United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Establishes the Sunday after the first Monday in November in 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988 as the day for election of Representatives and Delegates to the Congress. Requires electors of the President and Vice President for 1984 and 1988 to be appointed on the Sunday after the first Monday in November. Specifies the hours during which polling places shall be opened for such presidential elections. Requires the Federal Election Commission to report to Congress and the President on the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Omnibus Tax Reform and Industry Tax Assistance Act of 1981 - Title I: Amendments Related to Business - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer engaged in a trade or business a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the cash contributions made by such taxpayer to a reserve fund established to finance basic research in the scientific or engineering fields. Limits the total amount of such credit to five percent of the taxable business income of the taxpayer for the taxable year. Exempts such reserve fund from income taxation. Allows an income tax deduction for the basic research expenses paid out of the reserve fund during the taxable year. Specifies that research financed pursuant to this Act shall be performed by an institution of higher education. Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit of 25 percent of the qualified research and experimental expenditures paid or incurred by a taxpayer in carrying on a trade or business. Defines "qualified research and experimental expenditures" as those business-related expenditures which are currently deductible under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Limits the scope of such expenditures to technological research designed to develop or improve products or services. Excludes expenditures for research in the social sciences or humanities or for government-funded research. Limits the amount of expenditures eligible for the credit to those which exceed the annual average of such expenditures for the immediately preceding three years. Requires taxpayers under common control to aggregate such expenditures for purposes of computing the credit. Sets forth rules for adjusting such expenditure amounts when there is a change in business ownership. Provides for a three-year carryback and seven-year carryover of unused credits. Provides for a system of simplified cost recovery as an alternative method of computing depreciation on all tangible personal property, except public utility property. Assigns the depreciable basis of all such property to one of four recovery periods, representing either two, four, seven or ten years. Specifies that such property shall be placed in a recovery period which is at least 40 percent shorter than its comparable useful life under the Asset Depreciation Range system (ADR) presently utilized under current Treasury Regulations, except that no recovery period shall be shorter than two years. Permits a taxpayer, under the simplified cost recovery system, to elect one of three declining balance methods (200 percent, 150 percent, or 100 percent) in computing allowable depreciation deductions. Excludes from eligibility for recovery cost depreciation treatment the following types of property: (1) livestock; (2) amortization property; (3) property depreciable under certain alternative methods of depreciation; (4) public utility property; (5) oil or gas fired boilers; and (6) property used predominantly outside the United States. Provides for the deferral of gain or loss realized on the disposition of recovery cost property. Increases the permissible variance for assigned useful lives of public utility property under the Asset Depreciation Range system from 20 to 30 percent for utility property. Increases the rate of investment tax credit for depreciable property which has a useful life of between two and seven years. Permits a taxpayer to elect to expense (i.e. currently deduct) up to $25,000 of the costs of new or used tangible personal property used in the taxpayer's business during a taxable year in lieu of current provisions permitting additional first year depreciation. Revises the treatment of progress expenditure property with respect to the investment tax credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of gain from the sale or exchange of qualified new business stock, but only to the extent that such gain does not exceed the cost of qualified new business stock purchased by the taxpayer within one year of the date of the original sale. Defines "qualified new business stock" for the purposes of this Act. Reduces the basis of such stock by the amount of gain which is not recognized. Title II: Amendments Related to Individuals - Revises requirements for the tax exclusion of earned income of Americans working abroad. Permits such exclusion for individuals working in specified developing countries and in other foreign countries if such individuals perform charitable, export-related, or natural resource-related services. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the residency requirement in a foreign country for such tax exclusion. Waives such requirement if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that the taxpayer would otherwise have met the 11 month residency requirement but for the occurrence of civil unrest, war, or other adverse conditions precluding the normal conduct of business. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the residency requirement with respect to the tax treatment of housing costs of such taxpayers. Allows married couples filing a joint tax return an income tax deduction from gross income equal to ten percent of the lesser of $30,000 or the earned income of the spouse with the lower income. Increases to $500 ($1,000 in the case of a joint return) the amount of interest and dividend income which may be excluded from gross income. Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 to repeal the termination date for such exclusion. Allows individuals who are saving for their first home a nonrefundable income tax credit for cash contributions made during the taxable year to an individual housing account. Limits the amount of such credit to $2500 for any taxable year and $10,000 during a lifetime. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of an individual housing account. Imposes penalties for distributions made from an individual housing account which are not used in connection with the purchase of a principal residence. Exempts interest earned on an individual housing account from income taxation. Requires the trustee of an individual housing account to make such reports regarding the maintenance of an individual housing account as the Secretary of the Treasury may require. Prohibits contributions to an individual housing account in excess of prescribed limits and imposes a tax on such excess contributions. Title III: Payroll-Based ESOP Credit - Permits an employer an income tax credit equal to the lesser of the value of securities contributed to an ESOP, or a specified percentage in 1981, 1982, and 1983 of compensation paid to employees who purchase employer stock pursuant to a qualified employee stock ownership plan. Specifies that such credit shall terminate after 1984. Title IV: Development of Legislation for Reducing Inflation Through Tax Incentives - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Committee on Ways and Means should study and consider legislation to control inflation by providing certain tax benefits. Title V: Study of Foreign Capital Formation Approaches Used by Business - Directs the Joint Committee on Taxation to study and report to specified congressional committees the approaches used by foreign businesses to acquire capital.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow income tax deductions to employers for wages paid to aliens whom the employer knows to be in the United States in violation of the immigration laws.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to make a tort claim resulting from a Government employee's negligent act which was within the scope of his office or employment exclusive of any other civil action arising out of the same subject matter. Requires the substitution of the United States as the party defendant upon certification by the Attorney General that the defendant employee was acting within the scope of his employment. Makes such certification binding and conclusive. Establishes a constitutional tort remedy against the United States for an act of a Government employee which the Attorney General certifies was within the scope of such employee's office or employment. Prohibits the United States from asserting as a defense in any such constitutional tort action: (1) the absolute or qualified immunity of the defendant employee; or (2) such employee's reasonable good faith belief in the lawfulness of his conduct, but allows such defenses if the complaint is against a Member of Congress, judge, prosecutor, or person performing similar functions. Permits a successful plaintiff to recover actual damages or liquidated damages up to $15,000. Directs the Attorney General, where an action results in a judgment against the United States, to forward the matter to the employing agency for further investigation or disciplinary action. Eliminates as exceptions to the Federal Tort Claims Act claims which: (1) are based upon an act or omission of an employee exercising due care or involving a discretionary function; or (2) arise in a foreign country.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act of 1981 - Requires each organization which expends more than $5,000 per quarter year for the retention of persons to make lobbying communications to register annually with the Clerk of the House of Representatives, and to make quarterly reports to the Clerk on such expenditures. Prescribes the contents of such reports, including: (1) a listing of the total expenditures and expenditures exceeding $35 made to a Federal officer, Member of Congress, or Congressional employee; (2) the identity of each lobbyist; and (3) a description of any direct business relationships with persons to be influence. Requires the organization and its retainees to keep adequate records of information necessary for such reports. Exempts certain tax-exempt organizations from such reporting requirement. Specifies duties of the Clerk concerning the management of information disclosed by such registrations or reports. Directs the Clerk to make copies of each registration and report available to the public. Provides for the enforcement of provisions of this Act by the Attorney General. Authorizes the Attorney General to issue a civil investigative demand requiring a person suspected of violating this Act to produce specific documentary material. Sets forth the procedure governing the service of such a demand and the custody of the documentary material. Permits the Attorney General to petition the court for an order to enforce such demand. Permits the person served with such demand to petition a court for a modification. Directs the Clerk to transmit reports to the President and Congress no later than March 31 of each year concerning activities under this Act. Directs the Clerk to notify Congress concerning any regulation promulgated to implement a provision of this Act. Authorizes the Clerk to make such regulation effective 90 days after such notification unless either House of Congress adopts a resolution disapproving it. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act and specified provisions of the Legislative Reorganization Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981, 1984, and 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the Executive branch of Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Authorizes the President, subject to specified conditions, to negotiate agreements with foreign governments limiting imports of automobiles, trucks, and their parts. Restricts such authorization and such agreements to a specified period of time. Requires consultation with the private sector. Prohibits treating actions taken pursuant to such agreements as violations of U.S. laws.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Declares the sense of Congress that the Constitution does not preclude discretionary use of periods of silence for private prayer, meditation, contemplation, or introspection in the public schools.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1980
