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![Official portrait of Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/dfda094a48c87dccd97fd47288d44ac3_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
2,567 records where Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Requests the President to designate July, 1981, as "National Peach Month."
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives over the hunger strike in Northern Ireland. Calls upon the British government to exercise greater urgency and flexibility in finding a resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for protection and advocacy of individual rights, university affiliated grants, and State allotments. Revises the system for evaluating services provided to persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make allotments to States to design, test, and operate a comprehensive evaluation system which meets certain standards. Permits the Secretary to reserve up to ten percent of total allotments appropriated each fiscal year for such purpose. Revises the Secretary's authority to make special project grants to require that demonstration projects be conducted in more than one State, involve the participation of two or more Federal agencies, or otherwise be of national significance. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for special project grants at a reduced level. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funding under this Act by contract in lieu of by grant.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of April 4 through April 10, 1982, as National Medic Alert Week.
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
Increases the authorized maximum uniform allowance for Federal employees to $400 a year.
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 · 27 May 1981
Prohibits a State or political subdivision from imposing an income tax on any individual who is not a resident or domiciliary of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against income tax for one-third of the amount of local earned income taxes paid by individuals who are not residents of the local governmental area.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the exclusion of interest on mortgage subsidy bonds. Repeals provisions which allow tax-exempt status for such bonds if 95 percent of the mortgages financed by such issues are in compliance with stated requirements. Provides that a showing that the issuing authority has tried in good faith to satisfy all requirements will cure a failure to meet any particular requirement if such failure is corrected within a reasonable time after its discovery. Allows bondholders to rely upon an issuer's good faith covenant as to a compliance. Revises the new homeowner requirements to allow eligibility for bond-financed mortgages for persons who are residing in substandard housing or who have lost their homes because of natural disasters or governmental action. Changes the method of determining the average area purchase price for purposes of the purchase price requirements for bond-financed mortgages. Specifies that the average area purchase price shall not include residences which are not typically financed through normal real estate mortgage loans and that such price may be determined separately for new and previously occupied homes. Revises the arbitrage requirements to increase the amount by which interest rates on tax-exempt mortgage subsidy bonds may exceed the interest rates on mortgages financed with such bonds. Changes the method of determining the yield on an issue. Specifies that issuers are not required to dispose of any investment and realize a loss in order to satisfy arbitrage restrictions. Allows two or more qualified mortgage bond issues of a single issuer to be combined for purposes of determining compliance with arbitrage requirements. Permits issuers to maintain a reasonable reserve against investment losses and to allocate credits or payments between eligible mortgagors. Exempts mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration from certain mortgage assumption requirements. Includes energy impacted areas within the definition of targeted areas for purposes of the special treatment of targeted area residences. Repeals the requirement that the designation of areas of chronic economic distress be approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Limits the designation of areas of chronic economic distress to 25 percent of the geographic area within a State. Redefines statistical areas to include two or more statistical areas combined. Repeals the registration requirements for bond issues.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Declares it the sense of the Congress that no legislation that would change the operations of the Guaranteed Student Loan Program before October 1, 1981, should or will be enacted. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from promulgating any rule which changes the operations of the Guaranteed Student Loan Program before October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to prohibit assistance to any public agency unless there is in effect with respect to such agency a law enforcement officers' bill of rights which includes, at a minimum, the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any policy complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; and (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Amtrak Improvement Act of 1981 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to add new goals for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), including: (1) improvement by at least 30 percent within two years of the number of passenger miles generated systemwide per dollar of Federal investment; (2) operation of Amtrak trains to all station stops within five minutes of the time established in public timetables; and (3) operation of commuter service, through the Amtrak Commuter Services Corporation, on an equal priority with intercity service. Revises the membership of the board of directors of Amtrak. Prohibits Amtrak from being charged for the cost of any customs inspection or immigration procedure in connection with the provision of Amtrak services. Directs