United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to require both Houses of Congress to adopt a resolution approving any adjustment in annual rates of pay for Members of Congress before such adjustment may take effect. Requires the adoption of such resolution by both Houses within 60 calendar days of continuous session of the Congress after the date on which the adjustment under the General Schedule takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 and the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to direct that any adjustments in the rate of pay for Members of Congress shall take effect at the beginning of the Congress following the Congress in which they are approved.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income a corporate stock distribution to a stockholder based upon the reinvestment of stock dividends in the corporation by such stockholder pursuant to his election to participate in a qualified dividend reinvestment plan, as defined in this Act. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $1,500 per year. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a distribution made by a corporation which purchases its common stock within one year of such distribution shall not be deemed a distribution pursuant to a qualified dividend reinvestment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers who do not itemize income tax deductions to claim a deduction from gross income for charitable contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Hobbs Act Amendment of 1981 - Amends the Hobbs Act to establish penalties for obstructing, affecting, or interfering with commerce by willfully injuring, damaging, burning, or destroying to the value of $2,000 or more any real or personal property of any person at or near any place where work or business of an employer or owner is carried on or where such employer or owner transports, stores, or maintains property for business or other purposes. States that such violation, as well as the offense of interfering with commerce by extortion, shall not be nullified or mitigated even if committed in the course of a legitimate labor dispute.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Requires that each State establish and maintain an approved workfare program as a condition of its eligibility for Federal payments or other assistance under the: (1) program of aid to families with dependent children under the Social Security Act; (2) food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; and (3) public housing and assisted housing programs under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires that such State workfare program shall require every State resident applying for or receiving aid under such Federal public assistance program to perform work in return for, and as a condition for, such aid. Directs the appropriate Federal agencies to promulgate guidelines for approval, supervision, and oversight of such State workfare programs. Exempts from required participation in such programs those who are: (1) under age 18 or over age 65; (2) disabled; (3) regularly employed for at least 40 hours a week; or (4) primarily responsible for the care of a child less than three years old (or for the care of a child more than two but less than six years old if suitable child care is not available at reasonable cost). Requires that each State workfare program must provide that if any individual who is required to participate in such program refuses to accept a bona fide offer of qualified employment or to perform qualified employment, in any month, neither such individual nor any other person in the family or household of which such individual is a member shall be eligible to receive any aid under such Federal public assistance programs for that month. Requires that State workfare programs include provision for job counseling, assistance in obtaining employment outside the program, and job search activities. Provides for: (1) Federal matching funds to cover administrative costs of such State programs; (2) Federal cut-offs of funds to State agencies for failure to comply with this Act; and (3) Federal agency reports to Congress on such State programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to revise the definition of "employee" to exclude (in addition to the currently excluded masters, or crew members, of any vessel) persons who at the time of injury were: (1) officers or employees of any government; (2) engaged in any employment which is not a direct or integral part of vessel loading, unloading, repairing, building, or breaking; or (3) providing services on or for any vessel less than 65 feet in length, while covered by a State workers' compensation program. Conforms specified conditions, under which compensation for disability or death shall be payable, to the revised definitions made by this Act. Sets the maximum rate of compensation, with specified exceptions, at the lesser of: (1) an amount equal to 80 percent of the employee's spendable earnings; or (2) an amount equal to 200 percent of the applicable national average weekly wage. Defines "spendable earnings" as the employee's average weekly wage reduced by amounts required to be withheld under Federal and State tax laws. Directs the Secretary of Labor to publish tables in the Federal Register showing the amount of such "spendable earnings" for various wage levels. Entitles an employee to choose an attending physician from an applicable listing established by the deputy commissioner. Directs the deputy commissioner to actively supervise such medical care. Requires an attending physician who refers an employee to a medical specialist or consulting physician to notify the employer and submit a report, with reasons for such referral, to the employer and the deputy commissioner. Requires such specialist or consultants to submit reports in order to collect fees. Requires an employee seeking recovery of expenses for medical treatment or services to obtain such treatment in a specified manner and to provide written notice to the employer within ten days after the first treatment or services. Establishes procedures for providing independent medical examinations when medical questions arise. Entitles employees to specified relief in cases where the workplace injury is the sole cause of an impairment or disability. Provides for reexaminations of such estimates of the degree of impairment due to the work place injury. Repeals specified provisions which made certain physicians ineligible for employment as independent medical examiners unless otherwise agreed to. Requires that 80 percent of spendable earnings be paid to an employee during the continuance of permanent total disability, subject to specified limitations. Requires, for a determination of total disability, that an employee prove by substantial evidence that as a result of the injury, in cases other than ones of loss of two or more specified body parts, he or she is permanently unable to earn any wages in employment. Requires that 80 percent of spendable earnings be paid to an employee during the continuance of temporary total disability, subject to specified limitations. Prohibits such compensation from being paid after the employee attains the retirement age for the appropriate industry and geographical region. Sets the compensation rate for permanent partial disability at 80 percent of the spendable earnings of the employee, subject to specified limitations. Extends such limitations to the "other cases" category of permanent partial disability compensation and terminates such compensation after the employee attains the appropriate retirement age. Deletes a provision subjecting such compensation to reconsideration of the degree of impairment by the deputy commissioner. Bars employees suffering injuries in specified categories from seeking additional compensation in this "other cases" category. Allows employers to reduce permanent partial disability compensation when an employee's actual wages or wage earning capacity have increased or to suspend such compensation when such wages equal or exceed average weekly wages before the injury. Requires the approval of the deputy commissioner for such reductions or suspensions, with such approval to be reviewable by an administrative law judge. Allows employees whose actual wages or wage earning capacity decrease, solely as a result of the injury, to less than their average weekly wage before the injury to request reviews of their compensation payments. Eliminates a provision for death benefits for the survivors of an employee who had been receiving "other cases" category permanent partial disability compensation and who dies from causes other than the original injury. Retains the current compensation rate for temporary partial disability, but subjects such rate to specified limitations. Provides for the designation by the Secretary of an attorney to serve as a special fund representative, with specified powers, upon recommendation by an employer and insurance carrier. Revises provisions relating to: (1) compensation for employees undergoing vocational rehabilitation; (2) the wage earning capacity of injured employees in partial disability cases; and (3) approval of settlements by the deputy commissioner and the manner of payment of such settlements. Eliminates a provision for death benefits if the employee who sustains permanent total disability due to the injury thereafter dies from causes other than the injury. Revises methods of determination of the average weekly wages