United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1982
Family Housing Production Act of 1982 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, through the Government National Mortgage Association, to enter into five-year contracts to provide periodic assistance payments on behalf of homeowners to mortgagees and other lenders. Directs the Secretary to give priority to assisting persons who have not owned a home within the last three years. Permits payments to be made only to a mortgagor who satisfies requirements for creditworthiness and has a family income not exceeding 140 percent of the area median income and who: (1) is the original owner of a manufactured home the loan for which is incurred under the National Housing Act; or (2) has a fixed-rate 30-year mortgage which is secured by a home built after enactment of this Act, has no prepayment penalty, and requires increased payments beginning with the second year which shall be applied to the principal obligation until it is paid off. Limits the amount of assistance payments to the difference between the amount of the monthly payment for principal, interest, and loan insurance under the first year of the loan and the amount the monthly payment for principal and interest would be if the interest rate on the loan were: (1) ten percent (12 percent for a manufactured home); or (2) four percentage points less than the rate specified in the loan, whichever rate is higher. Requires that the mortgagor pay at least 25 percent of his or her income toward the monthly loan payment. Declares that manufactured homes shall comprise not more than 20 percent of the units assisted under this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate the amount available to carry out this Act on the basis of the population, decline in housing starts, and unemployment rate in each State relative to all States. Directs the Secretary to recapture the lesser of the amount of assistance provided under this Act or an amount equal to 50 percent of the net appreciation of the property whenever the mortgagor sells the property or rents it for a period exceeding one year. Authorizes the Secretary to insure mortgages assisted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1982
Declares that if Israel or any other democratic state is denied its rights and privileges in the United Nations General Assembly the United States will suspend its participation in the General Assembly and will withhold its contribution to the United Nations until the action is reversed.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1982
Electronic and Computer Technician Vocational Education Incentive Grants Act - Amends the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to establish a program of incentive grants to States for electronic and computer technician training. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make such grants solely for vocational education programs for such training. Prohibits use of any such grant for job placement or for training or employment stipends. Requires States participating in such grants program to commit specified percentages of their basic grants under such Act to such programs. Directs States to consider specified factors in evaluating training program proposals of eligible recipients. Limits Federal funds made available to an eligible recipient for such programs to 25 percent of such recipient's proposed budget for such training. Requires such recipient to: (1) use such funds only for job-related training for a specific electronic or computer technical occupation; (2) obtain at least 25 percent of its projected training budget through financial support of the electronics or computer industry; and (3) obtain at least another 25 percent through non- Federal public vocational education funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and each succeeding fiscal year to carry out such grants program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1982
Prohibits extending foreign military sales, credits, and guarantees to any country in the Middle East which has not declared its willingness to adhere to the Camp David Accords.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1982
States that the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) pursue a complete halt to the nuclear arms race; (2) decide when and how to achieve a mutual and verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and further deployment of nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems; (3) give special attention to destabilizing weapons; and (4) proceeding from this freeze, pursue major, mutual, and verifiable reductions in nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1982
States that the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) pursue a complete halt to the nuclear arms race; (2) decide when and how to achieve a mutual and verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and further deployment of nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems; (3) give special attention to destabilizing weapons; and (4) proceeding from this freeze, pursue major, mutual, and verifiable reductions in nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1982
Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve public utility rate increases for electric energy based on costs of proposed or ongoing construction in regard to: (1) pollution control facilities; or (2) conversion of oil or gas-fired facilities to use of other fuels. Directs the Commission to order rate increases to cover construction costs for facilities other than those above only after an evidentiary proceeding. Sets forth requirements concerning such proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1982
Prohibits the President from: (1) providing any military assistance for El Salvador under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) issuing any letters of offer or guarantees or extending any credits for El Salvador under the Arms Export Control Act; and (3) leasing defense articles and issuing export licenses for defense articles or services for El Salvador under the Arms Export Control Act. Directs the President to order the prompt withdrawal from El Salvador of all U.S. military personnel performing specified functions under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Prohibits a waiver of the requirements of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1982
Occupational Health Hazards Compensation Act of 1982 - Establishes a workers' compensation system for occupational diseases related to exposure to asbestos or uranium ore. Provides for compulsory coverage of all employers and employees under this Act. Provides for compensation for death or for permanent total or permanent partial disability. Sets monetary benefits payable for death or total disability at two-thirds of the employee's average weekly wage over a specified period. Limits the amount of such weekly payments to: (1) no more than twice the national average weekly wage; and (2) no less than half the national average or the employee's actual average weekly wage, whichever is less. Sets forth provisions for survivors' benefits. Sets monetary benefits for payable partial disability at two-thirds the difference between pre- and post- disability earnings. Provides for redeterminations of benefits based on changes in degree of disability. Provides for medical benefits covering all reasonable and necessary expenses for treatment of such diseases. Provides for annual adjustments of maximum benefit limits to reflect increases in the national average weekly wage, but limits such adjustments to no more than a six percent increase in any one year. Provides that employee or survivors' monetary benefits under this Act shall be considered income for purposes of disability and retirement benefits computation under the Social Security Act. Provides that, in cases of medicare beneficiaries, medical benefits under this Act shall be the primary means of payment of medical expenses resulting from the occupational disability. Provides that there shall be no maximum limitation on the total amount of monetary or medical benefits payable under this Act. Makes ineffective any compromise or release of monetary or medical benefits unless approved by the Secretary of Labor ("the Secretary") as in the best interest of the claimant and sufficient for future medical care. Makes ineffective any waiver or release relating to future coverage or compensation under State workers' compensation laws or under this Act which is executed prior to death or onset of disability resulting from exposure to asbestos or uranium ore. Provides that a claimant is eligible for compensation if: (1) the employee was exposed to asbestos or uranium ore in the course of employment; (2) the employee is or was permanently disabled, or died, because of a disease associated with such exposure and arising out of and in the course of employment; and (3) an award of compensation for such disability or death has not been made under a State law or the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act ("Longshore Act"). Provides that, for claims based on exposure to asbestos in the course of employment: (1) mesothelioma of the pleura or peritoneum, asbestiosis, and lung cancer evidencing asbestiotic changes shall be irrebutably presumed to have resulted from such exposure; (2) lung cancer without radiological or histological evidence of asbestotic changes shall be presumed to have resulted from such exposure; and (3) any other causes of disability or death must be determined to have been significantly and substantially contributed to by such exposure. Provides that, for claims based on exposure to urainum ore in the course of employment: (1) lung cancer shall be rebuttably presumed to have resulted from such exposure, if the employee was engaged in mining or processing uranium ore for at least two years; and (2) any other causes of disability or death must be determined to have been significantly and substantially contributed to by such exposure. Sets forth procedures for making claims. Requires that a notice be given to the employer and the Office of Workmens' Compensation Programs in the Department of Labor within one year after the date of onset of disability or the death, with specified exceptions. Requires that claims be filed with the Office within two years after such date, with specified exceptions. Declares that there is no limitation on filing of claims based on length of time since the employee was last employed or last exposed to asbestos or uranium ore. Sets forth procedures for adjudication of claims. Directs the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs to ascertain whether the employer named in the claim notice is a responsible employer. Directs the Office, upon determination that no employer is a responsible employer, to: (1) notify the State insurance commissioner of the State where the employer named in the claim notice resides or has a principal place of business; and (2) upon determination of the claimant's eligibility, assign responsibility to the appropriate compensation excess liability fund in such State. Requires that the State insurance commissioner be given opportunity for a hearing to present evidence on any determination that there is no responsible employer. Directs the Office to order hearings by an administrative law judge on any claim investigation upon application of the claimant, the responsible employer, or the responsible employer's insurance carrier, before issuing an order awarding or denying compensation. Provides for appeals of Office awards or denials of compensation to the Benefits Review Board established under the Longshore Act (which provides for review of Board orders by U.S. courts of appeals). Makes compensation under this Act the exclusive remedy for asbestos or uranium ore claimants against the employer, the employer's insurance carrier, and any collective-bargaining agent of the employer's employees (and any employee, officer, director, or agent of such parties). Provides that, for asbestos liability actions brought against any third party, other than the above parties, prior to the effective date of this Act, any recovery in such actions after the effective date of this Act shall be reduced by the amount of the compensation awarded and the present value of all future compensation payable under this Act. Prohibits: (1) employer or employer insurance carrier liens upon judgments in such actions; and (2) monetary damage suits brought by liable third parties against immune parties. Provides that, after the effective date of this Act, compensation under this Act will be the exclusive remedy of asbestos claimants not only against the parties previously described but also against any manufacturer or importer of asbestos or products containing asbestos (if such manufacturers or importers participate in the Asbestos Compensation Excess Fund). Makes every employer responsible for payment of compensation which may be payable under this Act. Requires each employer to secure such payment by: (1) insuring such payment with an insurer who is authorized by State and Federal law and by the Secretary of Labor; or (2) furnishing proof of its ability to pay such compensation directly and being authorized to do so by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) set specified conditions for employer self-insurers; and (2) suspend or revoke qualified carrier authorizations for good cause shown after a hearing. Requires employers to post notices relating to such secured compensation. