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824 records where Rep. Dougherty, Charles F. [R-PA-4] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980
Proclaims October 19, 1981, a national day of celebration as the two hundredth anniversary of the victory of General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1980
Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to limit the President's authority to impose import fees on petroleum or petroleum products to periods of: (1) congressionally declared war; (2) a national emergency declared under the National Emergencies Act; (3) a national emergency created by an attack on the United States; (4) U.S. Armed Forces involvement in hostilities pursuant to specific statutory authorization; and (5) U.S. Armed Forces involvement in hostilities under circumstances which require a report by the President to Congress pursuant to the War Powers Resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1980
Authorizes the President to impose a $25,000,000 fine against the Iranian government for each day after a date designated by the President that U.S. citizens continue to be held hostage. Authorizes the President to collect such fine from the Iranian assets blocked by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
American Sovereignty Protection Act - Amends the Alien Enemies Act to include within the definition of a predatory act against the United States: (1) the seizure of a diplomatic mission; or (2) the seizure of such premises together with the taking of diplomatic hostages.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should increase the power of the transmitters and improve the quality and quantity of foreign language programs of the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Liberty; and (2) research should be undertaken to speed progress in the area of international mass communication media.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1980
Expresses the opposition of the House of Representatives to the action by the President imposing a fee on the importation of crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Amends the Copyright Act of 1976 to permit without infringement of copyright: (1) the performance or display of a copyrighted work by instructors or pupils in the course of face-to- face teaching activities of any educational institution (previously only nonprofit educational institutions); and (2) the performance of a nondramatic literary or musical work by a nonprofit veterans' or fraternal organization if the profits are used exclusively for education, religious, or charitable purposes and not for private financial gain.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Designates the week beginning February 1, 1981, as "National Scleroderma Week."
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1980
Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to prohibit the President from taking action, pursuant to the President's authority to adjust the imports of articles which threaten national security, to impose import fees on petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States without specific authorization from Congress, effective March 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the residential energy credit for energy conservation expenditures with respect to residences substantially completed after April 19, 1977, if such expenditures are for energy conservation items which are not required by Federal, State, or local housing standards.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate May 1, 1980, as "National Save the Children Day."
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Designates the week commencing with the third Monday in February of 1981 as "National Patriotism Week."
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the 1980 automatic cost-of-living increase in social security benefits should be allowed to occur as scheduled in accordance with the recommendations of the President.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in such a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer at such station. Sets forth the requirements for such an offer. Makes it unlawful for a refiner to: (1) exceed specified annual sales limitations in any State (requires the Federal Trade Commission to determine specified limitation formulas); and (2) sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices (except for price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery differences). Stipulates that a refiner shall: (1) be in violation of this Act if such refiner withholds available motor fuel from a purchaser and then resells such fuel at a lower price to refiner-operated stations; and (2) not be prevented from charging a uniform surcharge in connection with a sale of motor fuel as consideration for the purchaser's use of a refiner's trademark or other such identifying symbol. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within three months of enactment to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of: (1) gallons of motor fuel sold, consigned, or distributed in each State during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel sold to its stations in each State during the preceding year; and (3) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Requires persons owning 50 or more motor fuel stations in the United States to report specified information to the Commission. Sets forth fines for violation of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought against violators of the requirements of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell commemorative medals honoring Maggie Lena Walker's contributions to the banking industry of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Small Business Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Small Business Innovation - Amends the Small Business Act to require the head of each Federal agency which obligates over $100,000,000 for research and development in a fiscal year to: (1) expend at least one percent of the amount spent on research and development during the next year for a small business innovation program; (2) solicit research and development proposals from small businesses during the next year; and (3) promote the use of small businesses to conduct research and development. Requires the head of each Federal agency to increase the amount of funds obligated for the conduct of research and development by small businesses by one percent each year until the amount obligated to small businesses in a fiscal year equals at least ten percent of the total amount obligated by such agency for research and development. States that it is an objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions. Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances, including when necessary to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization, including provisions: (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization, other than small business firms, from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education. Provides that the first commercial use with respect to a product of the invention shall not end the exclusive period to different subsequent products covered by the invention. Requires the head of a Federal agency to approve provisions of a funding agreement which require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor. Sets forth terms and conditions under which such approval may be granted. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assignees to grant licenses in order to: (1) achieve practical applications of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacturing of an invention. Entitles the government to 15 percent of all net income in excess of $70,000 gross income received by a contractor after a patent application is filed on a subject invention. Provides that if a contractor receives a gross income of $1,000,000, the government shall be entitled to a share of the excess of $1,000,000 that shall be negotiated but not to exceed five percent of such excess. Limits the government share of any excesses to its contributions under the funding agreement. Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to revise the government entitlements in light of changes to the Consumer Price Index or other indices at least every three years. Declares such government entitlements applicable to subject inventions upon which United States patents are granted and in effect. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign-owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States where commercially feasible. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, granting licenses, and transferring custody of patents. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions. Title II: Depreciation Acceleration; Repeal of Used Property Limitation in Investment Tax Credit; Corporate Income Tax Rate Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Repeals the $100,000 limitation on the amount of used property which is eligible for an investment tax credit. Reduces the tax rates applicable to corporate income. Repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property"s basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent. Title III: Tax Incentives for Small Business Capital Formation - Provides for the nonrecognition of gain on the sale or exchange of an equity interest in a small business which is reinvested in another small business within two years. Defines a "small business" as any business entity in which the aggregate equity interests do not exceed $25,000,000. Allows a tax credit for proceeds received from small business debentures which have a fixed maturity and grant no conversion or voting rights. Limits the amount of such credit to $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return). Disallows such credit if the issuing small business has $1,000,000 of such debentures outstanding or has a class of securities subject to regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats amounts paid on such debentures which represent a share of the issuer's earnings as long-term capital gain. Treats losses on such debentures as an ordinary loss. Requires distributions on such debentures, which represent either interest or a share of earnings, to be treated as interest. Title IV: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Amends title II of the Small Business Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this title: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this title applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this title six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in this title. Title V: Small Business Regulatory Flexibility - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small businesses and small organizations. Permits Federal agencies to modify the definition of "small business", if appropriate, after notice and opportunity for hearing. Defines "small organizations" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops enterprises which are not dominant in their fields, and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule, not in conflict with the definition of "small business." Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any proposed rule affecting a substantial number of small businesses and organizations which considers: (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standard for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking, which substantially affects such enterprises, unless otherwise provided. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating or modifying those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this title in conjunction with any other analysis required by law. Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this title. Title VI: Sunset Provisions - Requires the Congressional Budget Office in conjunction with the congressional committees having jurisdiction over each Government program, within one year after enactment of this Act, to set forth a timely review of all Government programs. Terminates any program which has not been reviewed within three years after enactment of this Act unless both Houses of Congress vote to continue such programs pending completion of a review. Requires that each review: (1) identify the need for the program; (2) identify conflicting or duplicative programs; (3) assess the program's effectiveness and cost; and (4) assess the impact of the program on the national economy.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Designates July 18, 1980, as "National P.O.W.-M.I.A. Recognition Day."
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit the direct or indirect restriction by any person engaged in commerce on the use of credit instruments in any transaction concerning the sale, resale, or transfer of gasohol or other synthetic motor fuel, where there is no similar restriction on transactions concerning conventional motor fuel. Prohibits any other conditions, restriction, agreement, or understanding which otherwise discriminates against or unreasonably limits the sale, resale, or transfer of gasohol or other synthetic motor fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Appropriates additional funds for fiscal year 1981 for the National Institutes of Health to carry out lupus erythematosus research.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Pollution Control Capital Recovery Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from five to three years the amortization period for pollution control equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that illegal aliens should be excluded from the total population of States as determined in the decennial census for the purpose of apportioning Representatives in Congress among the States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Designates the week beginning March 8, 1981, as "Women's History Week."
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Energy should not promulgate any Federal emergency energy conservation plan which would harm recreational boating.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Research Revitalization Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer engaged in a trade or business an income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the cash contributions made by such taxpayer to a reserve fund established to finance research or experimentation related to the taxpayer's business. 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 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. Prescribes tax penalties for the use of funds from the research reserve for purposes other than research and experimentation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Attorney General to correct the birthdates on naturalization certificates of individuals admitted as immigrants between December 22, 1945, and November 1, 1954, if such original misrepresentation was predicated upon a fear of persecution if repatriated rather than to evade the existing immigration quotas.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate September 8 of each year as "National Cancer Day."
