United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Acid Precipitation Control Act of 1981 - Amends title I of the Clean Air Act (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) to establish a new program (Acid Precipitation Control) to: (1) regulate acid precipitation precursor emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide; and (2) reduce the transport of air pollutants across international boundaries. Establishes an "acid precipitation mitigation region" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Requires States in the region to reduce, prior to December 31, 1991, sulfur dioxide emissions from all major stationary sources by an amount equal to 85 percent of the actual 1980 sulfur dioxide emissions from all major emitting powerplants (fossil-fuel-fired electric powerplants with specified emissions levels) within such States. Disregards, for purposes of determining such reduction, any emissions from a separate generating unit or units of such powerplants that are subject to new source performance standards. Sets forth formulas for determining the maximum required reduction for any State, based on annual Statewide utility sulfur dioxides emissions rates. Directs the Administrator to: (1) determine such rates within 60 days; (2) establish a reduction requirement for each State in the region within 90 days; and (3) notify each State of such requirement within 120 days. Requires that, within one year, each applicable State implementation plan be amended to contain enforceable measures for meeting the sulfur dioxide emissions reduction requirement by December 31, 1991. Permits States to substitute a reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions for a reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions, at a specified rate. Prohibits States, in meeting the requirement deadline, from including emissions reductions representing compliance with Federal emission standards other than those imposed under this Act by sources in operation before December 31, 1980. Permits for sources not in operation before such date, inclusion of emissions reductions in excess of those required under such other Federal standards. Directs the Administrator, to: (1) review State implementation plan amendments within 90 days of submission; (2) approve plan amendments that will insure that the emissions reduction requirement will be met by December 31, 1991; (3) revise plan amendments where necessary to meet the requirement deadline; (4) periodically review such plans; (5) take actions necessary to insure compliance with the requirement deadline; and (6) apply additional sanctions or limitations on emissions with respect to any major emitting powerplant, if necessary to insure such compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the collection of taxes, to provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regarding communication and harassment in connection with debt collection. Prohibits the publication of any deficiency which has not been adjudged to be payable by a competent court. Permits individual taxpayers to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages resulting from collection practices prohibited by this Act. Requires a Federal court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax. Specifies that a showing of fraud or malfeasance or a misrepresentation, for purposes of modifying or reconsidering a closing agreement between an individual taxpayer and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken into account only if such a showing or misrepresentation is determined by a competent court. Prohibits the Secretary from consenting to extend for more than one year the period for assessment of the income tax liability of any individual taxpayer. Requires the Secretary to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Makes binding on the Secretary : (1) a tax return prepared for the taxpayer by an officer or employee of the IRS acting in his official capacity to provide such assistance; and (2) written information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. Places the burden of proof, in administrative and judicial proceedings involving the IRS and a taxpayer, upon the IRS. Directs that all property of taxpayers, for purposes of the estate and gift tax, be valued at historical cost (original cost to the taxpayer or the basis of the property if it was not purchased). Prohibits the use in IRS personnel evaluations of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations. Precludes the Secretary from exercising any enforcement authority over churches or certain other organizations. Prohibits the audit of any group of taxpayers unless the Secretary has first met certain notice requirements or permitted members of the group to file an amended return. Sets forth conditions which must be met by the IRS before any action is taken to interfere with the property rights of a taxpayer. Requires the IRS, before securing the records of, or personal data concerning, any taxpayer, to: (1) notify the taxpayer in writing of the demand, the material sought, and the need for the material; (2) have commenced an action in a competent court against the taxpayer; and (3) have justified its need before the court consistent with the discovery rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. States that the IRS shall have no authority, in enforcing the tax obligations of any person, which is in conflict with the rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Program Review Act of 1981 - Requires certain agencies to submit a program review report to the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate every eight years according to a specified schedule. Directs each agency to conduct hearings to obtain public comments on its programs and to submit such report by April 1 of the assigned year. Requires a program review report to contain specified information on each program administered by the agency, including: (1) budget information; (2) a description of the purposes, results, objectives, benefits, and paperwork requirements of each program; (3) an assessment of the cost effectiveness of the program compared to alternatives; and (4) recommended changes in law to modify or terminate such program or agency. Directs each Committee, by May 1, to refer each program review report to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over programs identified in the report and to specify which committee shall review which programs. Requires each legislative committee, by September 15, to evaluate the program review report and to report a resolution that modifies, terminates, or