of injured employees at the time of injury. Revises the formula for determining yearly increases in specified compensation for permanent total disability or death. Makes revisions relating to: (1) failure to give notice; (2) the period of installment payments; (3) the right to compensation controverted; (4) penalties for overdue compensation; and (5) notice of payment. Repeals provisions concerning the deputy commissioner's authority: (1) in cases of suspended payments; and (2) to discharge the employer's liability for compensation. Limits the total money allowance payable to an employee or dependent survivors. Provides for preliminary rulings by the deputy commissioner with respect to claims to become final orders if the parties do not request a hearing. Makes other revisions in claims procedures. Repeals provisions relating to the review of compensation orders and the Benefits Review Board. Establishes a new Benefits Review Board to be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate (the former Board was appointed by the Secretary). Transfers to such Board all officers, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records of the Benefits Review Board in the Department of Labor. Revises the procedures, functions, powers, and duties of such Board. Revises provisions relating to: (1) powers of the deputy commissioner or an administrative law judge in proceedings under such Act; (2) fees for services; (3) institution of proceedings by a person entitled to compensation; and (4) compromises obtained by a person entitled to compensation. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) furnishing specified information and assistance in processing claims to persons covered under such Act (formerly permitted such information and assistance upon request); and (2) participating, except as an intervenor, in proceedings relating to this Act which are before any court. Repeals provisions relating to an administration fund and to the availability of appropriations. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation to evaluate whether this Act provides an adequate, prompt, equitable, and insurable system of compensation. Declares that the Committee shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Provides that nothing contained in the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to reduce the amount of any benefits being received under the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act by any individual on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Intelligence Identities Protection Act - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish criminal penalties for any person who knowingly discloses information which identifies a U.S. covert intelligence agent. Establishes a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine for any person who, having had authorized access to classified information which identifies a covert agent, intentionally discloses such information. Establishes a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and/or a $25,000 fine for any person who, having had authorized access to classified information, learns the identity of a covert agent and intentionally discloses such information. Establishes a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment and/or a $15,000 fine for any person who, in the course of an effort to identify covert agents "with intent to impair" U.S. foreign intelligence activities, discloses information identifying an agent. Directs the President to establish procedures requiring Federal agencies to provide assistance in concealing the identity of U.S. intelligence agents.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the Executive branch of Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the State of Illinois and the city of Chicago should host the 1992 official celebration of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1980
Education Reorganization Act of 1980 - Title I: Establishment of the Department - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), to be administered by a Secretary appointed by the President, by and of HEW with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth provisions for the principal officers of such Department. Title II: Transfer of Agencies and Functions - Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Transfers to the Department all offices of the Department of Health and Human Services. Transfers to the Secretary, and to the Department, all functions, and all offices, of the Secretary of Education and of the Department of Education, except for specified functions and offices relating to the operation of overseas schools for military dependents, which are transferred to the Secretary of Defense and the Department of Defense. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) appoint officers and employees to carry out the functions of the Secretary and the Department; and (2) obtain, as provided in appropriation Acts, the services of experts and consultants. Directs the Secretary, by the end of the first fiscal year beginning after the enactment of this Act, to submit to the President and the Congress legislative recommendations for redesigning or replacing HEW programs so that such programs can be administered by fewer personnel. Requires that the sum of the number of full-time permanent positions that perform functions to be transferred to the Department by this Act, plus the full-time equivelent of the number of experts and consultants hired, be reduced by one thousand by the end of the second such fiscal year and not increased thereafter. Sets forth general administrative provisions for the Department, including those relating to general authority, delegation, reorganization, rules, contracts, regional and field offices, acquisition and maintenance of authority, facilities at remote locations, use of facilities, copyrights and patents, gifts and bequests, technical advice, working capital fund, funds transfer, seal of department, and annual report. Authorizes appropriations for the Department for fiscal year 1982 and succeeding fiscal years. Titel IV: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Sets forth provisions relating to the transfer and allocation of appropriations and personnel, the effect on personnel, agency terminations, and incidental transfers. Sets forth: (1) savings provisions; (2) provisions for separability; (3) conforming references, amendments, and redesignations; and (4) transition provisions. Title V: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Sets forth the effective date for the provisions of this Act. Provides for interim appointments under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1980
Education Improvement Act of 1980 - Title I: Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to continue to provide financial assistance to State and local educational agencies to meet the special needs of educationally deprived children, on the basis of entitlements calculated under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), in a manner which will eliminate burdensome and unproductive paperwork and free the schools of Federal supervision, direction, and control. Directs the Secretary of Education, during fiscal years 1982 through 1986, to make payments, in accordance with the provisions of this title, to State educational agencies for grants made on the basis of entitlements created under title I of ESEA and calculated in accordance with provisions of such title in effect on September 30, 1981. Directs the Secretary, in making such payments to continue to utilize specified provisions of title I of such Act, with the exception of provisions relating to local program requirements and applications and to State and Federal administration of programs and projects. Requires that State and local educational agencies use such payments for programs and projects (including the acquisition of equipment and, where necessary, the construction of school facilities) designed to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived children. Requires that State agency programs be designed to serve those categories of children (migratory, handicapped, neglected and delinquent) counted for eligibility for grants under specified ESEA provisions in accordance with the requirements of this title. Requires that local educational agencies use ESEA funds received under this title only for programs and projects: (1) designed to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived children identified in accordance with specified provisions of this title; and (2) included in an application for assistance approved by the State educational agency and containing specified assurances concerning such programs and projects. Provides for the participation of children enrolled in private schools in special educational services and arrangements. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) maintenance of effort; (2) use of funds limited to excess costs; (3) Federal funds to supplement, not supplant regular non-Federal funds; (4) comparability of services; (5) exclusion of special State and local program funds; and (6) allocation of funds in certain States. Title II: Consolidation of Federal Programs for Elementary and Secondary Education - Declares it to be the purpose of this title: (1) to consolidate the program authorizations contained in titles II through IX of ESEA into a single authorization of grants to States for the same purposes set forth in such titles, but to be used in accordance with the educational needs and priorities of each State as determined by the State; and (2) to financially assist State and local educational agencies to improve elementary and secondary education (including preschool education) for public and private school children, in a manner which eliminates administrative and paperwork burdens on the schools. Vests basic responsibility for the administration of funds made available under this title in State educational agencies. Admonishes such agencies to discharge such responsibility in a manner which will not impose an unreasonable administrative burden. Declares the intent of Congress that the responsibility for the design and implementation of programs assisted under this title be mainly that of local boards of education, school superintendents and principals, and classroom teachers and supporting personnel. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 to carry out the purposes of this title. Sets forth provisions for allotments to States and for State grant applications. Requires that specified funds be used by State and local educational agencies to develop and implement a basic skills improvement program. Requires that at least 70 percent of such funds be allocated to local educational agencies. Authorizes State educational agencies to provide leadership and support services for the basic skills improvement program. Sets forth requirements for school level basic skills improvement programs which local educational agencies must meet in applying for program funds. Authorizes State education agencies to carry out selected activities from among the full range of programs and projects formerly authorized under titles IV, V, VI, and VII of ESEA (Educational Improvement, Resources, and Support; State Leadership; Emergency School Aid; and Bilingual Education Programs), in accordance with requirements of this title including a planned allocation of funds in the State application. Sets forth authorized activities under such programs and projects. Authorizes State educational agencies to carry out selected activities from among the full range of programs and projects formerly authorized under titles III, VIII, and IX of ESEA (Special Projects; Community Schools; and Additional Programs for Gifted and Talented Children, Educational Proficiency Standards, and Women's Educational Equity), in accordance with requirements of this title, including a planned allocation of funds set forth in the State application. Sets forth authorized activities under such programs and projects. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) maintenance of effort; (2) Federal funds being supplementary to, and not supplanting, non-Federal funds; and (3) participation of children enrolled in private schools. Authorizes the Secretary to use discretionary reserved funds for activities relating to the purposes of and programs under this Act, such as: (1) a national information source to assess program effectiveness and the needs of those served; (2) research and demonstrations; (3) teacher training and improvement; and (4) implementation assistance for State and local educational agencies. Title III: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations relating to this Act: (1) on duties specifically assigned to the Secretary; (2) on proper fiscal accounting for appropriations and on the method of making payments authorized; and (3) which reasonably insure compliance with the specific requirements and assurances required. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing regulations on all other matters relating to the details of planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating State and local educational agency programs and projects. Permits the Secretary to consult with appropriate State, local, and private educational agencies and to provide, upon request, technical assistance, information, and suggested guidelines. Provides that regulations issued pursuant to this Act shall not have the standing of a Federal statute for the purposes of judicial review. Sets forth provisions for withholding of payments and for judicial review thereof. Provides that specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act (relating to "State Educational Agency Monitoring and Agency Application") shall not: (1) apply to programs authorized under this Act except to the extent that such provisions relate fiscal control and fund accounting procedures; and (2) be construed to authorize the Secretary to require any reports or take any actions not specifically authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1980
Reaffirms congressional support for full implementation of the Helsinki Final Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that human rights concerns should be given serious attention at the Madrid meeting to review such Act. Declares that any new measures should be balanced among all sections of the Final Act. Directs the U.S. delegation to seek another review meeting within two years.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1980
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to postpone for one month (from July 1, 1980 to August 1, 1980) the date on which the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation must pay benefits under terminated multiemployer plans (i.e., prohibits the Corporation from making such payments to multiemployer pension plans which terminate before August 1, 1980, except in specified cases for which the Corporation is authorized to make such payments).
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Calls on the President, in the exercise of authority under the Davis-Bacon Act, to declare a national economic emergency and suspend the provisions of such Act and the provisions of all other Acts providing for the payment of wages on the basis of determinations of the Secretary of Labor concerning wage rates on public works projects under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1980
Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to revise the definition of "employee" to exclude (in addition to the currently excluded masters, or crew members, of any vessel) persons who at the time of injury were: (1) officers or employees of any government; (2) engaged in any employment which is not a direct or integral part of vessel loading, unloading, repairing, building, or breaking; or (3) providing services on or for any vessel less than 65 feet in length, while covered by a State workers' compensation program. Removes the conditions under which compensation for disability or death shall be payable. Increases the maximum rates of compensation for disability and extends such limits to compensation for death. Sets the maximum rate of compensation, with specified exceptions, at the lessor of: (1) an amount equal to 80 percent of the employee's spendable earnings; or (2) an amount equal to 200 percent of the applicable national average weekly wage. Defines "spendable earnings" as the employee's average weekly wage reduced by amounts required to be withheld under Federal and State tax laws. Directs the Secretary of Labor to publish tables in the Federal Register showing the amount of such "spendable earnings" for various wage levels. Entitles an employee to choose an attending physician from an applicable listing established by the deputy commissioner with jurisdiction with respect to such injury. Directs the deputy commissioner to actively supervise such medical care. Requires an attending physician who refers an employee to a medical specialist or consulting physician to notify the employer and submit a report, with reasons for such referral, to the employer and the deputy commissioner. Requires such specialists or consultants to submit reports in order to collect fees. Requires an employee seeking recovery of expenses for medical treatment or services to obtain such treatment in a specified manner and to provide written notice of such treatment or services to the employer within ten days after the date of the first treatment or services. Establishes procedures for providing independent medical examinations when medical questions arise. Entitles employers to specified relief in cases where the workplace injury is the sole cause of an impairment or disability. Provides for reexaminations of such estimates of the degree of impairment due to the workplace injury. Repeals specified provisions which made certain physicians who had participated in a fee relating to any other workmen's compensation claim during the previous two years ineligible for employment as independent medical examiners unless the parties to the claim agreed otherwise. Requires that 80 percent of spendable earnings be paid to an employee during the continuance of permanent total disability, subject to specified limitations. Requires, for a determination of total disability, that an employee prove by substantial evidence that as a result of the injury he or she is permanently unable to earn any wages in employment, in cases other than ones of loss of two or more specified body parts. Requires that 80 percent of spendable earnings be paid to an employee during the continuance of temporary total disability, subject to specified limitations. Prohibits such compensation from being paid after the employee attains the retirement age for the appropriate industry and geographical region. Sets the compensation rate for permanent partial disability at 80 percent of the spendable earnings of the employee, subject to specified limitations. Extends such limitations to the "other cases" category of permanent partial disability compensation and terminates such compensation after the employee attains the appropriate retirement age. Deletes a provision subjecting such compensation to reconsideration of the degree of impairment by the deputy commissioner. Bars employees suffering injuries in specified categories from seeking additional compensation in this "other cases" category. Allows employers to reduce permanent partial disability compensation when an employee's actual wages or wage earning capacity have increased or to suspend such compensation when such wages equal or exceed average weekly wages before the injury. Requires the approval of the deputy commissioner for such reductions or suspensions of compensation with such approval to be reviewable by an administrative law judge. Allows employees whose actual wages or wage earning capacity decrease, solely as a result of the injury, to less than their average weekly wage before the injury to request reviews of their compensation payments. Eliminates a provision for death benefits for the survivors of an employee who had been receiving "other cases" category permanent partial disability compensation and who dies from causes other than the original injury. Retains the current compensation rate for temporary partial disability, but subjects such rate to specified limitations. Provides for the designation by the Secretary of an attorney to serve as fund representative, with specified powers, of a special fund under such Act, upon recommendation by an organization representative of employer and insurance carrier interests. Revises provisions relating to: (1) compensation for employees undergoing vocational rehabilitation; (2) the wage earning capacity of injured employees in partial disability cases; and (3) approval of settlements by the deputy commissioner and the manner of payment of such settlements. Eliminates a provision for death benefits if the employee who sustains permanent total disability due to the injury thereafter dies from causes other than the injury. Increases the maximum rate of specified types of compensation for death. Revises methods of determination of the average weekly wages of injured employees at the time of injury. Revises the formula for determining yearly increases in specified compensation for permanent total disability or death. Makes revisions relating to: (1) failure to give notice; (2) the period of installment payments; (3) the right to compensation controverted; (4) penalties for overdue compensation; and (5) notice of payment. Repeals provisions concerning the deputy commissioner's authority: (1) in cases of suspended payments; and (2) to discharge the employer's liability for compensation. Limits the total money allowance payable to an employee or dependent survivors. Provides for preliminary rulings by the deputy commissioner with respect to claims, to become final orders if the parties do not request a hearing. Makes other revisions in the procedure in respect to claims. Repeals provisions relating to presumptions in proceedings for the enforcement of compensation claims. Revises provisions relating to the review of compensation orders and the Benefits Review Board. Establishes a new Benefits Review Board to be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate (the former Board was appointed by the Secretary). Transfers to such Board all officers, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records of the Benefits Review Board in the Department of Labor. Revises the procedures, functions, powers, and duties of such Board. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Revises provisions relating to: (1) powers of the deputy commissioner or an administrative law judge in proceedings under such Act; (2) fees for services; (3) institution of proceedings by a person entitled to compensation; and (4) compromise obtained by a person entitled to compensation. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) furnishing specified information and assistance in processing claims to persons covered under such Act (formerly permitted such information and assistance upon request); and (2) participating, except as an intervenor, in proceedings relating to this Act which are before any court. Makes other technical and conforming amendments. Repeals provisions relating to an administration fund and to the availability of appropriations. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation to evaluate whether this Act provides an adequate, prompt, equitable, and insurable system of compensation. Declares that the Committee shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Provides that nothing contained in the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to reduce the amount of any benefits received under the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act by any individual on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that accruals of benefits or forfeitures in a tax- qualified deferred compensation plan, which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory against certain classes of employees, will not be considered to have taken place if: (1) the total present values of such nonforfeitable benefits attributable to employee-officers or shareholders is less than the total present values of nonforfeitable benefits of all other employees; (2) employee-officers or shareholders having nonforfeitable benefits constitute a reasonable cross section of plan participants; or (3) the deferred compensation plan provides that an employee who has completed at least four years of service has a nonforfeitable right to a specified percentage of the accrued benefit derived from employer contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that deferred compensation plans shall not be deemed as not satisfying minimum vesting standards even if there is a reasonable likelihood that the accrual of benefits or forfeitures under such plans will tend to discriminate in favor of employees who are officers, shareholders, or highly compensated.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1980
Authorizes the President to present a gold-plated medal, on behalf of the Congress, to those athletes selected through the Olympic trial process to be members of the United States Summer Olympic Team of 1980. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be stricken 650 such medals with suitable emblems. Declares that such medals are national medals and that funds to carry out this Act shall be made available under the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Extends the congratulations of the House of Representatives to members of the 1980 handicapped Olympic team and recognizes specified organizations for their efforts in producing the second winter Olympics for the physically handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1980
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to authorize standing committees with more than 20 members to establish not more than six subcommittees. Sets forth a schedule for current standing committees with more than six subcommittees to reduce the number of subcommittees in the 97th and 98th Congresses. Limits Members to service on no more than five subcommittees at any one time, excluding ad hoc committees. Directs that service on select, permanent select, joint, or special committees shall be counted as service on one subcommittee. Provides that chairmen and ranking minority members of committees shall not count ex officio membership on subcommittees. Authorizes Members who currently serve on more than six subcommittees to serve on six subcommittees in the 97th Congress. States that subcommittees include any subunit of a committee established for a period of more than six months, and that members include Delegates and Resident Commissioners to the House of Representatives. Makes this resolution effective January 3, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1980
Extends the commendation of the Congress to the military personnel who took part in the attempt to rescue the hostages in Iran and recommends that the President consider awarding appropriate military decorations to such personnel. Extends congressional condolences to the families of the men who died during the attempted rescue. Recommends that Iranian assets frozen in the United States be made available to certain American claimants for damages against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1980
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to replace specified references to "exemptions" with references to "interim variances." Permits State-prescribed public water system schedules to require compliance with less stringent contaminant levels or treatment techniques during a period of interim variance. Mandates that such schedules require final compliance with each contaminant level and treatment technique requirement for which such interim variance was granted by a specified date. Sets such date at: (1) the later of January 1, 1988, or seven years after such requirement takes effect; or (2) in cases where the public water system has entered into an enforceable agreement to become part of a regional public water system, the later of January 1, 1992, or nine years after such requirement takes effect. Permits a State with primary enforcement responsibility to determine that the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means need not be constructed and in place before a variance may be granted.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1980
