United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) urge France and Italy not to sell sensitive nuclear technology or material to Iraq to replace the reactor and equipment destroyed by Israel; (2) strengthen the U. S. nuclear nonproliferation policy and improve restrictions on the export of nuclear technology or material which can be used to make atomic weapons; (3) veto any United Nations condemnation of Israel for the raid in Iraq; and (4) determine the adequacy of the international system of safeguards. Declares that Congress should impose no economic or military sanctions against Israel for the raid on Iraq's reactor.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare ) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage of "personal emergency response services" provided by a "personal emergency monitoring agency." Defines "personal emergency response services" as the maintenance of digital electronic communication equipment in the home which signals a "personal emergency monitoring agency" for help.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Urban Jobs and Enterprise Zone Act of 1981 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones, for a period ending December 31, 2001, and subject to the approval of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, by local governments or by State governments on behalf of local governments for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by titles II and III of this Act. Specifies that the Secretary may approve the designation of such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the designating local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous and includes accessible vacant or underutilized properties; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area with a population of at least 50,000 or 2,500 otherwise or is an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires designating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's approval, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, or receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate enterprise zones on December 31, 1996. Sets forth minimum and maximum numbers of such designations. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to set forth the duties of the Secretary under this Act. Requires any property tax reduction effected by a local government under an agreed to program to be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) local governments should attempt to facilitate to the greatest extent possible the employment of poor and unemployed residents of their enterprise zones and should consider the effects of a designation upon area employment practices and patterns; and (2) whenever possible, foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones and that in the case of any application for designation of a foreign-trade zone within an enterprise zone: (A) the Foreign-Trade Zone Board should expedite the application process; (B) the Board, in evaluating such application, should consider future development to be expected as a result of the incentives provided by this Act; and (C) the Board should provide technical assistance to the applicants. Title II: Taxation - Subtitle A: Refundable Credits for Employers and Employees - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a refundable income tax credit for five percent of the wages paid to unemployed or economically disadvantaged individuals who are certified as eligible under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and who perform at least 50 percent of their services within an enterprise zone. Disallows a deduction for the portion of the wages or salaries equal to the amount of such credit. Allows individuals who are employees of qualified businesses and at least 50 percent of whose services during the taxable year are performed in an enterprise zone a refundable tax credit for five percent of the earned income attributable to services performed in an enterprise zone during a 36-month period. Limits such credit to $1,500 for any taxable year. Defines "qualified business" as a person: (1) at least 50 percent of whose gross receipts are attributable to the active conduct of a trade or business within an enterprise zone; and (2) at least 40 percent of whose employees are individuals whose employment qualifies for the employers' credit allowed under this subtitle and who are hired after the later of the date on which the conduct of a business in an enterprise zone is begun or the area is designated as such a zone. Subtitle B: Reduction in Capital Gain Tax Rates - Reduces the alternative tax on capital gains and increases the capital gains deduction. Qualifies certain low-income rental housing located in an enterprise zone for such treatment. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of an enterprise zone has terminated. Exempts gain from the sale or exchange of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Removes as an item of tax preference accelerated depreciation on real property used in such a business. Subtitle C: Reduction in Gross Income of Trades or Businesses Operating in Zone - Excludes from taxable income a specified percentage of the sum of any amount received by a qualified business from the active conduct of a trade or business within an enterprise zone and any interest on financing provided by a taxpayer to a qualified business in connection with the conduct of such business. Subtitle D: Other Incentives - Permits any qualified business to elect to use the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting without regard to any inventory requirements if its gross receipts do not exceed $2,000,000 in any prior taxable year. Allows a 20-year carryover of net operating losses for qualified businesses. Qualifies for the investment tax credit low-income rental housing with respect to which the capital gains tax reduction is granted under subtitle B of this title. Subtitle E: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this title. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity," for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions, to include qualified businesses (as defined in title II of this Act), designating governments, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1981
Missing Children Act - Directs the Attorney General to collect and preserve information which would assist in: (1) the identification of any deceased individual who has not been identified within 30 days of his or her death; and (2) the location of any missing child who is under the age of 17, does not have a history of running away, and has been missing for at least 48 hours.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for diplomatic efforts to resolve the current crisis in Lebanon. Sets forth as principles to guide U.S. policy in Lebanon: (1) establishment of a ceasefire; (2) removal of all Syrian and Libyan missiles deployed in Lebanon; (3) preservation of free and secure Christian, Moslem, Druze, Armenian, and Jewish communities in Lebanon; (4) reaffirmation of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship and strengthening of the U.S. commitment to the integrity of Lebanon; (5) generous international support for assistance for Lebanon; and (6) restoration and respect for the authority of a Lebanese Government based on national elections.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the week commencing on June 7, 1981, should be designated as "National Italian-American Heritage Week."