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring employers' carriers to discharge employer duties and obligations. Sets forth requirements for insurance contracts or policies issued under authority of this Act. Sets civil penalties for employers who have not secured compensation payment. Sets forth provisions for assignment of liability for payment. Assigns asbestos compensation payment liability to: (1) the employer who last employed the employee, unless such employer can prove that it did not expose the employee for two years or more or that the exposure was only casual and sporadic; or (2) (if the last employer sustains such burden of proof) the Asbestos Compensation Excess Liability Fund. Assigns uranium ore compensation payment liability to: (1) the last employer, unless it can prove that it did not employ the employee in uranium ore mining or processing, that it did not expose the employee for two years or more, or that the exposure was casual and sporadic; or (2) (if the last employer sustains such burden of proof) the Uranium Ore Compensation Excess Liability Fund. Establishes the Asbestos Compensation Excess Liability Fund ("Asbestos Fund") and the Uranium Ore Compensation Excess Liability Fund ("Uranium Ore Fund") to pay all compensation benefits awarded where no employer responsible for such benefits has been identified or determined under this Act. Directs the Secretary to determine yearly amounts of contributions to be made to both Funds and to make State allocations in consultation with the State insurance commissioners. Directs the Secretary to provide for the collection of contributions to the Asbestos Fund as follows: (1) 50 percent from manufacturers and importers of asbestos and of products of which asbestos is a significant constituent element; (2) 30 percent from manufacturers and importers of products containing asbestos but not as a significant constituent element; and (3) 20 percent from employers who expose employees to asbestos in the course of employment. Provides that no manufacturer or importer of asbestos or products containing asbestos shall enjoy the limitations of third party liability under this Act: (1) for any period during which it has not paid a due contribution to the Fund; or (2) if it does not participate in the Fund. Bases manufacturers' and importers' contributions on their sales of asbestos and asbestos-containing products during the previous 15 years or, if the Secretary determines that this does not reflect overall market share, during any 15-year period since January 1, 1940. Directs the Secretary to hold the sums collected for the Asbestos Fund and disburse to the State insurance commissioners, for deposit in the Asbestos Fund established in each State, such sums as may be necessary to meet the anticipated obligations of each State Asbestos fund. Requires that such deposits be in accordance with the yearly allocation formula, but authorizes the Secretary to change the ratio of deposits among the states to meet the actual needs of each State Asbestos Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to bring civil actions and to assess civil penalties against manufacturers or importers who fail or refuse to pay assessed contributions to the Asbestos Fund. Makes successor operators of entities acquired on or after January 1, 1940, liable for Asbestos Fund contributions which would have been payable by prior operators. Treats successor or parent corporations as responsible for Asbestos Fund contributions when manufacturers or importers cease to exist for specified reasons. Directs the State insurance commissioners to collect employers' contributions to the Asbestos Fund as: (1) a surcharge on such employers' workers' compensation insurance, in amounts appropriate for the size and category of the employer's enterprise; and (2) an equivalent fraction of the applicable payroll of self-insured employers. Requires, if Asbestos Fund or Uranium Ore Fund assessments or collections in any year are in excess of liabilities, that contributions for the following year be adjusted to reflect the claims experience during the previous year and that assessment reductions be allocated among contributors. Directs State insurance commissioners to collect contributions to the Uranium Ore Fund from employers who expose employees to uranium ore in the course of employment as: (1) a surcharge on the employers' workers' compensation insurance, in amounts appropriate to the size and category of the employer's enterprise; and (2) as an equivalent fraction of the applicable payroll of self-insured employers. Requires that such contributions be separately aggregated in each State to meet Uranium Ore Fund obligations in each State. Requires that surcharges be added to each contribution to the Asbestos Fund and the Uranium Ore Fund in amounts equal to: (1) ten percent of each contribution, for Federal administrative costs under this Act (with reduction of this surcharge if collections exceed such costs); and (2) one percent of each contribution, for surveillance and medical treatment research of occupationally related diseases. Requires that compensation under this Act be paid: (1) in accordance with State workers' compensation benefit schedules; (2) promptly and directly to the entitled person, without an award, except where liability is controverted by the employer; and (3) in cases of employer controversion, upon issuance of a final compensation order. Requires the employer or employer's insurance carrier to: (1) give specified types of notice upon first payment or upon suspension of payment; and (2) file annual reports detailing monetary and medical benefits paid. Sets civil penalties for failure to file such notices. Directs the Office to: (1) investigate any suspension of payments; and (2) in cases of improper suspension, order the employer to recommence payment and pay all suspended payments plus 20 percent annual interest. Provides for appeals of orders with respect to suspended payments. Provides for 20 percent additional compensation in cases of late payments. Sets forth provisions for representation and witness fees in compensation payment disputes, to be paid by the employer or the employer's insurance carrier to the claimant's representative. Sets criminal penalties for: (1) receiving any unapproved consideration or gratuity for representative services; or (2) soliciting employment as a representative in such disputes. Sets forth prohibitions and civil penalties against discrimination by any employer, insurance carrier, or other person against any employee because such employee: (1) filed a disability notice or compensation claim under this Act; (2) caused any proceeding under or related to this Act to be instituted or brought a damage suit for occcupational exposure to asbestos or uranium ore; (3) is disabled by such exposure; or (4) was previously employed in the asbestos industry or the uranium mining or milling industry or in any course of employment where there was or may have been exposure to asbestos or uranium ore. Directs the Secretary to investigate allegations by employees of employer discrimination. Provides, at the request of any party, for public hearings before an administrative law judge to present information relating to alleged violations. Directs the Secretary to make findings of fact and to issue appropriate orders. Requires that any employee so discriminated against be restored to employment and be compensated for lost wages and fringe benefits. Makes the employer alone and not the carrier responsible for such penalties and payments. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Secretary, to conduct research into improved means of: (1) surveillance of workers exposed to occupational health hazards; and (2) medical treatment of workers exposed to occupational hazards. Requires that such research and surveillance programs be conducted with funds available under the surcharge established in this Act. Establishes the Occupational Disease Surveillance and Medical Treatment Research Advisory Committees. Requires the Committee to report annually to the Congress, to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) review current medical and scientific studies and reports concerning the incidences of disease associated with employment; (2) report annually to the Secretary on such current research; and (3) upon finding disease incidence 30 percent more than that of the population at large among workers exposed to given toxic substances or physical agents or among a group of workers, recommend that the Secretary prepare legislation for submission to Congress to appropriately amend this Act to cover such diseases and groups of workers. Directs the Secretary, upon receipt of such report, to prepare: (1) an annual report to the Congress describing medical and scientific data on incidences of diseases associated with employment in the United States and the compensation of workers disabled by such diseases; and (2) legislative recommendations to the Congress in accordance and consistent with the recommendations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, including eligibility criteria recommendations. Requires the appropriate committees of the Congress, to which such report is referred, to explain to their respective Houses if they have not reported legislation amending this Act within 90 days after such referral or report. Sets forth separability and effective date provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. representatives at the arms reduction talks to inform the Soviets that: (1) the United States is willing to reduce its total strategic nuclear delivery vehicles and its total MIRVed launchers, ballistic missiles, and ICBM's by specified numbers if the Soviet Union will make corresponding reductions in its strategic force levels; and (2) each country should begin the reductions immediately and that the reductions should be verifiable. States that both countries should agree to a mutual ban on testing and deploying: (1) intercontinental and intermediate range ballistic missiles with new reentry vehicles; and (2) cruise missiles armed with multiple warheads. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should propose to the Soviet Union at the intermediate range nuclear weapons negotiations that: (1) both countries agree to a limit on the number of such weapons; (2) such limit be reduced by 50 percent by 1990 and by an additional 25 percent by 1992; and (3) both countries agree to eliminate all such weapons from Europe by 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1982
Home Recording Act of 1982 - Amends the copyright law to exempt from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who makes a single video recording of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, or a single audio recording of a musical work or sound recording, in his private home solely for the private use of his household. Requires the compulsory licensing of manufacturers and importers of video and audio recording devices and media. Directs the Chairman of the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to establish royalty fees to be paid by such manufacturers and importers. Sets forth a procedure for distributing such fees to the owners of copyright of audiovisual works included in television or radio transmissions or sold to the public on phonorecords. Sets forth penalties for violations of these requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1982
Repeals the joint resolution approving the President's recommendation for a waiver of law pursuant to the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1982
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that no determination that an individual's disability has ceased shall take effect before the month in which the individual is notified of the determination in writing. Extends by three months the period during which disability insurance benefits remain payable after a disability ceases. Permits an individual to elect to continue to receive disability insurance benefits while such individual is appealing a determination that he or she is no longer entitled to such benefits. Provides that if the decision upon such appeal affirms such determination, any disability insurance benefits paid pursuant to such election shall be considered overpayments.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1982
Withdraws certain Federal lands in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota from public use for a period of ten years. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a ten-year permit to the Yellow Thunder Camp community established by the Lakota-Dakota (Sioux) Nation to use such lands as a cultural and religious resource area. Prohibits any lease, permit, or contract with respect to such lands without Yellow Thunder Camp's consent. Requires that the Secretary assure that any land and resource management plan for lands in the Black Hills National Forest: (1) prohibits activities harmful to religious or cultural sites of the Lakota-Dakota Nation; (2) prohibits excavation of archeological resources on such lands without the Lakota-Dakota Nation's consent; and (3) guarantees to the Lakota-Dakota Nation and allied members of other Indian nations the free exercise of their religion on such lands. Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to consult and negotiate with the leaders of the Lakota-Dakota Nation to resolve conflicts with respect to their religious freedom, activities harmful to their religious and cultural sites, and the excavation of archeological resources on such lands. Directs the Secretaries to report to the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate on such consultations and negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1982