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1980
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1980 - Authorizes States with approved unemployment compensation laws with extended compensation provisions to enter into and participate in (and to terminate upon 30 days' written notice) agreements with the Secretary of Labor that State agencies will make emergency compensation payments. Declares eligible for such payments individuals who have exhausted all rights to regular or extended State compensation, who have no rights to State or Federal compensation, and who are not receiving Canadian compensation for any week of unemployment which begins in an emergency benefit period and the individual's eligibility period or begins in an individual's additional eligibility period. Prohibits such payments for any week of unemployment which begins more than two years after the end of the benefit year for which the individual exhausted regular compensation rights. Declares that an emergency benefit period shall: (1) begin with the third week after a week for which there is a State "emergency on" indicator (when the rate of insured unemployment in such State for such week and the immediately preceding 12 weeks equaled or exceeded five percent); and (2) end with the third week after the first week for which there is a State "emergency off" indicator (when the rate of insured unemployment in such State for such week and the immediately preceding 12 weeks is less than five percent). Requires that, in the case of any State, no emergency benefit period shall last for a period of less than 13 consecutive weeks. Requires that the amount of emergency compensation payable to any individual for any week of total unemployment be equal to the regular compensation payable during the benefit year under State law. Requires that, under such agreements, States establish an emergency compensation account for each eligible applicant, in an amount equal to the lesser of 50 percent of the total amount of regular compensation payable to such applicant's most recent benefit year or 13 times the average weekly benefit amount for such year. Requires that each State which has entered into such agreement be paid an amount equal to 100 percent of the emergency compensation paid to individuals by the State pursuant to such agreement. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make such payments to each State in sums certified by the Secretary of Labor. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act. Provides penalties for individuals involved in misrepresentation with regard to such emergency payments. Authorizes States to require individuals to repay amounts of emergency compensation to which they were not entitled, and to waive such repayments in cases where the individual was without fault and where repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience. Authorizes States to deduct such amounts to be repaid from various types of unemployment compensation payable to such individual and administered by State agencies. Limits any single deduction to no more than 50 percent of the weekly benefit amount from which such deduction is made. Requires notice and opportunity for a fair hearing for an individual, and an appropriate review, before such deductions are made.
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 · 12 February 1980
United States Olympic Development Fund Checkoff Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns that either $1 of any tax refund or $1 of any contribution which the taxpayer forwards with his tax return shall be payable to the United States Olympic Development Fund. Establishes the United States Olympic Development Fund under the auspices of the Secretary of the Treasury for the receipt of tax contributions and payments to the United States Olympic Development Fund. Directs the United States Olympic Committee to use such funds for a program to expand and improve amateur athletics in the United States. Requires reports on the expenditure of such funds to be submitted by the United States Olympic Committee and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1980
Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles, unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency establishes separate inspection and testing of each new motor vehicle before the vehicle is sold by the manufacturer.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1980
Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1980
Northeast Corridor Completion Act of 1980 - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to extend the time period within which (1) regularly scheduled and dependable intercity rail passenger service is to be established between Boston and New York and New York and Washington, D.C.; and (2) the National Railroad Passenger Corporation must submit to the President and to Congress an updated, comprehensive report on the financial and operating results of such service. Increases the amount authorized to be appropriated to effectuate the establishment of such service. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire any real property which the Secretary deems necessary to effectuate such service. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with cost-sharing parties to permit the Secretary to incur obligations to carry out improvements in anticipation of reimbursement from such parties. Permits the Secretary to transfer to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation excess real or personal property from the Northeast Corridor Improvement Project. Establishes a goal of self-sufficiency for such intercity passenger service within five years of the completion of such Project. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to authorize the Secretary to establish a working capital fund for financing the activities of the Transportation Systems Center, including research and analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Small Business Equal Access to Justice Act - Title I: Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy - Amends title II of the Small Business Investment Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Title II: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this Act: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this Act six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to deny access by all Soviet vessels to all U. S. ports, until Soviet troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan.
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 · 30 January 1980
Expresses appreciation to Canada for: (1) its historic close relations and cooperation with the United States in conducting foreign policy; (2) its support for U.S. efforts to obtain the safe release of the hostages in Iran; and (3) its efforts to protect and arrange the safe departure of certain U.S. citizens from Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Urges the President to: (1) notify the Soviet Union that the United States will terminate the Agreement on Maritime Matters, unless Soviet troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan; and (2) refuse the Soviets permission to enter U.S. ports, until such troops are withdrawn.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Establishes the Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area, in the States of California and Nevada, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of this Act and, in the case of national forest land within such scenic area, in accordance with the laws applicable to the national forests. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan which shall contain such standards and describe such programs as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires the Secretary, before adopting any such plan, to: (1) publish a proposed plan which shall be available to the public; and (2) hold at least two public hearings within the scenic area regarding the proposed plan. Directs the Secretary to adopt, within two years after the date of enactment of this Act, a final "Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area Plan". Directs the Secretary, as soon as possible after the date of enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations which distinguish between the types of activities which shall be deemed to have a potentially significant impact on the scenic area and those activities which do not. Requires any State or local governmental entity which has authority to issue any permit, variance, license, or other type of approval for any activity which is deemed to have a potentially significant impact on the scenic area to provide prompt notice to the Secretary of any determination made by such entity to: (1) approve an application; or (2) carry out such activity (in the case of activities conducted directly or indirectly by the State or local government). Prohibits any such permit, variance, license, or other type of approval from becoming effective unless, within a 60 day period after such entity has submitted notice to the Secretary, the Secretary has issued a written approval of the activity. Allows any permit, variance, license, or other type of approval for an activity which is deemed not to have a potentially significant impact on the scenic area to become effective 10 days after approval is made, unless, during such time, any interested party submits a written petition to the Secretary appealing the approval. Sets forth specified actions that the Secretary shall take to ensure that certain Federal funds and permits are not made available to any State or local governmental entity having jurisdiction within the scenic area if the Secretary determines that such governmental entity has failed to: (1) establish regulations or laws consistent with the standards specified in the plan within one year after any such standards have been adopted by the Secretary; (2) interpret such regulations or laws in a manner consistent with the plan; or (3) notify the Secretary of applications for building or sewer permits or zoning variances within the scenic area. Allows the Secretary to charge user fees for use of the scenic area. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area fund which shall be available to the Secretary for the purpose of implementing this Act. Permits the Secretary to acquire by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, exchange, condemnation, or otherwise any property, or interest therein, within the scenic area. Limits acquisition by condemnation to specified conditions. Allows the Secretary to establish a Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area Advisory Commission to insure public participation in the preparation and implementation of the plan. Declares that nothing contained in this Act shall effect any right of the States of California or Nevada, or any political subdivisions thereof, to: (1) exercise civil or criminal jurisdiction within the scenic area; (2) levy taxes on any persons or property within the scenic area; or (3) adopt and enforce any standards or requirements for the protection of scenic resources or environmental quality within the scenic area. Provides for the mitigation of local revenue losses due to an increase in property taxes on properties remaining in private ownership within the scenic area. Provides for judicial review of any final action or order of the Secretary under this Act. Repeals the Act consenting to the Tahoe regional planning compact approved December 18, 1969, effective upon the date of the adoption of the plan by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that athletic games should be held in the United States for U.S. and foreign athletes, if the United States does not participate in the 1980 summer Olympic games.
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 · 24 January 1980
Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to prohibit "special activity" (as defined by this Act) abroad unless the President determines such activity to be important to national security, and reports to the House and Senate select intelligence committees regarding such activity. Stipulates that such prohibition shall not apply to operations pursuant to a declaration of war, or under authority of the War Powers Resolution. Repeals a provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 requiring the President to report to the appropriate Congressional committees regarding expenditures for Central Intelligence Agency operations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Individual Investors' Incentive Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to ten percent of the cost of corporate securities purchased by such taxpayer during the taxable year. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $1,000 ($2,000 for married individuals filing jointly). Requires the recapture of specified amounts of such credit if any securities for which the credit is allowed are disposed of by the taxpayer within one year of their purchase. Disqualifies estates, trusts, and nonresident aliens from eligibility for the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should release Andrei Sakharov from internal exile immediately. Urges the President, through the Secretary of State to: (1) express U.S. opposition to Sakharov's exile; (2) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will take into account, in evaluating its reactions with other countries, the extent to which those countries honor their commitments under international law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate April 21 through April 28, 1980, as "Jewish Heritage Week."
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 · 22 January 1980
Authorizes and directs the President to designate April 7 through April 13, 1980, as "National Submarine Week."
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should call upon the International Olympic Committee to relocate the 1980 summer Olympic games outside of the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Transportation Systems Efficiency Act of 1979 - Title I: - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to stipulate that the authorization of funds for public mass transportation projects under such Act shall remain available for obligation for the three fiscal years after the fiscal year for which the authorization was made. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for energy conservation projects on nontoll public roads to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate traffic flow on a Federal-aid system highway. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1990 out of the Public Transportation Trust Fund (as established by title III of this Act) for projects under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 and for public mass transportation projects substituted for Interstate Highway System projects. Title II: - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to apportion funds for the repair of public roads which have incurred a substantial increase in use as a result of transportation activities to meet national energy requirements and which will continue to incur such use. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1990 for such purpose out of the Highway Trust Fund and out of the Energy Trust Fund (as established by H.R. 3919 of the 96th Congress or its equivalent). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to separate rail highway crossings where there is a substantial increase in the use of rail facilities in transporting coal to meet national energy requirements and where the continued use of such facilities will result in substantial delays of highway travel. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for fiscal years 1980 through 1990 out of the Highway Trust Fund and the Energy Trust Fund. Title III: Public Transportation Trust Fund - Establishes within the Treasury of the United States the Public Transportation Trust Fund. Appropriates to such Fund 25 percent of the amounts received by the Treasury pursuant to the windfall profit tax on domestic crude oil. Stipulates that the proceeds of such Fund shall be used for making capital expenditures for public transportation projects or transportation systems projects under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 or under title 23 (Highways) of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Designates February 19, 1980, as "Iwo Jima Commemoration Day."