year 1976 shall lapse on September 30, 1978. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a project for the payment of operating expenses of urban mass transit services after September 30, 1984. Repeals provisions that require that rates charged elderly and handicapped persons for transportation during non-peak hours be no more than one-half of peak hour full fares. Eliminates grants for the establishment and operation of transportation centers at nonprofit institutions of higher learning. Revises the criteria for the award of contracts for acquisition of rolling stock, including buses. Provides a local option for transit programs for the handicapped. Lists the required elements of such programs. Declares that a recipient of funds under such Act may not be required to retrofit: (1) any bus to provide for wheelchair users; or (2) any fixed guideway system to accommodate handicapped persons. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within three years after the date of enactment of this Act on the service being provided by apportionment recipients to handicapped persons. Prohibits sums apportioned by the Secretary after September 30, 1982, for formula grants for areas other than urbanized areas from being used for operating expenses or costs incurred under purchase of service agreements. Repeals provisions concerning terminal development programs and intercity bus service. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978 to prohibit the authorization of appropriations for a specified waterborne transportation demonstration project after September 30, 1981. Amends the National Mass Transportation Assistance Act of 1974 to repeal provisions dealing with the investigation of safety hazards in urban mass transportation systems.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1981
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend, through fiscal year 1982, the authorization of appropriations to carry out all but specified provisions of such Act. Requires that the sums authorized for fiscal year 1982 be allotted to each State based on such State's needs as a percentage of the total national needs. Extends through fiscal year 1982 the program under such Act which provides grants to States for eligible treatment works. Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, at the request of the Governor of a State, to set aside from funds authorized under such Act for fiscal year 1982 not more than three percent of funds allotted to such State for such grants to be available only for increasing grants for construction of treatment works from 75 percent to 85 percent, and to set aside not more than four percent of such funds to be available only for alternatives to conventional sewage treatment works for municipalities having a population of 3,500 or less, or for the highly dispersed sections of larger municipalities, as defined by the Administrator. Limits such grants for treatment works to the following categories of projects: (1) secondary treatment or more stringent treatment, or any cost- effective alternative thereof; and (2) new interceptors and appurtenances. Authorizes the Administrator, from sums authorized for each fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 1981, to reserve from the allotment for each State for each such fiscal year an amount not to exceed one percent of the sum of the unexpended obligations and the unobligated allotment available to such State as of the first day of such fiscal year, or $400,000, whichever is greater. Repeals the provision under which the Administrator is authorized to pay the Federal share of the cost of advanced construction on publicly owned treatment works in cases where a State allotment has been obligated under specified provisions. Permits the Administrator to retain the authority to pay such eligible obligations in such amounts as the Administrator considers appropriate. Prohibits any grant, other than for facility planning and the preparation of construction plans and specifications, to be made under such Act to construct that portion of the treatment works providing reserve capacity. Makes the Administrator responsible for determining the size and capacity of the treatment works eligible for a grant under such Act. States that the determination of the priority to be given projects within each State shall be made by that State. Requires each State, in determining such priority, to give highest priority to projects which: (1) demonstrate that significant public health or water quality benefits will be achieved; and (2) will directly benefit communities having urban-industrial concentrations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1981
Authorizes additional appropriations as necessary for the completion of comprehensive plans of development of specified river basins under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army. States that such sums shall include those necessary for the Secretary to complete local flood protection in the Columbia River Basin.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1981
Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to authorize the Attorney General to institute actions against any party whose acts or omissions may have caused or contributed to the events resulting in a Presidential declaration of emergency or disaster. Makes such party liable to the United States for the full amount of Federal expenditures for damage caused by such acts or omissions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 to specify the revenues that shall make up the Fishermen's Contingency Fund. Limits certain revenues to a specified sum. Lists activities for which such Fund may be used, including administrative expenses and attorney fees. Exempts geological and geophysical permits, other than pre-lease exploratory drilling permits, from payments and assessments under this Act. Increases the funding level of area accounts established by such Act. Revises procedures for replenishing such area accounts. Restricts the compensation payable to commercial fishermen for specified "resulting economic losses" to 25 percent of such losses. Revises the eligibility of certain claims for payments from such area accounts. Establishes a presumption that damages to a fishing vessel were caused by activities related to oil and gas exploration, development, or production if a claimant establishes certain facts. Extends the time within which a report on the location of the material that caused such damage must be filed. Revises procedures for filing claims under such Act. Refers claims that exceed $25,000 to an administrative law judge for adjudication. Declares that judicial review of such adjudication shall be sought in the circuit in which the home port of the claimant is located or within such circuit as may be mutually agreeable to the claimant and the Secretary of Commerce. Allows claimants who have filed for compensation before the effective date of this Act to re-file under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Title I: Guam - Amends the Organic Act of Guam to authorize initiatives and referenda in Guam. Sets forth the referendum procedure. Subjects the Lieutenant Governor and the members of the legislature to recall. Authorizes appropriations for grants to Guam for fiscal years 1983-1986 for rehabilitation and construction of public facilities. Title II: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands - Amends the date for transferring certain U.S. property located in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands to the governments of such islands. Makes such date the termination date of the trusteeship agreement governing the administration of the Trust Territory instead of October 1, 1982. Title III: Virgin Islands - Authorizes appropriations for each of fiscal years 1982 through 1985 for grants to the Virgin Islands for construction of water and power generation and distribution facilities pursuant to a plan which meets specified requirements. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Transfers the duty to prepare a comprehensive energy plan for specified insular areas of the United States from the Secretary of Energy to the Secretary of the Interior. Deems the governments of specified U.S. territories to have met the matching assistance requirements for certain authorized capital improvement projects. Authorizes appropriations for grants to American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands for fiscal years 1982 through 1985 for rehabilitation and construction of public facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Public Land Reform Act of 1981 - Title I: Short Title; Findings and Declaration of Policy; Definitions - Declares that the Federal Government retains ownership of substantial territory considered unreserved unappropriated public lands in States wholly west of the one-hundredth meridian. Provides that it is the policy of this Act to place all such lands, presently held in trust for the States in which they are situated, in State ownership. Excludes from the definition of unreserved unappropriated public lands the following: (1) lands within the boundaries of national parks, national monuments, and national wildlife and migratory bird sanctuaries established prior to May 1, 1981; (2) designated units of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (3) lands within boundaries of military and Indian reservations; (4) lands essential to the operation, maintenance, and access to the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Water and Power Resources Services projects, and designated highways; (5) lands necessary to the operation, maintenance, and access to shipyards, docks, security and defense establishments, magazines, arsenals, and Federal buildings; (6) lands selected under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and other applicable law; and (7) lands within the boundaries of any national forest. Title II: Federal Land Transfer Board - Authorizes the Governor of any State seeking to acquire such unreserved and unappropriated lands to petition the President within ten years of the enactment of this Act to establish a Federal Land Transfer Board for such State. Directs the President to establish such a Board consisting of State and Federal members within 90 days of the receipt of such an application. States that the Board shall serve until all conveyances of such lands within the State are carried out. Requires each Federal Land Transfer Board to coordinate its activities with the State management agency established pursuant to this Act. Directs each Board to carry out the required land transfers within two years of its determination that a State's application meets the requirement of this Act. Empowers the Land Transfer Boards to resolve land claims and disputes arising from the implementation of this Act. Grants any State aggrieved by a decision of a Land Transfer Board on its application the right to public hearing and review before the Board. Empowers the United States courts of appeals to hear appeals from final order of the Boards. States that judicial review shall be on the record made before the Board and that the Board's findings shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence. Prohibits members of the Board from directly or indirectly receiving compensation as a result of any land transfer carried out pursuant to this Act. Title III: State Land Management Agencies - Requires each State seeking the conveyance of unreserved and unappropriated land under this Act to establish a State land management agency to: (1) hold any transferred lands in trust for all people of the United States; (2) protect the interests of persons who have acquired rights in such land under Federal law; (3) provide for an ongoing inventory and study of public lands within the State with a view toward determining the best methods of management and utilization; (4) provide for the continued annual payments to units of local government in which entitlement lands are situated; (5) transfer to the United States those property interests necessary to continue lawful, Federal activities; and (6) continue to administer lands previously administered by the United States pursuant to a treaty or interstate compact in conformance with the terms of such treaty or compact. Title IV: Conveyance From State Ownership - Prohibits any State from conveying lands conveyed to it by the Federal Land Transfer Board unless such land is difficult and not economical to manage, or no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was acquired, or disposal of it will serve important public objectives. Title V: Miscellaneous - Declares that the United States shall retain control over the oceans, seas, navigable rivers, streams, and lakes, and projects of the Corps of Engineers and Water and Power Resources Service. Directs the President to modify agreements with other nations if necessary to implement this Act. Grants the consent of Congress to any interstate compact relating to the management and use of such lands if it has been approved by the appropriate Federal Land Transfer Boards. Grants the consent of Congress to any amendments to the Enabling Act of a State receiving a conveyance of land which may be necessary to revoke any disclaimer to title of public lands not granted by the United States to the State. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to the Congress, within 18 months of enactment of this Act, on the results of a study of the relative costs and benefits of Federal and State land management activities. Authorizes sums as may be necessary to carry out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Requests the President to designate May 6, 1982, as "National Recognition Day for Nurses."
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Requests the President to designate October 2, 1981, as "American Enterprise Day."
