United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1982
Prohibits the Government from imposing export restrictions on agricultural commodities which interfere with valid export contracts if: (1) the contracts were entered into before the imposition of such restrictions; and (2) the contracts provide for the delivery of such commodities for export within 180 days of the date the restrictions were imposed.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an investment tax credit for energy property used in producing methane-containing gas for fuel or electricity by anaerobic digestion from nonfossil waste materials.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1982
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for mailing an identification document (usable by a minor for the purchase of alcoholic beverages) which bears an unverified birthdate. Requires for verification that the sender of the identification obtain adequate assurances that the person to be identified is at least 21 years old or that the birthdate is accurate.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1982
Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan Amendments of 1982 - Prohibits the Office of Personnel Management from entering into a contract for a discriminatory health benefits plan for Federal employees. Requires that Federal health plans: (1) include all benefits currently authorized as well as nervous and mental disorder benefits and alcoholism and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation benefits; (2) provide equal coverage and benefits regardless of the nature of illness; and (3) pay all reasonable and customary expenses for medically or psychologically necessary treatment exceeding a specified amount to be paid by the enrollee.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1982
National Park System Resources Evaluation and Management Act of 1982 - Requires the Director of the National Park Service to prepare on a fiscal year basis a biennial State of the Parks report. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to transmit such report every two years to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate. Provides that such report shall include: (1) a description for each national park system unit of the condition of its natural and cultural resources, factors which alter or damage such resources, and ongoing and planned mitigation actions and their results; (2) a description of the systemwide efforts to address the resource protection requirements listed above; (3) a discussion of resource protection and management policies for natural and cultural park resources; (4) a description of the funds and staff to be allocated to such resource protection and management; (5) a discussion of the adequacy of administration budget requests and congressional appropriations in addressing specific mitigation measures; and (6) a description of funding needs with respect to implementing such policies and measures. Requires the National Park Service to solicit public involvement in the preparation of such report. Directs the Director to contract with the National Academy of Sciences for conduct of a study and a continuing advisory function on the protection of natural and cultural park resources. Requires a report based on such study to be submitted to the Director, the Secretary, and the relevant congressional committees. States that funding for such study and the Academy's advisory functions shall derive from funds specifically appropriated for such purpose to the National Park Service. Requires that resource management plans for each national park system unit be prepared and updated continually. Provides that general management plans for each park unit shall be based upon the park's resource management plan. Requires Federal agencies to notify the Secretary before the undertaking on areas adjacent to a park unit of any Federal project which threatens the park's natural or cultural resources. Directs the Secretary to recommend necessary changes for the proposed project within 60 days after receiving such notice. Requires the proposing Federal agency to adopt such recommendations so as to mitigate the adverse effects of the proposed project. Provides for the Secretary to cooperate with, and provide technical assistance to, governmental and other entities to protect national park system resources. Requires the superintendent of each park unit to work with governmental and other entities which influence or control lands, resources, and activities exterior to the park unit to develop a regional plan for the general area under which the activities of all entities can be undertaken in a mutually compatible way. Requires that at least one park unit for each administrative region of the national park system initiate such a regional plan as a pilot program within one year after enactment of this Act. Provides that all park units shall have such programs within two years after enactment of this Act. Requires that each park unit have on its staff a person to coordinate activities with respect to its regional plan. Requires the Director to initiate a training program for park personnel in cooperative land and resource planning. Provides that park units designated as biosphere reserves or world heritage sites shall receive priority attention and consideration for resource data gathering and monitoring, and resource protection efforts. Requires the Director to review the current land classification system for the preservation and use of lands within park units and adopt revisions necessary to assure the maximum protection of park resources, balanced with the use and appreciation of those resources by visitors. Requires the establishment of a public information program on the problems of protecting park resources and the solutions being implemented. Requires that the National Park Service be adequately staffed by personnel with knowledge and expertise in park resource protection and management. Makes scientific research subordinate to the resource protection and management needs of the park units. Requires the development of programs and guidelines for employee training programs, performance standards, qualification criteria, and career ladders in resource protection and management programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1982
