United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
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 · 10 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the February meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to tell the Commission that the Soviet Union should stop harassing Soviet Jews and should allow its citizens to practice their religion and to emigrate. Urges the Soviet Union to comply with its human rights obligations. Urges the President to: (1) express, to the Soviet Union, U.S. opposition to harassment of Soviet citizens and to restrictions on emigration; and (2) reiterate that the United States will consider the extent to which other nations honor their commitments under international law when evaluating its relations with such nations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to lower from 16 to 14 the age requirement for participation in the cooperative education program under the targeted jobs income tax credit program. Eliminates the requirement that the youth-participant be a member of an economically disadvantaged family. Revises the definition of "qualified cooperative education program" to encompass all types of education (presently, limited to vocational education). Revises the definition of "qualified school" to mean a tax-exempt public school.
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 · 8 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress associates itself with the hunger strike by Andrei Sakharov. Urges the Soviet Union to permit Yelizaveta Alekseyeva to emigrate. Urges the Soviet Union to allow Andrei Sakharov and his wife to choose their place of residence.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1981
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Bryan Lewis Allen, the first aviator to cross the English Channel in a self-powered plane. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 November 1981
Requires nationals of Communist countries to register with the Attorney General before engaging in certain activities involving Members of Congress and congressional employees. Requires the Attorney General to deport persons violating this Act. States that such deportations shall not be subject to judicial review or other related provisions under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1981
Establishes a Special Joint Committee on Arrangements to provide for a joint meeting of the Congress on February 22, 1982, or such other day as designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to coordinate its activities with other organizations as it deems appropriate, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Medicare Hospital Reimbursement Reform Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide an alternative hospital reimbursement system. Authorizes a State and certain legal entities to apply to have hospitals within a State or geographic area reimbursed under the alternative system. Requires a State using an alternative method to assure that under the alternative method: (1) hospital expenditures under Medicare and Medicaid (title XIX of the Act) will not be greater than if the alternative system was not in effect; and (2) there will not be a significant reduction of or refusal to admit specified classes of patients to hospitals. Permits the States and certain legal entities to apply for a grant to aid in establishing the alternative system.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Acid Precipitation Accelerated Review and Reporting Act - Amends the Energy Security Act (title VII provisions also known as the "Acid Precipitation Act of 1980") to reduce the period to be covered by a comprehensive research plan from ten years to five years. Makes conforming amendments relating to implementation of, and authorization of appropriations for, the comprehensive research plan. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force to submit a final report, with detailed recommendations, within five years of enactment of the Energy Security Act. Directs the Task Force to: (1) study fuel precombustion treatment and low-polluting combustion processes for reduction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions; and (2) solicit State agency acid deposition research information.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit for delaying social security retirement past age 65. Limits the amount of such credit to $1,000 for retirement at age 66, $1,500 for retirement at age 67, and $2,000 for retirement at age 68 or older.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Commends and supports the President's peace initiatives. Reaffirms the desire of Congress to work with the President to reduce the threats of nuclear war.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Provides that, for purposes of computing the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation of his widow, the pay grade of a certain named individual at the time of his death in combat shall be that to which he was promoted posthumously.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the individual income tax rate reductions enacted by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 shall be reflected in withholding adjustments six months sooner than scheduled.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1981