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Older Americans Act Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Amendments to Title II - Administration on Aging - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to serve as an advocate for the elderly within the Department of Health and Human Services and with other Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities. Eliminates the duty and function of the Administration to serve as such an advocate. Directs the Commissioner to review and comment on Federal regulations and policies regarding community health and social service development for the elderly only upon request by the head of any Federal agency or department. Removes the duty of the Commissioner to advise, consult, and cooperate with such heads and the duty of such heads to consult with the Commissioner. Directs the Commissioner to consult with such heads only upon their request. Eliminates the National Information and Resource Clearing House for the Aging. Repeals specified requirements for completed studies and reports. Repeals a provision that a Congressional declaration of policy respecting Insular Areas not apply to the administration of programs for older Americans. Eliminates conditions that: (1) assistance for program planning, development, establishment, and operation be given to private organizations only if they are nonprofit; and (2) grant or contract recipients enter into agreements with a profitmaking organization only where such organization demonstrates clear superiority with respect to the quality of services covered. Repeals separate authorizations of appropriations for the Federal Council on the Aging and for the Commissioner to carry out specified duties. Title II: Amendments to Title III - Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for grants for State and community programs on aging (without separate earmarks for particular programs). Revises formulas for grant allotments to States for such programs. Sets forth formulas for the percentages of such allotments which may be used for administrative costs of State and area plans and for costs of social services and nutrition services. Sets forth provisions relating to the non-Federal share of program funding. Requires that States use for such nutrition services, from their fiscal year 1982 allotment, a specified minimum amount proportionate to that used in fiscal year 1981. Sets forth provisions relating to additional amounts for administration of State plans. Adds definitions of State plan administration and area plan administration. Specifies that a State agency on aging is only responsible to the extent feasible to review and comment on State plans, budgets, and policies affecting the elderly. Permits a State which had previously functioned as a single planning and service area to designate additional planning and service areas within the State to be administered by area agencies on aging. Revises requirements for area plans to: (1) permit such plans to cover periods of two, three, or four years; and (2) modify review and comment responsibilities of area agencies on aging. Eliminates requirements that area agencies: (1) expend a portion of allotted funds for access, in-home, and legal services; and (2) develop and publish methods to determine priority of service. Revises requirements for State plans to: (1) permit such plans to cover two, three, or four year periods; and (2) eliminate a minimum spending requirement for rural area programs. Requires that nutrition service projects be available to "older persons" (currently, to "individuals aged 60 and older"). Revises provisions for a State long-term care ombudsman program to no longer require that such program carry out specified functions but only that it have authority to do so. Repeals a limitation on the use of nutrition services funds for social services. Eliminates requirements that a State plan: (1) provide for the delivery and coordination of legal services to the elderly; and (2) expend a specified amount to establish and operate a nursing home ombudsman program. Repeals provisions relating to specified waivers of requirements for State plans. Lowers the percentage of specified appropriated funds which must be set aside for disaster relief reimbursement (from an amount equal to five percent) to not less than three percent. Eliminates requirements that surplus agricultural commodities be purchased for and donated to nutrition services for the elderly at annually programmed levels of assistance. Continues the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture and of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make such purchases and donations. Eliminates annual assistance level requirements for such donations. Permits a State to receive commodities in lieu of cash for part of the Federal share of the cost of nutrition services. Authorizes the Commissioner and the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into an agreement under which the Secretary shall provide such commodities to the States on a reimbursable basis. Eliminates provisions for cash payments to States in lieu of donated food commodities. Eliminates requirements that the Commissioner carry out grant programs for State social services and congregate and home-delivered nutrition services. Permits State plans for such services to include any of specified projects or services. Title III: Amendments to Title IV - Training, Research, and Discretionary Projects and Programs - Revises provisions for training, research, and discretionary projects and programs to eliminate the requirements that the Commissioner: (1) appraise personnel needs in the field of aging; (2) conduct specified studies; (3) revise existing Federal transportation programs for older individuals; (4) give special consideration to projects on the specified needs of the elderly; and (5) consult with certain Federal officials. Eliminates requirements that the Secretary of Health and Human Services: (1) involve appropriate Federal department and agencies in carrying out such programs to insure coordination and avoid duplication of efforts; and (2) report to the Congress annually on the impact of grants made, the experience of grantees, and the comparative benefits and costs of projects assisted. Eliminates specified authority relating to certain grants programs, including: (1) training and demonstration projects for legal assistance to the elderly; (2) utility and home heating cost demonstration projects; and (3) mortgage insurance and interest grants for multipurpose senior centers. Continues the authority of the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for: (1) recruitment and training; (2) gerontology centers; (3) research, development, and demonstration projects; and (4) national impact activities. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Sets forth conditions for payment of grants. Title IV: Amendments to Title V - Community Service Employment for Older Americans - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for programs of Community Service Employment for Older Americans. Title V: Amendments to Title VI - Grants for Indian Tribes - Revises provisions relating to grants for Indian tribes. Allows such grants to be made for services for "older Indians" (currently, for Indians aged 60 and older). Eliminates a requirement that a nonprofit private organization selected by the tribal organization conduct (still required) period evaluations of such grants projects. Authorizes appropriations for such grants to Indians program for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 (excluding the multipurpose senior centers for Indians program). Title VI: Other Provisions - Amends the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978 to repeal provisions relating to the administrative powers of the National Council on the Handicapped. Amends the 1981 White House Conference on Aging Act to provide that amounts appropriated for fiscal year 1981 shall remain available for expenditure in fiscal year 1982. Make technical amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to limit to 25 percent of all government assistance the State and local share of expenditures for disaster assistance. Adjusts the rental to be charged to occupants of temporary housing who require such housing as a result of a major disaster. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the President to make grants to help repair or replace private nonprofit museums, zoos, libraries, and qualified historical facilities and physical fitness centers which were damaged or destroyed by a major disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981
Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 to specify that the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, shall establish methods and procedures for the formulation and evaluation of water resources projects within the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army. Authorizes the Secretary to study the water resources needs of various river basins and other regions of the United States. Directs that such study shall be submitted to Congress by October 1, 1983. Directs the Secretary to consult with State, interstate, and local governments in conducting such study.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for services necessary to the nonperforming arts functions of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, including maintenance, security, and janitorial services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Title I: Short Title, Findings, and Purposes - National Minerals Security Act of 1981 - Sets forth findings and purposes. Title II: Mineral and Material Planning and Availability - Establishes the Council on Materials and Minerals to develop and implement a national minerals and materials policy. Title III: Domestic Mineral Resource Potential - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) review land use plans developed under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976; (2) consider the suitability of such public lands for mineral location and leasing; and (3) revise such plans accordingly. Requires any land use plan prepared under such Act and any review and any review conducted under this Act to: (1) contain an estimate of potential mineral resources; and (2) consider the development and extraction of any significant mineral deposit as a dominant use. Directs the Secretary to determine the number of acres of Federal lands withdrawn, classified, restricted, or closed to mineral location or leasing and the number of acres of land made available for mineral location and leasing under this title and to report the results to Congress. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice in the Federal Register at least once every two years requesting the nomination of lands withdrawn, classified, restricted, or closed to be reviewed. Requires the Secretary to review lands nominated by any person to determine the suitability of such lands for mineral location or leasing. Extends the December 31, 1983, mining expiration date in the Wilderness Act to December 31, 1993. Title IV: Mineral and Material Data Acquisition and Analysis - Directs the Secretary to transfer the State Mining and Mineral Resources and Research Institutes to the administrative jurisdiction of the Bureau of Mines. Makes the Bureau the principal Federal agency for mineral data collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination. Requires the Bureau and the U.S. Geological Survey to undertake stated activities directed towards ensuring an adequate supply of minerals and materials. Title V: Capital Formation and Taxation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) define air or water pollution control facilities for purposes of the exclusion of interest on industrial development bonds; and (2) permit a deduction for the amortization of the amortizable basis of a pollution control facility, based on any amortization period of from one to 60 months. Title VI: Regulatory Reform - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require that notice of a proposed rule published in the Federal Register include: (1) a statement of the need for and objectives of the proposed rule; and (2) a description of all reasonable alternative public or private means for achieving the objectives of the proposed rule, together with an explanation of how the proposed rule achieves the objectives at lower cost or with fewer adverse effects than the alternatives. Requires an agency, after giving notice and giving interested persons the opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process, to conduct additional proceedings if the comments received from those interested reveal that there are disputed factual issues. Requires such proceedings to include informal public hearings, meetings or conferences, mediation, presentation of witnesses for direct and cross-examination, and additional opportunity for preparation of written rebuttals to any materials required in the notice of proposed rulemaking. Title VII: National Defense Stockpile - Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to require that all moneys received from the sale of materials in the National Defense Stockpile be transferred to the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund and be available only to acquire strategic and critical materials. Title VIII: Antitrust Restrictions - Directs the Attorney General to review antitrust laws, rules, and regulations to determine the extent to which they are consistent with the policy of this Act. Title IX: Foreign Policy - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) conduct an analysis of the foreign mineral and materials information requirements and resources of all executive branch departments and agencies; (2) direct the centralization of responsibility for the maintenance of a coordinated repository of foreign mineral, material, and related information in the Bureau of Mines; and (3) ensure that the Bureau maintains its foreign mineral, material, related information repository to be responsive to the information needs of all Federal agencies. Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 to require the Secretary of State to report annually to the Secretary of the Interior concerning foreign policy as it relates to the availability of minerals for domestic use.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer or dealer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals as a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Makes it unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who does not reside in the same State, if the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that acquisition of the firearm by such person would violate any State or local law or ordinance. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Restricts the firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Revises the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to: (1) include use of a destructive device; (2) delete the act of "carrying" a firearm to commit a felony; and (3) limit such offense to felonies over which the Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Retains the current penalty (one to ten years) for first offenses. Increases the penalty for second or subsequent offenses to five to 25 years' imprisonment (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Deletes the prohibition against concurrent sentences. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Stipulates that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect person or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions to make the following changes. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Extends the types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Establishes a Congressional veto procedure with respect to firearms regulations. Authorizes either House of Congress to adopt a resolution of disapproval within 90 days of the rule's promulgation. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Establishes a Prisoner of War Medal to be awarded by the President in the name of Congress to any person who while serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States was held by any force hostile to the United States as a prisoner, internee, or hostage.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a Constitution for the U.S. Virgin Islands is approved. Establishes a constitutional review commission which shall periodically review the Constitution and report to the Virgin Islands' Senate its proposals for revisions of the Constitution. Sets forth a transitional schedule for the period between the date of the Constitution's ratification and its effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Coastal Barrier Resources Act - Declares the findings and intentions of Congress in regard to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the coastal barriers along the Atlantic and gulf coasts of the United States. Establishes the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System) which shall consist of specified undeveloped coastal barriers on the Atlantic and gulf coasts. Requires that certain coastal barrier maps shall be available for public inspection through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide copies of such maps to the chief executive officer of: (1) each State and political subdivision in which a System unit is located; and (2) each affected Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to make necessary modifications to such maps and to notify specified Congressional committees of same. Limits, to specified projects, Federal expenditures on or financial assistance for purposes within the System. Lists those projects eligible for financial assistance. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify annually to Congress that the Federal agencies concerned have complied with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the contents of reports to be filed by the Secretary with specified Congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978 to increase the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Federal-aid primary system of highways; (2) priority primary routes; (3) Interstate System resurfacing; and (4) bridge reconstruction and replacement. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make apportionments for fiscal year 1983 for expenditures on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways using specified apportionment factors. Limits, to a specified sum, the total obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for fiscal year 1982. Makes certain exceptions to such limitation. Directs the Secretary to distribute such sum according to a specified ratio. Prohibits, for the period October 1 through December 31, 1981: (1) a State from obligating more than 35 percent of its share of such sum; and (2) the total of all State obligations from exceeding 25 percent of the total amount distributed to all States. Sets forth provisions with regard to State authority over such obligations. Prohibits the Secretary from distributing amounts authorized for administrative expenses and forest highways. Limits, to a specified sum, the total of all obligations for highway safety programs and school bus driver training. Adjusts the apportionment ratio for funds for resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating the Interstate System.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Title I: Federal Aid Highway Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 to increase the authorization of appropriations for the Interstate Highway System for fiscal years 1983 through 1990. Limits the obligation of such funds to specified objectives. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in making the revised estimate of the cost by completing the then designated Interstate System, to include only those costs eligible under such Act, as amended. Authorizes the Secretary to assess the status of all incomplete segments of the Interstate System and to withdraw approval of any routes as appropriate. Directs the Secretary to use specified apportionment factors in allocating funds for the Interstate System. Authorizes appropriations, for fiscal years 1982 through 1986, out of the Highway Trust Fund for: (1) the Federal aid primary system in rural and urban areas; (2) forest highways; (3) public lands highways; (4) bridge replacement and rehabilitation; and (5) resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing (through fiscal year 1987) certain nontoll portions of the Interstate System. Directs that the unobligated balance of contract authority established by the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1978 for the Great River Road and highway safety programs shall lapse September 30, 1981. Revises apportionments for the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Makes highway reconstruction eligible for Interstate System apportioned funds. Revises Interstate System resurfacing procedures and the Federal share thereof. Establishes a discretionary fund with unobligated Interstate System funds. Directs the Secretary, in allocating such funds, to give priority to specified Interstate System projects. Repeals appropriations for and provisions related to the priority primary route program. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of funds for the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Directs that emergency financial assistance necessitated by national natural disasters or catastrophic failures shall be authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund. Increases the authorization for such emergency assistance. Limits, to a specified sum, the amount of such assistance to any State. Allows funds allocated to an urbanized area to be transferred to another such area or to the State under certain circumstances. Removes the limit on appropriations for defense access roads. Revises the Secretary's authority with regard to a State's failure to maintain projects under its jurisdiction. Allows the Secretary to discharge any responsibilities under such Act relative to the physical construction phase of Interstate resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, and reconstruction projects by using certain certification procedures. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for the inspection of construction and repair projects (currently directs the Secretary to make a final inspection). Amends such Act and the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 to delete the prohibition on the use of land from a historic site of national, State, or local significance for transportation projects. Authorizes the Secretary, upon application of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, to approve reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge. Sets forth funding criteria for such project and limits the Federal share to 75 percent of the project cost. Directs that the parties shall agree, as a condition precedent to such reconstruction and rehabilitation, to convey the respective portions of the Bridge to Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia without monetary consideration. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this Act in cooperation with Federal and State agencies and foreign countries without regard to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Repeals the territorial highway program. Repeals the provisions of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978 dealing with the acceleration of bridge projects. Authorizes the Secretary to approve, for Federal financial assistance, projects for use as preferential parking for carpools. Sets forth criteria for the operation and management of such parking facilities. Amends the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973 to allow limited truck traffic on the Highland Scenic Highway. States that such commercial use by trucks may be limited and controlled by permit. Limits funds for research and planning to specified amounts. Specifies the Federal share of such funding pursuant to certain criteria. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, powers, and duties of the Appalachian Regional Commission related to the Appalachian Development Highway. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations, out of the Highway Trust Fund, for such Highway system for fiscal years 1982 through 1986. Increases the Federal share for such Highway system. Title II: Highway Safety Act of 1981 - Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations, out of the Highway Trust Fund, for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for highway safety programs and highway safety research and development. Repeals provisions that require the Secretary's approval of a State's highway safety program. Revises specified highway safety program requirements. Repeals provisions relating to: (1) school bus driver training; and (2) innovative project grants. Title III: Highway Revenue Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend, through fiscal year 1989, the excise taxes that are transferred into the Highway Trust Fund. Amends the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 to extend, for six years, the Highway Trust Fund. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to extend, for six years, the land and water conservation fund within the Department of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Small Business Tax Incentives Act of 1981 - Title I: Amendment of Small Business Act - Amends the Small Business Act to define "small business," for Internal Revenue Code purposes, as an independently owned and operated business the gross revenue of which does not exceed $20,000,000 annually and the number of employees of which does not exceed 500. Title II: Corporate Tax Rate Reduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce corporate income tax rates. Title III: Small Business Direct Expensing of Capital Items of Up to $25,000 Per Year - Allows a taxpayer to elect to treat expenditures paid or incurred by him during the taxable year (not to exceed an aggregate of $25,000, or $12,500 in the case of a married person filing a separate return) for depreciable tangible property as expenses not chargeable to capital account (thus deductible as current business expenses). Qualifies property with respect to which an election is made for the investment tax credit. Disqualifies property acquired from a related person or another component member of the same controlled group of companies. Title IV: Increase in Amount of Used Property Eligible for Investment Tax Credit - Increases from $100,000 to $300,000 the allowable cost of used property eligible for the investment tax credit. Title V: Allowable Subchapter S Corporation Shareholders Increased to 25 - Increases from 15 to 25 the permissible number of shareholders in a subchapter S corporation. Title VI: Incentives for Investing in Small Business - Allows a deduction for cash amounts transferred to a small business solely in exchange for equity interest in the small business. Increases the capital gains deduction. Reduces the alternative tax on capital gains on equity interests held for five years or more. Title VII: Exclusion from Estate Tax for Small Business Property and Equity Investments - Permits the exclusion of small business property which comprises 60 percent or more of the adjusted value of the gross estate from the gross estate of a decedent who at the time of death was a U.S. citizen. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $2,000,000. Imposes an additional estate tax in the event any interest in such property is disposed of or the property ceases to qualify for such treatment. Title VIII: Interest and Dividend Exclusion Increased to $2,000 - Increases from $200 to $2,000 (or from $400 to $4,000 in the case of married individuals filing jointly) the exclusion of interest and dividends from gross income. Makes such exclusion permanent. Title IX: Inventory Simplification and Reform - Eliminates the qualification requirement for the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting that a taxpayer use no inventory method for financial reporting or credit purposes other than the LIFO method. Allows a taxpayer who adopts the LIFO method to spread increases in taxable income attributable to such change over a ten-year period. Allows an election by small businesses which use the dollar method of pricing inventories under the LIFO method and which have average annual receipts of $5,000,000 or less for the three taxable years ending with the year of election to use one inventory pool for any trade or business. Permits a wholesaler or retailer who uses such method to elect the use of inventory pools based on the applicable Government price index categories for all items of inventory. Allows the use of such index categories in the pricing of inventories under such dollar-value methods. Allows an election to use a link chain or index method or compute the LIFO value of dollar-value pool without regard to suitability or practicality of any other method. Repeals the requirement, with respect to liquidation plans adopted after December 31, 1981, that a corporation inventorying goods under the LIFO method treat the LIFO recapture amount with respect to distributed inventory assets as gain from the sale of such assets. Allows an election by small businesses which are at least half-owned by active participants in the trade or business and which have average annual gross receipts of $1,500,000 or less for the three taxable years ending with the year of election to use the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting without regard to any inventory requirements. Permits a taxpayer to reduce the value of a portion of excess inventory items held for more than 12 months. Sets forth a schedule for such reductions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of the Army to maintain and periodically update the National Inventory of Dams.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Authorizes the Chief of Engineers, whenever the Secretary of the Army transmits to the Congress a report recommending implementation of a water resources development project, to undertake further engineering and design of such project. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Directs the Secretary of Education to convey four specified parcels of land in the State of California to the D-Q University, a national learning and cultural center for Native Americans. Directs the Secretary to convey the first parcel and to transfer the exclusive use and control of all four parcels to the University within 30 days after the enactment of this Act. Sets certain conditions for the conveyance of the second, third, and last parcels, including deadlines by which the University must request such conveyances. Requires the Secretary to notify the University of any noncompliance with such conditions. Allows the University one year after such notice to achieve full compliance. Permits the Secretary to extend the conveyance deadlines for one year. Specifies circumstances under which: (1) the University's rights to the use and control of such parcels shall terminate; and (2) title to such lands shall revert to the United States. Requires the University to: (1) submit its Development Plan to Congress within 30 days after enactment of this Act; and (2) notify the Secretary of any change in the Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning June 1, 1981, as "Management Week in America."
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 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.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the purposes of such Act. Allows the Secretary of Transportation to enter into a contract with a private entity for use of a supplemental reporting system and data center operated and maintained by such entity.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Disaster Relief Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984 for: (1) the purposes of such Act; and (2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Revises requirements for temporary housing assistance for those displaced by a major disaster or emergency. Limits the Federal share of financial assistance for debris removal and repair and restoration of damaged facilities to 75 percent of eligible costs. Authorizes the President to loan the remaining 25 percent of such costs to a State under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 and the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 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. Makes such reimbursement requirement effective commencing October 1, 1982. Provides for annual payments 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 through means other than provided for in this Act. 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. Requires the Secretary of the Army to report annually to Congress on the actual and anticipated receipts of such fee collections. Authorizes the Chief of Engineers to study, design, construct, and rehabilitate channel and port projects according to the provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Inland Waterway User Fee Act of 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 mechanisms 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. Specifies that costs assigned to commercial waterway transportation for the Mississippi River and tributaries project shall be 25 percent of total project costs. Amends the Inland Waterways Revenue Act of 1978 to make amounts in the Trust Fund available for operation and maintenance expenditures for navigation on all inland and intracoastal waterways with an authorized depth of 14 feet or less used for commercial transportation. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Directs the President to award a special gold medal to Fred Waring. Stipulates that funds may not be appropriated under this Act for any period before October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1981
Title I: Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to review and revise the existing national airport system plan to provide for the development of public-use airports in the United States. Directs that such plan shall include the type and estimated cost of eligible airport development considered by the Secretary to be necessary to provide a safe and efficient system of public-use airports to anticipate and meet the needs of civil aeronautics, to meet requirements in support of the national defense, and to meet the needs of the postal service. Directs the Department of Defense to make military airports and airport facilities available for civil use to the extent feasible. States that the costs of site preparation work associated with acquisition, establishment, or improvement of air navigation facilities shall be charged to funds appropriated to the Secretary by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for airport development and planning in the form of project grants, block-grants, or block-grant supplements. Limits the annual funding level for such grants for fiscal years 1981 through 1986 to a specified sum. Prohibits the Secretary from incurring obligations: (1) for such grants after September 30, 1986; and (2) for airport development or planning at ineligible airports. Authorizes appropriations out of such fund for fiscal years 1981 through 1986 for: (1) the establishment and improvement of air navigation facilities; (2) airport research, engineering and development, and demonstration projects; (3) training State and local government employees to carry out the purposes of this Act; (4) costs of services provided under international agreements relating to the joint financing of air navigation services; and (5) costs incurred in operating and maintaining air navigation facilities in a safe and efficient condition. Sets forth the method for apportioning the funds made available under this Act. Specifies conditions which determine eligibility for funding under this Act. Sets forth procedures for submission of project-grant and block-grant airport development applications and requirements which must be satisfied to approve such applications. Requires a sponsor of an airport project to hold public hearings where the project-grant application involves the location of an airport, an airport runway, or a major runway extension. Directs that such a grant shall not be made unless the Governor of the State in which the project is to be located certifies in writing to the Secretary that there is a reasonable assurance that the project will be located, designed, constructed, and operated so as to comply with applicable air and water quality standards. Authorizes the Secretary to approve standards (other than standards for safety of approaches) established by a State for airport development at public-use airports which are not primary airports. Authorizes the Secretary, in connection with any project-grant, to require the project sponsor to certify that all of the statutory and administrative requirements imposed by this Act will be