Prohibits the production of lethal binary chemical munitions after the enactment of this Act. Defines lethal binary chemical munitions to mean: (1) toxic chemicals intended to injure or kill humans; and (2) devices intended to disseminate such chemicals. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should begin negotiations with the Soviet Union for a mutual, verifiable limitation on chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1982
Fair Trade With Japan Act - Directs the President to limit Japanese imports for one year after the President determines that: (1) Japanese trade barriers unduly burden or are likely to unduly burden U.S. foreign trade or adversely affect or are likely to adversely affect the U.S. economy; or (2) Japanese governmental support of its domestic businesses provide such businesses with an unfair advantage in the Japanese market or harm the competitiveness of U.S. firms in that market. Sets forth a formula linking the limitation on Japanese imports to the value of U.S. exports to Japan. Authorizes the President to increase the amount of permissible Japanese imports. Exempts from this limitation articles manufactured in Japan if at least 35 percent of their value consists of U.S. products. Authorizes the President to rescind the limitation if Japan takes remedial action.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1982
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that graduate and professional students should remain eligible for guaranteed student loans under part B (Federal, State, and Private Programs of Low-Interest Insured Loans to Students in Institutions of Higher Education) of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1982
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should take no action to accelerate the decontrol of wellhead natural gas prices.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the executive branch should begin to coordinate and improve its projections and analysis of world population, resources, and environmental trends as outlined in the Global 2000 study.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1982
Technology Education Act of 1982 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase for one year the maximum allowable charitable contribution income tax deduction for corporations which donate computers during 1983 to primary and secondary schools. Increases the income tax deduction from 10 to 30 percent of a corporation's taxable income.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1982
High Technology Trade Act of 1982 - Directs the President to negotiate with foreign governments and instrumentalities to obtain substantially equivalent competitive opportunities through maximum openness of trade and investment. Requires such negotiations to include, to the maximum extent possible, the major developed countries and the newly industrialized countries. Authorizes the President to enter into bilateral and multilateral agreements to achieve the objectives of this Act, including commitments to monitor compliance. Sets forth commitments included in providing substantially equivalent competitive opportunities through maximum openness of trade and investment. Authorizes the President, in order to carry out an agreement under this Act, to proclaim tariff changes and to use procedures contained in the Trade Act of 1974 if changes in U.S. law are required. Authorizes the President to enter into an agreement under this Act even if the President determines that U.S. firms would not promptly receive substantially competitive trade and/or investment opportunities. Makes such an agreement subject to specified conditions. Requires the President to report to Congress on whether the major developed countries and the newly industrialized countries have taken sufficient actions to provide substantially equivalent competitive opportunities for U.S. high technology exports and investments. Provides for consultations if such actions have not been taken. Authorizes the President to establish substantially equivalent competitive opportunities if consultations do not establish such opportunities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on: (1) the extent to which any major developed country or advanced developing country utilizes industrial policies or measures that distort international trade and that have significant adverse effects on the U.S. high technology industry; and (2) the measures the United States is taking to remedy such adverse effects. Sets forth material to be analyzed in such report. Directs the President to take whatever steps are necessary to eliminate foreign industrial policies which: (1) significantly distort international trade or investment to the detriment of any U.S. high technology industry; and (2) may result in sales of articles at less than fair value in the U.S. market or subsidization of imports and cause material injury to any U.S. high technology industry. Authorizes the President to negotiate agreements providing for the expansion of product categories or to take unilateral action to prevent the distorting effects of restrictions at one level of trade on the trade patterns at another level. Directs the Secretary to analyze high technology trade and investment patterns, to evaluate the equivalency of competitive opportunities, and to further the objectives of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President on such analysis. Directs the President to report annually to Congress on the measures contained in the Secretary's report that the President considers to be a violation of international agreements or which are otherwise unjustifiable and a burden on U.S. commerce. Directs the Secretary and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to establish a High Technology Industry Advisory Committee. Requires the USTR and the Secretary to consult with the Committee on negotiating positions, concluding agreements, imposing restrictions under this Act, and monitoring the results of any such agreement or restriction. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to add to the actions the President may take to enforce U.S. trade rights and respond to foreign trade practices. Authorizes the President to impose restrictions on direct investment by foreigners in the United States and on access by foreigners to joint research and development activities in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1982
Ocean and Coastal Resources Management and Development Block Grant Act - Establishes within the Treasury an Ocean and Coastal Resources Management and Development Fund. Limits the total amount payable into the Fund during any fiscal year. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to use specified portions of such funds to: (1) carry out the National Sea Grant College Program; and (2) provide national ocean and coastal resources management and development block grants to each coastal State. Requires such States to report specified information to the Secretary before receiving such grants. Sets forth the formula by which the Secretary shall determine the amount of such grants. Restricts the use of such grants to specified activities. Requires States receiving such grants to submit to the Secretary an assessment of the expenditure of such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1982
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1982 - Amends the Clean Air Act ("the Act") to revise stationary source, mobile source, and other provisions of the Act. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources - Fine and Inhalable Particulates - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue air quality criteria and information for inhalable particulates (less than 10 to 15 microns in diameter) within one year of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to propose and promulgate a national primary ambient air quality standard ("a primary NAAQS") for inhalable particulates, unless there is no significant evidence that this is requisite to protect public health. Directs the Administrator to determine whether or not fine particulates (less than 3 microns in diameter) should be listed among those air pollutants for which the issuance of air quality criteria is planned. Provides that State implementation plan (SIP) provisions which related to a prior NAAQS and were in effect immediately before the revision or elimination of such NAAQS shall remain in effect until the Administrator determines that an SIP revision has been implemented which takes account of such NAAQS change. Hazardous Air Pollutants - Revises provisions for national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs). Directs the Administrator to determine, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, whether or not each of 37 substances (listed in a specified publication of congressional oversight hearings) is a hazardous air pollutant. Requires that each of the 37 substances be included on the NESHAPs list (of substances for which NESHAPs are to be established), unless the Administrator has determined that any of the 37 substances is not a hazardous air pollutant. Requires that the NESHAPs listing determinations for these 37 substances be made within one year of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator, in the case of substances other than those 37 substances, to make determinations within 180 days after receipt of information which indicates that a substance may be a hazardous air pollutant, after notice and opportunity for public hearing. Permits (currently, the Administrator is required) the Administrator to make a new determination in the case of any substance which the Administrator has previously determined not to be a hazardous air pollutant. Requires that any substance which the Administrator determines to be a hazardous air pollutant be included on the NESHAPs list. Directs the Administrator to publish a list of each category of stationary sources which emit in any significant amounts any hazardous air pollutant included on the NESHAPs list. Requires that specified categories be included in the source categories list, and that such list be published 15 months after enactment of this Act for certain categories and 18 months after such enactment for other categories. Directs the Administrator to publish a revised source categories list within one year after any revision in the NESHAPs list. Authorizes the Administrator to revise the source categories list at such other times as may be necessary. Directs the Administrator to publish proposed emission standards for new stationary sources in each source category listed within 30 months of enactment of this Act for certain categories and within 42 months of such enactment for other categories. Directs the Administrator to promulgate such standards within six months after such publication. Directs the Administrator to revise such standards where appropriate following periodic review. Requires such periodic review to be completed within ten years of the date of promulgation of such standards. Provides that such standards shall apply to each hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list which is emitted in significant amounts from sources in such category. Requires that such emission standards (for new stationary sources in each source category listed for NESHAPs purposes) be established at the more stringent of: (1) the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable through application of the best system of continuous emission reduction which the Administrator determines is available, taking account of costs, health and environmental impacts, and energy requirements; or (2) the most stringent emission limitation achieved in practice by other sources in the same, or a similar, category. Authorizes the Administrator to distinguish among classes, types, and sizes within categories of sources for purposes of establishing such standards. Sets forth a schedule for completion of specified actions required after enactment of this Act: (1) one year for making the NESHAPs listing determination for the 37 substances; (2) 15 months for publishing the source categories list for certain categories, and 18 months for other categories; (3) 30 months for proposing emission standards for certain source categories, and 42 months for other categories; and (4) six months after such proposal for promulgation of such standards. Provides that no time period under such schedule may be delayed or modified by any petition to the Administrator or by any action brought in any court. Declares that completion of such actions according to such schedule is a nondiscretionary duty of the Administrator. Permits citizen suits against the Administrator in cases of failure or refusal to comply with such schedule. Allows such suits to commence ten days after the plaintiff has given notice of the violation to the Administrator. Prohibits any construction of any new source or modification of any existing source of any hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list if such construction or modification will increase (after the application of federally enforceable emission limitations) the emission of such hazardous air pollutant by a significant amount unless such source is required to comply with an emission standard established on a case-by-case basis by the Administrator (or a State, if delegated). Directs the Administrator to establish a standard for each source at the level which provides an ample margin of safety to protect public health from the hazardous air pollutant, unless the Administrator makes and publishes a detailed finding that such a standard is not economically or technologically practicable. Requires, where such a finding is made, that an individual new or modified source case-by-case standard: (1) be established according to the same criteria as source category standards; and (2) be no less stringent than any applicable source category standard. Provides for the delegation to States of the implementation and enforcement of emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for new or modified stationary sources. Directs the Administrator to establish a procedure, similar to that for State implementation plans (SIPs), under which each State shall submit a plan which: (1) establishes emissions standards for each hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list for each existing source to which a NESHAPs emissions standard would apply if such existing source were a new source; and (2) provides for implementation and enforcement of each such standard as expeditiously as practicable, but not later than three years after establishment of such standard. Permits States to consider the remaining useful life of the existing source in applying such a standard. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe or enforce provisions of such plans where a State fails to do so. Makes it unlawful for any owner or operator of any stationary source to operate such source in violation of any applicable standard under these revised NESHAPs provisions. Eliminates that part of the definition of "hazardous air pollutant" which requires that no NAAQS be applicable to such pollutant (but retains consideration of increased mortality or morbidity in such definition). New Source Immunity - Sets forth "new source immunity" provisions establishing a ten-year "grandfather" period beginning with the commencement of construction of any new stationary source or modification of a major stationary source. Provides that, for such period, such sources shall not be required to comply with any emission limitation or standard under the Act which is more stringent than construction or modification permit requirements. Conditions such immunity upon: (1) issuance of a permit, on or after enactment of this Act, under a permit program of an applicable SIP approved by the Administrator; (2) compliance with permit requirements and with all applicable new source performance standards (NSPS); and (3) no subsequent physical change in the source, or change in its method of operation, which increases air pollutant emissions or results in emissions of any air pollutant not previously emitted. Excludes from such immunity any emission limitation or standard imposed on any stationary source with respect to: (1) hazardous air pollutants regulated under NESHAPs provisions; (2) pollutants with no NAAQS in effect at commencement of construction or modification, but for which a primary NAAQS is later promulgated; or (3) any other air pollutant, if the Administrator judges that the public health or welfare may be endangered. Provides that such immunity shall not prevent the imposition of any emission limitation on any individual piece of process equipment not subject to a permit emission limitation based upon the best available control technology (BACT). Acid Rain - Establishes a new program entitled "Interstate Transport and Acid Precursor Reduction." Establishes an "acid deposition region" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator to: (1) study air pollution problems associated with long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Establishes an acid deposition regional target providing for a ten-year phased schedule of reductions to achieve an annual average emission level that is 10,000,000 tons of sulfur dioxide below the 1980 baseline level. Directs the Administrator, within six months, to compute and publish a target and a schedule for each affected State. Permits two or more States to agree to change their share of the sulfur dioxide emissions reduction ("reduction"). Requires that State reduction schedules begin within five years, be substantially complete within eight years, and reach the State target within ten years of enactment of this Act. Sets forth formulas for: (1) State reduction fractions (based on 1980 emissions from electric utility steam generating units); and (2) the 1980 baseline level for the region or any State within the region. Requires States within the region to prepare, publish, and submit to the Administrator, within two years of enactment of this Act, State programs of reduction in accordance with the State schedules. Directs the Administrator to approve State programs, within four months of submission, if such programs: (1) were adopted after public notice, opportunity for hearing, and submission to Governors of the other States in the region; and (2) contain enforceable reduction measures, including emission limitations, monitoring requirements, and compliance schedules. Requires State programs to include enforceable continuous emission reduction measures. Lists some measures that State programs may include. Permits a State or any person subject to State program requirements to substitute a reduction of twice as many units of nitrogen oxide emissions for each unit of required reductions of sulfur dioxide emissions. Provides for an EPA alternative program if a State program: (1) has not been adopted by a State within two years; or (2) has not been approved by the Administrator within two years and four months. Requires, in such cases, that any owner or operator of an electric utility steam generating unit in such State submit, within three years of enactment of this Act, a unit plan and schedule for reductions. Requires unit plans and schedules only from units which: (1) are major stationary sources; (2) are not subject to new source performance standards; and (3) actually emitted, or were permitted to emit, sulfur dioxide during 1980 in excess of a specified rate. Requires that unit plans and schedules provide for a reduction to a specified rate of emissions, according to a phased schedule (beginning within five years, substantially complete within eight years, and finally complete within ten years of the enactment of this Act). Sets forth provisions for approval of unit plans and schedules. Provides that any unit for which a plan has not been submitted and approved must comply with the specified emission limitation within five years of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of purchase and sale of emission reduction credits among stationary sources of sulfur dioxide in five emission reduction credit regions within the acid deposition region. Provides that specified requirements under this Act shall be treated as emission limitation requirements of applicable SIPs. Sets forth procedures for petitions for determination that programs or plans will not meet deadlines and for petitions for review of such determinations or denials. Interstate Air Pollution - Requires that an SIP contain provisions for the establishment of emission limitations to prevent stationary sources within the State from interfering with the ambient air quality of other States. Requires that such SIP provisions conform to the interstate pollution abatement provisions of the Act. Revises interstate pollution abatement provisions to require prior notice to all affected nearby States from each major proposed new (or modified) source which, by itself or in combination with other sources, may interfere with the ambient air quality of another State in a specified manner. Allows any person to petition the Administrator to make a finding that emissions from stationary sources in any State are interfering with the ambient air quality of another State by contributing: (1) concentrations of a pollutant in a nonattainment area; (2) concentrations consuming any part of any maximum allowable concentration or increase over baseline concentrations of a pollutant (under prevention of significant deterioration of air quality (PSD) provisions), in any area which is not a nonattainment area for that pollutant; or (3) to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare in such other State. Allows petitions relating to such interference with another State's air quality also to be submitted to the Administrator prior to approval of a SIP or of a construction or modification permit. Prohibits approval in such cases unless the Administrator determines that such interference will not result. Directs the Administrator, within 60 days of receipt of such petition, to make a finding or denial. Directs the Administrator, if such finding is made, to: (1) determine the degree to which sources in each State concerned (including the State adversely affect) contribute to the pollution concentration; and (2) require the SIPs concerned to contain emission limitations and compliance schedules for stationary sources in each State which contribute significantly to such concentrations. Requires that such limitations and schedules reduce such concentrations as promptly as practicable and, in the case of nonattainment areas, not later than the required attainment date for the adversely affected State. Requires that SIPs be revised accordingly within four months of the Administrator's order. Sets forth factors to be taken into account in setting interstate emission limitations at an equitable amount of emission reduction by each source. Allows the establishment of alternative emission limitations for existing sources in accordance with a specified policy. Requires, where appropriate, that construction or modification permits contain interstate emissions limitations established by the Administrator. Sets forth factors which may be taken into account in determining the effect of emissions from sources in any State on air pollution concentrations in any other State. New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) - Directs the Administrator to promulgate (or revise) "new source performance standards" (NSPS) for specified categories of stationary sources. Requires that such NSPS promulgation (or revision) be completed by the end of: (1) FY 1982 for one list of source categories; (2) FY 1983 for a second list; and (3) FY 1984 for a third list. Expedited SIP Revision Process - Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove any SIP revision within four months of receipt. Qualifies a SIP revision for a special fast-track review (approval after a 30-day public comment period during which no objections are made) if the revision relates only to one or more of specified items. Prevention of Significant Deterioration - Revises provisions (in Part C of title I of the Act) for Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD). (PSD provisions currently specify allowable short-term and long-term "increments" of emissions of sulfur oxide and particulate matter - regulations for other pollutants are not yet final in areas with cleaner air than that required by NAAQS. Currently the smallest increments are allowed in "class I" areas, which include "statutorily designated" large national parks and wilderness areas, with larger increments in "class II" areas, and the largest increments in "class III" areas.) Repeals the "increment" limitations (specified "maximum allowable increases over baseline concentrations") for class III areas. Eliminates provisions for PSD area redesignations as class III areas. Refers, instead, to redesignation as PSD areas other than class I or II areas. Requires States to consult with local governments prior to a PSD area redesignation. Revises PSD preconstruction requirements to replace references to class III areas with references to PSD areas other than class I or II areas. Allows the permitting authority to determine in its discretion the extent to which continuous air quality monitoring data must be included in air quality analyses for preconstruction review purposes. Applies PSD preconstruction requirements only to increases of 100 tons per year of any air pollutant for which there are NAAQS regulations. Eliminates the requirement that each State provide notice to the Administrator of every action related to the consideration of PSD preconstruction permits. Requires PSD preconstruction permit applications to be made available to the public. Requires PSD preconstruction permit programs to: (1) notify applicants within two months after receipt as to whether or not the application is complete and in what respects an incomplete application should be modified; and (2) issue or deny the permit within seven months after a completed application is received. Authorizes any officer or employee of a permitting agency to communicate and meet with any applicant, prior to submission of an application, to clarify PSD preconstruction permit requirements. Directs the Administrator to establish maximum allowable increases ("increment" requirements) for inhalable particulates in class I and II areas whenever the Administrator promulgates a primary NAAQS for such pollutant. Authorizes the Administrator to determine whether such increment requirements shall be in addition to, or