Amtrak to eliminate the deficit in its onboard food and beverage operations by September 30, 1982. Allows such operations to be contracted out to the private sector. Exempts Amtrak from State and local taxes to the same extent as the United States is so exempt. Revises the number and type of reports to be transmitted by Amtrak and the Interstate Commerce Commission to Congress and the President. Increases the percentage of costs to be paid by a State or group of States for rail service beyond the basic system. Revises procedures for evaluating the market potential and cost of instituting such service. Disqualifies from assistance under such Act proposed service that cannot reasonably be expected to achieve a certain ratio of revenues to operating expenses. Directs Amtrak to operate such service despite the above restrictions if: (1) a State or agency agrees to pay 100 percent of the annual loss of such service; and (2) sufficient equipment is available for such service. Sets forth criteria by which fare increases shall be proposed and become effective. Requires that at least one percent of all revenues generated by each route under such Act shall be dedicated to advertising and promotion of such service on a local level. Directs Amtrak to submit amendments to the route and service criteria to Congress. Provides for veto of such an amendment by disapproval by either House of Congress within 120 days. Requires that Amtrak review annually each route in the basic system (formerly long distance routes only) to determine whether specified criteria are being met. Discontinues those lines that fail to meet such criteria. Directs Amtrak to evaluate the financial requirements for operating the basic rail service system with route additions. Authorizes Amtrak to take specified actions to reduce operating costs, including the reduction or cancellation of certain lines. Repeals provisions concerning long distance quadrant routes, including the Inter-American train to the Mexican border. Declares that any change in the basic system made by Amtrak shall be subject to review under this Act but shall not be reviewable in any court. Directs Amtrak to continue high frequency intercity rail passenger service under agreements with States or transportation agencies if such service meets certain criteria. Limits payments for employee protection during fiscal year 1982. Extends the availability of free or reduced rate rail transportation for specified employees. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the purposes of such Act. Limits, to a specified sum, Amtrak's expenditures for food and beverage operations. Increases the amount of funds available for purchase and rehabilitation loans. Eliminates the loan guaranty fee formerly collected by the Secretary of transportation on such loans. Declares that any deferral by Amtrak of interest payments to the Federal Financing Bank during fiscal years 1982 and 1983 shall not constitute default. Directs Amtrak, by January 15, 1982, to report to Congress its recommendations concerning the development of rail corridors.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Conrail Private Sector Ownership Act of 1981 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress with regard to freight and commuter rail service in the Midwest and Northeast United States. Title II: Conrail - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to direct that any investment by the United States Railway Association in the securities of the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) after October 1, 1981, shall be by purchase of preferred stock. Requires that the Association determine the timing and amount of such purchases. Directs that any request by Conrail for the purchase of such stock shall be filed with the Association within a specified time period. Lists conditions that must be met by Conrail before the Association may purchase such stock. Permits the Association to modify such conditions and to cease purchasing such stock. Sets forth procedures by which Conrail may appeal the decision of the Association to cease stock purchases. Provides for benefits to be paid by employees of Conrail subsidiaries. Directs Conrail to issue annually stock to such employees and personnel in amounts equal to the amount of such benefits provided. Requires State and local governments in States that have more than 100 route miles of the Conrail system to provide specified benefits to Conrail. Directs the Association to allocate such benefits among the States and to notify Governors of the required contribution of such States. Authorizes appropriations for the Association to carry out the purposes of this Act. Revises: (1) the membership of the Association's Board of Directors; and (2) the functions of the Association. Requires that uncommitted funds of the Association be kept on hand, on deposit, or lawfully invested. Exempts the Association from all taxation, except real property taxation. Directs the Association to report to Congress concerning stock purchases and the recapitalization of Conrail. Directs the Association to recapitalize Conrail under certain circumstances. Abolishes the Association and transfers its assets and liabilities to the Office of Management and Budget after Conrail is recapitalized. Directs Conrail to make necessary information available to the Association so that it may carry out its functions under this Act. Transfers the responsibility for representing the United States in any civil action brought by the estate of a railroad in reorganization against the United States to the Attorney General who may, in turn, establish an independent office within the Department of Justice with responsibility for defending against such actions. Reorganizes the structure of Conrail, including the Board of Directors. Prohibits Conrail from requiring permission from the Secretary of Transportation to substitute manual block signal systems for automatic systems on certain main lines. Directs the Secretary and the representatives of the various classes of Conrail employees to enter into agreements providing protection for such employees. Declares that any eligible Conrail employee who is transferred to the Conrail