Repeals specified provisions of Federal law which: (1) prohibit the publication of an advertisement for an executive agency without the written authorization of the agency head; and (2) permit the agency head to delegate responsibility for granting such authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1980
Directs the Comptroller General to allow a specified amount in full settlement of a claim by a named advertising agency. Directs that such amount shall be repayable from the applicable appropriations of the Environmental Protection Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1980
Federal District Court Organization Act of 1980 - Provides that the Court for the Central Judicial District of California shall be held at Santa Ana, in addition to Los Angeles as currently provided. Transfers the counties of Fremont and Page from the Southern to the Western Division of the Southern Judicial District of Iowa. Transfers the counties of Audrain and Montgomery from the Eastern to the Northern Division of the Eastern Judicial District of Missouri. Places within the Eastern Judicial District of North Carolina that portion of Durham County encompassing the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina. Transfers the counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, and Wilkes from the Middle to the Western Judicial District of North Carolina. Establishes a Lufkin Division in the Eastern Judicial District of Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1980
Judicial Councils Reform and Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980 - Sets forth rules governing the composition and duties of the judicial councils of the circuit courts. Provides that a council shall consist of: (1) the chief judge of the court of appeals for the circuit; (2) up to seven appellate court judges in active service (chosen by seniority by majority vote of all such judges); and (3) an equal number of district court judges of the circuit in active service (chosen by seniority). Authorizes a council to hold hearings, and to compel the appearance of witnesses and the production of documents in the performance of its duties. Allows any person to file with the clerk of the court of appeals a written complaint against a judge of the court of appeals, a district court or a bankruptcy court, or a magistrate, alleging that such judge or magistrate: (1) has engaged in conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts; or (2) is unable to discharge all the duties of office because of mental or physical disability. Directs the clerk to transmit such complaint to the chief judge of the court of appeals for the circuit and a copy to the judge affected. Authorizes the chief judge to: (1) dismiss the complaint upon a finding that it relates to the merits of a decision or is frivolous; or (2) close the complaint upon finding that appropriate corrective action has been taken. Directs a chief judge who does not enter such an order to appoint a special committee consisting of himself or herself and equal numbers of appellate and district court judges to investigate the complaint and file a comprehensive report with the judicial council which includes recommendations for appropriate action. Authorizes the judicial council upon receipt of such a report to: (1) conduct additional investigation; (2) take appropriate action to assure the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts within the circuit; or (3) refer the complaint and its recommendations for actions to the Judicial Conference of the United States. Includes among the actions which the council may take: (1) certifying disability in accordance with current law; (2) requesting voluntary retirement; (3) ordering that the assignment of cases be temporarily suspended for a time certain; (4) censuring or reprimanding the judge or magistrate by private communication or public announcement; or (5) ordering other action appropriate under the circumstances. Stipulates that the council may not order the removal from office of any judge appointed for good behavior. Directs the judicial council to certify to the Judicial Conference a determination that a judge has engaged in conduct which: (1) might constitute grounds for impeachment under the Constitution; or (2) in the interest of justice is not amenable to resolution by the council. Directs the Judicial Conference to: (1) take appropriate action by majority vote; or (2) certify and transmit the record of the proceedings to the House of Representatives if it occurs in the council's determination that impeachment may be warranted. Allows a complainant aggrieved by a final order of the chief judge to petition the judicial council for review. Allows a judge aggrieved by an action of the judicial council to petition the the Judicial Conference for review. Provides that all orders and determinations shall be final and conclusive. Directs each judicial council to prescribe rules for the conduct of proceedings under this Act. Directs the Court of Claims, the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals, and the Customs Court to each establish procedures for the filing of complaints with respect to the conduct of any judge of such court. Requires the Judicial Conference to make a comprehensive survey of the condition of business in the Federal courts and prepare plans for assignment of judges where necessary. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to include in the annual report to Congress a summary of complaints and actions taken under this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1980
Authorizes the President to negotiate agreements with foreign governments limiting exports of automobiles and trucks to the United States. Terminates such authority and any agreements pursuant to such authority on July 1, 1985. States that action taken pursuant to such agreements shall not be treated as violating U.S. laws.