in lieu of, the increment requirements established for sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. Requires that inhalable particulates increment requirements bear the same ratio to the primary NAAQS for fine particulates as the particulate matter increment requirements bear to the primary NAAQS for total suspended particulate matter in effect on December 31, 1981, using the reference method in effect on such day. Visibility - Revises provisions for visibility protection for mandatory class I Federal areas ("statutorily designated" large national parks and wilderness areas, which must not be designated as other than class I). Adds synthetic fuel facilities and surface mining operations to the types of "major stationary sources" covered by the visibility protection regulations (if such sources have the potential to emit 250 tons or more of any pollutant). Authorizes the Administrator to establish the "best available retrofit technology" (BART), for visibility protection program purposes, in terms of a design, equipment, work practice, or operational standard, or combination thereof, where it is not feasible to enforce a numerical emission limitation representing BART. Requires that the EPA regulations for visibility protection in effect on December 31, 1981, remain in force and effect until new or amended regulations are promulgated which meet the requirements of the visibility protection program. Prohibits any stay or other modification of such regulations issued after December 31, 1981, from having any force and effect. Nonattainment Areas; Extension of Attainment Dates - Sets forth new provisions for nonattainment areas for which SIPs are not approved. Directs the Administrator to prohibit the construction or modification of any major stationary source in such area if such construction or modification would result in emissions of any air pollutant: (1) in increased amounts of 100 tons or more per year; (2) for which the primary NAAQS is not attained in such area; and (3) with respect to which SIP provisions meeting requirements for nonattainment areas are not in effect. Authorizes the Administrator to waive such prohibition where the source owner or operator demonstrates that, for such air pollutant: (1) emissions offsets will meet specified requirements; (2) the source will comply with emissions limitations representing the best available control technology (BACT); and (3) all major stationary sources owned or operated by that owner or operator in the State are in (or on a schedule of) compliance with the Act. Provides that the emissions offsets required by such waivers: (1) be contemporaneous emission reductions of that air pollutant from existing stationary sources in the area; (2) be significantly greater, in the aggregate, than the increase (or new emissions) resulting from the construction or modification; and (3) provide a positive net air quality benefit. Sets forth a required baseline for measuring such emission reductions. Sets forth provisions for transfer of alternative emission reductions in nonattainment areas. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations under which such emission reductions may be: (1) sold, exchanged, or otherwise transferred; (2) registered on a public emission reduction credit register; and (3) held ("banked") by the owner for future use by any person for future compliance with nonattainment area provisions. Requires that any such transfer program comply with a specified policy. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Directs the Administrator, not later than March 1, 1983, to: (1) complete a review of all available data relating to the ambient air quality of the various air quality control regions; (2) determine which of such regions, or portions thereof, do not meet a primary NAAQS; and (3) revise the list of nonattainment areas accordingly. Allows six months for SIP revisions required as a result of such inclusions on the nonattainment area list. Authorizes the Administrator, where an SIP meets specified requirements, to extend the 1982 deadline for attainment of primary NAAQS for: (1) up to three years for particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and sulfur dioxide; and (2) up to five years for nitrogen oxide (retains the current five-year extension for carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants, with automobile inspection and maintenance program requirements). Replaces the standard "lowest achievable emission rate" (LAER) with that of "best available control technology" for purposes of nonattainment area construction or modification permit requirements and guidance documents. Adds new definitions for purposes of nonattainment area requirements. Includes the reconstruction of a stationary source as defined by specified regulations in effect on December 31, 1980, in the definition of "new stationary source." Temporary Variances - Revises provisions for temporary emergency variances of any SIP requirement applicable to a stationary source. Permits a State to apply to the Administrator for a variance of up to six months in any one set of circumstances. Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove such application in the same manner as the special fast-track review for SIP revisions. Operations and Maintenace - Requires that SIPs include a program for periodic audits of major stationary sources to insure the proper operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment used to comply with emission limitations. Requires that the results of such audits be available to the public. Sets a deadline, six months after enactment of this Act, for submission of SIP revisions taking account of such requirements. Title II: Provisions Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Emissions Standards for Vehicles and Engines - Sets forth tables of emissions standards for light-duty vehicles and trucks and engines manufactured during and after model year 1983 and for heavy-duty trucks and truck engines manufactured during and after model year 1984, in terms of emissions in grams per mile (gpm) or in grams per brake horsepower-hour (gpbhh) of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and particulate matter (TSP: total suspended particulates). Retains the current (1982 model year) standards for gasoline-fueled light-duty vehicles and engines for model year 1983 and thereafter (0.41 gpm HC; 3.4 gpm CO; and 1.0 gpm NOx). Sets model year 1983 and thereafter standards for diesel-fueled light-duty vehicles and engines (0.41 gpm HC; 3.4 gpm CO; 1.5 gpm NOx, but 1.0 gpm NOx in 1986 and thereafter; and 0.6 gpm TSP--but 0.2 gpm TSP in 1986 and thereafter). Retains the scheduled EPA standards for light-duty trucks and truck engines (HC: 1.7 gpm for 1983 and 0.8 gpm for 1984; CO: 18 gpm for 1983 and 10 gpm for 1984; and NOx: 2.3 gpm for 1983 and 1984). Sets the NOx standard for 1985 and thereafter at 2.3 gpm for 1985 and 1.2 gpm (for light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds) or 1.7 gpm (for light-duty trucks between 6,000 and 8,500 pounds) for 1986 and thereafter. Sets a TSP standard for light-duty trucks of 0.6 for 1983 through 1985 and 2.6 for 1986 and thereafter. Retains the scheduled EPA standards for heavy-duty trucks and truck engines for model year 1984 and thereafter (1.3 gpbhh HC; 15.5 gpbhh CO; and 10.7 gpbhh NOx). Sets the heavy-duty truck NOx standard for 1986 and thereafter at 4.0 gpbhh. Sets a heavy-duty truck TSP standard of 0.25 gpbhh for 1986 and thereafter, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe different standards for emissions of reactive and nonreactive hydrocarbons from any class of vehicles and engines. Requires that any standard for reactive hydrocarbons emissions not permit a greater amount of such emissions than that which the Administrator determines would have been emitted by a light-duty vehicle conforming to model year 1981 standards. Requires that regulations for emissions of particulate matter (TSP) from heavy-duty diesel-fueled trucks and truck engines manufactured during or after model year 1986 contain emissions limits of 0.25 gpbhh unless, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, the Administrator promulgates a final rule establishing a different emissions standard. Extends, to model year 1983, the requirement that EPA regulations for CO, HC, and NOx emissions from classes or categories of heavy-duty vehicles and engines reflect the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable through the application of available technology and taking into consideration cost, noise, energy, and safety factors. Postpones, until model year 1984 (current law requires 1983), a provision that such HC and CO emissions standards require a reduction of at least 90 percent from the average of actually measured emissions from heavy-duty gasoline-fueled vehicles or engines, or any class or category thereof, manufactured during a specified baseline model year, except as otherwise provided in the emission standards tables added by this Act. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations applicable to emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and engines manufactured after model year 1983 for sale in high altitude areas. Prohibits such regulations from requiring percentage reductions or numerical standards more stringent than those applicable to vehicles or engines certified under nonhigh altitude conditions. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Warranties - Requires new motor vehicle and engine manufacturer warranties of the "emission control device or system," meaning a catalytic converter, electronic control units, oxygen sensors, and exhaust recirculation valves. (Currently warranties of the vehicle or engine are required with respect to emission control performance.) Requires manufacturers to provide replacement or replacement costs of such emission control devices or systems of light-duty vehicles under certain circumstances. (Currently such replacement or costs are required with respect to parts, devices, or components designed for emission control.) Useful Life - Requires that EPA regulations provide that the useful life of: (1) light-duty trucks and truck engines be five years or 50,000 miles (the same as for light-duty vehicles and vehicle engines); and (2) heavy-duty vehicles and heavy-duty vehicle engines be a period which the Administrator determines is the actual average life of the vehicle or engine. High Altitude Waiver - Authorizes the Administrator to waive a requirement that all light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured during or after model year 1984 comply with emission standards regardless of the altitude at which they are sold. Permits such waiver through model year 1985 for not more than 15 percent of the numbers of vehicles and of engines of a model year manufactured by a manufacturer for sale in high altitude areas, if the manufacturer demonstrates that such marketing would otherwise be prevented by the requirement's effect on cost, driveability, and fuel economy at high altitudes. Directs the Administrator to prescribe emissions standards for vehicles and engines granted such waiver which require a percentage of reduction in emissions at least equal to that otherwise required for the model year involved. Effective Date - Makes the amendments made by this title applicable to vehicles and engines manufactured during or after model year 1983, except as otherwise provided. Title III: Other Amendments - Administrative Procedures - Provides that no rule, regulation, guideline, policy statement, or other action of the Administrator in effect on the date of enactment of this Act may be altered in any manner except: (1) in accordance with specified administrative procedures; (2) as may be otherwise required pursuant to a court order; or (3) for those aspects of a rule or regulation which are invalidated by this Act. Visibility Study - Directs the Administrator, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Interior, to study means to objectively quantify visibility impairment and its causes. Specifies items to be included in such study. Directs the Administrator within two years of enactment of this Act to report study results and recommend a uniform procedure for visibility quality trend monitoring and reduction measurement. Diesel Study - Directs the Administrator, within six months of the enactment of this Act and in consultation with specified Federal agencies, to develop and implement a program to monitor and document the relationship between health effects and the introduction of diesel automobiles into the domestic fleet. Requires that the program be made in appropriate regions or areas to determine any different results. Requires that the results of such program be reported to the appropriate congressional committees as soon as practicable. Methanol Study - Directs the Administrator to: (1) accelerate ongoing studies of performance of methanol and other low-emission fueled vehicles; (2) evaluate and monitor ongoing experiments by other entities; (3) assess the cost effectiveness of such alternatives to gasoline; and (4) determine emission characteristics in methanol and other low-emission fueled engines. Directs the Administrator, if such study results are favorable, to develop a policy to encourage conversion of commercial and governmental vehicle fleets to low-emission fuels. Synfuels and Health Effects - Directs the Administrator, in consultation with specified Federal agencies, to study the adverse health effects associated with the development of a full-scale synthetic fuels industry. Indoor Air Pollution - Directs the Administrator, within one year of the enactment of this Act, to report to Congress on indoor air pollution. Requires: (1) inclusion of specified items; (2) utilization of certain findings and studies; (3) consultation with specified Federal agencies; and (4) accompaniment by recommendations for indoor air pollution control. Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1982 through FY 1986. Provides for sums necessary for: (1) the Administrator and the States to effectively carry out the Act's provisions, including training of State and local personnel, enforcement, abatement, and control, consideration of SIPs and revisions, and audits; and (2) sufficient funding for personnel for the Administrator to carry out the Act, particularly its regulatory functions, without undue reliance on contractors. Requires that such authorization not be less than the appropriations authorized in fiscal year 1981 to carry out the Act, plus percentage increases for each fiscal year equal to Consumer Price Index percentage increases during the preceding calendar year. Prohibits the Administrator from using any funds appropriated under the Act for any payment for a reduction-in-force in any fiscal year. Directs the Administrator to inform the appropriate committees of the Congress of the reasons for such reduction, its impact on carrying out the Act, and other detailed or pertinent information, at least 30 days prior to issuing any general notice of such reduction. Declares that nothing in this title shall authorize appropriations for any research and development activities under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1982