Declares that the United States should propose to the Soviet Union: (1) a long-term, mutual, and verifiable nuclear forces freeze at equal and sharply reduced levels of forces; and (2) practical measures to reduce the danger of an accidental nuclear war and to prevent the use of nuclear weapons by third parties. States that the United States and the Soviet Union should channel their resources away from nuclear armaments and towards fighting poverty, hunger, and disease. Declares that the United States should continue to work for balanced arms reductions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1982
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U. S. citizen or national if such individual: (1) is not a permanent resident of the United States; or (2) is outside the United States. Prohibits the payment of title II benefits to any dependent or survivor of such an individual on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the benefit involved is payable to such an individual as the dependent or survivor of: (1) a U. S. citizen or national; (2) a permanent resident of the United States; or (3) a U. S. citizen or national residing outside the United States if the relationship required for such individual's entitlement already existed at the time such national or citizen reached age 50. Authorizes the payment of title II benefits to an individual who is not entitled to benefits pursuant to this Act until the total amount of such benefits equals the total amount of any taxes paid on the wages and self-employment income on which the benefits are based.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1982
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1982 - Title I: Control of Illegal Immigration - Part A: Employment - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make it unlawful for a person to knowingly hire, recruit, or refer any alien not authorized to work. Makes following the appropriate verification procedures an affirmative defense for an employer so charged. Sets forth a transitional verification procedure (for the first three years) under which an employer must attest that he or she has examined the alien's identity and work eligibility papers (passport, social security card, etc.). Requires the President to implement a secure verification system within three years. Prohibits the use of this system or any required identification document for other law enforcement purposes. Sets forth graduated civil and criminal penalties for verification violations. Directs the Attorney General, in cooperation with the Secretaries of Commerce, Labor, and Agriculture, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, to inform employers, employment agencies, unions, and the public about these requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983. Makes it illegal to fraudulently misuse or manufacture entry or work documents (up to $5,000 fine or five years' imprisonment or both). Part B: Enforcement and Fees - Makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly, or in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien is not authorized to enter the United States, bring such person into the country (up to $2,500 or one year's imprisonment or both). Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) enforcement activities and resources should be increased; and (2) the Attorney General should use his existing authority under such Act to impose maintenance and operating fees for an alien's use of INS border facilities and services. Part C: Adjudication Procedures and Asylum Inspection and Exclusion - Establishes in the Department of Justice a United States Immigration Board to hear appeals from final decisions of administrative law judges under such Act. Provides that the Chairman of such Board shall appoint these administrative law judges. Grants such judges responsibility over cases of exclusion, deportation, status rescission, and asylum. Requires exclusion appeals to be filed with the Board (rather than the Attorney General) within 15 days. Limits judicial review in exclusion and asylum cases to the question of habeas corpus. Reduces the period for filing a petition for judicial review of final orders of exclusion, deportation, and asylum from six months to 30 days. Revises asylum provisions to: (1) require an alien under an exclusion or deportation order to apply for asylum within 14 days after notice of such order unless changed circumstances in the alien's country cause a change in asylum eligibility; (2) prohibit an alien from reapplying for asylum after having been denied such status unless such changes have occurred; (3) require asylum applications to be heard before administrative law judges having special training in international law; (4) permit legal counsel at asylum hearings; (5) require an alien to be an admissible refugee in order to be granted asylum; (6) place the burden of proof on the applicant; and (7) prohibit the reopening of an application proceeding unless changed circumstances in the alien's county cause a change in asylum eligibility. Requires the President to nominate members of the Board within 45 days. Sets forth administrative and operating provisions for the transfer of asylum proceedings from the existing special inquiry system to the administrative law judge system. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1983. Part D: Adjustment of Status - Prohibits adjustment of status to permanent resident for violators of (nonimmigrant) visa terms. Title II: Reform of Legal Immigration - Part A: Immigrants - Revises numerical limitation provisions to: (1) establish a "family reunification" category of 325,000 (minus the number of prior-year immediate relatives); (2) establish an "independent" category of 100,000 (minus the number of prior-year special immigrants); and (3) permit 40,000 annual entrants each from Mexico and Canada, with each country entitled to the other's unused visas. Sets forth family reunification preference allocations as follows: (1) unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; (2) spouses and children of permanent residents; (3) married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and (4) brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens with already approved visas. Sets forth "independent" preference allocations as follows: (1) aliens of exceptional ability; (2) skilled