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an estate tax deduction for any interest in property which passes from a decedent with no surviving spouse to a disabled child of the decedent who is left parentless. Limits the amount of such deduction to $250,000.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Requires Federal Reserve notes of certain denominations to be trimmed in a specified manner which will enable an individual who is blind to determine the denomination of each such note.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Provides that for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code a named individual shall be deemed to have sold his old residence within eighteen months after the purchase of his new residence.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses, without regard to any community property laws.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) should cease efforts to regulate news content and to formulate rules and regulations for the operation of the world press. Expresses the opposition of the House to efforts by some countries to control access to and dissemination of news.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to require all presidential polling places to close no later than eleven o'clock p.m. eastern standard time on election day. Establishes penalties for early release of such election results by any election official or other person having election-related responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Export Administration Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Export Administration Amendments Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to carry out such Act. Prohibits any department or agency from withholding confidential information necessary for enforcement of such Act from any enforcement department or agency. Exempts census information from such prohibition. Increases the maximum criminal fine: (1) for violations of such Act; and (2) for failure to report that goods exported under a validated license are being used by the importing country for military or intelligence gathering purposes contrary to the license conditions. Makes such fines less for individuals than in other cases. Limits the civil fine for violations of such Act to $10,000 for individuals and to $100,000 in all other cases. Prohibits the imposition of export controls on food if it is determined such controls would cause measurable malnutrition in the countries against whom the controls are proposed, unless the President determines that the controls are necessary to protect U.S. security or that arrangements are insufficient to ensure that food will reach those most in need. Amends the International Investment Survey Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1981 - Title I: Military and Related Assistance and Sales - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to set the trigger price that would require the President to submit a certification to Congress before consenting to transfers of defense equipment, articles, and services. Exempts such transfers from the 30-day waiting period between submission of certification and effectiveness of consent if the recipient is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), any NATO member, Japan, Australia or New Zealand. Requires the President to submit the certification before consenting to such a transfer, unless an emergency exists. Prohibits the President from consenting to a transfer of defense articles or services valued at such trigger price, from one foreign country or international organization to another, unless the President submits a certification to Congress before consenting. Requires all such certifications to be submitted 30 days before the President consents, unless the transfer is to NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Deletes the provision which exempted transfers to such countries from the certification requirement. Extends the time within which the President must report the price and availability estimates of such defense articles, services, and major equipment. Retains the current trigger price that would make it necessary for the President to include in such report a request by a foreign country for a letter of offer to sell defense equipment, articles, or services. Increases, with respect to letters of offers to sell, the trigger price of defense equipment, articles, or services that would require the President to submit a specified certification to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires all such certifications to be submitted 30 days before a letter of offer is issued, unless an emergency exists or the recipient of the letter is NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Requires certifications for such countries before the letters are issued, unless an emergency exists. Increases the trigger price, with respect to applications for export licenses of defense equipment, articles, or services, that would require the President to submit a specified certification to Congress. Eliminates the 30 day waiting period between certification by the President and issuance of such an export license for NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Requires such certification to be submitted before an export license is issued to such countries, unless an emergency exists. Authorizes the President to reduce or waive certain charges and costs involved in producing defense articles and equipment that would advance standardization of U.S. armed forces with the armed forces of Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the foreign military sales credit and guarantee program. Sets the ceiling for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 on: (1) the total amount of military sales credits; and (2) the total principal amount of loan guarantees for foreign military sales. Allots a specified amount of such credits and guaranteed loans for Israel. Allots a specified amount of such loan guarantees for Greece. Authorizes funds for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to finance procurement by Israel of defense articles and services. Sets forth the terms of repayment by specified countries of such loan guarantees. Directs the President to review periodically the items on the U.S. Munitions List. Includes extraordinary expenses in charges for administrative expenses for foreign military sales. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a Special Defense Acquisition Fund to finance the acquisition of defense articles and services in anticipation of their transfer to eligible foreign countries and international organizations. Requires acquisitions of short supply items to be emphasized when compatible with security assistance requirements. Authorizes appropriations for such Fund for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Prohibits the transfer of any defense articles or services acquired by such Fund to any foreign country or international organization unless authorized by law. Authorizes the temporary use of such defense articles and services by U.S. armed forces prior to their transfer. Authorizes the use of such Fund to pay for the costs related to the acquisition and transfer of such defense articles and services. Directs the President to report to Congress annually on such acquisitions of defense articles and services. Authorizes the President to lease in-stock defense articles to an eligible foreign country or international organization if: (1) the President determines there are compelling foreign policy and national security reasons for leasing rather than selling such articles; (2) the President determines the articles are not presently needed for public use; and (3) the foreign country or international organization has agreed to pay all costs incurred in leasing such articles. Limits each lease agreement to five years duration. Requires each lease to provide that the President may terminate the lease and require immediate return of the leased articles. Authorizes loans for leases of such defense articles. Directs the President to submit a certification to Congress before entering into or renewing such a lease or loan. Authorizes the waiver of such certification if the Presidents reports to Congress that an emergency exists. Prohibits any lease or loan of defense equipment or articles valued at or above specified amounts if Congress objects to the proposed lease or loan by adopting a concurrent resolution. Exempts such loans or leases to NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand from such legislative review. Applies laws restricting the countries or organizations to which arms sales may be made to leases of defense articles under this Act. Makes the Secretary of State responsible for the supervision and general direction of such leases. Requires such leases to meet the same prerequisites for consent by the President as sales of such articles or services. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require loan agreements covering defense articles to provide for restoration or replacement of loaned defense articles which are damaged, lost, or destroyed. Amends the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1980 to repeal the provision relating to leasing defense property. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to eliminate the requirement that the President report to Congress on certain leases of military property to foreign governments. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for military assistance. Allots a specified amount of the military assistance funds available for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to provide grants to finance procurements of defense articles and services for certain countries for which military sales credits were requested but not made available. Repeals the provision that terminated the authority to furnish military assistance to any country unless Congress specifically authorized such assistance. Sets dollar amount limitations on additions to stockpiles of defense articles for foreign countries for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Eliminates the requirement of specific congressional authorization for the operation of a military assistance advisory group, military mission, or organization of U.S. military personnel in a foreign country. Authorizes the President to assign U.S. military personnel to a foreign country to perform specified functions. Limits advisory and training assistance conducted by such personnel. Expresses the sense of Congress that advising and training assistance in countries to which such personnel are assigned shall be provided by other personnel who are detailed for limited periods to perform specific tasks. Limits to six the number of such military personnel assigned to a foreign country unless specifically authorized by Congress. Authorizes the President to waive this limitation upon reporting to Congress that U.S. interests require more than six be assigned to carry out international security assistance programs. Authorizes specified countries to have U.S. military personnel strengths larger than six for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Prohibits the total number of such military personnel assigned to a foreign country from exceeding the number justified to Congress, unless the appropriate Congressional committees are notified before the introduction of the additional military personnel. Specifies the funds to be charged with the costs of overseas management of international security assistance programs. Retains provisions that: (1) make the Chief of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission responsible for supervising such military personnel; and (2) restrict encouragement by U.S. diplomatic and military personnel of military equipment purchases by foreign countries. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) international military education and training; and (2) peacekeeping operations. Prohibits using the authority for peacekeeping operations to finance the establishment of a peacekeeping force in the Sinai or to position U.S. military units in the Sinai without express Congressional approval. Increases the amount of funds that may be transferred in any fiscal year from economic support funds for peacekeeping operations. Expresses support for holding free elections in El Salvador. Authorizes the obligation of funds for military and economic assistance under specified Federal laws for El Salvador only if, prior to each such grant of assistance, the President certifies to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that El Salvador's Government: (1) is not engaged in consistently violating internationally recognized human rights; (2) has achieved substantial control over its armed forces; (3) is making progress in implementing essential economic and political reforms; (4) is committed to holding free elections; and (5) has demonstrated its willingness to negotiate a political resolution of the conflict. Directs the President, if such certification is not made, to: (1) suspend specified military assistance and military education and training for El Salvador; (2) withhold approvals for use of certain credits and guarantees for El Salvador; (3) suspend deliveries of certain defense articles, defense services, and design and construction services; and (4) withdraw from El Salvador all U.S. armed forces performing specified functions. Prohibits the President from making such certification