Expresses the sense of Congress that a Law of the Sea Treaty is of strategic importance to the United States. Urges the U.S. delegation to the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea to: (1) seek changes in the draft treaty that would protect U.S. interests while recognizing the other interests represented at the conference; and (2) conclude a treaty as soon as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
States that U.S. policy should encourage parties to the El Salvadoran conflict to: (1) begin cease-fire negotiations under international supervision; and (2) pursue a political settlement that would include open and free elections under international supervision.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President must take action to prevent nuclear war. States that the United States, in negotiations with nuclear weapon states, should propose halting further testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1982
Home Video Recording Act of 1982 - Amends the copyright law to exempt from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who makes a single video recording of a motion picture or other audiovisual work in his private home solely for the private use of his household. Requires the compulsory licensing of manufacturers and importers of video recording equipment. Directs the Chairman of the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to establish royalty fees to be paid by such manufacturers and importers. Sets forth a procedure for distributing such fees to the owners of copyright of audiovisual works included in television transmissions. Sets forth penalties for violations of these requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1982
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to extend by five months (until September 30, 1982) the period within which an individual must have become a full-time student at a postsecondary educational institution in order to receive, after July 1982, child's insurance benefits on the basis of student status under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1982
Declares that any action by the United Nations to prevent a democratic state from exercising its rights to participate in the United Nations will seriously and harmfully affect congressional support for the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1982
Declares that the presidential certification submitted to the Congress with respect to sending military aid to El Salvador is void. Directs the President to immediately suspend such assistance. Requires the suspension to remain in effect during FY 1982 and 1983. Prohibits the President from making another such certification until Congress enacts a joint resolution declaring that El Salvador has met specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1982
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to exclude burial plots and burial insurance policies from the determination of an SSI applicant's resources.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1982
Community Partnership for Employment and Training Act - Sets forth the purposes of this Act, including: (1) matching labor force skills to the economy's needs; (2) increasing the employability of the poor; (3) assisting new or dislocated workers to find permanent employment; (4) providing employment and training service to high unemployment areas; and (5) establishing a community-based employment and training system based on partnership between State and local governments and the private sector. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and thereafter to carry out titles II, III, and IV of this Act. Title I: Community Public-Private Training and Employment Assistance System - Part A: Organizational Provisions - Sets forth provisions for prime sponsors under this Act which include prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) and which are similar to CETA provisions. Makes eligible for bonus payments any prime sponsor which: (1) is a consortium of local governments that includes a local government which was a CETA prime sponsor; and (2) serves a preponderence of a major functioning labor market area. Permits such prime sponsors to: (1) submit plans for approval for periods of more than one year; and (2) retain up to one-half of available funds for any fiscal year for use in the succeeding fiscal year. Requires each prime sponsor to establish (or provide for continuance of) a private industry council (PIC) to be jointly responsible for planning activities under this Act. Prohibits prime sponsors from using funds under this Act for any activity not approved by the PIC. Directs the prime sponsor to appoint the initial members of the council, and to fill vacancies with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the remaining members. Requires that a majority be representatives of business and industry in the area served by the prime sponsor and that the remaining members be representatives of labor, education, community-based organizations, and economic development organizations and agencies. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish minimum national performance standards, based on such factors as unsubsidized employment placement and retention, wage increases, and income support payment reductions. Directs the Secretary to establish separate standards for youth, based on such factors as educational competencies attainment, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary school completion, and referral to other training programs, such as apprenticeships or military enlistment. Authorizes the Secretary to waive application of national performance standards for prime sponsors demonstrating exceptional local economic hardship and to approve less stringent performance goals which are the best reasonably attainable goals. Directs the Secretary, where a prime sponsor is failing to attain performance goals, to: (1) provide notice and technical assistance to the prime sponsor; and (2) in the case of ongoing failure during two consecutive years, (A) designate an alternate prime sponsor to prepare a plan for the area for the succeeding years and (B) terminate provision of funds to the unsuccessful prime sponsor. Authorizes the Secretary, upon determination that a prime sponsor has corrected the causes of a failure, to designate that prime sponsor to prepare a plan for the year after an alternate has served the area. Sets forth requirements for prime sponsor plans. Requires that such plans be developed in consultation with, and submitted with the approval of a majority of, the PIC. Authorizes the Secretary to designate the State or other alternate prime sponsor to develop a plan, with PIC consultation and majority approval, in cases where the PIC and the prime sponsor cannot concur. Requires each plan to describe activities conducted with funds under this Act, including: (1) a labor market analysis; (2) a demographic analysis of the eligible population; (3) participant selection procedures; (4) training and employment services, including duration, costs, wages, stipends, or allowances, and supportive services; (5) service provider selection methods and criteria, including consideration of community-based organizations as subgrantees or subcontractors; (6) arrangements for coordination with educational agencies; and (7) procedures for expenditure recordkeeping and for monitoring and auditing subgrantees or subcontractors. Requires each plan to include performance goals and a statement assurance of compliance with applicable requirements. Requires, as a qualification for additional administrative incentives, that a plan provide: (1) evidence of joint development in consultation with agencies administering other Federal employment-related programs; and (2) methods for coordination with such other Federal employment-related programs, including alternative reporting or recordkeeping requirements and uniform administrative forms. Permits plans thus qualifying to cover a period of more than one fiscal year. Sets forth procedures for review of prime sponsor plans by the PIC, the Governor, and appropriate local governments, as well as for availability to the public, before submittal for approval or disapproval by the Secretary. Requires the States seeking financial assistance under this Act to submit a Governor's coordination and special services plan (similar to that under CETA) to the Secretary for approval based on satisfactory implementation of: (1) coordination of all the State's employment and training, education, and related services; (2) technical assistance for prime sponsors; (3) special model training and employment programs and related services; (4) vocational education services agreed upon by prime sponsors and the State vocational education board; (5) rural area special assistance; (6) labor market and occupational information provisions without reimbursement to prime sponsors and appropriate education agencies; (7) fostering activities of the State Occupational Information Coordination Committee; (8) industrywide training; and (9) activities under title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Displaced Workers), if the State is eligible for financial assistance under title III. Requires States desiring to receive financial assistance under this Act to establish a State employment and training coordinating council. Includes among such council's duties the review of plans and programs of prime sponsors and of all appropriate State agencies, and other activities similar to those of the State employment and training council under CETA. Part B: General Requirements - Sets forth general program requirements under this Act which are similar in part to some special and general program conditions under CETA. Requires prime sponsors to provide employment and training opportunities to those most in need of such opportunities and make every effort to provide equitable services among significant segments of the eligible population. Sets program participation (30 months) and training allowances (104 weeks) limits similar to those under CETA. Sets a participant subsidized wage limit of 78 weeks in any five-year period (similar to the CETA limit on public service employment). Permits subsidized employment with a private for-profit employer, but only if the employee is an economically disadvantaged youth aged 16 through 19 and specified title II provisions are met. Permits subsidized employment of any sort only if the prime sponsor determines that unsubsidized employment is not immediately available in the area served. Prohibits (as did CETA) funding of programs involving political activities. Sets forth provisions for wages, benefits, and allowances. Sets forth labor standards. Sets forth provisions relating to allocation and availability of funds, reports, records, audits, investigations, complaints and sanctions, judicial review, interstate agreements, services and property, and the utilization of services and facilities. Title II: Employment and Training Services for the Economically Disadvantaged - Sets forth formulas for the allocation of amounts appropriated to carry out this title. Allocates 83 percent in FY 1983 and 73 percent in succeeding fiscal years among the States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) employed persons; (2) unemployed persons in excess of four-and-one-half percent of the labor force in the State or in areas of substantial unemployment; (3) unemployed persons residing in areas of substantial unemployment; and (4) adults in low-income families. Directs the Secretary to suballocate the State allocation among prime sponsors within the State on an equitable basis based upon such relative numbers. Allocates ten percent of the amount appropriated for