United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1982
Federal Employees Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act of 1982-Authorizes each executive agency and military department to establish programs to allow flexible and compressed work schedules for employees. Provides for the administration of such schedules (see all below) in nearly identical fashion as the Federal Employees Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act of 1978 which provided for the experimental implementation of such schedules. Requires that such a flexible schedule include: (1) designated hours and days when an employee must be at work; and (2) designated hours during which an employee may elect his or her arrival and departure times to vary his or her daily work schedule or to earn credit hours to reduce his or her workweek or another workday. Permits the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to terminate such a program upon determining that it is not in the best interest of the public, the Government, or the employees. Permits the agency head to restrict the employees' choice of arrival and departure times, restrict the use of credit hours, or exclude employees from the program upon determining that the program is disrupting agency functions. Authorizes an agency head, at an employee's request, to grant an employee on such a flexible schedule compensatory time off in lieu of payment for overtime hours. States that such an employee shall not be compensated for credit hours except as hours included in the employee's basic work requirement. Disallows such an employee to receive premium pay for night duty or night differential pay except for applicable hours during which the employee is required to work, with specified exceptions. Entitles such an employee to eight-hours pay for Federal holidays. Permits the OPM or an agency to use recording clocks in flexible schedule programs. Limits the number of credit hours an employee may carryover from one pay period to the next. Requires that a flexible schedule employee be compensated for accumulated credit hours when such schedule ends. Authorizes each agency to establish programs providing a four-day workweek or other compressed schedule. Sets forth circumstances under which an employee shall not be required to participate in such a program. Permits the OPM to terminate such a program upon determining that it is not in the best interest of the public, the Government, or the employees. Provides for the payment of premium pay to compressed schedule employees for: (1) hours worked in excess of the compressed schedule; (2) any workday a part of which is performed on Sunday; and (3) hours worked on a holiday. Declares that for purposes of provisions concerning the administration of leave and retirement for Federal employees, references to a day or workday shall be considered to be references to eight hours. Excludes employees within a unit represented exclusively by an organization of Government employees from the flexible and compressed schedule programs under this Act, except to the extent such a program is written into any bargained agreement. Prohibits any employee from interfering with another employee's rights of participation in a flexible or compressed schedule program. Directs the OPM to: (1) prescribe regulations for administering the flexible and compressed schedule programs; (2) provide assistance to agencies; and (3) review the effects of such programs on Government operations, transportation, energy consumption, public service, employment opportunities, and employee job satisfaction.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1982
Extends burial benefits to specified veterans with service-connected disabilities (formerly provided until October 1, 1981). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1982
Community Partnership for Employment and Training Act - Sets forth the purposes of this Act, including: (1) matching labor force skills to the economy's needs; (2) increasing the employability of the poor; (3) assisting new or dislocated workers to find permanent employment; (4) providing employment and training service to high unemployment areas; and (5) establishing a community-based employment and training system based on partnership between State and local governments and the private sector. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and thereafter to carry out titles II, III, and IV of this Act. Title I: Community Public-Private Training and Employment Assistance System - Part A: Organizational Provisions - Sets forth provisions for prime sponsors under this Act which include prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) and which are similar to CETA provisions. Makes eligible for bonus payments any prime sponsor which: (1) is a consortium of local governments that includes a local government which was a CETA prime sponsor; and (2) serves a preponderence of a major functioning labor market area. Permits such prime sponsors to: (1) submit plans for approval for periods of more than one year; and (2) retain up to one-half of available funds for any fiscal year for use in the succeeding fiscal year. Requires each prime sponsor to establish (or provide for continuance of) a private industry council (PIC) to be jointly responsible for planning activities under this Act. Prohibits prime sponsors from using funds under this Act for any activity not approved by the PIC. Directs the prime sponsor to appoint the initial members of the council, and to fill vacancies with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the remaining members. Requires that a majority be representatives of business and industry in the area served by the prime sponsor and that the remaining members be representatives of labor, education, community-based organizations, and economic development organizations and agencies. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish minimum national performance standards, based on such factors as unsubsidized employment placement and retention, wage increases, and income support payment reductions. Directs the Secretary to establish separate standards for youth, based on such factors as educational competencies attainment, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary school completion, and referral to other training programs, such as apprenticeships or military enlistment. Authorizes the Secretary to waive application of national performance standards for prime sponsors demonstrating exceptional local economic hardship and to approve less stringent performance goals which are the best reasonably attainable goals. Directs the Secretary, where a prime sponsor is failing to attain performance goals, to: (1) provide notice and technical assistance to the prime sponsor; and (2) in the case of ongoing failure during two consecutive years, (A) designate an alternate prime sponsor to prepare a plan for the area for the succeeding years and (B) terminate provision of funds to the unsuccessful prime sponsor. Authorizes the Secretary, upon determination that a prime sponsor has corrected the causes of a failure, to designate that prime sponsor to prepare a plan for the year after an alternate has served the area. Sets forth requirements for prime sponsor plans. Requires that such plans be developed in consultation with, and submitted with the approval of a majority of, the PIC. Authorizes the Secretary to designate the State or other alternate prime sponsor to develop a plan, with PIC consultation and majority approval, in cases where the PIC and the prime sponsor cannot concur. Requires each plan to describe activities conducted with funds under this Act, including: (1) a labor market analysis; (2) a demographic analysis of the eligible population; (3) participant selection procedures; (4) training and employment services, including duration, costs, wages, stipends, or allowances, and supportive services; (5) service provider selection methods and criteria, including consideration of community-based organizations as subgrantees or subcontractors; (6) arrangements