United States · United States Congress · 18 August 1980
Establishes the Sunday after the first Monday in November in 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988 as the day for election of Representatives and Delegates to the Congress. Requires electors of the President and Vice President for 1984 and 1988 to be appointed on the Sunday after the first Monday in November. Specifies the hours during which polling places shall be opened for such presidential elections. Requires the Federal Election Commission to report to Congress and the President on the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1980
Used Oil Recycling Act of 1980 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require lubricating oil to be labeled with a statement concerning the recycling of used oil. Requires re-refined oil used as lubricating oil to bear a label stating that such oil is a recycled product. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States with solid waste plans to encourage the use of recycled oil, prohibit hazardous uses of used oil, and establish a program for the collection and disposal of oil in a safe manner. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to States in removing impediments to the recycling of used oil. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations protecting the public health and environment from the hazards of burning used oil. Requires the Administrator to determine and report to Congress on whether used oil ought to be treated as a hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to study the collection and demand in the used oil industry, and energy savings associated with re-refining used oil.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1980
Petroleum Displacement Act of 1980 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal certain prohibitions and limitations on the use of natural gas as a primary energy source in electric powerplants. Repeals the authority of the Secretary of Energy to prohibit the use of petroleum or natural gas or both as a primary energy source in electric powerplants where coal or alternate fuel capability exists. Makes certain technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1980
Grants a Federal charter to the Former Members of Congress. Declares that the purpose of such corporation shall be to promote the cause of good government at the national level by improving the public understanding and strengthening public support of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1980
Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivors' Benefits Amendments of 1980 - Title I: Veterans' Disability Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' compensation for: (1) wartime disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for dependents; and (3) clothing allowances paid to certain disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation for: (1) a surviving spouse; (2) surviving children; and (3) supplemental children's benefits. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Extends the authority for the Veterans' Administration regional office in the Republic of the Philippines until September 30, 1985. Sets forth procedures for: (1) retroactive payments for additional children entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation; and (2) reducing payments to a dependent child who has attained the age of 18 and is attending an educational institution, and whose parent is receiving compensation payments as a surviving spouse. Prohibits the payment of burial allowances for any veteran who dies during fiscal year 1981 whose income exceeded $20,000, and includes the income of such veterans' spouse in determining the income of such veteran. Authorizes the Administrator to furnish headstones and markers, upon request, for specified relatives of veterans who are buried in a State veterans' cemetery. Provides for the reduction of pension payments made to veterans of a period of war, and surviving spouses of veterans of a period of war when such pension payments are made concurrently with such individuals' retirement payments. Provides for pension payments to a hospitalized veteran having neither spouse nor child if such veteran is readmitted within six months of a period of care. Limits the amount of compensation for a service-connected disability and dependency and indemnity compensation for any veteran imprisoned in a Federal, State, or local penal institution as a result of conviction of a felony or misdemeanor. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to apportion and pay to such veteran's spouse, children, or dependent parents the compensation such veteran would have received but for such veteran's incarceration. Sets forth the minimum number of personnel to be employed by the American Battle Monument Commission for the care and maintenance of the cemeteries, monuments, and memorials under the jurisdiction of such Commission. Title IV: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of specified sections of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Standing Committee on Federal Judiciary of the American Bar Association and the Attorney General take all measures necessary to end discrimination against potential lifetime Federal judges who do not qualify solely as a result of age barriers.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Permits veterans to refinance previously guaranteed mortgage loans which are secured by homes they still own and occupy. Sets forth conditions and requirements pursuant to such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the independence of Yugoslavia and its continued development of a multinational federation are consistent with U.S. and European security interests and contribute to world peace; and (2) the President should assist Yugoslavia in maintaining its independence and in improving the well-being of its people.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1980
Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude from the definition of "immigrant" an alien (and accompanying spouse and children) having a foreign residence (with no intention of abandoning such residence) coming to the United States temporarily to study full-time at a vocational, language, or other nonacademic institution approved by the Attorney General. Redefines the definition of "child" to include: (1) an illegitimate child through whom, or on whose behalf, a status or benefit under such Act is sought by virtue of the relationship to its natural father; (2) a child adopted before the age of 16; and (3) an orphan under the age of 16. Excludes adultery from the determination of good moral character for the purposes of such Act. Limits the existing drug-related provision relating to good moral character to "trafficking in narcotics." Provides that aliens seeking admission within five years of the date of their deportation or removal shall be ineligible for admission into the United States (presently no time limit on excludability). Eliminates certain reporting requirements imposed on the Attorney General regarding his/her discretionary waiver of excludability. Includes drug offenses among the categories of excludability that may be waived in the case of alien children, spouses, or parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents seeking admission as immigrants. Exempts specified aliens with medical specialties practicing in the United States as of January 9, 1977, from alien exclusion provisions. Revises re-entry permit provisions to authorize the issuance of such permit for a two-year nonrenewable period (presently one year with up to a one year discretionary extension). Revises alien deportation and maintenance expense provisions to: (1) provide that deportation shall be to the country from which the alien boarded the vessel or airplane that brought him to the United States; (2) provide that if such departure was from a foreign territory contiguous to the United States of which such alien was not a national or resident, then deportation shall be to the country from which such alien departed for such contiguous territory; (3) set forth guidelines for the Attorney General if a country is unwilling to accept a deportable alien; and (4) require such transportation lines to deposit a bond to cover any fine or disputed fine relating to deportation with a district director of customs (presently with a customs collector). Makes the existing mandatory waiver of fraudulent entry deportation provisions regarding alien spouses, children, or parents of United States citizens or permanent residents discretionary. Provides that such deportation waiver shall also operate with regard to improper entry documents directly resulting from such fraud. Eliminates certain reporting requirements imposed on the Attorney General regarding his/her discretionary waiver of deportation or adjustment of status. Provides, with regard to such cancelled deportation proceedings, that the reduction of available immigrant visas shall come from the overall permanent or conditional entry visa allotment rather than from the nonpreference immigrant allotment. Permits certain nonimmigrant exchange aliens to have deportation proceedings suspended and have their status adjusted to permanent resident. Revises the category of nonimmigrant aliens who cannot have their nonimmigrant classification changed in another nonimmigrant classification without first applying to the Attorney General for such change. Repeals alien change of address requirements concerning: (1) yearly current address notification; and (2) three-month notification of current address by temporary residents. Provides with regard to the smuggling of aliens into the United States that: (1) any conveyance, including vessels, vehicles, or aircraft used for such purposes (excluding common carriers not consenting to such act and stolen conveyances), shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture; (2) any conveyance may be seized without warrant if probable cause exists and circumstances exist where a warrant is not constitutionally required; (3) specified customs laws shall apply to such seizures; (4) seizures of vessels shall be subject to the Supplemental Rules of Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims; (5) the Attorney General may retain for official use, sell, or require the General Services Administration to take custody of, any forfeited conveyance; and (6) in all forfeiture suits where the conveyance is claimed by any person the burden of proof shall be on such person, provided that probable cause for such forfeiture shall first be shown by the Government. Provides that the spouse and dependent unmarried children of an alien who qualifies for certain naturalization residence requirement exceptions shall also qualify for such exceptions for the period they resided abroad as members of such alien's household. Removes: (1) the requirement that two witnesses verify an individual's naturalization petition; and (2) certain affidavit and proof of residence requirements for such petition. Repeals the provisions requiring: (1) witnesses to be present at a final naturalization hearing; and (2) a 30 day waiting period between the filing of a petition and the issuance of a certificate of naturalization. Requires the clerk of a naturalization court to pay to the Attorney General one-half of all fees up to $40,000 (presently $6,000), and all fees in excess of such amount, in a fiscal year. Authorizes the Attorney General to admit for permanent residence certain aliens: (1) otherwise excludable for specified drug-related convictions; and (2) having immigrant visas, but excludable for other specified reasons, and who could not have been aware through reasonable diligence of such excludability before coming to the United States. Includes individuals who participated in Nazi-related World War II persecutions within the category of excludable aliens whom the Attorney General may not allow to depart voluntarily in lieu of a deportation proceeding. Prohibits the Attorney General from suspending the deportation and adjusting the status (to that of a lawful permanent resident) of such individuals. Removes the requirement that adopted children born outside the United States be adopted while under the age of 16 in order for certain automatic citizenship provisions to apply. Excludes specified classes of aliens present in the United States on or before June 1, 1978, from being counted against the annual total and country admission limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Veterans' Administration Health-Care Personnel Act of 1980 - Title I: Physicians and Dentists Pay Comparability - Exempts physicians, dentists, nurses, and other health-care professionals employed by the Veterans' Administration (VA) Department of Medicine and Surgery from the Senior Executive Service. Sets forth increased special pay schedules for physicians, dentists, and nurses. Title II: Veterans' Administration Health Professional Scholarship Program - Establishes the Veterans' Administration Health Professional Scholarship Program. Sets forth eligibility, contract, obligated service, and application provisions. Exempts such scholarship payments from taxation. Provides, with regard to Veterans' Administration physician's or dentist's primary and special incentive pay, that such scholarship recipients shall not be eligible for such pay during the first three years of obligated service, and thereafter shall only be eligible for half of such pay. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Sets forth standards for: (1) a presumption of inability to defray the expenses of medical care provided by the Veterans' Administration; (2) the supervision of real property transactions by the Congressional Committees on Veterans' Affairs; (3) the number of beds per thousand veterans population required to provide adequate nursing home care in State home facilities. Extends the time for submission of reports on hospital care and medical services furnished in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and in the Virgin Islands. Repeals the requirement that recipients of health-care personnel training grants must increase the number of individuals receiving training.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1980
Hostage Relief Act of 1980 - Title I: Amendments to Title 5 of the United States Code - Amends title 5 of the United States Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a savings fund to which the head of an agency may allot all or a portion of the pay and allowances of any employee who is in a missing status on or after November 4, 1979, as the result of a hostile action against the United States. Requires interest on such fund to be compounded quarterly at the average rate paid on United States Treasury bills with three-month maturities issued during the calendar quarter immediately preceding the first day of the applicable pay period. Directs the President to issue regulations to authorize agency heads to reimburse (up to $25,000 in any calendar year) any such employee, or dependent of such an employee, for necessary travel, rest and recuperation, private medical car, and other expenses related to the ordeal which are incurred on or after such date. Entitles the spouse of such an employee to reimbursement, for a certain time, for expenses incurred for tuition, books, fees, and subsistence while attending an educational or training institution. Extends to such employees the provisions of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, deferring civil actions that affect property rights of such persons until their missing status is ended. Applies the provisions of this Title to all citizens and resident aliens of the United States held hostage in Teheran at any time during November, 1979, and to their dependents and spouses, regardless of whether they are Federal employees. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of such an employee compensation received for active service for any month during the period of his or her missing status, or during which such employee was hospitalized as a result of wounds, injury, disease, or partial or total physical or mental disablement incurred during a hostile action against the United States. Cancels the income taxes for any such employee who dies as a result of such hostile action, for the year in which death occurs and for all prior years during which the employee was in missing status. Authorizes spouses of such employees to file a joint income tax return. Defers the filing of an income tax return by such an employee until after 180 days following the termination of his or her missing status. Applies the provisions of this Title to all citizens and resident aliens of the United States held hostage in Teheran at any time during November, 1979, regardless of whether they are Federal employees. Applies the tax exclusion to non-employees only to the extent of the daily equivalent of the annual basic rate of pay in effect for level V of the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1980
Supports the President's actions towards Iran to secure the release of the hostages. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that it is necessary to obtain international cooperation in imposing sanctions on Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System should immediately take steps to reduce interest rates.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to conduct a clinical investigation of the safety and efficacy of dimethyl sulfoxide as a drug to be used by persons with arthritis.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Committee on Ways and Means should study, and consider legislation to achieve the goals of recent proposals by certain prominent economists to control inflation by providing tax benefits to employers who moderate price increases for their products and employees who moderate wage demands.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
National Educational Opportunities Act of 1980 - States the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) establish a national policy on equal educational opportunities based on the implementation of quality education with equal educational opportunities for all students regardless of race, color, or national origin; (2) provide an experimental mechanism for States and their local educational systems to implement such national policy; (3) support experimental efforts to reduce achievement disparities between racial and socio-economic groups in the schools; and (4) facilitate, where possible, a reduction in the concentration of children from low-income and minority groups in certain schools primarily by means other than busing. Requires a State wishing to receive funds under this Act to submit a desegregation plan and an implementation plan. Sets forth the guidelines and requirements for such implementation plan, including: (1) the creation of a State advisory council and local advisory committees: (2) an intradistrict and interdistrict transfer plan; (3) an intradistrict and interdistrict cooperation plan; and (4) a compensatory education program. Requires such implementation to: (1) be submitted to the Secretary of Education by January 31, 1982; (2) be developed in consultation with local educational agencies and the State advisory council; and (3) define goals consistent with the purpose of this Act and provide for attaining such goals by a date approved by the Secretary, but in no event later than October 1, 1987. Requires the Secretary to provide notice to applicants 30 days before a final selection is made. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981-1985.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Budget Deficit Control Act - Declares it the policy of the Congress to balance the Federal budget annually. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine, during the first quarter of each fiscal year, whether anticipated Federal revenues will cover the level of budget outlays set forth in the concurrent resolution on the budget for such fiscal year. Requires the President, if the Secretary anticipates a deficit, to issue an order sequestering controllable expenditures to effect a pro rata reduction which would balance the budget. Renders such orders effective within 15 days, unless revised or abrogated by the Congress. Sets forth expedited procedures for congressional review of such orders. Authorizes the Congress, on its own motion or upon request of the President, to suspend the operation of an order which has taken effect.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1980