until the President also certifies that El Salvador's government has made good faith efforts to investigate the murders of six U.S. citizens in El Salvador and to bring those responsible for the murders to justice. Title II: Economic Support Fund - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the Economic Support Fund. Deletes provisions relating to: (1) the use of fiscal year 1981 funds; and (2) Central American economic support. Allots a minimum amount of the authorized economic support funds for such years for Israel and Egypt on a grant basis. Authorizes making such funds available to Israel as a cash transfer. Replaces funds authorized and appropriated for Egypt and Israel in fiscal year 1981 which were reprogrammed to aid other countries. Authorizes obligating economic support funds for Egypt to finance activities relating to the reclamation of desert lands (new lands development). Authorizes the use of a specified amount of such funds, under the famine prevention and freedom from hunger programs, to build agricultural extension services in Egypt for the small farmer. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of such funds for such years for special requirements in the Middle East, if the President makes a specified report to Congress. Requires the President to report to Congress at the end of each of fiscal years 1981 through 1983 on the use of such funds. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should finance and participate in cooperative scientific and technological projects involving Israel, Egypt, and other Middle East countries. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of economic support funds for such projects. Deobligates all economic support funds appropriated in prior fiscal years for Syria, except specified earmarked funds. Authorizes using such deobligated funds to reimburse U.S. companies or persons that meet specified criteria. Requires a minimum of two-thirds of the economic support funds available for Turkey for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to be provided on a grant basis. Allots a specified amount of the authorized economic support funds for each of fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for Cyprus. Prohibits use of economic support funds available for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to finance any foreign nuclear facility, unless the President certifies to Congress that it is indispensable to achievement of nonproliferation objectives. Earmarks a specified amount of economic support funds for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for emergency use when U.S. national interests require economic support to promote stability. Title III: Development Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) agricultural development programs; (2) participation in the International Fund for Agricultural Development; (3) assistance for voluntary population planning and health programs; (4) education and human resources development, with a minimum amount earmarked to finance scholarships for disadvantaged South African students; (5) energy development and production, including an earmarked amount for facilitating geological and geophysical survey work; and (6) private voluntary organizations and selected development activities, including programs of disaster preparedness. Retains references to a target figure and fiscal year for promotion of human rights. Authorizes the President to assist developing countries in strengthening their capacity to protect and manage their environment and natural resources. Directs the President to take into account the environmental impact of development programs on developing countries. Requires agencies responsible for such programs to take into account: (1) an environmental impact statement for any development program significantly affecting the environment of the United States or of areas outside the jurisdiction of any country; and (2) an environmental assessment of any proposed program significantly affecting a foreign country's environment. Expresses the concern of the Congress about the continuing loss of tropical forests in developing countries. Directs the President to consider such concerns and the recommendations of the U.S. Interagency Task Force on Tropical Forests: (1) in carrying out programs with respect to developing countries; and (2) in seeking opportunities to coordinate development and investment activities which affect such forests. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct U.S. representatives to international organizations to urge that: (1) higher priority be given to the problems of tropical forest alteration and loss; and (2) there be improved cooperation among these organizations with respect to tropical forest activities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for implementation of the Sahel development program. Conditions disbursement of such funds upon a finding that the foreign government will maintain an accounting system that adequately provides identification of and control over the receipt and expenditure of those funds. Increases and extends through fiscal year 1983 the authorization of appropriations for worldwide housing guaranty programs. Sets up a revolving fund in the Treasury for all fees derived from certain guaranty programs. Authorizes investment of such funds in U.S. obligations. Authorizes U.S. participation in the International Food Policy Research Institute. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) participation in international organizations and programs; (2) trade and development programs; and (3) the African Development Foundation. Title IV: Food for Peace Programs - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to: (1) authorize the President to agree to sell agricultural commodities for foreign currencies on credit terms and on terms which permit conversion to dollars at the exchange rate applicable to the sales agreement; (2) eliminate the provision for the progressive transition from sales for foreign currencies to sales for dollars;(3) repeal the provision which excluded from the definition of friendly country any country or area dominated by a communist government; (4) repeal the requirement that purchasing countries identify food commodities sold for foreign currencies as being provided through U.S. generosity; (5) authorize the President to use for specified purposes the foreign currencies that accrue from such sales entered into before a specified date; and (6) require payments by friendly countries for commodities purchased for foreign currencies to be upon terms no less favorable to the United States than those for development loans. Repeals provisions which: (1) authorize financing ocean transportation costs for such sales; and (2) require a minimum allocation of foreign currencies for self-help measures. Increases the maximum amount of such foreign currencies that may be used for emergency relief requirements other than food commodities. Directs the President to