for coordination with educational agencies; and (7) procedures for expenditure recordkeeping and for monitoring and auditing subgrantees or subcontractors. Requires each plan to include performance goals and a statement assurance of compliance with applicable requirements. Requires, as a qualification for additional administrative incentives, that a plan provide: (1) evidence of joint development in consultation with agencies administering other Federal employment-related programs; and (2) methods for coordination with such other Federal employment-related programs, including alternative reporting or recordkeeping requirements and uniform administrative forms. Permits plans thus qualifying to cover a period of more than one fiscal year. Sets forth procedures for review of prime sponsor plans by the PIC, the Governor, and appropriate local governments, as well as for availability to the public, before submittal for approval or disapproval by the Secretary. Requires the States seeking financial assistance under this Act to submit a Governor's coordination and special services plan (similar to that under CETA) to the Secretary for approval based on satisfactory implementation of: (1) coordination of all the State's employment and training, education, and related services; (2) technical assistance for prime sponsors; (3) special model training and employment programs and related services; (4) vocational education services agreed upon by prime sponsors and the State vocational education board; (5) rural area special assistance; (6) labor market and occupational information provisions without reimbursement to prime sponsors and appropriate education agencies; (7) fostering activities of the State Occupational Information Coordination Committee; (8) industrywide training; and (9) activities under title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Displaced Workers), if the State is eligible for financial assistance under title III. Requires States desiring to receive financial assistance under this Act to establish a State employment and training coordinating council. Includes among such council's duties the review of plans and programs of prime sponsors and of all appropriate State agencies, and other activities similar to those of the State employment and training council under CETA. Part B: General Requirements - Sets forth general program requirements under this Act which are similar in part to some special and general program conditions under CETA. Requires prime sponsors to provide employment and training opportunities to those most in need of such opportunities and make every effort to provide equitable services among significant segments of the eligible population. Sets program participation (30 months) and training allowances (104 weeks) limits similar to those under CETA. Sets a participant subsidized wage limit of 78 weeks in any five-year period (similar to the CETA limit on public service employment). Permits subsidized employment with a private for-profit employer, but only if the employee is an economically disadvantaged youth aged 16 through 19 and specified title II provisions are met. Permits subsidized employment of any sort only if the prime sponsor determines that unsubsidized employment is not immediately available in the area served. Prohibits (as did CETA) funding of programs involving political activities. Sets forth provisions for wages, benefits, and allowances. Sets forth labor standards. Sets forth provisions relating to allocation and availability of funds, reports, records, audits, investigations, complaints and sanctions, judicial review, interstate agreements, services and property, and the utilization of services and facilities. Title II: Employment and Training Services for the Economically Disadvantaged - Sets forth formulas for the allocation of amounts appropriated to carry out this title. Allocates 83 percent in FY 1983 and 73 percent in succeeding fiscal years among the States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) employed persons; (2) unemployed persons in excess of four-and-one-half percent of the labor force in the State or in areas of substantial unemployment; (3) unemployed persons residing in areas of substantial unemployment; and (4) adults in low-income families. Directs the Secretary to suballocate the State allocation among prime sponsors within the State on an equitable basis based upon such relative numbers. Allocates ten percent of the amount appropriated for title II for any fiscal year, among the States in proportion to their other allocation, for the Governor's coordinating and special services and for the State employment and training council. Directs the Secretary to make available five percent of title II funds to prime sponsors: (1) in FY 1983 on a basis consistent with the purposes of this Act; and (2) in FY 1984 and thereafter to those who have met or exceeded performance goals during the preceding fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to allocate ten percent of title II funds in FY 1984 and thereafter to prime sponsors who raise, and expend for title II program purposes specified amounts of non-Federal funds. Directs the Secretary to allocate two percent of title II funds among prime sponsors eligible for bonus payments for forming consortia of local governments serving major labor market areas. Requires prime sponsors to use title II funds in accordance with their plans to provide employment and training services which they and their PICs determine to be necessary and appropriate for economically disadvantaged youth and adults. Requires that at least one-half of such funds be used for such services for youth aged 16 through 21, with proportionate reductions of this minimum requirement in areas where the ratio of economically disadvantaged youth to economically disadvantaged adults is less than the nationwide ratio. Sets forth a non-exhaustive list of permissible title II services. Permits wage subsidies for temporary employment with public or private nonprofit employers. Permits wage subsidies to private for-profit employers for part-time employment during the school year or full-time employment not to exceed eight weeks during the summer for in-school economically disadvantaged youth aged 16 through 19, provided no such subsidy exceeds the net cost to the employer of wages paid and training provided. Includes among other permissable services: (1) job search; (2) job counseling; (3) remedial and basic skills education; (4) institutional skill training; (5) on-the-job training; (6) outreach; (7) labor market information; (8) work habit development; (9) supportive services; (10) upgrading and retraining; (11) education-to-work transition; (12) literacy and bilingual training; (13) work experience and vocational exploration; (14) high school equivalency; (15) job and job-opening development and generation; (16) apprenticeship; (17) program information to employers; (18) advanced learning technology; (19) followup; and (20) coordination with related programs. Limits eligibility to participate in title II programs to economically disadvantaged individuals aged 16 or older, but allows: (1) youth aged 14 or 15 to receive specified employment assistance services; and (2) up to ten percent of title II program participants to be individuals who are not economically disadvantaged if such individuals have encountered barriers to employment (such individuals may include the physically handicapped, those with limited English-speaking ability, displaced homemakers, ex-offenders, alcoholics, or addicts). Title III: Employment and Training Assistance for Displaced Workers - Declares the purposes of this title to be: (1) alternative employment assistance to involuntarily unemployed individuals unlikely to be rehired by the same employer; (2) occupational retraining for individuals with skills in declining occupations; and (3) reduction of the impact of economic dislocation on local communities. Directs the Secretary to allocate title III funds for any fiscal year among the States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) individuals