continues each program under its jurisdiction. Sets forth procedures for the consideration of such a resolution by the House and the Senate. Deletes any section of a resolution that continues a program. Directs the House and Senate to consider any legislation modifying or terminating such program as a substitute measure for the deleted section if such legislation is sponsored by not less than a majority of the Members of the respective House by September 20. Requires each Committee, by October 1, to report a simple resolution specifying the sequence in which reported program review resolutions will be considered in each House. Requires that each House complete action on all program review resolutions by November 15. Bars congressional action on legislation relationg to the programs or agencies included in program review reports or resolution if the specified deadlines are not met. Prohibits either House from adjourning sine die until all program review resolutions and substitute measures are finally approved or disapproved.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Commercial Business Energy Tax Credit Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include in the definition of "specially defined energy property," for purposes of the investment tax credit, specified additional equipment and devices installed in connection with any existing industrial, retail, or commercial facility for the purpose of reducing energy consumption. Revises the definition of "energy property" to include insulation property. Increases the energy percentage, for purposes of such credit, in the case of property which is qualified for the credit under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States must manage its assets in a manner more prudent and beneficial to the interests of the American people; (2) all executive branch agencies should inventory their assets, estimate the approximate value of each asset, and identify the uses to which each asset is put; (3) the President should then identify which assets are surplus to Federal needs and should be candidates for liquidation; (4) the President should submit recommendations to Congress on any legislative and administrative revisions that may be needed to carry out such a program of liquidation in an orderly manner; (5) the receipts of this program should be used only to restrain and ultimately reduce the national debt; and (6) the Comptroller General should investigate and recommend to Congress and each agency improved processes for managing Federal assets, estimating their value, and liquidating those which are unneeded.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Requires any Member, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives who authorizes foreign travel by any other such person to submit an advance report and a postreturn report to the Clerk of the House. Directs that such reports be available for public inspection and published in the Congressional Record.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
States that the House of Representatives requests that the President submit to Congress his recommendations for reducing by 12 percent the estimated tax expenditures for fiscal year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no limitation should be placed on the Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on a residential mortgage.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay from the military pension of a member or former member of a uniformed service to a spouse or former spouse the amount specified in a court's final decree of divorce, dissolution, annulment, or legal separation. Limits the total amount of pension subject to court order to 50 percent. States that court orders for payments to more than one spouse shall be satisfied on a first-come-first-served basis. Empowers the Secretary to determine which court order shall be honored in the event of conflicting orders regarding one spouse. Entitles specified former spouses to coverage under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) for 90 days after the decree or longer if such spouse is being treated for a pre-existing medical condition. Entitles members or former members with a former spouse to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan. Amends the Social Security Act to exclude payments from a military pension made to a former spouse from specified child support and alimony enforcement proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1981
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make the provisions of such rule relating to committee expenses and committee staffs applicable to the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on the Budget. Makes the provision of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 relating to the authority of congressional Appropriation Committees to appoint staff inapplicable to the House Committee on Appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Long-Term Savings Restoration Act - Amends the Second Liberty Bond Act to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to issue constant dollar debt obligations, the proceeds of which shall be available to meet any public expenditures authorized by law and to retire any outstanding obligations of the United States. Sets forth the formula for determining the constant dollar equivalent of the issue price of an obligation on any date. Declares that the interest on any constant dollar debt obligation for any calendar quarter shall be payable on the constant dollar equivalent of the issue price of the obligation as of the last day of such quarter. Limits the face amount of obligations issued under this Act which are outstanding at any one time. Authorizes any depository institution to issue constant dollar savings certificates. Sets forth the formula for determining the constant dollar equivalent of the original principal amount of the certificate on any date. Permits any money market mutual fund to purchase constant dollar debt obligations issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act, except that such obligations shall not comprise more than 25 percent of the investment portfolio of such money market mutual fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require an upward adjustment to the basis of constant dollar debt obligations for purposes of determining the tax on gains from the disposition of such obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that all funds for committee staff expenses (except the Committees on Appropriations and the Budget) be provided in primary and additional expense