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![Official portrait of Rep. Ford, Harold E. [D-TN-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000261_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
3,346 records where Rep. Ford, Harold E. [D-TN-9] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that Federal programs to provide lower-income housing assistance and loans for housing for elderly and handicapped families should not be terminated or reduced unless they are replaced by other programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Title I: Domestic Content Requirements for Motor Vehicles - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 50,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Authorizes the imposition of import restrictions on manufacturers violating such standards. Title II: Unfair and Deceptive Practices by Vehicle Manufacturers - Defines as an unfair method of competition and deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act the refusal of any vehicle manufacturer to determine whether parts produced in the United States by a parts manufacturer satisfy reasonable replacement part standards established by the vehicle manufacturer. Grants the Federal Trade Commission rulemaking authority to administer this title.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1981
United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Sets forth the functions of the Academy. Declares that the Academy is an independent nonprofit corporation. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Set forth provisions for a Board of Directors and for officers and employees of the Academy. Set forth requirements for Academy program procedures and records. Requires an annual audit of Academy accounts and audit reports to the President and the Congress. Subjects the Academy to specified freedom of information provisions. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of of the Federal Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel financial assistance under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for Academy buildings, grounds, facilities, programs, and administration. Sets forth provisions for availability of appropriations. Requires transfer of income and assets to the U.S. Treasury upon dissolution and final liquidation of the Academy or any other legal entity created pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Violence Control Act of 1982 - Title I: Federally Cognizable Personal Violence - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise and recodify various crimes against the person, including murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide, maiming, battery, menacing, terrorizing, communicating a threat, kidnapping, and criminal restraint. Authorizes a new sentence of "life without release" for crimes, including murder and kidnapping, for which the death penalty is currently authorized. Defines "life without release" to mean a sentence imposed without possibility of parole or other release, except for Presidential pardon. Sets forth procedural requirements for imposition of "life without release", including a separate sentencing hearing to determine the existence of aggravating or mitigating circumstances. Permits the defendant or the Government to appeal the sentence. Extends the jurisdictional basis for murder to include heads of executive departments, employees of the U.S. Probation System, and contract murder. Title II: Provisions Related to Federally Cognizable Personal Violence - Recodifies the authority of the Secret Service to protect national figures. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the physical zone of protection for the President to all Secret Service protectees. Directs the Attorney General to prepare for the congressional judiciary committees contingency plans for the handling of assassinations, federally cognizable homicides, and related acts of violence. Authorizes the Attorney General to order the Federal preemption of State or local government jurisdiction over offenses involving national figures and certain other designated crimes. Permits the commencement of a Federal investigation of a kidnapping or criminal restraint offense if the victim is not released within 24 hours. Authorizes the Attorney General to offer a reward of up to $500,000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of a person charged with an offense under title I of this Act. Includes an expanded forfeiture provision for property used in title I offenses. Authorizes the Attorney General to request from any Federal agency, including the armed forces, assistance in the investigation of offenses involving national figures and certain other designated crimes. Sets forth the authority of the Attorney General to conduct autopsies in cases involving violent, sudden, or unusual deaths that might reasonably violate Federal law. Authorizes the Attorney General to acquire for historical preservation real or personal property owned by a person suspected or convicted of title I offenses. Provides that property so acquired shall be under the jurisdiction of the Administrator of General Services. Requires any person who contracts for media rights with a person suspected or convicted of a title I offense to pay over to the clerk of court or to a victims' trustee all proceeds which otherwise accrue to the perpetrator. Requires the Attorney General to appoint a special prosecutor whenever he receives specific information that the President has been killed or has died under circumstances supporting a reasonable belief that a title I offense has occurred. Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize denial or delay of release for persons charged with title I offenses whenever the judicial officer determines that there is substantial evidence that no conditions of release will assure that the person will not flee or pose a danger to the community. Permits detention only under extraordinary facts and circumstances. Prohibits detention in a facility where others, either charged or convicted, are detained. Includes careful preparation as a factor in determining reasonable delay under the Speedy Trial Act for title I offenses where the victim or intended victim is the President or another high-ranking official. Title III: Provisions Relating to Mental Disease or Defect - Authorizes a special verdict of "not guilty only by reason of insanity" for any criminal defendant who raises the issue of insanity as currently provided. Establishes a new civil commitment procedure for persons found not guilty only by reason of insanity. Title IV: Provisions Relating to the Principal Instruments of Personal Violence - Handgun Control Act of 1982 - Makes it unlawful for a person knowingly to possess an unregistered handgun. Makes this requirement inapplicable to handguns held by certified dealers for sale, handguns held by persons on the date of enactment and continuously thereafter up to 180 days, and handguns held by Federal, State, or local governments. Requires certified dealers selling handguns to obtain registration applications from the purchasers and to file these with the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires persons holding handguns to apply for registration within 180 days. Authorizes the Secretary to issue numbered registration certificates identifying persons as the registered owners of handguns. Requires possessors of handguns to notify the Secretary within ten days of the loss, theft, or destruction of a handgun. Prohibits licensed dealers from selling handgun ammunition to persons without first requiring evidence of registration. Authorizes the Secretary to pay reasonable value for handguns voluntarily relinquished to him. Prohibits the disclosure of registration information except to the National Crime Information Center established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Directs the Secretary to determine which States or local governments have adopted adequate permit systems for the possession of handguns. Authorizes the issuance of Federal licenses for individuals in States not having such systems. Makes it unlawful for any person to sell or transfer any handgun or ammunition to any person unless the transferee exhibits a valid Federal, State, or local gun license. Prohibits any person from possessing a handgun or ammunition without a valid Federal, State, or local license. Makes it unlawful for any person to import, manufacture, transfer, receive, or transport any hand held handgun which the Secretary determines to be unsuitable for lawful purposes, including law enforcement, protective, and sporting uses, based on standards established by the Secretary. Title V: Provisions Relating to Congressional Investigations - Establishes the Office of House Legal Counsel in the House of Representatives for the purpose of: (1) defending the official acts of the House, committees, Members, and employees; (2) enforcing subpoenas; (3) intervening or appearing as amicus curiae in actions challenging the constitutional powers of Congress; and (4) participating in immunity proceedings. Grants to the Counsel certain advisory and other functions. Title VI: General Provisions - Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) intimidating or threatening foreign officials or guests in the performance of their official duties; or (2) congregating with persons in proximity to facilities used for diplomatic purposes with intent to commit certain Federal crimes. Makes conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1981
Small Business Contract Payment Procedures Act - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require that whenever an executive agency makes progress payments under a contract for property or services, the contracting officer authorize payment in full without retention of any percentage of the contract price if: (1) satisfactory progess toward complete performance of the contract was made during any period for which a progress payment is required; and (2) the party performing the contract is a small business which has furnished an adequate performance bond.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Sets forth the Institute's research and training functions and arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases program plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Institute, to operate multipurpose arthritis and musculoskeletal disease research centers. Requires annual evaluations of such centers. Authorizes specified appropriations for such centers for fiscal years 1983 through 1985. Directs the Secretary to establish an arthritis and musculoskeletal disease Coordinating Committee, which shall meet at least four times a year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Coast Guard Transfer Act - Transfers the Coast Guard from the Department of Transportation to the Department of the Navy.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the tax deferral of amounts received under variable annuity contracts. Permits the use of an independent investment manager of such annuities. Allows the like-kind exchange of one annuity contract for another. Provides that the tax treatment of any payment made by a contract holder on or before September 25, 1981, shall be determined without regard to Revenue Ruling 81-225 (disallowing tax deferral of amounts received under certain variable annuity contracts).