in the labor force; (2) unemployed persons; and (3) persons unemployed for ten weeks or more. Requires each State to match its title III Federal grant by an equal expenditure of non-Federal public or private funds for title III services, including direct costs of such services and State unemployment insurance benefits to participants in title III programs. Requires States desiring title III funds to submit to the Secretary of State displaced worker plans for the use of such funds and for coordination of title III programs with other Federal, State, or local employment-related programs. Requires such plans to ensure the maximum feasible utilization of title II program facilities and services in carrying out title III programs. Requires prime sponsor and PIC approval of title III program operations in the areas they serve. Requires, for specified title III program services, affected labor organization consultation and approval. Authorizes use of title III funds to assist eligible participants to obtain unsubsidized employment through services which include, but are not limited to: (1) job search; (2) job development; (3) in-demand skills training; (4) support services; (5) relocation assistance; and (6) cooperative programs with employers or labor organizations for early intervention in the event of plant closures. Requires allowances or stipends for eligible participants during title III training or retraining periods. Permits relocation assistance if the State determines that the participant: (1) cannot obtain employment within the commuting area; and (2) has secured suitable long-duration employment or a bona fide job offer in a relocation area. Makes eligible for title III services any individual who has experienced or been notified of termination or suspension of employment as a result of any plant closure or permanent reduction in force. Makes eligible for title III training or retraining programs any unemployed individual with job skills that the State determines offer limited opportunities for employment or reemployment in the same or a similar occupation in the area of residence. Title IV: National Employment and Training Programs - Part A: Employment and Training Services for Indians and Migrants and Seasonal Farmworkers - Sets forth provisions for Native American employment and training programs which are similar to CETA provisions. Directs the Secretary to reserve for Native Americans programs from title IV funds an amount equal to not less than two and seven-tenths percent of the amount available for title II programs. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations and performance standards necessary to meet the special circumstances under which such Native American programs operate. Sets forth provisions for migrant and seasonal farmworker employment and training programs, similar in part to CETA provisions. Directs the Secretary to establish an office of farmworker programs within the national headquarters of the Department of Labor to select, administer, monitor, and evaluate such programs. Requires that the public agencies and private nonprofit organizations carrying out program services have a previously demonstrated capability to administer effectively a diversified employability development program for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Authorizes the Secretary to approve the designation of grantees for such programs for a period of two years. Requires that such programs, in addition to other employment and retraining activities assist in improving the well-being of farmworkers who remain as seasonal agricultural employees. Requires title IV fund recipients to establish performance goals. Directs the Secretary to reserve for farmworker programs from title IV funds an amount equal to not less than two and eight-tenths percent of the amount available for title II programs. Prohibits national farmworker programs and activities from precluding other assistance to farmworkers under this Act. Part B: Job Corps - Sets forth provisions for the Job Corps which are similar to CETA provisions. Sets participant age limits of 16 through 24 (CETA provides limits of 14 through 21), but permits appropriate nonresidential services for 14 and 15 year olds (both this Act and CETA allow waivers of the maximum age limitation in cases of handicapped individuals). Authorizes the Secretary to pay individuals and organizations for the cost of recruitment, screening, and selection of Job Corp candidates (but prohibits, as does CETA, any payment solely as compensation for referring the names of candidates. Provides for an exception from the two-year Job Corps enrollment period limit where necessary for participation in an advanced career program (as well as in special cases). Authorizes the Secretary to arrange for advanced career training programs for selected Corps members for a period of up to one additional year of Corps participation. Permits such programs to be provided by postsecondary institutions or by businesses and labor unions. Limits, in FY 1983, personal allowances to no more than $70 per month for the first six months and no more than $125 for the remainder of Corps service, for expected short-term service, or for readjustment allowances. Permits the Secretary to increase such allowances in FY 1984 and thereafter. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information from Job Corps program experience which may help related programs. Authorizes the Secretary to test at various Job Corps centers the efficacy of selected education or training activities. Directs the Secretary to establish annual orientation and training sessions for appropriate prime sponsor and Job Corps staff to be held at Job Corps centers. Authorizes the Secretary to arrange with the Secretary of Defense for pilot projects at Job Corps centers to prepare youth to qualify for military service. Permits permanent programs for such purpose if the Secretary of Defense reimburses the Job Corps for 90 percent of program costs. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake pilot projects using community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness for Job Corps center operation. Authorizes the Secretary to accept on behalf of the Job Corps charitable donations which would not jeopardize Job Corps integrity. Part C: National Programs and Activities - Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to provide services authorized under all titles of this Act for employment and training programs that are most appropriately administered from the national level, such as federally-assisted multistate programs sponsored by public agencies or private organizations, including programs: (1) assisting persons with particular employment-related disadvantages (such as offenders, persons with limited English proficency, handicapped, women, single parents, displaced homemakers, youth, older workers, persons lacking educational credentials, and public assistance recipients); (2) fostering employment and training linkages between public and private sectors; and (3) addressing critical skill shortages. Directs the Secretary to provide for research and demonstration programs and for training and technical assistance. Directs the Secretary to establish, in the office of the Secretary an Office of Management Assistance to provide specified services to prime sponsors. Part D: Labor Market Information - Sets forth provisions for a comprehensive system of labor market information which are similar to CETA provisions. Directs the Secretary to assure: (1) statistical reliability and national standardized definitions of employment, unemployment, and occupational definitions for purposes of such system; (2) consolidated departmental data collecting and processing systems to eliminate overlap and duplication; and (3) compliance with Federal Paperwork Reduction Act criteria. Establishes a National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee. Reserves funds from amounts available for this part to establish and maintain the Committee in the Department