resolutions. Authorizes the allocation of not less than one-third of committee funds for staff for the use of minority party staff members (except the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct). Makes technical amendments to the Rules to conform to the provisions of this resolution. Makes certain provisions of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 which authorize congressional Committees on Appropriations to appoint staff, inapplicable to the House Committee on Appropriations until otherwise provided by law, or rule or resolution of the House of Representatives. Amends such Act to authorize congressional committees to provide financial assistance for specialized training to members of their nonclerical staff (currently only professional staff). Specifies certain resolutions which relate to the authority of committees to employ additional staff that, until otherwise provided by law, or rule or resolution of the House, shall not apply to sessions of Congress beginning with the second session of the 97th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Reduces, by one, the number of clerks to which a Member of the House is entitled under the clerk hire allowance for committee staff appointments and accordingly reduces such Member's clerk hire allowance. Exempts chairmen and ranking minority party members of committees from such reduction. Provides that chairmen and ranking minority party members of subcommittees shall make one such reduction. Makes this resolution effective after the first session of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to reduce the number of subcommittees of each standing committee from six to four for which certain staff positions are available.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Requires the Maritime Administration to set aside specified surplus government ships for the use of LIFE International, a private nonprofit organization, to provide humanitarian services to developing countries. States that such set aside authority shall not apply when the ships are needed for national security purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Acid Rain Research Implementation Act of 1981 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to strengthen specified research and development programs relating to acid precipitation pollution and to establish a process for cooperative decisionmaking on strategies to control such pollution. Directs the the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency ("the Administrator"), the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to ensure that the comprehensive research plan prepared under the Acid Precipitation Act of 1980 satisfies such policy. Directs the Administrator of NOAA, as director of task force research under such Act, to provide the Administrator with a status report within 12 months of enactment of this Act and once every 24 months thereafter. Directs the Administrator, within specified periods, to: (1) determine whether new measures are necessary; (2) report, with recommendations to Congress; and (3) issue proposed rules requiring measures that may help prevent, limit, and remedy the harmful effects of acid precipitation. Directs the Administrator, in order to prepare such reports and proposed rules, to: (1) contract with the National Academy of Science for specified services; (2) work with the task force, State, local, and foreign governments, and private industrial, environmental, scientific, and international organizations in establishing and strengthening monitoring networks to determine the sources and effects of acid precipitation and other long-range pollutants; and (3) arrange, with such entities, for information exchange and cooperative data analysis to ensure that remedial measures may be planned and implemented cooperatively, with minimum social and economic dislocation and maximum environmental protection. Directs the Administrator, working within the plan and in cooperation with other programs, to: (1) ensure that adequate analysis and comparative consideration is given to institutional arrangements (including cost sharing and capital formation approaches that will minimize unforseen or inequitable economic impacts on particular regions or economic sectors) necessary to implement new measures specified in such reports; and (2) include in the task force's annual report a description of actions taken to ensure such analysis and consideration, as well as any recommendations for legislative or administrative action concerning such institutional arrangements. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator of NOAA, to include in the annual task force report a statement concerning the adequacy of task force resources to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Acid Deposition Control Act - Amends title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Clean Air Act to establish a new program entitled "Interstate Transport and Acid Precursor Reduction." Establishes an "acid deposition region" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) study air pollution problems associated with long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Establishes an acid deposition regional target providing for a ten-year phased schedule of reductions to achieve an annual average emission level that is 10,000,000 tons of sulfur dioxide below the 1980 baseline level. Directs the Administrator, within six months, to compute and publish a target and a schedule for each affected State. Permits two or more States to agree to change their share of the sulfur dioxide emissions reduction ("reduction"). Requires that State reduction schedules begin within five years, be substantially complete within eight years, and reach the State target within ten years of enactment of this Act. Sets forth formulas for: (1) State reduction fractions (based on 1980 emissions from electric utility steam generating units); and (2) the 1980 baseline level for the region or any State within the region. Requires States within the region to prepare, publish, and submit to the Administrator, within two years of enactment of this Act, State programs of reduction in accordance with the State schedules. Directs the Administrator to approve State programs, within four months of submission, if such programs: (1) were adopted after public notice, opportunity for hearing, and submission to Governors of the other States in the region; and (2) contain enforceable reduction measures, including emission limitations, monitoring requirements, and compliance schedules. Requires State programs to include enforceable continuous emission