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1981
Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the limitations placed on income tax deductions for expenses in connection with the business or rental use of a home shall not apply to rentals to a family member or a person who has an interest in the dwelling unit pursuant to a shared equity financing agreement if such person pays a fair rental and uses such residence as his principal place of residence. Defines "shared equity financing agreement" for purposes of this Act. Permits reasonable litigation costs, including attorneys' fees, to be awarded to the prevailing party (other than the United States or a creditor of the prevailing party) in any civil proceeding in any court of the United States for the determination, collection, or refund of any tax, interest, or penalty imposed under the Internal Revenue Code if it is determined that the position of the United States was unreasonable. Requires such party to have exhausted the available administrative remedies within the Internal Revenue Service. Disallows costs of proceedings involving declaratory judgments, except those involving the revocation of an organization's status as a tax-exempt public charity. Includes as attorneys' fees any amounts paid to an individual who is not an attorney but who is authorized to practice before the Tax Court. Defines "prevailing party" as a party who substantially prevails with respect to the amount in controversy or the most significant issue or set of issues. Disqualifies costs of proceedings commenced after September 30, 1984. Increases from $500 to $5,000 the maximum penalty for instituting Tax Court proceedings for purposes of delay and imposes such penalty for the bringing of proceedings which are frivolous or groundless. Revises the test for whether proceedings are brought for purposes of delay. Exempts accrual basis taxpayers from the application of tax rules limiting the acceleration of accrual of taxes by a taxing jurisdiction if they so elect or if they were not liable for any tax prior to the effective period of acceleration. Sets forth rules for the accounting of accruals in the case of taxpayers who make such an election. Revises the formula used for purposes of the personal holding company tax to determine whether the sum of the deductions directly allocable to the conduct of a lending or finance business allows the exclusion of such a business from the definition of a personal holding company. Increases from 60 to 144 months the limitation on the maturity of commercial paper and loans dealt in or made by a lending or finance business. Excepts from the definition of "lending or finance business" the making of loans, notes, or installment obligations under open end credit agreements. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1976 to defer until 1984 the effective date of special rules limiting net operating loss carryovers. Amends the Energy Tax Act of 1978, with respect to refunds resulting from the repeal of the manufacturers excise tax on buses, to extend to December 31, 1982, the period for reimbursement of tax to the ultimate purchaser and revise requirements regarding proof of reimbursement.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Amends title IX (Employment Security) of the Social Security Act to extend the period during which certain amounts transferred to State unemployment funds may be used to administer a State's unemployment compensation law and public employment offices. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude any work-study student (as opposed to any work-study student under age 22) from coverage under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that guidelines relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be repealed or altered.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of November 7, 1982, through November 13, 1982, as "National Disabled Veterans Week."
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that regulations pertaining to nutritional requirements for meals under the National School Lunch Act be consistent with the goal of such Act to provide one-third of the recommended dietary allowance of nutrients in the school lunch program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Alexander Paritsky; (2) urge the Soviet Union to release him from prison, to stop harassing him and his family, and to permit him and his family to emigrate; and (3) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will consider the extent to which countries honor their commitments under international law when evaluating U.S. relations with such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Public Lands Conservation, Rehabilitation, and Improvement Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those benefitting public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands benefit associated public or Indian lands or provide significant public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires such appropriations to be credited from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except as provided in specified provisions of law. Makes the Secretary responsible for the pay of enrollees and coordination of the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions for the award of academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as may be necessary. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress by March 1 of each year on the activities carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to the widow of Roy Wilkins. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1981
Minority Cancer Control and Prevention Act of 1981 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize a program of cancer detection and treatment among minorities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1985. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out specified cancer demonstration projects during fiscal year 1983. Includes some of these projects under Medicaid coverage. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress within one year. Directs the Secretary to recruit minority health and medical students for training to provide cancer treatment among minorities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Acid Deposition Control Act - Amends title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Clean Air Act to establish a new program entitled "Interstate Transport and Acid Precursor Reduction." Establishes an "acid deposition region" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) study air pollution problems associated with long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Establishes an acid deposition regional target providing for a ten-year phased schedule of reductions to achieve an annual average emission level that is 10,000,000 tons of sulfur dioxide below the 1980 baseline level. Directs the Administrator, within six months, to compute and publish a target and a schedule for each affected State. Permits two or more States to agree to change their share of the sulfur dioxide emissions reduction ("reduction"). Requires that State reduction schedules begin within five years, be substantially complete within eight years, and reach the State target within ten years of enactment of this Act. Sets forth formulas for: (1) State reduction fractions (based on 1980 emissions from electric utility steam generating units); and (2) the 1980 baseline level for the region or any State within the region. Requires States within the region to prepare, publish, and submit to the Administrator, within two years of enactment of this Act, State programs of reduction in accordance with the State schedules. Directs the Administrator to approve State programs, within four months of submission, if such programs: (1) were adopted after public notice, opportunity for hearing, and submission to Governors of the other States in the region; and (2) contain enforceable reduction measures, including emission limitations, monitoring requirements, and compliance schedules. Requires State programs to include enforceable continuous emission reduction measures. Lists some measures that State programs may include. Permits a State or any person subject to State program requirements to substitute a reduction of twice as many units of oxides of nitrogen emissions for each unit of required reductions of sulfur dioxide emissions. Provides for an EPA alternative program if a State program: (1) has not been adopted by a State within two years; or (2) has not been approved by the Administrator within two years and four months. Requires, in such cases, that any owner or operator of an electric utility steam generating unit in such State submit, within three years of enactment of this Act, a unit plan and schedule for reductions. Requires unit plans and schedules only from units which: (1) are major stationary sources; (2) are not subject to new source performance standards; and (3) actually emitted, or were permitted to emit, sulfur dioxide during 1980 in excess of a specified rate. Requires that unit plans and schedules provide for a reduction to a specified rate of emissions, according to a phased schedule (beginning within five years, substantially complete within eight years, and finally complete within ten years of the enactment of this Act). Sets forth provisions for approval of unit plans and schedules. Provides that any unit for which a plan has not been submitted and approved must comply with the specified emission limitation within five years of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of purchase and sale of emission reduction credits among stationary sources of sulfur dioxide in five emission reduction credit regions within the acid deposition region. Provides that specified requirements under this Act shall be treated as emission limitation requirements of applicable State implementation plans. Sets forth procedures for petitions for determination that programs or plans will not meet deadlines and for petitions for review of such determinations or denials.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning March 15, 1982, as "National Student Safety Week."