Authorizes the President to present, in the name of the Congress, specially struck gold medals to Eric Heiden and the American Hockey Team for their victories at the 1980 winter Olympics. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and furnish bronze duplicates of such medals to the United States Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation extending best wishes and expressing appreciation to Carl Vinson for his devotion to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the Federal Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Provides for the appointment of members of the Commission by the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Sets forth provisions governing the organization and compensation of the Commission and its staff. Empowers the Commission to establish advisory councils and committees as it deems appropriate without regard to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Sets forth the powers of the Commission enabling it to gather information free from subsequent review or comment by any Federal agency. Directs the Commission to submit its final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a standing Committee on Energy to investigate and report on: (1) national energy policy generally; (2) measures relating to the production, supply, marketing, pricing, regulation, or conservation of energy resources, except on the public lands; (3) the transmission and marketing of all electrical energy, except by or through federally chartered regional or national power authorities and for rural electrification; and (4) all interstate energy compacts, except on the public lands. Specifies that such committee shall have the same jurisdiction with respect to regulation of nuclear facilities and use of nuclear energy as it has with respect to regulation of nonnuclear facilities and of use of nonnuclear energy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Fusion Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish research, development, and demonstration programs involving magnetic fusion energy systems to: (1) construct and operate a fusion engineering test facility by 1986; (2) construct and operate a magnetic fusion demonstration facility before the end of this century; (3) maintain and expand the base programs for fusion energy research and the development and testing of appropriate alternative confinement technologies; (4) maintain a strong research and development program in advanced fusion fuels; and (5) ensure an uninterrupted source of scientific and engineering talent from institutions of higher learning to support such effort. Requires such programs to include a study of the potential of using fusion energy for the production of synthetic fuels and the electrification of ground transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information promoting the practical uses of fusion energy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation honoring the memory of Walt Disney on the 25th anniversary of his contribution to the American dream.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standard currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. Stipulates that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the Chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board: (1) to provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; (2) provide the claimant with an opportunity for a hearing; and (3) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreements with respect to a material issue in a veterans' appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimants' right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusivity of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of procedural rights and procedures. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternate claims resolution methods, one a new intermediate-level adjudication process, the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Title II: Veterans' Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States, with regard to jurisdiction: (1) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (2) that in cases not directly involving a claim for benefits a civil action otherwise authorized by law shall not be precluded; (3) the definition of final decision; (4) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans; (5) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; and (6) that the court render a decision on the pleadings. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, such court may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits' awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before court, as provided for under this Act. Stipulates that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. Establishes procedures for the review of the VA's or a court's approval of attorneys' fees. States that in the case of a benefits claim resolved before the VA, either the claimant or the attorney may challenge the award in the Federal district court in which the claimant resides or has his principal place of business within 30 days after notice of the attorneys' award. States that in the case of such a claim resolved in court, either the claimant or the attorney may challenge the award in such court within 30 days after such award. Provides that all parties be given notice. Stipulates that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - States that this Act shall become effective 180 days after enactment. Permits review of Board of Veterans' Appeals rendered on or after January 1, 1977, and prior to the effective date of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Danielson, George E. [D-CA-30]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000043_200.jpg)