reduction measures. Lists some measures that State programs may include. Permits a State or any person subject to State program requirements to substitute a reduction of twice as many units of oxides of nitrogen emissions for each unit of required reductions of sulfur dioxide emissions. Provides for an EPA alternative program if a State program: (1) has not been adopted by a State within two years; or (2) has not been approved by the Administrator within two years and four months. Requires, in such cases, that any owner or operator of an electric utility steam generating unit in such State submit, within three years of enactment of this Act, a unit plan and schedule for reductions. Requires unit plans and schedules only from units which: (1) are major stationary sources; (2) are not subject to new source performance standards; and (3) actually emitted, or were permitted to emit, sulfur dioxide during 1980 in excess of a specified rate. Requires that unit plans and schedules provide for a reduction to a specified rate of emissions, according to a phased schedule (beginning within five years, substantially complete within eight years, and finally complete within ten years of the enactment of this Act). Sets forth provisions for approval of unit plans and schedules. Provides that any unit for which a plan has not been submitted and approved must comply with the specified emission limitation within five years of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of purchase and sale of emission reduction credits among stationary sources of sulfur dioxide in five emission reduction credit regions within the acid deposition region. Provides that specified requirements under this Act shall be treated as emission limitation requirements of applicable State implementation plans. Sets forth procedures for petitions for determination that programs or plans will not meet deadlines and for petitions for review of such determinations or denials.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Single Audit Act of 1981 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): (1) to establish standard procedures to be used by all Federal agencies in the administration, accounting, and auditing of Federal assistance to State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes; and (2) to prescribe regulations to carry out such procedures, coordinate Federal, State, and local audits of assistance programs, and designate one agency to oversee audits of assistance recipients. Requires each State and local government or nonprofit organization which receives Federal assistance to use independent auditors to conduct a single financial and compliance audit of such government or organization and any subgrantees every two years (every five years if the government or organization receives less than $100,000 in assistance per year). Requires the designated agency to utilize a quality review process, to be established by the Director, to assure the proper performance of such audits. Declares that the Federal Government is responsible for conducting any audits which are not financial and compliance audits, or which are more stringent than audits required by this Act. Requires the Director to prescribe appropriate means for reimbursing independent auditors.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Mining Reclamation Reserve Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect an income tax deduction for additions to a reserve established for estimated expenses of future surface mining land reclamation activities attributable to mining activities conducted during the taxable year. Requires such reclamation activities to be conducted in accordance with a plan submitted pursuant to specified provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 or other Federal or State law which imposes substantially similar reclamation and permit requirements. Prohibits revocation of such an election without the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury. Permits qualified reclamation expenses which are attributable to activities conducted before the first taxable year for which the accounting method allowed by this Act is elected to be treated as deferred expenses and to be deducted ratably over a 60 month period.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits any change in the compensation of Senators and Representatives until an election of Representatives has intervened.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Commitment to the Clean Air Act resolution of the Ninety-seventh Congress - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) clean air is fundamentally important for the health and well-being of the citizens, economy, and environment of the United States; and (2) the existing Clean Air Act should be maintained and strengthened subject only to changes that will improve its administration and effectiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the inclusion of the receipts and disbursements of the social security trust funds (the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund) in the totals of the Federal budget and exempt them from any general statutory limitation on Federal budget outlays, beginning with fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1981
Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to identify Medicare patients and other individuals entitled to benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act who have died in order to eliminate improper OASDI benefit payments to deceased individuals. Directs the Inspector General to report to Congress annually on the progress being made pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide that certain fiduciary duties under such Act shall be deemed satisfied by investments in residential housing mortgages that provide adequate security and a reasonable rate of interest. Exempts from specified prohibitions under such Act the placing, investing, or purchase of a mortgage secured by residential housing property if such investment or sale: (1) is adequately secured; (2) is made in accordance with specific provisions rearding such loans set forth in the employee benefit plan; and (3) bears a reasonable rate of interest.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Establishes on the Capitol Police three positions of deputy chief, inspector, and sergeant, and abolishes three positions of private. Provides that any person who is detailed from the Metropolitan Police of the District of Columbia to the Capitol Police and is serving as acting captain for duty under the House of Representatives shall be paid by the District.