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning February 28, 1982, as "National Construction Industry Week."
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Commitment to the Clean Air Act resolution of the Ninety-seventh Congress - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) clean air is fundamentally important for the health and well-being of the citizens, economy, and environment of the United States; and (2) the existing Clean Air Act should be maintained and strengthened subject only to changes that will improve its administration and effectiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1981
Grants a Federal charter to the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1981
Directs the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to report to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget to formally request any amendments to law relating to compensation of employees. Prohibits the Board from implementing any program that would result in compensation to TVA employees in excess of the statutory Federal pay cap.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1981
Prohibits the importation of petroleum and petroleum products from Libya.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Directs the Attorney General to conduct a study of the appropriate role of the Federal Government in the enforcement of alimony, child support, and property settlement orders against an absent spouse or parent. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which provide incentives for energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources should not be repealed or amended to reduce such incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1981
Amends the Flood Control Act of 1928 to authorize the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct specified navigation improvements at the Memphis, Tennessee, Harbor. Itemizes the minimum Federal share cost of such improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Fred Waring, Louis L'Amour, and the widow of Joe Louis. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of each medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Commends the cultural laureate program and encourages establishment of the laureate in each of the States and in the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1981
Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide that occupant income limits and rents for public housing units shall be fixed by the appropriate public housing agency and approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Limits such rents to 25 percent of the income of a very low income family or 30 percent at the income of other families. Sets minimum rents at the higher of: (1) five percent of the family's gross income; or (2) the portion of the family's welfare assistance designated for housing costs. Specifies amounts to be excluded from family income. Requires that contracts for annual contributions to low income housing projects require the appropriate public housing agency to review the family income of project occupants biennially (currently annually). Establishes the amount of monthly assistance payments to owners who provide housing for lower-income families as the difference between the maximum rent the owners may charge under terms of the assistance contract and an amount to be established by the Secretary equal to: (1) between 15 and 25 percent of the income of a very low income family; (2) 15 percent of the income of a large very low income family or lower income family with exceptional medical or other expenses; (3) 20 percent of the income of a very large lower income family; or (4) between 20 and 30 percent of the income of other families. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary to conduct a biennial (currently annual) review of the income of lower income families living in projects receiving mortgage interest assistance payments. Changes the maximum rent for a unit of such a project to 25 percent of the tenant's income, and the minimum rent of a unit with metered utilities to 20 percent of the tenant's income. Directs the Secretary to make additional assistance payments if required to reduce a tenant's rental payment to 25 percent of the tenant's income. Prohibits reducing such payment below the tenant's utility costs, except in certain circumstances. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 to increase annual rent supplement payments for qualified lower income families to the amount by which the fair market rent of a project unit exceeds 25 percent of the tenant's income. Requires the Secretary to recertify the income of tenants of projects receiving rent supplements biennially (currently annually). Directs the Secretary to use regulations in effect on July 31, 1981, to determine rental payments under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Hunger Prevention and African Food Security Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to use at least half of the funds available for development assistance to provide assistance for persons living in absolute poverty as defined by specified standards. Requires special emphasis to be placed on alleviating hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa and particularly on facilitating the participation of women in food production in that region. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to specify a minimum aggregate value of all famine relief agreements. Requires famine relief agreements to provide that at least one-fifth of the commodities made available for famine relief or funds generated from the sale of those commodities in participating countries shall be used to strengthen food distribution systems in famine-prone countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa. Requires each such agreement to specify the measures taken to ensure that such commodities and funds benefit primarily the poor.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income national research service awards received from the Public Health Service.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Excise Tax Payments Reform Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the collection of excise taxes imposed on the following items by means of a return filed according to uniform periods: (1) trucks and buses; (2) tires and tubes; (3) coal; (4) certain sporting goods; (5) firearms; (6) distilled spirits, wines, and beer; and (7) cigars, cigarettes and cigarette papers and tubes. Specifies that no deposit of tax shall be required before the last day for filing such a return.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the schedule of cost of living benefit increases as currently in effect under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act should be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1981