Vocational Guidance Act of 1981 - Amends the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to require comprehensive vocational guidance components in State and local programs under such Act. Requires that at least six percent of the total amounts appropriated for State vocational education programs be reserved to carry out vocational guidance activities. Revises provisions for State allotments to require that: (1) 42 percent of specified funds be allotted on the basis of State population aged 15 to 19; (2) 28 percent based on population aged 18 to 34; and (3) 15 percent based on population aged 35 or older. Includes vocational guidance requirements in provisions for: (1) State and local advisory councils; (2) State applications; (3) five-year State plans; (4) Federal and State evaluations; (5) basic grant uses; (6) cooperative vocational education programs; (7) residential vocational schools; (8) research programs; (9) exemplary and innovative programs; (10) curriculum development; and (11) personnel training. Sets forth required components of vocational guidance and counseling programs under the basic grant program. (Makes all activities listed in current vocational guidance and counseling provisions of such Act required activities under the basic grant program.) Requires, insofar as practicable, that vocational guidance and counseling programs include additional activities in which individuals from various occupations come to the schools and in which students and counselors have work-site experiences.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that policies of Jewish emigration discrimination and anti-Semitism are morally reprehensible. Urges the President to tell the Soviet Union that the United States opposes these policies and wants emigration restrictions on Soviet Jews removed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Title I: Public Employee Retirement Income Security - Public Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1981 - Establishes Federal reporting and disclosure requirements and fiduciary standards for certain State and local government retirement plans. Extends the requirements of this Act to all public employee pension plans except: (1) those covered and not exempted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA); (2) unfunded plans maintained by the employer primarily to provide deferred compensation for select management or highly compensated employees; (3) severance pay plans; (4) certain coverage agreements entered into under the Social Security Act; (5) certain individual retirement accounts or annuities, annuity plans, State deferred compensation plans, and other plans under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; and (6) plans maintained solely to comply with applicable workers' compensation or disability insurance laws. Subtitle A: Reporting and Disclosure - Requires that plan administrators submit, within a specified period, registration statements to the Board of Directors of the Employee Benefit Administration (established under title II), unless registration statements filed for a plan under Internal Revenue Code provisions still accurately reflect the status of the plan. Exempts a plan from the requirements of this Act if the Board determines that such plan is subject to State law imposing substantially equivalent requirements, with adequate provision for State administration and for collection of annual reports to be provided to the Board. Requires that a summary plan description apprising participants and their beneficiaries of their rights and obligations be published with respect to each plan. Specifies the content of such description. Requires that a summary plan description be updated at least once every ten years. Requires that an annual report be published with respect to each plan. Requires that each annual report include specified general information and a financial statement. Requires that annual reports for specified types of plans include actuarial statements and/or reports of insurance organizations. Requires actuarial valuations of plans at least once every three plan years, and more often if necessary. Directs plan administrators to provide the following information to participants and beneficiaries: (1) the summary plan description; (2) a summary description of any material modification in the terms of the plan; and (3) updated summary plan descriptions (for those whose future benefits may be affected by plan amendments). Directs plan administrators to furnish to any participant or beneficiary, upon written request, a statement indicating: (1) total accumulated plan benefits; (2) the extent to which, and the expected earliest date on which, such benefits are or will become vested pension benefits; and (3) the total accumulated contributions made by the participant. Directs plan administrators to provide to any participant or beneficiary who requests withdrawal of contributions, payment of benefits, or a benefit election, a written explanation of the effects of such action on remaining plan benefits. Requires plan administrators to file with the Board: (1) the annual report, within a specified period; and (2) upon request, any other plan-related document. Sets forth: (1) conditions under which such filings may be provided to the public; and (2) penalties for violations of such conditions. Authorizes the Board to: (1) reject such filings, under specified conditions; and (2) take specified appropriate actions if a revised and satisfactory filing is not submitted within 45 days. Sets forth requirements for retention of plan records. Requires plans covered by this Act to establish claims procedures that provide participants with adequate written notice and explanation of benefit denials and reasonable opportunity for full and fair review. Authorizes the Board to: (1) prescribe alternative methods of plan compliance with any requirement of this title; and (2) exempt any plan or class of plans from any such requirement (if necessary, in the public interest, and consistent with the purposes of this Act). Directs the Board to consider recommendations of the Advisory Council on Governmental Plans, established under this Act, before issuing such exemptions or prescribing such alternative compliance methods. Subtitle B: Fiduciary Responsibility - Requires plans covered by this Act to provide for one or more fiduciaries and to include: (1) any funding policy which has been established; (2) procedures for amendment and for the allocation of responsibility for the plan's operation and administration; and (3) specification of the benefit provisions. States that all assets shall be held in trust by one or more trustees, with certain exceptions. Requires a fiduciary to discharge his or her duties for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to participants and their beneficiaries and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the