observed. Directs that the United States' share of allowable project costs for a project approved under this Act shall not exceed 75 percent of its cost. Establishes higher percentages for projects in States containing specified amounts of public lands. Imposes upon the Secretary, as a condition precedent to approval of an airport development project contained in a project grant application submitted under this Act, the duty to receive written assurances that: (1) such airport will be available for public use on fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory terms; (2) such airport and related facilities will be suitably operated and maintained, with due regard to climatic and flood conditions; (3) the aerial approaches to such airport will be adequately cleared, protected, and hazard-free; (4) land in the immediate vicinity of such airport will be used for purposes compatible with airport operations; (5) such airport's facilities will be available for use by United States Government aircraft; (6) the airport operator or owner will furnish certain land, water, or estate therein to the Federal Government for use in connection with air traffic control, navigation, weather reporting, or communications activities related to air traffic control; (7) the airport operator or owner will maintain a fee and rental structure for the facilities and services being provided to airport users which will make the airport as self-sustaining as possible; (8) the airport and all airport records will be available for the Secretary's inspection; and (9) such operator or owner who receives a grant for the purchase of land for noise compatibility purposes which is conditioned on the disposal of the acquired land at the earliest practicable time will use its best efforts to so dispose of such land. Authorizes the Secretary to relieve a project sponsor from contractual obligations entered into under this Act, the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970, or the Federal Airport Act, to provide free space in airport buildings to the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary, upon approving a project grant application, to transmit an offer to the sponsors thereof to make a grant for the U.S. share of allowable project costs. Sets forth procedures for the execution of such agreements. Directs the Secretary first to determine that the cost of any airport development or planning project is allowable before the United States pays from amounts appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth criteria to be used in determining whether such costs are allowable. Authorizes the Secretary to approve, as allowable costs of an airport development project, terminal development costs in nonrevenue producing public-use areas which are directly related to the movement of passengers and baggage. Limits, under specified conditions, amounts to be obligated for project costs. Directs that the U.S. share of such costs shall not exceed 50 percent. Describes project costs not allowed under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to determine, within certain parameters, the times and amounts in which payments shall be made under such agreements. Directs that construction work on projects funded under this Act shall be subject to inspection and approval by the Secretary and shall be in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. States that contracts in excess of $2,000 for such construction projects shall include provisions establishing minimum rates of wages to be predetermined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Requires that construction contracts for airport development projects grant employment preferences to Vietnam and disabled veterans. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in the event that a public airport project will require the use of Federal lands, to request the head of the Federal agency or department controlling such lands to transfer the necessary property interests to the public agency sponsoring the project or which owns or controls the airport involved. Requires the head of such an agency or department to notify the Secretary within four months of its decision with respect to such a request. Exempts from such requests lands under the administration of the National Park Service, units of the National Wildlife Refuge System or similar areas under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, or within any national forest or Indian reservation. Sets forth criminal penalties for fraudulent acts committed with respect to projects under this Act. Specifies recordkeeping and auditing requirements in regard to projects under this Act. Directs the Secretary to take affirmative action to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex, be excluded from participating in any activity conducted with funds received from any grant made under this Act. Provides that no obligation for airport development shall be incurred by the Secretary after September 30, 1981, at any airport which enplanes more than one and four-tenths percent (.50 percent after September 30, 1982) of the total number of passengers enplaned in calendar year 1979 at all commercial service airports. Authorizes other airports after such date to elect not to receive such assistance. Directs the Secretary to issue criteria pursuant to which an owner or operator of an airport that becomes ineligible to receive Federal assistance under this Act may terminate any existing assurances, requirements, or contractual obligations with the United States that arose from the acceptance of such Federal assistance. Sets forth procedures for the termination of such obligations. Requires that any airport which receives assistance under this Act, the Federal Airport Act of 1946, the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970, or the Surplus Property Act of 1944 shall be available for public use on fair and reasonable terms without unjust discrimination. Repeals sections of the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 relating to airport development funding. Title II: Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reinstate, and revise the rates of, the taxes on fuel used in noncommercial aviation. Reduces the airline ticket tax for individual travel from eight to six and one half percent. Reinstates the tax on the use of international travel facilities and the tax on transportation of property by air. Amends the Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1970 to continue the transfer of such taxes to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund beyond June 30, 1981. Extends, beyond June 30, 1981, the availability of Trust Fund assets for specified expenditures. Title III: Miscellaneous - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to permit the imposition by a State (or political subdivision thereof) of a tax, fee, head charge, or other charge for the use of any airport that is ineligible to receive Federal assistance for airport development or planning under this Act. Revises standards by which airports are granted operating certificates. Amends the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 to redefine "airport" and "airport operator" for purposes of such Act. Limits, to specified air carriers, loan guarantees for the purchase of limited seating aircraft. Title IV: Accelerated Sunset of the Civil Aeronautics Board - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 and the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 to accelerate, to September 30, 1982, the termination of the Civil Aeronautics Board and the transfer of its functions. Revises, to January 1, 1982, the date by which the Board shall submit to Congress a comprehensive review of its implementation of such Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Proclaims Raoul Wallenberg an honorary citizen of the United States. Requests the President to ascertain his whereabouts from the Soviet Union and to secure his freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1981
State and Local Government Financing Reform Act of 1981 - Excludes from the Federal law limiting and restricting the corporate powers of national banking associations to deal in and underwrite investment securities, specified dealings in and underwriting of all other nongeneral obligations issued or guaranteed by or on behalf of a State or any political subdivision thereof (except special assessment obligations and industrial revenue bonds) which are at the time eligible for purchase by a national bank for its own account, subject to specified limitations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to the Congress showing the extent to which the business of underwriting and dealing in State and local obligations is being carried on by commercial banks as compared with other banking institutions with a view to determining the effect of the provisions of this Act on the institutional distribution of such business.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Designates the public recreation trail established by the Susanville-Westwood Rails to Trails project in Lassen County, California, as the Bizz Johnson Trail. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Requests the President to designate July 17, 1981, as "National P.O.W.-M.I.A. Recognition Day."