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of the tax on employment income. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or, if he does, such place of business is not provided, or is not provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes; and (5) the recipient of such individual's services files returns disclosing payments made to such individual. Provides that the criteria established by this Act shall not be applicable to agent-drivers, commission-drivers, full-time life insurance salesmen, home workers, and traveling or city salesmen who are statutorily designated as employees for purposes of social security taxation. Provides that the failure of an individual claiming independent contractor status to meet the criteria established by this Act shall not create an inference that such an individual is an employee or that the recipient of his services is an employer. Limits the applicability of the criteria established by this Act to questions of employment status arising under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, self-employment tax provisions, and withholding requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires recipients of services performed by an independent contractor to file an information return with respect to payments made for such services in excess of $600 for the taxable year. Requires individuals who file such information returns to furnish written statements to persons with respect to whom such information is reported which indicate the amount of payment reported. Provides penalties for failure to furnish information returns or statements. Applies deficiency procedures for the assessment of unpaid taxes due to the reclassification of an individual as an employee who had been treated as an independent contractor. Treats as employees, for purposes of the withholding of income tax, certain traveling or city salesmen.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1981
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from taking any action which would remove, rescind, or modify the regulation requiring that notice of certain changes in Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) reimbursement methods or levels be published at least 60 days prior to the proposed effective date of any change.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning October 4, 1981, as "National Home Health Care Week."
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1981
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office for the Supply of Internationally Controlled Drugs, to be responsible for regulating the domestic production of marihuana and the distribution of marihuana for medical, scientific, and research purposes. Establishes procedures for the production of medicinal marihuana. Permits the distribution of medicinal marihuana only to hospitals and pharmacies registered to dispense schedule II controlled substances for the purposes of treating glaucoma or the nausea of cancer patients or research approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Directs the President to award the Purple Heart to any individual wounded or killed while held as a prisoner of war during World War I, World War II, or the Korean conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Floral Research and Consumer Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue research and promotion orders for the plant trade. Prescribes administrative procedure for such orders. Requires the Secretary to appoint a "Floraboard" composed of not more than 75 producers and importers nominated by certified organizations. Requires such Floraboards to develop plans and projects subject to the Secretary's approval. Provides for assessments on the sale of flowers and plants to defray administrative costs. Specifies the terms an order may contain. Requires approval of an order by a referendum of producers. Requires the Secretary to suspend or terminate an order on his own initiative, or at the behest of a referendum under certain circumstances. Exempts certain producers and importers from coverage. Provides for assessment refunds and review of orders upon petition. Vests the district courts of the United States with enforcement jurisdiction. Sets forth criteria for the certification of producer and importer organizations. Enumerates investigative and legal powers of the Secretary with respect to Floraboard orders. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Requests the President to designate August 30, 1982, as "Roy Wilkins Day."
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1981
Requires semiannual (currently annual) cost of living adjustments in civil service annuities to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Medicare Deductible Rollback Act - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to decrease the multiplier in the inpatient hospital deductible formula from $45 to $40. Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII to decrease the part B deductible from $75 to $60.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of October 19 through October 25, 1981, as "National High School Activities Week."
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (3) report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding agreements for research or research and development to small businesses with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with a SBIR program to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 in amount made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of April 19 through April 25, 1982, as "National Nurse-Midwifery Week."
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Requests the President to designate the month of October 1981 as "National PTA Membership Month."
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of individual taxpayers interest on reparation payments made to such taxpayers for persecution under the German National Socialist regime.