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 · 6 October 1981
Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize a judicial officer when making a pretrial release determination to consider whether a person charged with possession or transfer of a controlled substance will pose a danger to any other person or the community. Requires the judicial officer to hold a hearing for such persons to determine whether surety resources have been obtained by noncriminal means.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the sale of wetlands to an eligible conservation authority which are used for fish and wildlife conservation or preserved as a natural area. Requires that such sales be approved by State and Federal officials. Treats involuntary conversions of wetlands as sales for purposes of such exclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1981
Amends titiles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to require Federal agencies to give to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon request, the names and social security account numbers of disability or SSI benefit recipients who are inmates of penal institutions.
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 · 30 September 1981
Entitles any individual covered by a Federal health benefits program which provides payment for the services of a nurse-midwife to: (1) unrestricted selection of and access to such nurse-midwife; and (2) direct payment or reimbursement for such services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include services rendered by a nurse-midwife. Defines "nurse-midwife" to mean a registered nurse who: (1) has successfully completed a prescribed course of study or has been certified by a recognized organization; and (2) performs services (including antepartal, intrapartal, postpartal, and gynecological services) in the area of women and baby care.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that an employee receiving benefits under an annuity, endowment, or life insurance contract, where part of the consideration for such contract is contributed by the employer, may elect to exclude from gross income an amount equal to the consideration contributed by such employee without regard to whether such consideration is recovered during the first three years of the annuity. Provides that, for purposes of such exclusion, non-deductible owner-employee contributions shall be treated as consideration for the contract contributed by the employee.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1981
Criminal Justice Construction Reform Act - Title I: Findings and Definitions - Sets forth definitions and findings. Defines "criminal justice facilities" to include court, law enforcement, juvenile, correctional, and other facilities used for any criminal justice purpose. Title II: Grants for the Construction and Modernization of Criminal Justice Facilities - Authorizes the Administrator of the Criminal Justice Facilities Administration (established under title III) to make grants to States for the construction and modernization of criminal justice facilities during fiscal years 1983 through 1988. Apportions appropriations among States on the basis of population and the volume and expenditure of criminal justice activities. Sets aside another portion of such sums appropriated for demonstration grants to test the applicability of advanced practices on the design, construction, and modernization of facilities. Requires any State desiring to receive such funding to submit a seven-year State plan. Directs the Administrator to operate a criminal justice facilities information clearinghouse. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay State and local governments an interest subsidy for criminal facility construction bonds which reduce the cost of such bonds to not more than five percent interest. Title III: Administration Provisions - Establishes the Criminal Justice Facilities Administration within the Department of Justice, headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Charges the Administrator with carrying out this Act and submitting to the President for transmittal to Congress a report at least once per year. Sets at 75 percent the Federal share of the cost of a State plan approved under this Act. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to donate surplus property to any State for construction and modernization of criminal justice facilities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1988.
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 · 23 September 1981
First Things First Credit Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow an income tax deduction for interest paid or incurred on any loan which is used to acquire stock in order to gain control of a corporation, if the Board of Directors disapproves of the proposed acquisition by a majority vote.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1981
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of the tax on employment income. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or, if he does, such place of business is not provided, or is not provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes; and (5) the recipient of such individual's services files returns disclosing payments made to such individual. Provides that the criteria established by this Act shall not be applicable to agent-drivers, commission-drivers, full-time life insurance salesmen, home workers, and traveling or city salesmen who are statutorily designated as employees for purposes of social security taxation. Provides that the failure of an individual claiming independent contractor status to meet the criteria established by this Act shall not create an inference that such an individual is an employee or that the recipient of his services is an employer. Limits the applicability of the criteria established by this Act to questions of employment status arising under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, self-employment tax provisions, and withholding requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires recipients of services performed by an independent contractor to file an information return with respect to payments made for such services in excess of $600 for the taxable year. Requires individuals who file such information returns to furnish written statements to persons with respect to whom such information is reported which indicate the amount of payment reported. Provides penalties for failure to furnish information returns or statements. Applies deficiency procedures for the assessment of unpaid taxes due to the reclassification of an individual as an employee who had been treated as an independent contractor. Treats as employees, for purposes of the withholding of income tax, certain traveling or city salesmen.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1981
Amends Federal law with respect to concessions for public accommodations, facilities, and services in areas administered by the National Park Service to make franchise fees collected pursuant to such law available for appropriation to the National Park Service for restoration and improvement of National Park System units and facilities.
![Official portrait of Rep. Coyne, James K. [R-PA-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000845_200.jpg)