plan, with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence that a prudent man would exercise in like circumstances. Directs a fiduciary to diversify the investments of the plan so as to minimize the risk of large losses, unless under the circumstances it is clearly prudent not to do so. Sets forth the circumstances under which a fiduciary is liable for the breach of a co-fiduciary with respect to the same plan. Requires trustees holding assets of a plan to use reasonable care to prevent a co-trustee from committing a breach and to manage and control jointly the assets, unless allocation of responsibility is authorized by the trust agreement. Prohibits specified types of transactions involving plan property and parties-in-interest. Limits acquisition by a plan of qualifying employer securities, other employer obligations, and employer real property to ten percent of the fair market value of the assets of the plan. Provides for exemptions from prohibited transactions. Makes a fiduciary personally liable for the breach of any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon fiduciaries by this Act. Prohibits relieving fiduciaries of responsibilities under this Act, but permits purchases of fiduciary insurance. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified crimes from serving in certain capacities, including fiduciary and trustee, for specified periods. Sets forth bonding requirements for every fiduciary of a plan, with specified exceptions. Provides for a limitation on actions against fiduciaries. Provides that no legislator or government official shall be a fiduciary or co-fiduciary with respect to actions taken in an official capacity. Subtitle C: Administration and Enforcement - Authorizes civil actions to be brought by specified persons to enjoin or redress violations or otherwise enforce provisions of this Act. Provides that a plan administrator may be held personally liable for failure to comply with a request for information required under the Act. Grants to the Federal district courts exclusive jurisdiction of civil actions brought under this Act, but provides for concurrent jurisdiction of Federal and State courts with respect to certain actions. Permits attorney's fees to be awarded to a prevailing plaintiff or defendant under specified circumstances. Grants the Board power to investigate violations of this title and of any regulations the Board may prescribe to carry out this title. Directs the Board to cooperate with State and local governments in exchanging information on plans. Provides that specified Federal laws relating to administrative procedure shall be applicable to this title. Prohibits any employee of the Board from administering or enforcing this title with respect to: (1) any plan under which the employee is a participant or beneficiary; or (2) any employee organization of which the employee is a member. Prohibits persons from taking retaliatory action against either a plan participant or a beneficiary for exercising any right under this Act, or from interfering with or preventing the exercise of such rights. Directs the Board to transmit specified information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transmit to an individual, upon request, specified information obtained under the Internal Revenue Code or under this Act (relating to deferred vested pension benefits). Establishes an 11-member Advisory Council on Governmental Plans, to be appointed by the President, to advise and make recommendations to the Board with respect to its functions under this Act. Authorizes the Board to undertake research and compile information relating to pension plans. Directs the Board to: (1) report annually to Congress on the administration of this Act; and (2) publish at least annually specified information relating to pension plans. Provides that the fiduciary provisions of this Act preempt all State laws relating to the same subject matter. Sets forth other provisions relating to the effect of specified provisions of this Act on State and local laws. Authorizes appropriations to enable the Board to carry out its functions and duties under this title. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that any pension plan or trust forming part of a plan subject to this title shall be deemed to have met the requirements for a tax qualified plan or trust. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add provisions for tax exemptions with respect to public employee pension benefit plans as defined under this title. Sets forth severability provisions and effective dates. Title II: Employee Benefit Administration - Employee Benefit Administration Act of 1981 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to direct the President to establish, by the beginning of the second calendar year after enactment of this title, the Employee Benefit Administration (EBA) as an independent agency within the executive branch, to be headed by a three member Board of Directors. Creates two new positions, entitled special liaison officer to the EBA, one within the Department of Labor and one within the Department of the Treasury, to serve as directors. Provides for an Executive Director to serve as chairperson of the Board. Provides, in addition to the Executive Director, for four officers in the EBA, including one or more officers of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. Sets forth administrative provisions for the Board. Sets forth the functions of the Board, including transfers of specified functions (relating to employee benefit plans) of the Secretaries of Labor and the Treasury under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and the Welfare and Pension Plan Disclosure Act. Directs the President to transfer to the Board additional functions of any Federal agency which is necessary to effectuate the maximum feasible consolidation of administrative and related functions of the Government relating to employee benefit plans. Sets forth provisions for coordination between agencies. Authorizes appropriations (under ERISA) to the EBA to enable the Board to carry