Commuter Corporation or the Amtrak Commuter Services Corporation shall remain eligible for such benefits. Sets forth procedures for employee terminations and the payment of termination allowances. Describes hiring procedures to be followed by rail carriers regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Directs the Railroad Retirement Board to maintain a register of persons separated from railroad employment who are available for employment in the railroad industry. Directs Conrail to provide the Board names of former employees who elect to appear on such register. Terminates such register and employee placement assistance three years after the effective date of this Act. Provides for the election and treatment of benefits by protected employees. Grants Conrail the right to assign, reassign, and consolidate work, formerly performed on the rail properties acquired from a railroad in reorganization, to any location or position on its system if it does not remove such work from a collective bargaining agreement. Limits such authority to the period during which benefits are provided under this Act. Requires that a new collective-bargaining agreement be negotiated between Conrail and representatives of the employees of a railroad in reorganization. Authorizes Conrail and other employers with protected employees to transfer such employees, in inverse seniority order, to a vacancy on any part of the rail system. Sets forth conditions and limitations on such transfers. Directs Conrail, Amtrak, or an acquiring carrier to process and pay employee and personal injury claims. Provides for direct reimbursement by the Association for such claims. Limits Federal and Conrail liability under such collective bargaining agreements. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for such activities. Prohibits a State from enforcing any law, rule, or standard that requires a specified number of employees to perform a particular task or to pay protective benefits to employees. Repeals Title V (Employee Protection) of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Authorizes Conrail to file for: (1) a certificate of abandonment; or (2) a notice of insufficient revenues for any line that is a part of the Conrail system. Makes any employee adversely affected by such an abandonment eligible for employee protection under this Act. Declares that any cost reductions resulting from the provisions of this Act shall not be used to limit: (1) the maximum level of any rate charged by Conrail for rail services; (2) the amount of any increase in any such rate (including joint rates); or (3) an otherwise lawful surcharge or cancellation. Title III: Commuter Rail Passenger Service - Creates a timetable in regard to the transfer of commuter service from Conrail to the Conrail Commuter Corporation and the Amtrak Commuter Services Corporation. Establishes the Conrail Commuter Corporation under the laws of a State as a Conrail subsidiary. Specifies the applicability of certain laws to the Corporation. Exempts the Corporation from payment of all taxes imposed by a State or other taxing authority. Sets forth the corporate and financial structure of the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to issue common stock to Conrail. Sets forth procedures for the transfer of Conrail employees to the Corporation. Provides such employees with protection and benefits equal to those provided by Conrail. Requires that collective-bargaining agreements be in effect among the Corporation, Conrail, and such transferred employees within 240 days after the effective date of this Act. Specifies benefits to be included in such agreements. Directs the Corporation, 210 days after the effective date of this Act, to assume responsibility for the management and operation of all commuter services being operated by Conrail. Grants full trackage rights to the Corporation so that such commuter services may be operated. Transfers the necessary rail properties from Conrail to the Corporation. Relieves Conrail of obligations to operate commuter services except those under agreement with Amtrak. Requires that commuter agencies providing rail service continuation payments to the Corporation notify Amtrak Commuter whether such agency intends: (1) to offer similar payments to Amtrak Commuter; and (2) for Amtrak Commuter to assume its commuter service operations. Describes procedures for the transfer of Corporation employees to Amtrak Commuter. Provides such employees with protection and benefits equal to those provided by the Corporation. Requires that collective bargaining agreements be in effect among the Corporation, Amtrak Commuter, and such transferred employees within 540 days after the effective date of this Act. Specifies benefits to be included in such agreements. Dissolves the Corporation 540 days after the effective date of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for commencing and terminating Corporation operations under this Act. Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to establish, as a goal of Amtrak, the operation of commuter service, through the Amtrak Commuter Services Corporation, on an equal priority with intercity service. Declares that Amtrak Commuter shall not be an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government but a contract operator of commuter service. States the applicability of specified laws to Amtrak Commuter. Exempts Amtrak Commuter from payment of certain taxes. Sets forth the corporate and financial structure of Amtrak Commuter. Authorizes Amtrak Commuter to issue common stock to Amtrak. Authorizes Amtrak Commuter to: (1) own, operate, or contract for the operation of commuter service; (2) conduct research and development; and (3) acquire by purchase, gift, or by contracting for the use of physical facilities and equipment necessary to commuter service operations. Authorizes Amtrak Commuter to operate commuter service under agreements with commuter agencies. Directs Amtrak Commuter to operate commuter service which Conrail was obligated to provide on the effective date of this Act. Allows Amtrak Commuter to discontinue commuter service to such agencies under certain conditions. Directs Amtrak and the Corporation to transfer to Amtrak Commuter such rail properties as may be necessary for the operation of commuter service. Requires the Board of Directors of Amtrak Commuter to develop and recommend to Amtrak equitable policies for access to and maintenance of the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes appropriations to establish a working capital revolving fund to be used by Amtrak Commuter. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission, within 120 days of the date of enactment of this Act, to determine costing methodology for compensation to Amtrak for the right-of-way related costs for the operation of commuter rail passenger service over the Northeast corridor and other properties owned by Amtrak. Prohibits judicial review of such determination by the Commission. Title IV: Amtrak - Prescribes goals for Amtrak, including: (1) improvement by at least 30 percent over two years of the number of passenger miles generated systemwide per dollar of Federal investment; (2) elimination of the food and beverage service deficit; and (3) operation of Amtrak trains at higher speeds and on reliable schedules. Reduces the membership of the Amtrak board of directors to 11. Revises the selection and structure of the Board. Exempts Amtrak from the costs levied by any Federal agency for customs inspection or immigration procedures. Directs Amtrak to implement policies that will eliminate the deficit in its onboard food and beverage operations by October 1, 1982. Exempts Amtrak from specified State and local taxes. Eliminates certain reports to Congress and the President concerning rail operations. Revises procedures for route additions, discontinuances, and rail fare increases. Directs Amtrak to review annually each route in the basic system (formerly long distance routes only) to determine if such route meets specified criteria. Discontinues those lines that fail to meet such criteria. Requires that Amtrak reduce the long-term avoidable loss of operating service on long-distance routes by specified amounts. Describes actions to be taken to achieve such reduction. Directs Amtrak to submit amendments to the route and service criteria to Congress. States that such amendments shall take effect in 120 days unless either House of Congress adopts a resolution disapproving such amendments. Repeals provisions concerning long distance quadrant routes, including the Inter-American train to the Mexican border. Declares that any change in the basic system made by Amtrak shall be subject to review under this Act but shall not be reviewable in any court. Directs Amtrak to continue high-frequency intercity rail passenger service under agreements with States or transportation agencies if such service meets certain criteria. Extends the availability of free or reduced rate rail transportation for specified employees. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the purposes of such Act. Limits Amtrak's expenditures for food and beverage operations to a specified amount. Eliminates the loan guaranty fee formerly collected by the Secretary on purchase and rehabilitation loans. Declares that any deferral by Amtrak of interest payments to the Federal Financing Bank during fiscal years 1982 and 1983 shall not constitute default. Directs Amtrak to develop service on specified rail passenger corridors. Requires that a State or private party benefitting from such corridor service contribute annually at least ten percent of the operating cost of such service. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress, by April 1, 1982, a plan for the disposition of the assets of Conrail. Describes the contents of such plan and allows an extension to such deadline. Requires any such plan to be approved within 90 days of submission by a concurrent resolution in both Houses of Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to submit to Congress, after April 1, 1982, a plan for the sale of Conrail's assets, including a description of benefits from such sale to the Northeast region. Requires Conrail to notify the Secretary and Congress, before April 1, 1983, if it is unable to continue operations within the requirements of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Authorizes the Secretary to sell Conrail's assets and vote its stock after such notification. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to repeal provisions concerning financial assistance to States for rail freight assistance programs. Reduces the Federal share of other rail service assistance programs. Revises State rail service assistance entitlements and eligibility therefor. Directs each State to retain a contingent interest for the Federal share of funds in any line receiving rail freight assistance under this Act if an application for abandonment is filed or such line is sold or disposed of in any way after it has received Federal assistance. Directs the Secretary, within 45 days of the effective date of this Act, to petition the special court for an order to transfer all Conrail properties in Connecticut and Rhode Island to another railroad in the region. Makes any employee deprived of employment as a result of such transfer eligible for specified benefits. Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to enable Conrail to obtain a loan in an amount required for the cost of employee insurance coverage and benefits. Describes procedures for obtaining such loan and for administering such medical and life insurance. Amends the Railway Labor Act to establish procedures for handling disputes between a publicly funded and operated carrier providing rail commuter service and its employees. Sets forth the process by which appeals of this Act may be made.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to permit the National Committee of American Airmen Rescued by General Mihailovich to construct and maintain a monument to General Draza Mihailovich in recognition of the role he played in saving the lives of approximately 500 United States airmen in Yugoslavia during World War II. Provides that such monument shall be located on Federal public land within the District of Columbia. Directs that private funds shall be the sole source for the construction and maintenance of such monument.