of Labor to assure the coordination of functions required by this part. Sets forth provisions relating to the Committee which are similar to CETA provisions. Sets forth provisions for a nationwide computerized job bank and matching program which are similar to CETA provisions. Part E: Economic Adjustment Program - Directs the Secretary to use funds available for this part to provide financial assistance to eligible prime sponsors for employment services, subsidized employment, and appropriate training and supportive services for unemployed workers. Makes prime sponsors eligible to apply for national Economic Adjustment Program (EAP) funds if the area under prime sponsor jurisdiction has an unemployment rate for the preceding three consecutive months exceeding the national average. Requires the PIC approval of prime sponsor EAP plans. Makes any Indian tribe, band, or group receiving part A assistance an eligible prime sponsor for EAP purposes. Permits EAP programs or activities to include any activity authorized under titles II or III of this Act. Makes individuals eligible for EAP participation if they: (1) have been unemployed for at least ten out of the 12 weeks immediately prior to the eligibility determination; and (2) are economically disadvantaged. Permits 20 percent of participants in a prime sponsor's EAP programs and activities to be individuals who are not economically disadvantaged. Directs the Secretary to establish priority approval criteria for EAP proposals, including such factors as: (1) severity of area unemployment; (2) potential for training leading to unsubsidized employment in occuaptions with skills shortages; and (3) involvement of subsidized employment in economic development activity (including public facility maintenance) leading to expanded private unsubsidized employment opportunities. Part F: National Commission on Employment and Productivity - Establishes a National Commission on Employment and Productivity (replaces the National Commission for Employment Policy under CETA and reconstitutes its membership without Federal officials). Sets forth provisions for Commission functions, administration, and reports which are similar to CETA provisions. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act (U.S. Employment Service) to direct the Secretary to distribute 98 percent of funds under such Act among the States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) individuals in the civilian labor force in each State as compared to all States; and (2) unemployed individuals in each State as compared to all States. Directs the Secretary to allocate the remaining two percent of such funds among those local employment service offices which have developed joint plans with prime sponsors under this Act. Permits State allocations to be used for: (1) job search and placement services for job seekers; (2) recruitment and technical services for employees: (3) program evaluation; (4) service linkages with related government programs; (5) services for displaced workers; (6) labor market and occupational information; (7) management information and analysis; (8) work test administration for the State unemployment compensation system; and (9) job search and placement for unemployment insurance claimants. Authorizes the U.S. Employment Service to perform only such activities and such other labor market-related services as are specified in reimbursable contracts with other State or Federal agencies. Amends part C (Work Incentive Program - WIN) of title IV of the Social Security Act to make applicants for (as well as recipients of) aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) eligible for the WIN program. Deletes a requirement that a specified portion of WIN program funds be used for specified on-the-job training and public service employment programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that WIN registrants receive employment and training services under this Act. Directs the Secretary to utilize PICs of prime sponsors under this Act for advice as to availability of area jobs for WIN programs purposes (thus replacing the WIN Labor Market Advisory Councils established to serve such function). Revises provisions for WIN program operation to direct the Secretary to: (1) provide intensive job search assistance services for all WIN registrants (as a program requirement, with specified exceptions); (2) following provision of such services, refer all WIN registrants who have not been placed in unsubsidized employment to the appropriate prime sponsor for employment and training services under this Act; and (3) place WIN registrants without unsubsidized jobs who are not currently served under this Act in other employment and training activities. Requires the State agency administering WIN program activities to coordinate these with activities under this Act. Repeals the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), as of October 1, 1982. Provides for a CETA program transition period expiring at the end of June 30, 1983. Permits prime sponsors, even before the expiration of such transition period, to carry out activities authorized under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to repeal specified changes made to the extended unemployment compensation program. Repeals: (1) the elimination of the national trigger provisions; (2) the exclusion of claims for extended or additional compensation in insured unemployment rate determination; and (3) the revision of the State trigger provisions. Provides that the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 shall be applied as if such changes had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual to elect hospice care, in lieu of certain other benefits, during two periods of 180 days each during the individual's lifetime. Provides for full reimbursement of reasonable costs to a hospice program, subject to a ceiling. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the hospice reimbursement method. Defines hospice care as including items and services furnished to the terminally ill in their homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short term inpatient basis.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Expands the membership of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to include three elected school board officials from different States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance for economic relief and rehabilitation to: (1) Northern Ireland if the Government of Great Britain declares its intention to withdraw from Northern Ireland; and (2) the Republic of Ireland if such declaration includes a declaration that the British Government intends to promote the reunification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance. Requires such assistance to be administered by the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, in consultation with an advisory board appointed by the President after consultation with Congress. Permits the obligation of funds for such assistance only if Congress does not adopt a concurrent resolution disapproving the proposed use of the funds.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Title I: Domestic Content Requirements for Motor Vehicles - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 50,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Authorizes the imposition of import restrictions on manufacturers violating such standards. Title II: Unfair and Deceptive Practices by Vehicle Manufacturers - Defines as an unfair method of competition and deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act the refusal of any vehicle manufacturer to determine whether parts produced in the United States by a parts manufacturer satisfy reasonable replacement part standards established by the vehicle manufacturer. Grants the Federal Trade Commission rulemaking authority to administer this title.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1981