title II for any fiscal year, among the States in proportion to their other allocation, for the Governor's coordinating and special services and for the State employment and training council. Directs the Secretary to make available five percent of title II funds to prime sponsors: (1) in FY 1983 on a basis consistent with the purposes of this Act; and (2) in FY 1984 and thereafter to those who have met or exceeded performance goals during the preceding fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to allocate ten percent of title II funds in FY 1984 and thereafter to prime sponsors who raise, and expend for title II program purposes specified amounts of non-Federal funds. Directs the Secretary to allocate two percent of title II funds among prime sponsors eligible for bonus payments for forming consortia of local governments serving major labor market areas. Requires prime sponsors to use title II funds in accordance with their plans to provide employment and training services which they and their PICs determine to be necessary and appropriate for economically disadvantaged youth and adults. Requires that at least one-half of such funds be used for such services for youth aged 16 through 21, with proportionate reductions of this minimum requirement in areas where the ratio of economically disadvantaged youth to economically disadvantaged adults is less than the nationwide ratio. Sets forth a non-exhaustive list of permissible title II services. Permits wage subsidies for temporary employment with public or private nonprofit employers. Permits wage subsidies to private for-profit employers for part-time employment during the school year or full-time employment not to exceed eight weeks during the summer for in-school economically disadvantaged youth aged 16 through 19, provided no such subsidy exceeds the net cost to the employer of wages paid and training provided. Includes among other permissable services: (1) job search; (2) job counseling; (3) remedial and basic skills education; (4) institutional skill training; (5) on-the-job training; (6) outreach; (7) labor market information; (8) work habit development; (9) supportive services; (10) upgrading and retraining; (11) education-to-work transition; (12) literacy and bilingual training; (13) work experience and vocational exploration; (14) high school equivalency; (15) job and job-opening development and generation; (16) apprenticeship; (17) program information to employers; (18) advanced learning technology; (19) followup; and (20) coordination with related programs. Limits eligibility to participate in title II programs to economically disadvantaged individuals aged 16 or older, but allows: (1) youth aged 14 or 15 to receive specified employment assistance services; and (2) up to ten percent of title II program participants to be individuals who are not economically disadvantaged if such individuals have encountered barriers to employment (such individuals may include the physically handicapped, those with limited English-speaking ability, displaced homemakers, ex-offenders, alcoholics, or addicts). Title III: Employment and Training Assistance for Displaced Workers - Declares the purposes of this title to be: (1) alternative employment assistance to involuntarily unemployed individuals unlikely to be rehired by the same employer; (2) occupational retraining for individuals with skills in declining occupations; and (3) reduction of the impact of economic dislocation on local communities. Directs the Secretary to allocate title III funds for any fiscal year among the States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) individuals in the labor force; (2) unemployed persons; and (3) persons unemployed for ten weeks or more. Requires each State to match its title III Federal grant by an equal expenditure of non-Federal public or private funds for title III services, including direct costs of such services and State unemployment insurance benefits to participants in title III programs. Requires States desiring title III funds to submit to the Secretary of State displaced worker plans for the use of such funds and for coordination of title III programs with other Federal, State, or local employment-related programs. Requires such plans to ensure the maximum feasible utilization of title II program facilities and services in carrying out title III programs. Requires prime sponsor and PIC approval of title III program operations in the areas they serve. Requires, for specified title III program services, affected labor organization consultation and approval. Authorizes use of title III funds to assist eligible participants to obtain unsubsidized employment through services which include, but are not limited to: (1) job search; (2) job development; (3) in-demand skills training; (4) support services; (5) relocation assistance; and (6) cooperative programs with employers or labor organizations for early intervention in the event of plant closures. Requires allowances or stipends for eligible participants during title III training or retraining periods. Permits relocation assistance if the State determines that the participant: (1) cannot obtain employment within the commuting area; and (2) has secured suitable long-duration employment or a bona fide job offer in a relocation area. Makes eligible for title III services any individual who has experienced or been notified of termination or suspension of employment as a result of any plant closure or permanent reduction in force. Makes eligible for title III training or retraining programs any unemployed individual with job skills that the State determines offer limited opportunities for employment or reemployment in the same or a similar occupation in the area of residence. Title IV: National Employment and Training Programs - Part A: Employment and Training Services for Indians and Migrants and Seasonal Farmworkers - Sets forth provisions for Native American employment and training programs which are similar to CETA provisions. Directs the Secretary to reserve for Native Americans programs from title IV funds an amount equal to not less than two and seven-tenths percent of the amount available for title II programs. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations and performance standards necessary to meet the special circumstances under which such Native American programs operate. Sets forth provisions for migrant and seasonal farmworker employment and training programs, similar in part to CETA provisions. Directs the Secretary to establish an office of farmworker programs within the national headquarters of the Department of Labor to select, administer, monitor, and evaluate such programs. Requires that the public agencies and private nonprofit organizations carrying out program services have a previously demonstrated capability to administer effectively a diversified employability development program for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Authorizes the Secretary to approve the designation of grantees for such programs for a period of two years. Requires that such programs, in addition to other employment and retraining activities assist in improving the well-being of farmworkers who remain as seasonal agricultural employees. Requires title IV fund recipients to establish performance goals. Directs the Secretary to reserve for farmworker programs from title IV funds an amount equal to not less than two and eight-tenths percent of the amount available for title II programs. Prohibits national farmworker programs and activities from precluding other assistance to farmworkers under this Act. Part B: Job Corps - Sets forth provisions for the Job Corps which are similar to CETA provisions. Sets participant age limits of 16 through 24 (CETA provides limits of 14 through 21), but permits appropriate nonresidential services for 14 and 15 year olds (both this Act and CETA allow waivers of the maximum age limitation in cases of handicapped individuals). Authorizes the Secretary to pay individuals and organizations for the cost of recruitment, screening, and selection of Job Corp candidates (but prohibits, as does CETA, any payment solely as compensation for referring the names of candidates. Provides for an exception from the two-year Job Corps enrollment period limit where necessary for participation in an advanced career program (as well as in special cases). Authorizes the Secretary to arrange for advanced career training programs for selected Corps members for a period of up to one additional year of Corps participation. Permits such programs to be provided by postsecondary institutions or by businesses and labor unions. Limits, in FY 1983, personal allowances to no more than $70 per month for the first six months and no more than $125 for the remainder of Corps service, for expected short-term service, or for readjustment allowances. Permits the Secretary to increase such allowances in FY 1984 and thereafter. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information from Job Corps program experience which may help related programs. Authorizes the Secretary to test at various Job Corps centers the efficacy of selected education or training activities. Directs the Secretary to establish annual orientation and training sessions for appropriate prime sponsor and Job Corps staff to be held at Job Corps centers. Authorizes the Secretary to arrange with the Secretary of Defense for pilot projects at Job Corps centers to prepare youth to qualify for military service. Permits permanent programs for such purpose if the Secretary of Defense reimburses the Job Corps for 90 percent of program costs. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake pilot projects using community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness for Job Corps center operation. Authorizes the Secretary to accept on behalf of the Job Corps charitable donations which would not jeopardize Job Corps integrity. Part C: National Programs and Activities - Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to provide services authorized under all titles of this Act for employment and training programs that are most appropriately administered from the national level, such as federally-assisted multistate programs sponsored by public agencies or private organizations, including programs: (1) assisting persons with particular employment-related disadvantages (such as offenders, persons with limited English proficency, handicapped, women, single parents, displaced homemakers, youth, older workers, persons lacking educational credentials, and public assistance recipients); (2) fostering employment and training linkages between public and private sectors; and (3) addressing critical skill shortages. Directs the Secretary to provide for research and demonstration programs and for training and technical assistance. Directs the Secretary to establish, in the office of the Secretary an Office of Management Assistance to provide specified services to prime sponsors. Part D: Labor Market Information - Sets forth provisions for a comprehensive system of labor market information which are similar to CETA provisions. Directs the Secretary to assure: (1) statistical reliability and national standardized definitions of employment, unemployment, and occupational definitions for purposes of such system; (2) consolidated departmental data collecting and processing systems to eliminate overlap and duplication; and (3) compliance with Federal Paperwork Reduction Act criteria. Establishes a National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee. Reserves funds from amounts available for this part to establish and maintain the Committee in the Department of Labor to assure the coordination of functions required by this part. Sets forth provisions relating to the Committee which are similar to CETA provisions. Sets forth provisions for a nationwide computerized job bank and matching program which are similar to CETA provisions. Part E: Economic Adjustment Program - Directs the Secretary to use funds available for this part to provide financial assistance to eligible prime sponsors for employment services, subsidized employment, and appropriate training and supportive services for unemployed workers. Makes prime sponsors eligible to apply for national Economic Adjustment Program (EAP) funds if the area under prime sponsor jurisdiction has an unemployment rate for the preceding three consecutive months exceeding the national average. Requires the PIC approval of prime sponsor EAP plans. Makes any Indian tribe, band, or group receiving part A assistance an eligible prime sponsor for EAP purposes. Permits EAP programs or activities to include any activity authorized under titles II or III of this Act. Makes individuals eligible for EAP participation if they: (1) have been unemployed for at least ten out of the 12 weeks immediately prior to the eligibility determination; and (2) are economically disadvantaged. Permits 20 percent of participants in a prime sponsor's EAP programs and activities to be individuals who are not economically disadvantaged. Directs the Secretary to establish priority approval criteria for EAP proposals, including such factors as: (1) severity of area unemployment; (2) potential for training leading to unsubsidized employment in occuaptions with skills shortages; and (3) involvement of subsidized employment in economic development activity (including public facility maintenance) leading to expanded private unsubsidized employment opportunities. Part F: National Commission on Employment and Productivity - Establishes a National Commission on Employment and Productivity (replaces the National Commission for Employment Policy under CETA and reconstitutes its membership without Federal officials). Sets forth provisions for Commission functions, administration, and reports which are similar to CETA provisions. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act (U.S. Employment Service) to direct the Secretary to distribute 98 percent of funds under such Act among the States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) individuals in the civilian labor force in each State as compared to all States; and (2) unemployed individuals in each State as compared to all States. Directs the Secretary to allocate the remaining two percent of such funds among those local employment service offices which have developed joint plans with prime sponsors under this Act. Permits State allocations to be used for: (1) job search and placement services for job seekers; (2) recruitment and technical services for employees: (3) program evaluation; (4) service linkages with related government programs; (5) services for displaced workers; (6) labor market and occupational information; (7) management information and analysis; (8) work test administration for the State unemployment compensation system; and (9) job search and placement for unemployment insurance claimants. Authorizes the U.S. Employment Service to perform only such activities and such other labor market-related services as are specified in reimbursable contracts with other State or Federal agencies. Amends part C (Work Incentive Program - WIN) of title IV of the Social Security Act to make applicants for (as well as recipients of) aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) eligible for the WIN program. Deletes a requirement that a specified portion of WIN program funds be used for specified on-the-job training and public service employment programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that WIN registrants receive employment and training services under this Act. Directs the Secretary to utilize PICs of prime sponsors under this Act for advice as to availability of area jobs for WIN programs purposes (thus replacing the WIN Labor Market Advisory Councils established to serve such function). Revises provisions for WIN program operation to direct the Secretary to: (1) provide intensive job search assistance services for all WIN registrants (as a program requirement, with specified exceptions); (2) following provision of such services, refer all WIN registrants who have not been placed in unsubsidized employment to the appropriate prime sponsor for employment and training services under this Act; and (3) place WIN registrants without unsubsidized jobs who are not currently served under this Act in other employment and training activities. Requires the State agency administering WIN program activities to coordinate these with activities under this Act. Repeals the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), as of October 1, 1982. Provides for a CETA program transition period expiring at the end of June 30, 1983. Permits prime sponsors, even before the expiration of such transition period, to carry out activities authorized under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1982
Long-Range Research and Development Tax Planning Act of 1982 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax credit for increased research activities. Requires the allocation of all expenditures made for research and experimentation conducted in the United States to United States source income, for income tax purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that expenditures for cultural and educational programs of the United States International Communications Agency should not be reduced disproportionately and that the disparity between such U.S. expenditures and similar expenditures by Soviet Eastern-bloc nations should be reduced.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Orphan Drug Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to exempt from such Act drugs intended solely for drug treatment investigations. Defines "drug treatment investigation" as an investigation of a drug which involves human participants with a rare disease or condition. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an interagency committee known as the Committee on Orphan Drug Development. Makes it the function of such committee to promote the development of drugs for rare diseases or conditions (orphan drugs). Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit to the Committee an annual report on the rare disease and condition research activities of NIH. Requires the Committee to report by June 1 of each year to the appropriate congressional committees on its activities and the results of its evaluations, including the report submitted by NIH. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified experimental expenses incurred while researching orphan drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Amends the Sherman Act to provide that such Act shall apply to export trade and commerce only if it directly and substantially affects domestic trade or commerce or the export trade or commerce of a domestic person. Amends the Clayton Act to exempt joint ventures limited to export commerce from provisions prohibiting a corporation from acquiring the share capital or assets of another corporation to lessen competition or create a monopoly. Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to prohibit unfair methods of competition involving export commerce only if such methods of competition directly and substantially affect domestic commerce or the export commerce of a domestic person.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual to elect hospice care, in lieu of certain other benefits, during two periods of 180 days each during the individual's lifetime. Provides for full reimbursement of reasonable costs to a hospice program, subject to a ceiling. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the hospice reimbursement method. Defines hospice care as including items and services furnished to the terminally ill in their homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short term inpatient basis.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the February meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to tell the Commission that the Soviet Union should stop harassing Soviet Jews and should allow its citizens to practice their religion and to emigrate. Urges the Soviet Union to comply with its human rights obligations. Urges the President to: (1) express, to the Soviet Union, U.S. opposition to harassment of Soviet citizens and to restrictions on emigration; and (2) reiterate that the United States will consider the extent to which other nations honor their commitments under international law when evaluating its relations with such nations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Title I: Domestic Content Requirements for Motor Vehicles - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 50,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Authorizes the imposition of import restrictions on manufacturers violating such standards. Title II: Unfair and Deceptive Practices by Vehicle Manufacturers - Defines as an unfair method of competition and deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act the refusal of any vehicle manufacturer to determine whether parts produced in the United States by a parts manufacturer satisfy reasonable replacement part standards established by the vehicle manufacturer. Grants the Federal Trade Commission rulemaking authority to administer this title.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1981
Title I: Federal Royalties Collection - Federal Royalties and Rents Collection Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: establish a comprehensive system for accounts applicable to: (1) all mineral interests under the Secretary's jurisdiction; and (2) all revenues collected in connection with the sale or lease of such mineral interests. Requires the Secretary, upon promulgation of such system, to submit to Congress: (1) a report concerning such system; and (2) a report concerning the outstanding accounts due the United States from the sale or lease of U.S. mineral interests. Provides for an annual independent audit of Department of Interior accounts relating to the sale or lease of minerals. Makes individuals handling money in connection with a mineral sale or lease liable for negligent losses and requires such individuals to be bonded. Title II: State Collection of Federal Royalties - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to direct the Secretary to collect all money due in connection with public land sales, rentals, interest, and penalties unless there is a State management program for the management of Federal leases. Requires 50 percent of all money collected to be paid to the State within which the leased lands or deposits are or were located, except that the rate shall be 90 percent for Alaska. Requires the Secretary, upon a State's request, to relinquish the administration of all contracts and leases issued by the Secretary within that State to the State, subject to stated requirements. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 - Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations applicable to lessees of oil or gas leases requiring certain: (1) recordkeeping practices; (2) accountability to the Secretary; and (3) reports to the Secretary. Sets forth provisions relating to enforcement of this Act. Title IV: Indian Access to Certain Records - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: promulgate regulations to make certain records available for mining purposes to lessees of Indian lands.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1981
Amends the Federal bankruptcy law to apply a $200,000 ceiling to fees from the referees' fund for any reorganization case confirmed before September 30, 1979, where such fees were not determined until after that date.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1981
Bankruptcy Judges' Retirement Act of 1981 - Sets forth criteria by which bankruptcy judges and referees in bankruptcy shall retire after disability or specified lengths of service and collect retirement salaries. Grants annuities to certain survivors of such judges and referees. Declares that a retired bankruptcy judge or referee shall forfeit such retirement salary upon acceptance of certain employment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1981
United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Sets forth the functions of the Academy. Declares that the Academy is an independent nonprofit corporation. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Set forth provisions for a Board of Directors and for officers and employees of the Academy. Set forth requirements for Academy program procedures and records. Requires an annual audit of Academy accounts and audit reports to the President and the Congress. Subjects the Academy to specified freedom of information provisions. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of of the Federal Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel financial assistance under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for Academy buildings, grounds, facilities, programs, and administration. Sets forth provisions for availability of appropriations. Requires transfer of income and assets to the U.S. Treasury upon dissolution and final liquidation of the Academy or any other legal entity created pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Comprehensive Smoking Prevention Education Act of 1981 - Amends title XVII (Health Information and Health Promotion) of the Public Health Service Act to establish in the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Smoking and Health to inform the public of the health hazards of cigarettes. Sets forth the Office's authority and duties, including conducting research and assisting educational programs directly or through grants. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health to be composed of representatives from the Departments of Labor and Education, the Federal Trade Commission, and any other Federal agency designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs such Committee to meet at least four times a year and names the Director of the Office of Smoking and Health as it chairman. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report annually to the Congress. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to make it unlawful to advertise or export (repeals the existing export exemption) cigarettes without the required labeling. Changes labeling requirements. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish cigarette labeling regulations as set forth by this Act. Eliminates certain congressional notification and reporting requirements. Increases the fine for violation of such Act from $10,000 to $100,000. Permits an individual civil action to be brought in U.S. district courts for violations of such Act. Requires such plaintiff to give 60-day notice to the FTC and the defendant. Permits intervention and consolidation. Allows the court to award attorneys fees and other costs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that guidelines relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be repealed or altered.