workers; (3) investors; (4) unskilled workers; and (5) nonpreference workers. Sets forth an interpreference allocation guide. Provides that labor certifications will be granted on the basis of national job market data, and requires a finding that U.S. workers could not be trained (or be presently available) within a reasonable period of time. Includes within the definition of "special immigrant" Amerasian children who: (1) are unmarried and between 14 and 21 years old; (2) were fathered by a U.S. citizen on active duty in Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos, and subject to discrimination in such countries; (3) are orphans or have been put up for adoption; and (4) are coming to the United States to be adopted by a U.S. citizen or citizens. Limits such annual entrants to 2,000. Terminates such category after five years. Includes within the definition of "special immigrant" unmarried sons and daughters and surviving spouses of employees of certain international organizations. Part B: Nonimmigrants - Limits (H-2 visa) temporary workers to a maximum stay of eight months per year unless the Secretary of Labor extends such period. Requires an employer petition (to bring in such workers) to certify that: (1) there are not enough U.S. workers for the job; and (2) similarly employed U.S. workers' wages will not be adversely affected. Provides that: (1) employers need not submit such petition more than 80 days in advance of need; and (2) the Secretary must take a decision on a petition within 20 days of need, or else the petition is considered approved. Provides for a seven-day expedited certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Agriculture, to report annually to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations beginning with FY 1983 to recruit domestic workers and monitor the nonimmigrant worker program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to report on the H-2 worker program to Congress within six months. Prohibits foreign students from adjusting their status to permanent resident unless they are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. Requires foreign students to return to their home country for two years before being eligible to apply for a U.S. permanent resident visa. Authorizes the Attorney General and the Secretary of State to establish a three-year pilot visa waiver program for up to five countries providing a similar benefit to the United States. Sets forth program provisions. Title III: Legalization - Authorizes adjustment of status to permanent resident for specified undocumented aliens who have resided in the United States since January 1, 1978. Authorizes a temporary resident status for Cuban/Haitian entrants and for specified undocumented aliens who have resided in the United States since January 1, 1980. Permits such temporary resident aliens to: (1) work in the United States; and (2) apply for permanent resident status after two years. Makes temporary residents (other than Cuban/Haitian entrants) ineligible for Federal public assistance (other than medical care, aid to the aged, blind, or disabled, and public health). Prohibits the legalization of persons: (1) convicted of a felony or three or more misdemeanors in the United States; or (2) who have taken part in political, religious, or racial persecution. Directs the Attorney General, in cooperation with designated voluntary agencies and the Secretary of Labor, to disseminate information about such status legalization program. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1982
States that the United States and the Soviet Union should begin the strategic arms reduction talks (START) with the following objectives: (1) preserving present controls on current nuclear weapons and nuclear delivery systems while pursuing substantial, equitable, and verifiable reductions; (2) seeking methods of avoiding the testing and deployment of destabilizing nuclear weapons; and (3) incorporating the ongoing negotiations on land-based intermediate-range nuclear missiles into the START negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1982
Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve public utility rate increases for electric energy based on costs of proposed or ongoing construction in regard to: (1) pollution control facilities; or (2) conversion of oil or gas-fired facilities to use of other fuels. Directs the Commission to order rate increases to cover construction costs for facilities other than those above only after an evidentiary proceeding. Sets forth requirements concerning such proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1982
Senior Citizens Environmental Employment Act of 1982 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop opportunities for senior citizens to participate in programs designed to assist Federal, State, and local environmental agencies in carrying out pollution control programs. Requires that such programs: (1) be designed in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Administrator of the Administration on Aging; and (2) ensure that program participants meet participant eligibility requirements under the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1981 and the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA). Allows such program to include (but does not limit it to) projects such as: (1) air monitoring and emission testing; (2) pesticides inventory and control; (3) water quality or supply sampling and monitoring; (4) technical libraries and public information; (5) carcinogenic survey and followup; (6) hazardous materials routing survey; (7) rural health screening and migrant workers; and (8) noise abatement and control. Directs the Administrator of the EPA to report to the Congress within 180 days of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator of EPA to: (1) commence negotiations within 30 days of enactment with the Secretary of Labor and the Administrator of the Administration on Aging to develop rules and regulations for establishment of the Corps; and (2) consult with affected and interested representatives of national aging organizations and State and local environmental agencies. Authorizes the Administrator of the EPA to: (1) enter into agreements with public and private institutions and individuals for an effective system of using senior citizens eligible for participation in environmentally related programs under the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1981 and CETA; (2) make grants or cooperative agreements to carry out this Act; (3) maintain Corps enrollees within the EPA and with State and local environmental agencies; and (4) train Corps enrolles. Prohibits funding under this Act for any State or local environmental agency for employment of an enrollee which would: (1) displace current agency employees, partially or totally; (2) occur while any other person is in a layoff status from a substantially equivalent job with the agency; or (3) impair existing contracts for services. Authorizes appropriations in FY 1982 through FY 1985 to the Administrator of the EPA to carry out the administrative provisions of this Act. Declares that environmentally related programs described under this Act are fully eligible for funding made available through the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1981 and CETA.