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 · 7 May 1981
Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for grants to State programs and for other provisions of such 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 · 5 May 1981
Congressional Campaign Financing Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to place limits and reporting requirements on Congressional primary and general election expenditures for candidates receiving public financing. Sets forth penalty provisions for knowing violations of such requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new chapter, the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Entitles to campaign payments Congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and certify that: (1) they and their authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations; and (2) they have received contributions in excess of a specified sum. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment by a candidate of excess payments and unexpended payments. Establishes criminal penalties for use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct an audit of the qualified campaign expenses of every candidate who receives matching payments; and (2) report to Congress with respect to such expenses and payments, such report to be made readily available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to enter into cooperative agreements with States, local or regional government agencies, or private, nonprofit entities for the establishment of regional training centers for training State and local personnel who: (1) respond to hazardous materials transportation accidents; and (2) enforce State and local hazardous materials transportation requirements. Sets forth information to be supplied by a State, government agency, or private nonprofit entity on its application to enter into such an agreement. Grants the Secretary discretionary power to approve or deny such applications. Specifies criteria to be considered by the Secretary in making such decision. Requires that such approval or denial be granted within 60 days of the date of the application. Limits the duration of such agreements to three years. Directs that the cost of constructing any facilities for use as a training center shall be borne by the party to the agreement with the Secretary. Permits training of private industry personnel on a reimbursable basis. Allows the Secretary to enter into a contract with a private entity for use of a supplemental reporting system and data center operated and maintained by such entity. Authorizes appropriations, with specified limitations, for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Independent Safety Board Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the purposes of such Act for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983. States that such sums shall remain available until expended. States that certain investigations conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board shall have priority over all other investigations conducted by Federal agencies. Includes aviation incidents under requirements binding on persons reporting such incidents subject to the Board's investigatory jurisdiction. States that any properly credentialed employee of the Board, in investigating a transportation accident, may examine and test any materials determined to be required for the purpose of the investigation. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to report annually to Congress with regard to transportation safety recommendations made by the Board during the preceding year.
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 · 29 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) should initiate implementing procedures to carry out the Helsinki Final Act of the CSCE by holding review meetings regularly on the implementation of such Act. States that the appropriate Congressional committees should: (1) hold hearings to assess the results of the Madrid review meetings of the CSCE; (2) based on such assessment, determine what additional measures the United States should undertake to assure Soviet compliance with the Final Act and whether it is in the U.S. interest for another review meeting to be held; and (3) report such assessment to Congress, the President, and the Secretary of State. Expresses the sense of the Congress that members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other Western ally signatories to the Final Act should conduct similar reviews to assess the most effective procedures for assuring compliance with the Final Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that because of the importance to human rights objectives of implementation of the Final Act the Congress should consult with the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe in monitoring such implementation. Recommends bipartisan Congressional support for assuring compliance with such Act to maximize pressure on the Soviet Union to comply with such Act.
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 · 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
Declares that Doctor Semyon Gluzman be released from prison in the Soviet Union and be allowed to immigrate to Israel.
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
Quiet Communities Act - Amends the Noise Control Act of 1972 to retitle such Act the "Quiet Communities Act." Repeals specified provisions of such Act relating to: (1) noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce; (2) labeling; (3) imports; (4) prohibited acts; (5) enforcement; (6) records, reports, and information; (7) railroad noise emission standards; and (8) motor carrier noise emission standards. Replaces a finding that Federal action is necessary to control major noise sources in commerce with a finding that Federal action must promote and assist effective State and local programs. Eliminates an authorization to establish Federal noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and publish data and information (currently criteria) with respect to noise. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such Act for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for real estate taxes imposed by State law on tenants. Extends such deduction to taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize their income tax deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the medical expenses of handicapped individuals and individuals who have attained age 65 shall be deductible without regard to the requirement that medical care expenses exceed three percent of the adjusted gross income and that the cost of medicine and drugs exceed one percent of the adjusted gross income.
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 · 25 March 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) express to the Soviet Union the United States' deep concern about the Soviet Union's depriving the Vashchenko and Chmykhalov families of religious freedom and refusing them permission to emigrate; (2) ensure that such families may reside in the U.S. embassy in Moscow until the Soviet Union authorizes their emigration; and (3) ensure provision of assistance for such families during their residence in the embassy.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Requests the President to designate July 17, 1981, as "National P.O.W.-M.I.A. Recognition Day."