United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Sets forth the functions of the Academy. Declares that the Academy is an independent nonprofit corporation. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Set forth provisions for a Board of Directors and for officers and employees of the Academy. Set forth requirements for Academy program procedures and records. Requires an annual audit of Academy accounts and audit reports to the President and the Congress. Subjects the Academy to specified freedom of information provisions. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of of the Federal Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel financial assistance under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for Academy buildings, grounds, facilities, programs, and administration. Sets forth provisions for availability of appropriations. Requires transfer of income and assets to the U.S. Treasury upon dissolution and final liquidation of the Academy or any other legal entity created pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make a grant to the Highway Department of the State of Missouri for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Martin Luther King Bridge over the Mississippi River which connects the cities of Saint Louis, Missouri, and East Saint Louis, Illinois. Provides that the acquisition of land and interests in land necessary for such project shall be the full expense of the Missouri highway department. Prohibits the Secretary from making the grant until the States have agreed upon the plans for the bridge reconstruction and rehabilitation under the General Bridge Act of 1946 and have given adequate assurances that such bridge and its approaches will be maintained by them. Authorizes appropriations after September 30, 1982, as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1981
Small Business Contract Payment Procedures Act - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require that whenever an executive agency makes progress payments under a contract for property or services, the contracting officer authorize payment in full without retention of any percentage of the contract price if: (1) satisfactory progess toward complete performance of the contract was made during any period for which a progress payment is required; and (2) the party performing the contract is a small business which has furnished an adequate performance bond.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that guidelines relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be repealed or altered.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Public Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1981 - Establishes Federal reporting and disclosure requirements and fiduciary standards for certain State and local government retirement plans. Extends the requirements of this Act to all public employee pension plans except: (1) those covered and not exempted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA); (2) unfunded plans maintained by the employer primarily to provide deferred compensation for select management or highly compensated employees; (3) severance pay plans; (4) certain coverage agreements entered into under the Social Security Act; (5) certain individual retirement accounts or annuities, annuity plans, State deferred compensation plans, and other plans under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; and (6) plans maintained solely to comply with applicable workers' compensation or disability insurance laws. Title I: Reporting and Disclosure - Requires that plan administrators submit, within a specified period, registration statements to the Secretary of Labor, unless registration statements filed for a plan under Internal Revenue Code provisions still accurately reflect the status of the plan. Exempts a plan from the requirements of this Act if the Secretary determines that such plan is subject to State law imposing substantially equivalent requirements, with adequate provision for State administration and for collection of annual reports to be provided to the Board. Requires that a summary plan description apprising participants and their beneficiaries of their rights and obligations be published with respect to each plan. Specifies the content of such description. Requires that a summary plan description be updated at least once every ten years. Requires that an annual report be published with respect to each plan. Requires that each annual report include specified general information and a financial statement. Requires that annual reports for specified types of plans include actuarial statements and/or reports of insurance organizations. Requires actuarial valuations of plans at least once every three plan years, and more often if necessary. Directs plan administrators to provide the following information to participants and beneficiaries: (1) the summary plan description; (2) a summary description of any material modification in the terms of the plan; and (3) updated summary plan descriptions (for those whose future benefits may be affected by plan amendments). Directs plan administrators to furnish to any participant or beneficiary, upon written request, a statement indicating: (1) total accumulated plan benefits; (2) the extent to which, and the expected earliest date on which, such benefits are or will become vested pension benefits; and (3) the total accumulated contributions made by the participant. Directs plan administrators to provide to any participant or beneficiary who requests withdrawal of contributions, payment of benefits, or a benefit election, a written explanation of the effects of such action on remaining plan benefits. Requires plan administrators to file with the Secretary: (1) the annual report, within a specified period; (2) a copy of the summary plan description; and (3) upon request, any other plan-related document. Sets forth: (1) conditions under which such filings may be provided to the public; and (2) penalties for violations of such conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) reject such filings, under specified conditions; and (2) take specified appropriate actions if a revised and satisfactory filing is not submitted within 45 days. Sets forth requirements for retention of plan records. Requires plans covered by this Act to establish claims procedures that provide participants with adequate written notice and explanation of benefit denials and reasonable opportunity for full and fair review. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) prescribe alternative methods of plan compliance with any requirement of this title; and (2) exempt any plan or class of plans from any such requirement (if necessary, in the public interest, and consistent with the purposes of this Act). Directs the Secretary to consider recommendations of the Advisory Council on Governmental Plans, established under this Act, before issuing such exemptions or prescribing such alternative compliance methods. Title II: Requirements Relating to Fiduciary Functions - Requires plans covered by this Act to provide for one or more fiduciaries and to include: (1) any funding policy which has been established; (2) procedures for amendment and for the allocation of responsibility for the plan's operation and administration; and (3) specification of the benefit provisions. States that all assets shall be held in trust by one or more trustees, with certain exceptions. Requires a fiduciary to discharge his or her duties for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to participants and their beneficiaries and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the plan, with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence that a prudent man would exercise in like circumstances. Directs a fiduciary to diversify the investments of the plan so as to minimize the risk of large losses, unless under the circumstances it is clearly prudent not to do so. Sets forth the circumstances under which a fiduciary is liable for the breach of a co-fiduciary with respect to the same plan. Requires trustees holding assets of a plan to use reasonable care to prevent a co-trustee from committing a breach and to manage and control jointly the assets, unless allocation of responsibility is authorized by the trust agreement. Prohibits specified types of transactions involving plan property and parties-in-interest. Limits acquisition by a plan of qualifying employer securities, other employer obligations, and employer real property to five percent of the fair market value of the assets of the plan. Provides for exemptions from prohibited transactions. Makes a fiduciary personally liable for the breach of any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon fiduciaries by this Act. Prohibits relieving fiduciaries from requirements of this Act, but permits purchases of fiduciary insurance. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified crimes from serving in certain capacities, including fiduciary and trustee, for specified periods. Sets forth bonding requirements for every fiduciary of a plan, with specified exceptions. Provides for a limitation on actions against fiduciaries. Provides that no legislator or government official shall be a fiduciary or co-fiduciary with respect to actions taken in an official capacity. Title III: Administration and Enforcement - Authorizes civil actions to be brought by specified persons to enjoin or redress violations or otherwise enforce provisions of this Act. Provides that a plan administrator may be held personally liable for failure to comply with a request for information required under the Act. Grants to the Federal district courts exclusive jurisdiction of civil actions brought under this Act, but provides for concurrent jurisdiction of Federal and State courts with respect to certain actions. Permits attorney's fees to be awarded to a prevailing plaintiff or defendant under specified circumstances. Grants the Secretary the power to investigate violations of this Act and of any regulations the Secretary may prescribe to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with State and local governments in exchanging information on plans. Provides that specified Federal laws relating to administrative procedure shall be applicable to this Act. Prohibits any employee of the Secretary from administering or enforcing this Act with respect to: (1) any plan under which the employee is a participant or beneficiary; or (2) any employee organization of which the employee is a member. Prohibits persons from taking retaliatory action against either a plan participant or a beneficiary for exercising any right under this Act, or from interfering with or preventing the exercise of such rights. Establishes an 11-member Advisory Council on Governmental Plans, to be appointed by the President, to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to its functions under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake research and compile information relating to pension plans. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to Congress on the administration of this Act; and (2) publish at least annually specified information relating to pension plans. Provides that the fiduciary provisions of this Act preempt all State laws relating to the same subject matter. Sets forth other provisions relating to the effect of specified provisions of this Act on State and local laws. Authorizes appropriations to enable the Secretary to carry out functions and duties under this Act. Sets forth severability provisions and effective dates.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
National Apprenticeship Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends an Act (popularly known as the National Apprenticeship Act) to provide that such Act may be cited as the "National Apprenticeship Act." Establishes a national apprenticeship and training system. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) establish labor standards for apprenticeship and training; (2) encourage establishment of structured on-the-job, journey person level, and entry level training programs; (3) award credentials for apprenticeship programs conforming to the Secretary's standards; and (4) assist State apprenticeship agencies in uniform nationwide application of the Secretary's standards, related policies, and regulations. Directs the Secretary, through the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training established by this Act, to provide, without remuneration, technical assistance and advisory services to industry in determining training needs, developing training plans, and establishing and conducting systematic training programs for employed workers. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish, according to specified criteria, procedures for registration of programs and apprentices; and (2) arrange for the collection and periodic publication of information on State and federally registered programs and apprentices. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to: (1) supplement apprenticeship activities of designated cooperating State apprenticeship agencies; and (2) provide discretionary support for specified activities of such agencies. Sets forth requirements which States must fulfill to receive such assistance. Requires that Federal contracts for which total compensation equals or exceeds $5,000,000 contain provisions for apprenticeship programs. Directs the Secretary to periodically review the needs for skilled workers in defense related industries. Authorizes the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and industry and labor representatives, to reduce, without the consent of the Congress, to not less than $1,000,000, the amount which triggers the Federal contract apprenticeship provision requirement. Directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, in cooperation with the Secretary, to periodically survey the extent of employment in apprenticeable occupations within the Federal Government and to identify situations where appropriate apprenticeship should be initiated. Directs Federal agencies employing persons in apprenticeable occupations to submit annual reports to the Secretary and the Director. Requires that, beginning 12 months after enactment of this Act, apprentices and other workers in structured training programs substantially conforming to apprenticeship criteria employed by the Federal Government shall be employed only in programs registered by the Secretary in accordance with this Act. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to provide research, information exchange, technical assistance, and promotional aids for apprenticeship staffs and program sponsors. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress, within 90 days after the end of each year after enactment of this Act, on the general status of apprenticeship, with specified emphases and recommendations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program of special demonstration assistance for apprenticeship training in skills peculiarly entwined with the historical development of the United States. Permits the Secretary, for this purpose, to use specified funds and to waive normally applicable registration requirements. Establishes the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, in the Department of Labor, to carry out this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Bureau to report directly to the Secretary. Transfers to the Bureau functions of the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Administration relating to apprenticeship. Sets forth national apprenticeship program provisions relating to: (1) legal authority; (2) acceptance of gifts; (3) utilization of services and facilities; (4) interstate agreements; (5) prohibitions against political activities; (6) nondiscrimination; and (7) records, audits, and reports. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress activities undertaken pursuant to such Act. Authorizes appropriations in necessary amounts for each fiscal year to carry out such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