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should maintain a strong commitment to the proper handling and storage of hazardous wastes; and (2) the Administrator of the EPA should maintain and enforce existing regulations regarding the management of containerized liquid hazardous wastes until new or revised regulations become effective.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on small cigarettes from $4 to $14 per thousand. Increases the excise tax on large cigarettes from $8.40 per thousand to $22.40 per thousand. Provides for an annual inflation adjustment for such tax based on the Consumer Price Index.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1982
Social Security Reform Act of 1982 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program under which States periodically furnish the Secretary with information on the death certificates officially filed with them so that necessary corrections may be made to the beneficiary records maintained under the social security program. Prohibits the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon. Requires the Secretary to issue a social security card at the same time a social security account number is issued. Requires that social security cards be made of banknote paper and be unable to be counterfeited. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on plans for implementing such requirements. Requires that social security cards issued to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals indicate any restriction on employment of such individuals. Permits reissuance of social security cards to reflect any change in employment status at the request of such individuals or when the Secretary determines that such an individual's employment status has changed. Requires the Secretary to reissue a card to such an individual when he or she becomes a U.S. citizen or national. Requires the Secretary to issue a certification of pending issuance or reissuance in any case in which an individual or the Secretary seeks issuance or reissuance of a social security card. Prohibits the employment of an individual in the United States unless such individual has a social security card or a certification and may be lawfully employed. Requires an employer to verify the identity of an individual to whom a card or certification has been issued. Provides criminal penalties for knowingly committing violations of this Act which result in the employment of a non-U.S. citizen or national who cannot be employed lawfully in the United States. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national and whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a resident of a foreign country who is entitled to old-age or disability benefits if such individual does not bear a spousal, filial, parental, divorced, or surviving relationship to such resident as of the date such resident reaches age 57. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a non-U.S. citizen or national on the basis of such individual's own wages and self-employment income if such individual is not a permanent resident of the United States or has not been admitted to the United States for employment purposes. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1982
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should take no action to accelerate the decontrol of wellhead natural gas prices.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the problem of Americans missing because of the Vietnam war should be resolved as soon as possible. Urges the President to: (1) take actions to ensure the release of all Americans who remain captive; and (2) obtain from Vietnam, Laos, and Kampuchea a complete accounting of all the Americans who are missing, including a returning of the remains of the dead.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for an additional $10,000 in contributions to an individual retirement account without regard to whether the individual has earned income. Permits withdrawals from such account without tax penalty if the funds withdrawn are used in connection with the acquisition of a dwelling by the individual for whose benefit the account is maintained. Requires that the dwelling purchased must be: (1) the first dwelling owned by such individual; and (2) the principal residence of such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1982
Urges the President to ask the Soviet Union to pay, as soon as possible, the balance of the debt it owes the United States for World War II lend-lease materials.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1982