consider, before agreeing to sell U.S. agricultural commodities, to what extent a recipient country is using self-help measures to reduce illiteracy among farmers and to improve farmers' health. Requires each such agreement to describe the economic development and self-help measures extensively and in a manner which ensures that the country's needy people will be the major beneficiaries of the self-help measures. Directs the President to ensure that the self-help provisions are additional to measures that would otherwise be undertaken and to determine whether such provisions are being fully carried out. Limits the amount of financing from sales of agricultural commodities for foreign currencies which can be made available for any one country beginning in fiscal year 1983. Decreases the minimum quantity of agricultural commodities which must be distributed through nonprofit voluntary agencies and the World Food Program for famine relief in fiscal year 1982. Title V: Other Assistance Programs - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) American schools and hospitals abroad; (2) international narcotics control; (3) international disaster assistance; and (4) assistance for displaced persons in Central America. Repeals the provision which prohibits the use of aid funds to pay for herbicide spraying to eradicate marihuana. Authorizes the use of funds appropriated before enactment of this Act to pay for such herbicide spraying. Authorizes the use, without limitations, of narcotics control funds appropriated for fiscal year 1980 that were obligated for Columbia. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance for displaced persons in Central America. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for fiscal year 1982 and 1983. Title VI: Peace Corps - Requires the Peace Corps to be an independent agency within the executive branch. Amends the Peace Corps Act to delete certain provisions relating to readjustment allowance payments to Peace Corps volunteers. Transfers to the Director of the Peace Corps all functions relating to the Peace Corps that were vested in the Director of the ACTION agency. Provides for the transfer of personnel, contracts, property, records, and funds used primarily by the Peace Corps to the Peace Corps. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General to submit reports to the appropriate congressional committees on the implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the Peace Corps. Requires the Peace Corps to give particular attention to programs that tend to integrate disabled people into developing countries' national economies. Authorizes the Director of the Peace Corps to procure legal services under certain conditions. Applies the malpractice protection currently covering State Department personnel to Peace Corps volunteers and personnel. Removes present malpractice protection for Peace Corps volunteers. Removes the applicability of the Mutual Defense Control Act of 1951 to the functions of the Peace Corps. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require property already owned by a Federal agency to be used in furnishing international development assistance in lieu of or supplementary to purchasing new items. Makes permanent the exemption from limitations for U.S. assistance to construction of productive enterprises in Egypt. Provides for compensation of Federal agency employees assigned to work outside the United States. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the operating expenses of administering the international development program. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to establish in the Agency for International Development (AID) an office of Inspector General. Directs the Inspector General of AID to supervise: (1) all security activities relating to AID operations; and (2) all audit, investigative, and security activities relating to operations within the U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency, to the extent requested by the Director of such Agency. Directs the Inspector General of AID to appoint an Assistant Inspector General for security. Authorizes the Inspector General of AID to assign members of the Foreign Service as employees of the Inspector General. Exempts AID from specified overseas personnel ceilings. Repeals the provision requiring the appointment of an Auditor General for the international development program. Requires the President to use the currencies or credits received from Poland from the sale of surplus dairy products to serve U.S. interests in Poland. Declares that eliminating hunger shall be a primary objective of U.S. relations with developing countries. Directs the President to: (1) encourage other grain exporting countries to establish food security reserves; and (2) report to Congress on the actions taken by the President and the response of other countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that up to $15,000,000 of international development funds should be made available for development assistance for Haiti. Authorizes additional appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for agricultural research. States that development assistance for Haiti for such fiscal year should be provided through private and voluntary organizations to the maximum extent possible. Authorizes funding for development assistance, military assistance, military education and training, and arms credits and guarantees for fiscal year year 1982 for Haiti only if the President determines that Haiti's government: (1) has cooperated in halting and has not supported illegal emigration from Haiti; (2) has provided assurances that it will cooperated in implementing U.S. development assistance programs in Haiti; and (3) is not engaged in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. Directs the President to report to Congress every six months on the extent to which Haiti's actions are consistent with such determinations. Exempts assistance for halting significant illegal emigration to the United States from the prohibition on aid for police training in foreign countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take into account whether elections will be held and whether political groups in Nicaragua will be allowed to promote specific candidates in considering any aid for Nicaragua. Reaffirms congressional support for human rights provisions. Directs the President to report to the Speaker of the House and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on prevailing economic conditions in Egypt, Israel, and Turkey that may affect their ability to meet international debt obligations and to stabilize their economies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should continue diplomatic efforts to implement a policy with respect to Lebanon that provides for: (1) an immediate cease fire; (2) reaffirmation of the U.S.