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning November 22, 1981, as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Requests the President to designate the third week of September of each year as "National Cystic Fibrosis Week."
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1981
Water Pricing Reform Act of 1981 - Directs that any water delivery contract entered into by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the Reclamation Act shall require the repayment of costs of such delivery by the contractor at a rate at least equal to the costs incurred by the government. Requires contracts involving a project authorized by the Congress after enactment of this Act, or any project for which no contract has yet been executed, to provide for the recovery of costs at a rate determined by the Secretary, including: (1) all construction costs allocable to irrigation; (2) all operation and maintenance costs; and (3) interest on such charges. Authorizes the Secretary to establish higher rates for the recovery of costs to encourage conservation of water resources. Requires the Secretary to recalculate such rates each year and to modify each contract to reflect the cost alterations. Prohibits the duration of any water service contract entered into after enactment of this Act to be greater than ten years. Amends the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 to provide that repayment obligations of organizations contracting with the Secretary be fixed to achieve timely repayment of costs consistent with the annual payment capacity of such organization. Prohibits any such contract, subsequent to enactment of this Act, to be reduced on the basis of the contractor's ability to pay. Prohibits water sold under any contract with the Secretary to be resold without the written permission of the Secretary. Directs the Secretary in reviewing applications for such resales, to establish resale prices to prevent speculation by contractors. Authorizes the Secretary to require payment of a reasonable fee by the seller to cover administrative expenses, or such other purpose the Secretary may deem reasonable. Provides a procedure for public participation for any contract whose duration is longer than six months, prior to approval of the Secretary. Requires the submission to the Congress for approval of any contract involving the sale or delivery of more than 50,000 acre-feet.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals or married couples age 65 or over a $7,500 exclusion from gross income for any amount received as an annuity, pension or other retirement benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of employer-paid group-term life insurance premiums excluded from the gross income of employees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Coal Utilization Incentives Act of 1981 - Title I: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the amortization of coal utilization property, based on a 36- month period. Defines "coal utilization property" as tangible, depreciable property which is: (1) a boiler or burner, the primary fuel for which will be coal; or (2) pollution control equipment required for such boiler or burner; or (3) coal cleaning equipment. Allows an investment tax credit to public utilities for coal utilization property. Qualifies coal utilization property for the full investment tax credit allowed for pollution control facilities with a useful life of not less than five years. Excludes from gross income the interest income on industrial development bonds issued to provide financing of powerplant coal utilization capital expenditures. Title II: Coal Conversions Under the Clean Air Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to exclude as a modification a stationary source which voluntarily converts to coal (thereby excluding the source from new source performance standards).
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Soil Conservation Act of 1981 - Title I: Special Areas Conservation Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to farm and ranch owners or operators and public entities to identify and correct erosion or irrigation management problems in special areas (as designated under this Act). Prohibits assistance to: (1) public lands unless they are an integral part of a farm or ranch; and (2) nonfarm or nonranch land unless such land has a serious erosion problem which threatens farm or ranch land. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cost-sharing contracts with such persons for: (1) conservation measures as set forth under this Act; and (2) continuing established conservation measures. Requires a recipient to provide the Secretary with a plan that: (1) incorporates practices to prevent land erosion; (2) outlines a schedule for implementing cropping system changes or other conservation methods; (3) considers local, social, economic, and environmental conditions; (4) allows for varying levels of conservation application as appropriate; (5) allows for wildlife and recreation measures; and (6) identifies methods to improve vegetative conditions, reduce erosion, and conserve water on rangeland. Permits financial assistance to cover the loss of income resulting from cultivated crops to permanent vegetative cover adjustments. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prepare a report respecting the designation of an area as a special area; and (2) submit such report to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and to the House Committee on Agriculture. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any contracts (involving such land) until the Committees approve such report. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to evaluate the impact of local and State tax structures on the acceptance and implementation of conservation measures. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by January 1, 1986, and at five-year intervals thereafter. Title II: Matching Grants for Conservation Activities - Directs the Secretary to make annual matching grants to county conservation boards for: (1) soil erosion control; (2) cropland, forest, pasture, or rangeland improvements; (3) water conservation and quality improvement; (4) agricultural land preservation; and (5) demonstration projects. Permits such grants for: (1) fish and wildlife habitat improvement; (2) animal waste management; (3) watershed and flood protection; (4) sediment and stormwater control in urbanizing areas; and (5) natural resources aspects of rural planning. Prohibits a county conservation board from receiving a grant unless it: (1) has a current long-range program; (2) has a current annual work plan; and (3) has arranged for equal matching funds or in kind services. Provides that grants may be given for two years to develop such a program and plan. Requires not more than 25 percent of State or local funds for a component of the work plan determined by the Secretary to have a national objective. Sets forth the composition of such county conservation boards. Authorizes long-term agreements of up to ten years. Requires a recipient board to maintain records as the Secretary prescribes and to provide access to them for audits or examinations. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Prohibits appropriations after fiscal year 1992. Directs the Secretary to report to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and to the House Committee on Agriculture by January 1, 1986, and again by January 1, 1991. Title III: Conservation Loan Program - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to direct the Corporation, beginning October 1, 1981, to make loans (up to ten years) to agricultural producers for conservation measures recommended by the applicable county and State committees. Requires loans in excess of $10,000 to be secured. Limits: (1) loans to any one producer in a fiscal year to $25,000; and (2) the total amount of loans in a fiscal year to $200,000,000. Title IV: Volunteers for Conservation - Directs the Secretary to establish a volunteer program. States that such volunteers shall not be considered Federal employees except for provisions relating to compensation for injury and tort claims. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Title V: Reservoir Sedimentation Reduction Program - Authorizes the Secretary to develop a reservoir sediment reduction program to be implemented on no more than five public reservoirs with surrounding soil erosion problems. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prepare a plan with the assistance of interested State and local entities for each such reservoir; and (2) submit such plan to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and to the House Committee on Agriculture. Prohibits implementation of any such plan without the Committees' approval. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983-1987. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by January 1, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Federal Law Enforcement Officers' Security Act of 1981 - Provides civil service compensation for the disability or death of a Federal law enforcement officer resulting from an injury sustained while making an arrest for a State felony, unless such compensation is available to such officer under State law. Directs the Attorney General of the United States to reimburse a Federal officer for: (1) any litigation expenses incurred for defending himself or herself in an action brought against such officer for violating a State law while making such an arrest; and (2) any resulting fine or damages imposed, if a State officer would be immune to liability for the same conduct. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude the amount of any such reimbursement from the officer's gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1981
Amends the Communications Act of 1934, with respect to the assignment of VHF commercial television broadcasting station licenses, to direct the Federal Communications Commission to give priority to any State which does not have at least one such station.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1981
Product Liability Risk Retention Act of 1981 - Defines "risk retention group" to mean any corporation or insurance company formed under State law which: (1) is organized for the primary purpose of assuming and spreading product liability or completed operations liability risk exposure; (2) is chartered as an insurance company under State law; (3) does not exclude members for competitive advantage; and (4) consists of members whose principal activity is the manufacture, design, distribution, packaging, or sale of a product. Defines " purchasing group" to mean any group of persons which has as one of its purposes the purchase of product liability or completed operations insurance on a group basis. Exempts risk retention groups and purchasing groups from State laws which prohibit, regulate, or otherwise discriminate against such groups. Enumerates requirements which a State may impose on a risk retention group, including compliance with unfair claims settlement practices, payment of taxes, and reporting requirements. Authorizes a State to license an agent or broker for a purchasing group. States that the ownership interests of members in a risk retention group shall not be considered securities or an investment company for purposes of the Federal securities laws or State blue sky laws.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives in support of "Solidarity Sunday" (relating to the treatment of Jews in the Soviet Union).
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Amends the Communications Act of 1934, with respect to the assignment of VHF commercial television broadcasting station licenses, to direct the Federal Communications Commission to give priority to any State which does not have at least one such station.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for taking or attempting to take by force and violence or intimidation a controlled substance from a pharmacy. Increases the penalties if any person's life is endangered by use of a dangerous weapon or if any person is assaulted or killed during commission of such offense. Directs the Federal Bureau of Investigation to include pharmacy robbery data in its annual Uniform Crime Reports. Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the enforcement of this Act within 120 days of enactment and biannually for the subsequent three-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Grants a Federal charter to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Designates the proposed Veterans' Administration medical center in Camden, New Jersey, as the "Carlton R. Rouh Memorial Veterans' Medical Center."
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1981
Exempts nonprofit veterans' organizations and nonprofit fraternal organizations from the requirement that nondramatic literary or musical performance royalties be paid to copyright holders.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1981
Requests the President to designate April 26, 1981, as "National Recognition Day for Veterans of the Vietnam Era."