Declares that the House of Representatives considers Arland D. Williams, Junior, to be a national hero for his heroic sacrifice after the airplane crash in the Potomac River on January 13, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to implement procedures for identifying social security benefit checks issued under title II which have not been negotiated within 12 months and to credit the appropriate social security trust fund on a monthly basis for the amount of all unnegotiated benefit checks drawn on such trust fund. Requires the Secretary to pay a benefit check presented for payment after it has been credited to one of the trust funds if it is otherwise proper. Authorizes appropriations to reimburse the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for the total amount of unnegotiated benefit checks.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the President to determine, within 90 days of enactment, the foreign countries that impose nontariff trade barriers on U.S. imports. Directs the President to publish a list of such countries within 120 days of enactment. Authorizes the President to revise such list. Authorizes any interested person to file with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) a petition alleging that a foreign country is imposing nontariff trade barriers that restrict U.S. commerce or impair the growth of markets in that foreign country for a U.S. product. Directs the USTR to determine whether the allegations are true. Directs the USTR to inform the President of any such determination. Sets forth time limits on the actions by the USTR. Directs the President to impose trade restrictions on U.S. imports of a foreign country's products that will have an economic effect equivalent to the nontariff trade barriers imposed by that country if it is determined that such country imposed nontariff trade barriers. Requires the President to impose such restrictions within 60 days of such determination notwithstanding any trade agreement between the United States and that country. Requires the trade restrictions to remain in effect until the President, acting through the USTR, determines that the foreign country has removed the nontariff trade barriers. Sets forth the responsibilities of the USTR with respect to petitions for the imposition of reciprocal trade restrictions. Requires the President to report to Congress: (1) the results of all determinations of the existence of foreign nontariff trade barriers; and (2) all actions taken to impose reciprocal trade restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Limits amounts provided in House Committee expense resolutions for the second session of the Ninety-seventh Congress to the total amounts expended under such resolutions for the first session.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1982
Debt Collection Act of 1982 - Authorizes Federal agencies (including the United States Postal Service) to deduct installment payments from the pay of an employee or a member of the Armed Forces or Armed Forces Reserve to offset any debts owed the Government. Limits the amount deducted to 25 percent of the individual's disposable pay. Permits such deduction only after the agency has: (1) notified the individual of its intention to garnish his or her pay; and (2) provided the individual an opportunity to inspect its records, to review its determination of indebtedness, and to enter into a repayment agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1982
Declares that any action by the United Nations to prevent a democratic state from exercising its rights to participate in the United Nations will seriously and harmfully affect congressional support for the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1982
Rescinds the unlimited income tax deduction for the living expenses of Members of Congress enacted in 1981 and restores prior law as in effect on December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1982
Requires the Office of Personnel Management to provide a 30-day period each year during which Federal employees may transfer enrollments between health benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1982
Urges that U.S. agencies make no payments to U.S. commercial banks or other U.S. persons on account of Polish debts guaranteed or insured by the Federal Government until: (1) Poland has been declared in default; and (2) Poland has lifted martial law.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1982
Amends rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a recorded vote on the final passage of legislation that economically affects Members of Congress as a separate and distinct class. Makes it out of order in the House to consider any bill or resolution subject to such amended rule unless it is comprised solely of items relating economically to congressmen.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1982
Extends congratulations from the Congress to the Italian Government and its antiterrorist police forces for the successful rescue of Brigadier General James L. Dozier. Extends to General Dozier and his family best wishes for a quick recovery and return to normal life.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1982
Emergency Youth Employment Tax Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an increased income tax credit under the targeted jobs tax credit program for qualified youth employed between May 17, 1982, and September 17, 1982. Increases the rate of such credit from 50 to 85 percent. Defines "qualified youth" as an individual: (1) who is between 16 and 21 years old; (2) who has not displaced any other individual from employment; (3) who performs services on substantially a full-time basis; and (4) who is certified as being a member of an economically disadvantaged family. Provides that 15 percent of the youth hired by any one employer need not be economically disadvantaged. Exempts wages paid to a qualified youth from income tax, social security tax, and unemployment tax.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1982
Amends rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a recorded vote on the final passage of legislation that economically affects Members of Congress as a separate and distinct class.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1982
Expresses the Congress's opposition to religious persecution and bigotry wherever practiced, encouraged, or tolerated by national governments. Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. officials should emphasize U.S. opposition to such persecution. States that the appropriate congressional committees should hold hearings to determine U.S. policy toward governments that violate the international law guaranteeing freedom from religious persecution and bigotry.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the provision allowing an income tax deduction without substantiation for living expenses of Members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1982
Authorizes the Director of the International Communication Agency to make available for broadcasting in the United States the film entitled "Let Poland Be Poland: A Day of Solidarity With the People of Poland."