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning November 22, 1981, as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1981 - Title I: Information Practices: Use of Consumer Reporting Agencies - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to permit a Federal agency to disclose records pertaining to an individual to a consumer reporting agency. Authorizes a Federal agency attempting to collect a claim under the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 to notify a consumer reporting agency that a person is responsible for a claim if: (1) the agency has sent a written notice informing the person that a consumer reporting agency will be contacted, describing the information to be disclosed, and explaining the person's right to dispute the agency's claim; (2) the person has not agreed to repay the claim or filed for review of the claim; (3) the agency has reviewed the claim, if requested; and (4) the agency has obtained assurances that the consumer reporting agency complies with Federal laws governing the provision of consumer credit information. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to establish regulations requiring each agency with outstanding debts to submit annual reports on the amount and number of such debts, the interest charged on such debts, the cost to the agency of collecting debts, and other information on the agency's debt collection activities. Requires the Director to report annually to Congress on the management of agency debt collection activities. Title II: Collection Practices for Defaulted Student Loans - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1954 to require the Secretary of Education to analyze, quarterly, the collection status of defaulted Federal, federally-guaranteed, and federally-insured student loans. Directs the Secretary: (1) to notify the borrower of a defaulted loan of the consequences of not repaying the loan; (2) to attempt to enter into a repayment agreement with the borrower; and (3) if such attempt is not successful within 180 days of the loan becoming defaulted, to engage a nonprofit collection agency to service the loan. Directs the Secretary to refer any loan which is not under a repayment agreement within one year after being placed with a collection agency, to: (1) the Attorney General if the projected outstanding balance exceeds $600; or (2) the Secretary of the Treasury for collection. Requires the Attorney General to establish procedures for the efficient collection of such loans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to require any borrower of a defaulted loan referred to the Secretary of the Treasury to pay the amount owed: (1) with income tax imposed for the year of the referral; or (2) by other methods prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Grants the Secretary of the Treasury the same powers to assess and collect such defaulted loans as if such amounts were imposed income taxes, the collection of which would be jeopardized by delay. Exempts any such collection or assessment from review by a Federal court. Directs the Comptroller General to analyze the systems for collecting student loans established under this Act, and to submit to Congress recommendations for the application of these systems to the collection of other loans made, insured, or guaranteed by the Government. Title III: Collection of Child-Support Obligations - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to certify the amount of child support obligations assigned to a State for collection by the Secretary of the Treasury without regard to whether a State agrees to reimburse the United States for collection costs. Shortens the period that collection of such an obligation is stayed after service of the notice and demand for payment in the case of the first delinquency assessment against an individual. Title VI: Higher Interest Charges During Periods of Default for All Federal Loan Programs - Requires each agency which administers a program providing direct Federal loans to include in any such loan a provision stating that the interest rate on the loan for each month during which the loan is in default may be increased to a rate equal to the Federal borrowing cost. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations for the uniform implementation of this title. Title V: Other Provisions Relating to the Collection of Federal Claims - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, by January 15 of each year, to notify any person owing a debt (excluding student loans) to a Federal agency for the preceding year of the amount and method of payment of such debt. Requires such person to pay the debt with his or her income taxes or as prescribed by the Secretary. Grants the Secretary the same powers to assess and collect such debts as if such amounts were imposed income taxes, the collection of which would be jeopardized by delay. Permits the head of an agency to garnish an employee's wages to pay any debt owed to the United States because of an erroneous payment to the individual by another agency. Declares that the statute of limitations for actions brought by the United States for money damages shall not bar the Government from collecting money payable to an individual by administrative offset if the individual is provided with an opportunity for an administrative hearing subject to judicial review. Authorizes the Secretary to disclose a taxpayer's address to an agency or an agency contractor engaged in a proceeding to collect a Federal claim. Permits such agency or contractor to redisclose such information. Authorizes appropriations for the employment in the Internal Revenue Service of sufficient personnel to collect all Federal tax liabilities.