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to extend to June 1, 1980, the period during which the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation may pay benefits under terminated multiemployer plans under circumstances provided for in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1980
Directs the President to utilize the forum of the Venice Economic Summit to urge the development of an International Code of Business Conduct. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should negotiate and report to Congress concerning agreements to establish standards of ethical and equitable conduct of international business and mechanisms to resolve problems. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to report to Congress concerning its recommendations regarding such negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980
Proclaims October 19, 1981, a national day of celebration as the two hundredth anniversary of the victory of General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1980
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) from establishing a regulation for the use of a food additive which is found to induce cancer when ingested in reasonable quantities by man or by animal.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Requires that each State establish and maintain an approved workfare program as a condition of its eligibility for Federal payments or other assistance under the: (1) program of aid to families with dependent children under the Social Security Act; (2) food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; and (3) public housing and assisted housing programs under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires that such State workfare program shall require every State resident applying for or receiving aid under such Federal public assistance program to perform work in return for (and as a condition of his or her eligibility for) such aid. Directs the appropriate Federal agencies to promulgate guidelines for approval, supervision, and oversight of such State workfare programs. Exempts from required participation in such programs those who are: (1) under age 18 or over age 65; (2) disabled; (3) regularly employed for at least 40 hours a week; or (4) primarily responsible for the care of a child less than three years old (or for the care of a child more than two but less than six years old if suitable child care is not available at reasonable cost). Requires that each State workfare program must provide that if any individual who is required to participate in such program refuses to accept a bona fide offer of qualified employment or to perform qualified employment, in any month, neither such individual nor any other person in the family or household of which such individual is a member shall be eligible to receive any aid under such Federal public assistance programs for that month. Requires that State workfare programs include provision for job counseling, assistance in obtaining employment outside the program, and job search activities. Provides for: (1) Federal matching funds to cover administrative costs of such State programs; (2) Federal cut-offs of funds to State agencies for failure to comply with this Act; and (3) Federal agency reports to Congress on such State programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Occupational Safety and Health Improvements Act of 1980 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to exempt from all provisions of such Act any person who is engaged in a farming operation and employs an average of ten or fewer employees. Exempts employers who maintain workplaces which qualify as non-hazardous, according to standards set forth in this Act, from OSHA inspections or investigations, with specified exceptions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements with State workers' compensation or other appropriate State agencies under which such State agency will submit an annual list of all employers having one or more reported occupational injuries resulting in two or more lost workdays during the preceding year. Requires employers wishing to claim qualification for such exemptions to file an affidavit with the Secretary relating to the safety records of their workplaces. Limits the type or the amount of penalties which may be assessed against employers who maintain an advisory safety committee and a regular consultation program. Requires employers who qualify for exemptions from inspections or limitations on penalties to maintain records to which the Secretary has access. Provides for review by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and a U.S. court of appeals of rulings by the Secretary that workplaces do not qualify for exemptions from inspection or limitations on penalties. Prohibits considering consultant or committee reports or recommendations or employee assurances under this Act as evidence of a willful violation of such Act if the employer had a reasonable, good faith belief that the condition involved was not a violation. Prohibits specified liability claims against committees or consultants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) assist State agencies to make necessary procedural modifications; (2) report to Congress on State participation; (3) advise employers and employees of the provisions of this Act; (4) require inclusion of the provisions of this Act, or of similar provisions, for approval of State plans; (5) develop and implement other means to identify workplaces qualifying for exemption, as an alternative to the affidavit process; and (6) explore and report on other means to encourage voluntary self-initiative in workplaces to improve safety and health conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State agencies to improve their administration of State workers' compensation programs. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts through fiscal year 1985 for such purpose. Declares the effective date of this Act to be January 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Title I: Public Employee Retirement Income Security - Public Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1980 - Establishes Federal disclosure requirements and fiduciary standards for certain State and local government retirement plans. Extends the requirements of this Act to all public employee pension plans except: (1) those covered and not exempted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA); (2) unfunded plans maintained by the employer primarily to provide deferred compensation for select management or highly compensated employees; (3) severance pay plans; (4) certain coverage agreements entered into under the Social Security Act; and (5) certain individual retirement accounts or annuities, annuity plans, State deferred compensation plans, and other plans under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Exempts a plan from the requirements of this Act if the Employee Benefit Administration (established under title II) determines that such plan is subject to State law which imposes substantially equivalent requirements. Requires that a summary plan description apprising participants and their beneficiaries of their rights and obligations be published with respect to each plan. Specifies the content of such description. Requires that a summary plan description be updated at least once every ten years. Requires that an annual report be published with respect to each plan, which includes an actuarial statement, a financial statement, and information on terminated vested participants. Directs the Employee Benefit Administration (EBA) to prescribe simplified annual reports for any plan covering less than 100 participants. Requires a plan to engage: (1) an independent qualified public accountant to audit the plan and offer an opinion as to whether the financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and (2) an enrolled actuary to perform an actuarial valuation at least once every three years. Directs administrators of pension plans to provide the following information to participants and beneficiaries: (1) the summary plan description; (2) a summary description of any material modification in the terms of the plan; and (3) upon written request, a statement which indicates the total accumulated contributions, benefits, and vesting status of the participant. Directs such administrators to provide to any participant or beneficiary who requests withdrawal of contributions, payment of benefits, or a benefit election, a written explanation of the effects of such action on remaining plan benefits. Requires administrators to file the annual report and a copy of the summary plan description with the EBA. Authorizes the EBA to reject any filings and to take appropriate action if a satisfactory revised filing is not submitted within 45 days. Requires plans covered by this Act to establish a claims procedure which provides participants with a written explanation of benefit denials and a reasonable opportunity for full and fair review. Allows the EBA, in certain circumstances, to prescribe alternative methods of compliance and to exempt any plan or person from the requirements of this Act. Requires plans covered by this Act to provide for one or more fiduciaries and to include: (1) any funding policy which has been established; (2) procedures for amendment and for the allocation of responsibility for the plan's operation and administration; and (3) specification of the benefit provisions. States that all assets shall be held in trust by one or more trustees, with certain exceptions. Requires a fiduciary to discharge his or her duties for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to participants and their beneficiaries and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the plan, with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence that a prudent man would exercise in like circumstances. Directs a fiduciary to diversify the investments of the plan so as to minimize the risk of large losses, unless under the circumstances it is clearly prudent not to do so. Sets forth the circumstances under which a fiduciary is liable for the breach of a co-fiduciary with respect to the same plan. Requires trustees holding assets of a plan to use reasonable care to prevent a co-trustee from committing a breach and to manage and control jointly the assets, unless allocation of responsibility is authorized by the trust agreement. Prohibits specified types of transactions between a plan and parties-in-interest. Limits acquisition by a plan of qualifying employer securities, loans, or real property to ten percent of the fair market value of the assets of the plan. Makes a fiduciary personally liable for the breach of any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon fiduciaries or co-fiduciaries by this Act. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified crimes from serving in certain capacities, including fiduciary and trustee, for specified periods. Sets forth bonding requirements for every fiduciary of a plan, with specified exceptions. Provides that no legislator or government official shall be a fiduciary or co-fiduciary with respect to actions taken in an official capacity. Establishes criminal penalties for willful violation of the reporting, disclosure, and bonding requirements. Includes violations of this Act within existing criminal statutes involving theft, false statements, and racketeering with respect to ERISA. Authorizes civil actions to be brought by specified persons to enjoin or redress violations, or otherwise enforce provisions of this Act. Provides that a plan administrator may be held personally liable for failure to comply with a request for information required under the Act. Grants to the Federal district courts exclusive jurisdiction of civil actions brought under this Act, but provides for concurrent jurisdiction of Federal and State courts with respect to certain actions. Permits attorney's fees to be awarded to a prevailing plaintiff or defendant under specified circumstances. Grants the EBA power to investigate violations of this Act. Prohibits persons from taking retaliatory action against any plan participant or beneficiary for exercising any right under this Act, or from interfering with or preventing the exercise of such rights. Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transmit to an individual, upon request, information which the EBA holds relating to his or her terminated vested benefits. Establishes an eleven-member Advisory Council on Governmental Plans, to be appointed by the President, to advise and make recommendations to the EBA with respect to its functions under this Act. Authorizes the EBA to undertake research and compile information relating to pension plans. Directs the EBA to: (1) report annually to Congress on the administration of this Act; and (2) publish at least annually specified information relating to pension plans. Provides that the fiduciary provisions of this Act preempt all State laws relating to the same subject matter. Provides that any pension plan or trust forming part of a plan which is subject to this Act shall be deemed to have met the requirements for a tax qualified plan or trust under the Internal Revenue Code. Title II: Employee Benefit Administration - Employee Benefit Administration Act of 1980 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to direct the President to establish by the beginning of the third calendar year after enactment the Employee Benefit Administration as an independent agency within the executive branch, to be headed by a five member Board of Directors. Creates two new positions, entitled "special liaison officer to the Administration," one within the Department of Labor and one within the Department of the Treasury, to serve as directors. Provides that the remaining three directors shall be an Executive Director and two additional members appointed by the President. Transfers to the Administration the authority of the Secretary of Labor granted under ERISA, and functions of the Secretary of the Treasury relating to employee benefit plans. Directs the President to transfer to the Administration additional functions of any Federal agency which is necessary to effectuate the maximum feasible consolidation of administrative and related functions of the Government relating to employee benefit plans. Retains the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation within the Administration. Directs the EBA to: (1) promulgate regulations providing for the maximum consolidation of all reports respecting employee benefit plans and governmental plans required under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code; and (2) develop recommendations for a uniform system of terminology relating to employee benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction to business enterprises engaged in the manufacture, importation, distribution, lease, or sale of products for which such businesses may incur product liability for contributions to their product liability loss reserve accounts and for amounts paid to captive insurers (wholly or partially-owned by such businesses) for product liability insurance. Requires that such businesses demonstrate difficulty in obtaining product liability insurance at reasonable rates. Disallows any deductions for product liability losses which do not exceed the sum of the total trust funds in the taxpayer's account at the beginning of the taxable year plus the amount of deductible payments made by the taxpayer to the account during such year. Imposes penalties for the improper use of product liability reserve funds.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Authorizes the expenditure of funds, not to exceed $207,200, for a special study and investigation of welfare and pension plans to be conducted by the House Committee on Education and Labor. Makes such expenditures available to the Subcommittee on Labor-Management Relations. Specifies that $8,000 of such funds are for the reimbursement of computer and computer related services requested by such committee. Declares that no part of these funds shall be available for expenditure in connection with the study of any subject which is being investigated by any other House committee.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Urges the President to: (1) notify the Soviet Union that the United States will terminate the Agreement on Maritime Matters, unless Soviet troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan; and (2) refuse the Soviets permission to enter U.S. ports, until such troops are withdrawn.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Provides for an exemption from the windfall profits tax for independent oil producers for an amount equal to 1,000 barrels of crude oil multiplied by the number of days in the taxable period.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1979
Authorizes the President to impose higher or additional duties on the products of any country which is not cooperating with the United States in its diplomatic or economic initiatives to terminate the unlawful actions of other foreign governments regarding U.S. citizens assigned to a U.S. diplomatic mission.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1979
National Forest Multiple-Use Management Act of 1980 - Specifies that lands within the National Forest System considered for wilderness designation under the Roadless Area Review and Evaluation (RARE) conducted by the Department of Agriculture, but not recommended for designation as wilderness or identified for further planning during the 96th Congress shall continue to be managed for uses other than wilderness in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Directs that lands within the National Forest System which have been recommended for designation as wilderness during the 96th Congress, but have not been included in the National Wilderness Preservation System prior to January 1, 1984, shall be managed beginning on such date for uses other than wilderness in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Directs that lands within the National Forest System which have been identified for further planning during the 96th Congress, but which have not been included in the National Wilderness Preservation System prior to January 1, 1985, shall be managed beginning on such date for uses other than wilderness. Stipulates that if: (1) an executive communication has been received by Congress recommending the designation of any such lands as wilderness prior to January 1, 1985, and such lands have not been included in the National Wilderness Preservation System prior to January 1, 1987, they shall be managed beginning January 1, 1987, for uses other than wilderness; and (2) at any time a determination is made by the Secretary of Agriculture under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 that any such lands shall not be recommended for designation as wilderness, they shall be managed beginning on the date of such determination for uses other than wilderness in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Directs that lands within the National Forest System recommended for designation as primitive area during the 96th Congress, for termination and management for use other than wilderness, shall be managed after the date of enactment of this Act for uses other than wilderness in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Directs that lands within the National Forest System that have been recommended for designation as primitive area during the 96th, for termination and designation as wilderness, but which have not been included in the National Wilderness Preservation System prior to January 1, 1984, shall be managed beginning on such date for uses other than wilderness in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979