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Low-Income Energy Assistance Trust Fund Act of 1981 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to make unrefunded petroleum price control overcharges available for energy assistance. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury the Energy Assistance Trust Fund which shall be available for home energy assistance, residential energy efficiency programs, and other energy programs to assist low-income energy consumers. Appropriates funds which shall be transferred at least monthly from the general fund of the Treasury to the Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to hold the Trust Fund and report to Congress annually, starting with fiscal year 1982, on the Trust Fund's financial condition and operations for the preceding fiscal year and for the next five fiscal years. Sets forth investment requirements pertaining to the Trust Fund. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office of Energy Special Council. Transfers the Office of Special Counsel of the Department of Energy to the Energy Special Council. Requires that the Energy Special Council transmit to the President and Congress a plan for the collection of petroleum price control overcharges made in violation of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973. Requires the Comptroller General to review periodically the Energy Special Council's activities and report quarterly to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Broadcast Licensing, Renewal, and Deregulation Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish new procedures for reviewing petitions to deny broadcast license applications. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station licensee unless the actions of the licensee evidence such serious disregard for the Communications Act and for the rules and policies of the FCC that denial of the application is justified. Prohibits the FCC from considering the applications of other persons for a broadcast station's facilities when the FCC is acting upon a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station. Permits persons holding construction permits or station licenses to transfer the permit or license without first obtaining an FCC finding that the transfer serves the public interest. Requires the FCC to be notified of such transfer. Provides for public notice of the transfer. Provides for disposition by the FCC of objections to such transfer. Prohibits the FCC from considering whether the public interest would be served by the transfer of the permit or license involved to a different person. Repeals certain provisions relating to the application of the antitrust laws. Prohibits the FCC from imposing requirements on radio or television licensees relating to: (1) programs; (2) programming formats; (3) ascertainment; (4) commercialization; and (5) maintenance of program logs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Orphan Drug Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to exempt from such Act drugs intended solely for drug treatment investigations. Defines "drug treatment investigation" as an investigation of a drug which involves human participants with a rare disease or condition. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an interagency committee known as the Committee on Orphan Drug Development. Makes it the function of such committee to promote the development of drugs for rare diseases or conditions (orphan drugs). Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit to the Committee an annual report on the rare disease and condition research activities of NIH. Requires the Committee to report by June 1 of each year to the appropriate congressional committees on its activities and the results of its evaluations, including the report submitted by NIH. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified experimental expenses incurred while researching orphan drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Expresses the support of the Congress for the Solidarity movement in Poland. Deplores the imposition of martial law. Places the ultimate responsibility for martial law on the Soviet Union. Reaffirms the support of the Congress for the Polish people. Reaffirms its concern over Soviet interference in Polish affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual to elect hospice care, in lieu of certain other benefits, during two periods of 180 days each during the individual's lifetime. Provides for full reimbursement of reasonable costs to a hospice program, subject to a ceiling. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the hospice reimbursement method. Defines hospice care as including items and services furnished to the terminally ill in their homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short term inpatient basis.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Expands the membership of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to include three elected school board officials from different States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program under which States periodically furnish the Secretary with information on the death certificates officially filed with them so that necessary corrections may be made to the beneficiary records maintained under the social security program.
![Official portrait of Rep. Goodling, William F. [R-PA-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000291_200.jpg)