World Peace Tax Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit conscientious objectors to designate their income, estate, or gift tax payments for nonmilitary purposes. Establishes within the Treasury of the United States a World Peace Tax Fund to receive such tax payments. Defines a conscientious objector as an individual who is opposed to war in any form and who has been exempted from combat training in the Armed Forces under the Military Selective Service Act, or who satisfactorily demonstrates that he is conscientiously opposed to war in any form. Requires tax forms to contain a checkoff for taxpayers who wish to claim conscientious objector status and designate their tax payments for the World Peace Tax Fund. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to 1979 if the taxpayer pays the tax and satisfactorily establishes that the nonpayment was due to his religious beliefs. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding fiscal year for military purposes. Requires the publication of such information in the Congressional Record. Establishes a World Peace Tax Fund Board of Trustees. Sets forth the membership structure and duties of the Board. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Public Lands Conservation, Rehabilitation, and Improvement Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those benefitting public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands benefit associated public or Indian lands or provide significant public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires such appropriations to be credited from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except as provided in specified provisions of law. Makes the Secretary responsible for the pay of enrollees and coordination of the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions for the award of academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as may be necessary. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress by March 1 of each year on the activities carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to the widow of Roy Wilkins. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Designates that section of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway within the State of Maryland as the Gladys Noon Spellman Parkway. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the State of Maryland, to erect an appropriate marker commemorating the contributions of Gladys Noon Spellman. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Gives the endorsement of Congress to the principles relating to family planning set forth in a resolution adopted by the World Conference of the United Nations Decade for Women. Urges the President to take steps to implement those principles in the United States and in other countries.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1981
Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish, within the Department, an Office of Housing for the Elderly. Lists the responsibilities of the Office which include coordinating housing programs for the elderly and representing the Assistant Secretary for Housing on matters concerning housing for the elderly. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee on Housing for the Elderly. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Act to submit to Congress an annual report on housing for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Directs the Attorney General to conduct a study of the appropriate role of the Federal Government in the enforcement of alimony, child support, and property settlement orders against an absent spouse or parent. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which provide incentives for energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources should not be repealed or amended to reduce such incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Fred Waring, Louis L'Amour, and the widow of Joe Louis. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of each medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1981
Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide that occupant income limits and rents for public housing units shall be fixed by the appropriate public housing agency and approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Limits such rents to 25 percent of the income of a very low income family or 30 percent at the income of other families. Sets minimum rents at the higher of: (1) five percent of the family's gross income; or (2) the portion of the family's welfare assistance designated for housing costs. Specifies amounts to be excluded from family income. Requires that contracts for annual contributions to low income housing projects require the appropriate public housing agency to review the family income of project occupants biennially (currently annually). Establishes the amount of monthly assistance payments to owners who provide housing for lower-income families as the difference between the maximum rent the owners may charge under terms of the assistance contract and an amount to be established by the Secretary equal to: (1) between 15 and 25 percent of the income of a very low income family; (2) 15 percent of the income of a large very low income family or lower income family with exceptional medical or other expenses; (3) 20 percent of the income of a very large lower income family; or (4) between 20 and 30 percent of the income of other families. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary to conduct a biennial (currently annual) review of the income of lower income families living in projects receiving mortgage interest assistance payments. Changes the maximum rent for a unit of such a project to 25 percent of the tenant's income, and the minimum rent of a unit with metered utilities to 20 percent of the tenant's income. Directs the Secretary to make additional assistance payments if required to reduce a tenant's rental payment to 25 percent of the tenant's income. Prohibits reducing such payment below the tenant's utility costs, except in certain circumstances. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 to increase annual rent supplement payments for qualified lower income families to the amount by which the fair market rent of a project unit exceeds 25 percent of the tenant's income. Requires the Secretary to recertify the income of tenants of projects receiving rent supplements biennially (currently annually). Directs the Secretary to use regulations in effect on July 31, 1981, to determine rental payments under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Hunger Prevention and African Food Security Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to use at least half of the funds available for development assistance to provide assistance for persons living in absolute poverty as defined by specified standards. Requires special emphasis to be placed on alleviating hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa and particularly on facilitating the participation of women in food production in that region. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to specify a minimum aggregate value of all famine relief agreements. Requires famine relief agreements to provide that at least one-fifth of the commodities made available for famine relief or funds generated from the sale of those commodities in participating countries shall be used to strengthen food distribution systems in famine-prone countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa. Requires each such agreement to specify the measures taken to ensure that such commodities and funds benefit primarily the poor.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the schedule of cost of living benefit increases as currently in effect under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act should be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Repeals provisions in the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 regarding the windfall profit tax which: (1) increase the credit for royalty owners for 1981 and exempt royalty oil for 1982 and thereafter; (2) reduce the tax imposed on newly discovered oil; and (3) exempt independent producer stripper well oil.