Retirement Income Incentives and Administrative Simplification Act of 1979 - Sets forth the findings and policies of this Act, including: (1) the consolidation in a single independent agency of certain administrative, regulatory, and policymaking functions relating to employee benefit plans; (2) the establishment of a national policy to encourage savings to meet the needs of employees and their families in the event of death, disability, or retirement; and (3) the clarification and simplification of certain provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and of the Internal Revenue Code relating to employee benefit plans. Title I: Employee Benefit Administration - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to direct the President to establish by the beginning of the third calendar year after enactment the Employee Benefit Administration as an independent agency within the executive branch to be headed by a five member Board of Directors. Creates two new positions, entitled "special liaison officer to the Administration," one within the Department of Labor and one within the Department of the Treasury, to serve as directors. Provides that the remaining three directors shall be an Executive Director and two additional members appointed by the President. Transfers to the Administration the authority of the Secretary of Labor granted under ERISA, and functions of the Secretary of the Treasury relating to employee benefit plans. Directs the President to transfer to the Administration additional functions of any Federal agency which is necessary to effectuate the maximum feasible consolidation of administrative and related functions of the Government relating to employee benefit plans. Retains the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation within the Administration. Directs the Administration to promulgate regulations providing for the maximum consolidation of all reports respecting employee benefit plans and governmental plans required under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. Title II: Deduction by Certain Employees and Their Spouses for Contributions to Retirement Plans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit employees participating in employer pension plans an income tax deduction for contributions to an individual retirement account. Establishes the amount of such deduction at the lesser of 15 percent of an employees' taxable compensation or $1,000. Permits such employees to apportion one-half of the total deductible amount to individual retirement accounts established for the benefit of such employees' spouses. Title III: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to prescribe rules applicable to one or more categories under which severance pay arrangements and supplemental retirement income arrangements shall be considered to be welfare plans instead of pension plans. Specifies supplemental retirement income arrangements which are to be considered welfare plans. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt any severance pay or supplemental income arrangement from provisions applicable to welfare plans and to provide alternative methods of compliance with any such provision. Conforms the definitions of "part in interest" and "governmental plan" with the Internal Revenue Code. Revises the definitions of "normal retirement age" and "relative". Requires, rather than allows, accountants to rely on the correctness of any actuarial matter certified by an enrolled actuary. Requires, rather than allows, an enrolled actuary to rely on the correctness of accounting matters to which a qualified public accountant has expressed an opinion for purposes of certification. Allows a pension plan which is held in a trust consisting of the assets of two or more participating plans which are maintained by a single employer or two or more employers all of whom are members of the same controlled group, to elect to include as part of its annual report certain information relating to all of the assets of the trust in lieu of the information currently required respecting the assets of the plan. Modifies the current requirement that a plan administrator furnish to a participant or beneficiary a copy of certain financial statements to direct such administrator to post such statements at the principal work sites of employee participants, along with a statement of the right of employee participants to receive copies of the latest annual report and summary plan description. Directs the Secretary to provide for alternative means by which such information may be adequately communicated to employee participants. Sets a $10 limit on the amount an administrator can charge for a copy of the full annual report. Specifies notice requirements which the Secretary of the Treasury, before issuing an advance determination of whether a pension or other type plan meets the requirements of a qualified plan under the Internal Revenue Code, shall require the person applying for the determination to provide. Allows such applicant to establish to the Secretary that the employees have been adequately notified of the filing of the request for such a determination by other satisfactory means. Revises the information which each administrator of an employee benefit plan must furnish to any plan participant or beneficiary who so requests in writing. Requires in the case of individual account plans that the balance in the account be furnished. Directs each administrator to issue a report informing each plan participant of the nature, amount, and form of the deferred vested benefit to which he is entitled if such participant: (1) separated from the service covered by the plan if such separation resulted in a one-year break in service; (2) is entitled to a deferred vested benefit; and (3) with respect to whom retirement benefits are not paid during the particular plan year and are not scheduled for payment before the end of the 180-day period following the plan year. Requires each employer to maintain records with respect to each of the employees sufficient to determine the benefits which are due, or which may become due, to such employee. Requires pension report information to be provided in computer-compatible form to the public only after a statement has been filed with the Secretary by the person receiving the information which provides that the information will not be used for commercial purposes. Requires, rather than allows, the Secretary to prescribe an alternative method for satisfying certain reporting requirements, under specified circumstances. Sets forth additional alternative methods of compliance with certain reporting requirements. Specifies circumstances in which the administrator of any multiemployer plan shall be considered to have satisfied certain reporting requirements. Revises certain participation and vesting provisions. Permits the determination of pension plan eligibility on a plan-year basis. Allows multiemployer plans to suspend the payment of benefits while an employee is reemployed in the same industry, trade, or craft, and the same geographic area covered by the plan, as when such benefits commenced. Stipulates that the employee notification and election requirement (triggered when vesting schedules are changed), is only applicable to employees who might be adversely affected by the change. Makes 125 days of service in any maritime industry equivalent to 1,000 hours of service. Allows a multiemployer plan to provide that a participant's accrued benefit upon his separation from the service is the sum of the different rates of benefit accrual for different periods of participation as defined by one or more fixed calendar dates or by employment in different bargaining units. Permits the accrued benefit to be determined, for purposes of the three-percent accrual method or the fractional method, by projecting the normal retirement benefit to which a participant would be entitled if he continued to accrue benefits at the average of the rates applicable to this period of actual participation. Provides that a plan offering optional benefit forms shall not be treated as altering a participant's accrued benefits by reason of a change in the actuarial assumptions used to compute such benefits if an enrolled actuary makes an appropriate certification. Defines "seasonal establishment" and "seasonal employee" for the purposes of ERISA. Requires plans in which a majority of employees are seasonal employees to use 500 hours, rather than 1000 hours, for purposes of defining a year of service. Makes certain revisions with respect to joint and survivor annuities. Specifies the circumstances in which pension benefits may be paid to another