-Lebanon relationship and commitment to restoring the freedom, sovereignty, and integrity of Lebanon; (3) restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty; and (4) support for a free and open national election. Repeals the prohibition against assistance and arms sales to Argentina. Authorizes the provision of military assistance, economic assistance, arms sales credits, and export licenses only if the President certifies to the Speaker of the House and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Argentina has made significant progress in complying with internationally recognized human rights principles and that the provision of such assistance is in the interest of the United States. Expresses the sense of Congress that assistance furnished to El Salvador should be used and all other fundamental to encourage: (1) observance of internationally recognized human rights; (2) continued progress in implementing essential economic and political reforms; (3) an investigation of the deaths in El Salvador of U.S. citizens; (4) an end to extremist violence; (5) free elections; and (6) increased professional capability of the Salvadoran military to establish a peaceful and secure environment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to prohibit any person or organization from entering, or coercing another to enter, into an agreement that requires a common carrier by water or other person subject to such Act not to do business with persons who load, unload, or prepare containers for shipment at locations away from shipping piers or docks.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare brief but comprehensive pamphlets which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such pamphlet to accompany the first communication from the IRS to any taxpayer regarding tax liability. Establishes within the IRS an Office of Taxpayer Services, directed by an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue, whose primary responsibilities shall include: (1) assisting taxpayers with information about tax returns, audit corrections, appeals procedures, and payment or document location; and (2) receiving and evaluating complaints of improper, abusive, or inefficient service by IRS personnel. Authorizes the Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order prohibiting the Secretary, for up to 60 days after such issuance, from taking any assessment, collection, or other action adverse to a taxpayer if the Assistant Commissioner determines that such taxpayer is suffering from an unusual, unnecessary, or irreparable loss as a result of such action. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual which are not directly related to such tax laws; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation, or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Requires the IRS, upon a taxpayer's request, to conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment in the taxpayer's residence or place of business, at a reasonable time convenient to the taxpayer. Requires the officer or employee conducting such interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he has a right to remain silent; (2) any statement he makes may be used against him; and (3) he has the right to the presence of an attorney. Exempts certain income producing property from levy for nonpayment of taxes. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to establish, and to report annually to Congress on, a program to provide for a continuing audit and investigation of the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the administration of the internal revenue laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Title I: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Requires a principal who enters into a contract with a sales representative for the solicitation of orders for merchandise of the principal to furnish specified information to the representative, including monthly commission statements. Enumerates items to be included in any written contract between a principal and sales representative in order to conform with this Act. Title II: Indemnification - Exempts principals who have entered into a written contract in conformity with title I from the indemnification requirements of this title. Requires any principal to indemnify a sales representative in accordance with this title if such principal: (1) without good cause terminates a representative's assignment or reduces the geographical territory assigned to a representative; (2) reduces the rate of commission paid to a representative; or (3) reduces the number of accounts assigned within a geographical territory. Sets forth a formula for the indemnification of such representatives. Title III: Miscellaneous - Permits actions to be brought in Federal district court to enforce the rights or liabilities of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest earned on certificates of deposit issued by banks, certain savings institutions, or credit unions. Requires such certificates to be issued between June 30, 1981 and July 31, 1982, to have a one year maturity, and to bear interest at a rate not greater than 70 percent of the average yield of U.S. Treasury bills. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns).
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Declares the sense of the Congress that the President shall take steps to: (1) call upon the Soviet Union to permit the resurrection of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic Churches; (2) contact the officials of the Soviet Union to secure freedom of worship in the Ukraine and (3) bring to the attention of national and international religious councils Soviet violations of basic human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Noninstitutional Long-Term Care Services for the Elderly and Disabled Act - Amends the Social Security Act by adding a new title, title XXI (Noninstitutional Acute and Long-Term Care Services for the Elderly and the Disabled), to provide a comprehensive system of noninstitutional health, developmental, and social services for individuals with chronic disabilities. Entitles an eligible individual to the following benefits: (1) home health services; (2) homemaker-home health aide services; (3) adult day services; (4) respite care services for up to 14 days, or 336 hours, in any year; (5) service coordination; (6) home help services; and (7) other services, provided on a demonstration basis, which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines may be of value. Sets forth definitions of such benefits. Provides benefits to every individual who: (1) has attained age 65; (2) is disabled and eligible for benefits under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income), XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid) of the Act; (3) was eligible for such benefits and ceased to be so eligible, but only if loss of benefits would seriously jeopardize such individual's ability to continue to live in a noninstitutional community residence and such individual's income is not sufficient to allow such individual to provide a reasonable equivalent of the services available under this Act; or (4) has been certified as eligible by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. States that no eligible individual shall be eligible to receive any benefits under title XXI or any long-term care benefits under titles XVIII, XIX, or XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Act unless such individual has a plan of care, as specified in this Act, and has been screened and assessed by a preadmission assessment and screening team (PAT) in order to determine the types and frequency of services required by such individual and in order to assure the maximum level of independence for such individual. Requires the Governor of each State to designate the State agency or agencies which shall administer or supervise the administration of the States' PAT program. Directs such agency or agencies to designate the PAT. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any PAT, and any State, for the reasonable costs incurred under this Act. Requires beneficiaries under title XXI to make copayments. Sets limits based on income for such copayments. Exempts those below the poverty line from copayments. Directs the Secretary to pay amounts for benefits incurred by an eligible individual in accordance with specified guidelines. Creates the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund into which specified funds will be deposited in order to make the payments required by this Act. Coordinates the provisions of this Act with titles XVIII, XIX, and XX of the Act by providing that no payment shall be made under such titles to or on behalf of an individual who is eligible under title XXI for services available under title XXI, unless the individual seeking coverage first undergoes a preadmission screening and assessment as provided in title XXI. States that this Act shall be effective between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 1987. Directs the Secretary to monitor the effects of this Act and report to Congress. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct an ongoing evaluation of the effects of this Act and to report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Youth Skills Act of 1981 - Declares the intention of the Congress to establish the authority of Opportunities Industrialization Centers and other community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness to develop and furnish skills training and job placement as subgrantees in unrestricted grant programs. Directs the head of each agency administering specified programs to take necessary actions to ensure that: (1) appropriate youth employment and training services will be furnished under each such program; and (2) Opportunities Industrialization Centers and other community based organizations will be given special consideration in the delivery of such services. Specifies the programs to which such requirement applies as: (1) the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 and any successor program providing for general revenue sharing to States and/or local government; (2) title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, or any similar legislation providing unrestricted grants for community development; (3) any program providing for unrestricted Federal assistance for public works or for the creation of private sector jobs; (4) any program to rehabilitate and improve U.S. railroads; and (5) any program of tax incentives or other Federal subsidies to encourage economic development of urban areas with high concentrations of unemployed individuals, especially areas designated as urban enterprise zones. Directs such agency heads to assure that eligible employers under such unrestricted financial assistance programs will enter into contracts for the delivery of employment and training services to youth. Directs the Secretary of Labor to advise appropriate public agencies and private contractors receiving assistance under such programs of the provisions of this Act and the availability of subcontracting the delivery of employment and training services for youth to Opportunities Industrialization Centers and other Community based organizations. Directs such agency heads to assure that recipients of financial assistance under such programs provide employment and training services, with special consideration for jobs with prospects of continued employment, for youth: (1) hard to employ and historically unemployed and unskilled; (2) living in urban and rural areas with high concentrations of welfare families ; (3) living in designated enterprise zones; and (4) living in rural areas where job opportunity development will prevent out-migration to urban areas. Sets forth nondiscrimination provisions. Defines "community based organization" as a nonprofit tax exempt organization of demonstrated effectiveness in delivering employment services. Cites examples of such organizations. Defines "Youth" as an individual who has attained 18 years of age but not 26 years of age. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed as a limitation on any other Federal law provision for employment and training services.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Coastal Barrier Resources Act - Declares the findings and intentions of Congress in regard to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the coastal barriers along the Atlantic and gulf coasts of the United States. Establishes the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System) which shall consist of specified undeveloped coastal barriers on the Atlantic and gulf coasts. Requires that certain coastal barrier maps shall be available for public inspection through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide copies of such maps to the chief executive officer of: (1) each State and political subdivision in which a System unit is located; and (2) each affected Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to make necessary modifications to such maps and to notify specified Congressional committees of same. Limits, to specified projects, Federal expenditures on or financial assistance for purposes within the System. Lists those projects eligible for financial assistance. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify annually to Congress that the Federal agencies concerned have complied with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the contents of reports to be filed by the Secretary with specified Congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of five airborne warning and control aircraft (AWACS) and conformal fuel tanks and air-to-air missiles for F-15 aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a temporary heroin program under which confiscated heroin shall be made available to pharmacies of qualified hospitals for dispensing to cancer patients for the relief of pain. Sets forth application requirements for such program for qualified hospitals designed to protect against the diversion of distributed heroin into illicit channels. Authorizes the Secretary to import opium to manufacture heroin, if amounts confiscated are insufficient to meet the needs of qualified hospitals. Amends specified provisions of law to conform to provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources within specified time periods on the activities under the temporary heroin program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should increase the power of the transmitters and improve the quality and quantity of foreign language programs of the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Liberty; and (2) research should be undertaken to speed progress in the area of international mass communication media.