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Grants Federal employees the right to engage in any concerted activity, including a strike, for the purpose of collective bargaining to the same extent as permitted under Federal law with respect to employees of the private sector.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (3) report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding agreements for research or research and development to small businesses with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with a SBIR program to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 in amount made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of individual taxpayers interest on reparation payments made to such taxpayers for persecution under the German National Socialist regime.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Air Traffic Controller Act of 1981 - Redefines the terms "air traffic controller" and "controller," for purposes of civil service provisions, to mean air traffic control specialists of the GS-2152 series, excluding management officials. Establishes a workweek of four consecutive eight-hour days for controllers. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to issue regulations providing that: (1) a controller shall be eligible for full retirement after 20 years of service as a controller actively engaged in the control of air traffic; (2) payment of the controller's retirement annuity shall commence within 30 days after the retirement date; and (3) the controller shall qualify for vested rights in the retirement program after five years of service. Declares that controllers shall accrue one day of sick leave for each biweekly pay period. Grants the controllers' exclusive representative the right to bargain collectively with their employer concerning wages, hours, and other conditions of employment. Establishes a salary classification system for controllers. Provides for differential payments for hours worked during a night shift, weekend, or an assignment as an on-the-job instructor. Exempts the salary of an air traffic controller from provisions limiting the pay of Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Full Recognition of Angola Resolution - Calls upon the President to recognize the present Government of Angola and to establish full diplomatic relations with Angola.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $100,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $20,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the House shall not consider any bill, resolution, or conference report thereon reducing social security benefits prior to the opening of the second session of the 97th Congress. Instructs the House conferees on H.R. 3982 to recede and concur in an amendment deleting from the conference report on H.R. 3982 the section which repeals minimum social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to state that a food intended for human consumption shall be deemed misbranded unless it is labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium it contains when in excess of a certain amount of milligrams. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food from such requirement by requiring the information to be prominently displayed in close proximity to the place of display or sale of such food. Exempts from such labeling requirements any manufacturer of such foods whose total annual sale are less than a specified amount.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as long-term capital gain amounts actually paid to a taxpayer with respect to a small business participating debenture (SBPD) which constitute the distribution of a share of the earnings of the issuer. Defines "small business participating debenture" (SBPD) as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which: (1) is a general obligation of such business; (2) bears interest at not less than specified by the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's total earnings. Defines "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $10,000,000; (2) the face value of all of whose outstanding SBPD's does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats members of a controlled group of corporations as a single taxpayer. Denies capital gains treatment where the taxpayer is a "related party" to the SBPD issuer. Treats losses on small business participating debentures as ordinary losses. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on such debentures.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, for placement in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Amends the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 to require the bankruptcy court, in the case of a bankruptcy petition filed by a person engaged in the business of operating a farm produce storage facility, within specified time limits, to: (1) identify those farm producers who have produce in storage, and those parties which have secured interests in farm produce, within such facility; (2) audit the assets of the farm produce storage facility for the purpose of determining the extent of farm produce available for distribution to such producers and secured creditors; and (3) direct the abandonment of such farm produce according to procedures set forth by this Act. Declares that such procedures shall be applied by the court solely for the purpose of effectuating abandonment of farm produce which is not property of the estate, or is of inconsequential value to the estate, and shall not be construed to limit the right of any party to seek abandonment of any other property. Prohibits distribution of farm produce ordered abandoned by the court from being delayed due to the pendency of any appeal from the orders of abandonment, except that a stay of orders may be entered under specified conditions. Makes any such stay of orders appealable as of right by any aggrieved party. Grants to any farmer who, having delivered agricultural products to a licensed warehouseman upon a contract for sale and who has not received the agreed upon payment, a lien against products of like products in the licensed facility in excess of that required to satisfy receipted or other storage obligations, title to which may be then vested in such warehouseman, to the extent of the payment agreed upon for the purchase of the product sold. Attaches such lien at the time of the formation of the contract for sale and continues it until the obligations of the warehouseman to the seller of the products are satisfied.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Postal Service Amendments of 1981 - Authorizes the United States Postal Service to issue written demands requiring access to books, records, documents, or other objects believed to relate to any postal offense or civil matter under investigation by the Postal Service. Provides for the enforcement of such a demand by the appropriate district court. Authorizes the Postal Service to issue an order requiring any person to cease and desist from conducting a lottery or scheme for obtaining money or property by false representations through the mail. Declares that the resumption of such an activity through the use of any instrumentality of interstate commerce shall be considered to be a failure to comply with such order. Permits the Postal Service, in investigating whether a person is conducting such an activity, to tender the price of any article or service that such person has offered for sale. Declares that failure by such person to provide such article or service, or failure to comply with a written demand of the Postal Service for access to materials, shall constitute probable cause to believe such person is engaged in such activities, warranting the detention of such person's incoming mail. Establishes a civil penalty to be assessed by the Postal Service, after an opportunity for an agency hearing, against any person who: (1) attempts to evade an order directing the postmaster to return mail addressed to such person; (2) fails to comply with a cease and desist; or (3) assists another person in evading such an order.