person pursuant to a State court decree of divorce, annulment, legal separation, or family support. Prescribes certain notification requirements with respect to any such payment. Directs the Secretary to prescribe by regulation methods of determining length of service by an elapsed time measurement. Makes certain revisions with respect to funding, including a requirement that changes in funding method or plan year need be approved only when such changes are made more than once in a three-year period. Makes certain revisions with respect to fiduciary responsibilities. Provides, with respect to a plan funded by a contract or policy of insurance, that the assets of the plan shall include such contract or policy, but shall not include the insurer's general account assets. Allows a collectively bargained plan maintained by more than one employer to return an employer contribution within one year after the plan administrator knows that the contribution was made by mistake of fact or violated the Labor-Management Relations Act ( currently, such contribution must be returned within one year of the payment). Amends the cofiduciary provision to stipulate that, with respect to a fiduciary who is not a natural person, "knowledge" means knowledge actually communicated to an officer or employee of the fiduciary. Stipulates, with respect to qualifying employer real property, that the current requirement that the parcels be dispersed geographically must be met only when three or more parcels are involved. Conforms certain provisions relating to transactions by parties in interest with provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Makes the exemption procedure relating to prohibited transactions available to persons who are "owner-employees". Establishes a special exemption procedure with respect to certain currently prohibited transactions, by which certain pending exemption applications shall be considered to have been granted where a fiduciary or class of fiduciaries satisfy specified requirements. Makes certain revisions with respect to the indemnification of fiduciaries, including allowing a multiemployer plan to pay the cost of defending plan trustees in certain circumstances and to indemnify them subject to a determination that the trustees acted in good faith. Provides that amounts collected by the Department of Labor from persons requesting information shall inure to the Department. Requires that at least one member of the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans be a representative of employers maintaining small plans. Directs the Secretary of Labor to publish at least annually a report showing the number of plans and plan participants, plan assets, and other plan information by type and size. Provides that a State insurance law which requires that a specific benefit be provided by a contract or policy of insurance issued to an employee benefit plan is preempted by ERISA. Limits, in the case in which two or more plans covered under title IV of ERISA are terminated simultaneously be any employer, such employer's liability to 30 percent of net worth. Provides that the amount of such liability shall be reduced by the amount of any payments relating to a previously incurred liability. Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct jointly a detailed study of: (1) the reporting requirements of ERISA and an analysis of means to improve such requirements to reduce the administrative burdens on employee benefit plans; and (2) means by which certain institutions, such as registered investment advisors, banks, savings and loan associations, and insurance companies, may be enabled to develop master and prototype pension plans for adoption by employers. Title IV: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to conform such Code to the amendments made to ERISA by title III of this Act. Provides that employee participation in a predecessor employer pension plan or other plans of related employers is to be counted toward the eligibility requirements for capital gains treatment and the ten year averaging of lump sum distributions from such plans. Specifies that multiemployer plans established by tax-exempt charitable, labor, agricultural, or horticultural organizations shall be classified as single defined benefit and contribution plans for purposes of the capital gains treatment and ten year averaging of lump sum distributions from such plans. Provides that a separation from service will be deemed to have occurred for purposes of determining eligibility for capital gains tax treatment of lump sum distribution from a multiemployer plan if any employee has not worked in service covered by such a plan for a period of six consecutive months. Permits a taxpayer to roll over a complete distribution from a money purchase plan or report income from such distribution according to the ten year income averaging rules, even if there is no similar distribution from another pension plan of the same employer in which the taxpayer is a participant. Provides for the deductibility of employer contributions to plans which are maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of nonresident aliens. Title V: Individual Retirement Payroll Deduction Plans for Employees Not Covered by Pension Plans - Amends ERISA by adding a new title V, "Individual Retirement Payroll Deduction Plans for Employees Not Covered by Pension Plans." Requires a covered employer to have in effect an individual retirement payroll deduction plan for eligible employees. Excludes from such requirement: (1) an employer having fewer than ten eligible employees; and (2) an employer who has conducted a referendum of eligible employees and the number of such employees wanting such a plan is less than the greater of ten or ten percent of the number of eligible employees. Establishes civil penalties for covered employers who fail to deduct an amount from the wages of an eligible employee in accordance with an election under an individual retirement payroll deduction plan. Charges the Employee Benefit Administration with the administration of such plans.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employees who are participants in tax-qualified employer retirement plans an income tax deduction for contributions to such plans or to individual retirement accounts. Limits the amount of such deduction to the lesser of 15 percent of the employee's compensation for the taxable year, or $1,000. Disallows such deduction for: (1) individuals claiming a deduction for contributions for retirement savings; (2) individuals who have attained age 70 1/2 in the taxable year of an employee contribution; and (3) government employees who are participants in a plan established by a Federal or State instrumentality. Excludes amounts contributed by an employee pursuant to the terms of this Act from the gross income of such employee.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1979
Low-Level Radioactive Waste Storage and Technology Demonstration Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish, operate, and maintain at least nine but no more than 14 low-level radioactive waste repositories located at appropriate sites in the continental United States; (2) recover the costs of operating and maintaining the repositories from fees charged for disposing of low-level radioactive wastes in or by such repositories; and (3) establish a research and development program associated with new and improved methods for the concentration, solidification, and safe storage of low-level radioactive wastes and their residues.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) no action should be taken to withdraw the one-dollar bill from circulation without congressional approval; (2) no action shall be taken to artificially stimulate the demand for the one-dollar coin; and (3) public demand shall dictate the quantity of United States coins produced.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Congressional Pay Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 and the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to repeal the automatic cost-of-living pay adjustments for Members of Congress. Limits the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, the President pro tempore of the Senate, the majority and minority leader of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the Speaker of the House to the rate payable for such positions for October 1, 1979. Requires the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress during the 97th Congress to be adjusted, effective January 3, 1981, by the overall average percentage adjustments which took effect during the calendar years 1979 and 1980. Requires that any such adjustment of pay shall take effect at the beginning of the Congress following the Congress during which which such rates of pay were recommended and approved. Prohibits any congressional employee from being paid at a rate in excess of the pay rate payable for Senators and Members of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the maximum amount of living expenses which a Member of Congress may claim as an income deduction shall be equal to the Federal per diem rate multiplied by the number of days, but not in excess of 180, that Congress is in session. Specifies that the residence of a Congressman in the district which he represents shall be considered his home for purposes of the income tax deduction.
![Official portrait of Rep. Erlenborn, John N. [R-IL-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000204_200.jpg)