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for the conduct of an epidemiological study of the long-term health effects in humans from exposure to dioxins produced during manufacture of phenoxy herbicides, including Agent Orange. Requires such study to give particular attention to Vietnam veterans. Directs the Secretary to request the National Academy of Sciences to design and analyze the data from such a study or, if the Academy refuses, another appropriate public or nonprofit entity. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such study. Stipulates that such study shall be conducted in lieu of the study authorized by Public Law 96-151.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with various declarations and international agreements by providing proper medical care to Yuriy Shukhevych, by releasing him from prison, and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; (2) the President should express continuing U.S. opposition to the imprisonment and maltreatment of Yuriy Shukhevych; and (3) the President should reiterate that the United States, in evaluating its relations with other nations, will consider the extent to which other nations honor their international commitments, especially their human rights commitments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Commends the peaceful attempts to resolve differences between Poland's workers and government officials and expresses the hope that they will continue to resolve their differences through peaceful negotiations. Welcomes to the United States Poland's First Deputy Prime Minister. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States could not remain indifferent to external aggression or internal repression against Poland and that such developments would have serious consequences for East-West relations. Supports efforts to work with other nations to ease Poland's economic difficulties and the U.S. decision to sell surplus food to Poland at concessionary prices and in Polish currency provided neither external aggression nor internal repression occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1981
Military Spouse Retirement Equity Act - Entitles a former spouse of a member of the uniformed services who was married to such member for at least ten years to an annuity based upon a percentage of such member's retired or retainer pay. Allows annuities to be paid to former spouses covered by spousal agreements or court orders which are not inconsistent with provisions of this Act. Provides that the ten-year requirement for the marriage of a former spouse to a member of the uniformed services should not be construed to affect the rights of any such person under applicable State laws. Amends the Survivor Benefit Plan to make such former spouses eligible to receive annuities under such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1981
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to: (1) provide for consumer participation in the administration of agricultural marketing orders; and (2) set forth an agency procedure for the issuance of marketing order rules and regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for electric utility fuel surcharges incurred by a taxpayer in connection with a trade or business or for electricity used in such taxpayer's principal residence resulting from a shutdown of nuclear power generating facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
PATH Crisis Prevention Act of 1981 - Sets forth the findings of Congress in regard to the commuter rail service provided by the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH) to the States of New Jersey and New York. Authorizes the President, in the case of a labor dispute between PATH and its employees not resolved under the procedures of the Railway Labor Act, to direct each party to submit a final offer to the National Mediation Board. Directs the Board, if no settlement is reached within a specified period, to refer the dispute to the emergency board created to investigate and report on such dispute under such Act. Specifies that such emergency board shall, within 30 days, select one of such final offers for settlement of the dispute. Requires that a hearing be held prior to such selection so that each party may be heard. Sets forth factors to be considered by the board in making its determination. Prohibits the board from altering the final offer that it selects. Declares the selection of such final offer to be conclusive unless found to be arbitrary and capricious by an appropriate district court. Imposes penalties on PATH officers or employees who fail to comply with the provisions of this Act. Permits any person adversely affected by such noncompliance to bring an injunctive action in the appropriate district court.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the: (1) U.S. representative to the World Health Assembly should vote for the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes; (2) American infant formula industry should abide by such code; (3) President should encourage other governments to call upon their infant formula industries to comply with this code; and (4) President should cooperate with governments of developing countries to develop health standards and programs to implement this code.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Directs the President to award a special gold medal to Fred Waring. Stipulates that funds may not be appropriated under this Act for any period before October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal crime to kill the Press Secretary to the President, a member of the immediate White House staff, or a Government employee holding a level 1 position of the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Proclaims Raoul Wallenberg an honorary citizen of the United States. Requests the President to ascertain his whereabouts from the Soviet Union and to secure his freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President and the Secretary of Defense should make every effort to remove waste and inefficiency from Department of Defense programs and that the expenditure of appropriated funds for national defense purposes should be closely monitored.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fenwick, Millicent H. [R-NJ-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000078_200.jpg)