out its functions and duties. Sets forth transfers to the Board of specified administrative and enforcement functions and duties of the Secretaries of Labor and the Treasury under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. Redesignates the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries as the "Actuary Enrollment Board," and transfers it, as a distinct entity, to the EBA. Provides for effective dates of transfers of functions. Provides for transfers of officers and employees to the EBA. Sets forth transitional and savings provisions. Sets forth miscellaneous and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the collection of taxes, to provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regarding communication and harassment in connection with debt collection. Prohibits the publication of any deficiency which has not been adjudged to be payable by a competent court. Permits individual taxpayers to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages resulting from collection practices prohibited by this Act. Requires a Federal court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax. Specifies that a showing of fraud or malfeasance or a misrepresentation, for purposes of modifying or reconsidering a closing agreement between an individual taxpayer and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken into account only if such a showing or misrepresentation is determined by a competent court. Prohibits the Secretary from consenting to extend for more than one year the period for assessment of the income tax liability of any individual taxpayer. Requires the Secretary to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Makes binding on the Secretary : (1) a tax return prepared for the taxpayer by an officer or employee of the IRS acting in his official capacity to provide such assistance; and (2) written information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. Places the burden of proof, in administrative and judicial proceedings involving the IRS and a taxpayer, upon the IRS. Directs that all property of taxpayers, for purposes of the estate and gift tax, be valued at historical cost (original cost to the taxpayer or the basis of the property if it was not purchased). Prohibits the use in IRS personnel evaluations of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations. Precludes the Secretary from exercising any enforcement authority over churches or certain other organizations. Prohibits the audit of any group of taxpayers unless the Secretary has first met certain notice requirements or permitted members of the group to file an amended return. Sets forth conditions which must be met by the IRS before any action is taken to interfere with the property rights of a taxpayer. Requires the IRS, before securing the records of, or personal data concerning, any taxpayer, to: (1) notify the taxpayer in writing of the demand, the material sought, and the need for the material; (2) have commenced an action in a competent court against the taxpayer; and (3) have justified its need before the court consistent with the discovery rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. States that the IRS shall have no authority, in enforcing the tax obligations of any person, which is in conflict with the rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
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 · 5 November 1981
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States must manage its assets in a manner more prudent and beneficial to the interests of the American people; (2) all executive branch agencies should inventory their assets, estimate the approximate value of each asset, and identify the uses to which each asset is put; (3) the President should then identify which assets are surplus to Federal needs and should be candidates for liquidation; (4) the President should submit recommendations to Congress on any legislative and administrative revisions that may be needed to carry out such a program of liquidation in an orderly manner; (5) the receipts of this program should be used only to restrain and ultimately reduce the national debt; and (6) the Comptroller General should investigate and recommend to Congress and each agency improved processes for managing Federal assets, estimating their value, and liquidating those which are unneeded.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States and Japan should exert maximum efforts to resist Soviet challenges in Asia; (2) Japan should make a greater contribution to its own defense; and (3) Japan's defense expenditures should be at least one percent of its gross national product.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Designates that section of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway within the State of Maryland as the Gladys Noon Spellman Parkway. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the State of Maryland, to erect an appropriate marker commemorating the contributions of Gladys Noon Spellman. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Multinational Force and Observers Participation Resolution - Authorizes the President to assign U.S. military personnel to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) to implement the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Directs the President to give Congress specified information about the other countries providing military personnel for the MFO before the President assigns U.S. military personnel to the MFO. Requires every possible effort to be made to ensure that at least four foreign countries are represented on the MFO. Authorizes U.S. military personnel assigned to the MFO to perform only the functions specified in the peace treaty and its protocol. Limits the number of such military personnel. Authorizes the President to assign U.S. civilian personnel as observers in the MFO. Limits the U.S. share of the costs of the MFO. Authorizes appropriations to pay the U.S. contribution to the MFO budget. Authorizes Federal agencies to provide support to the MFO, without reimbursement if such support would not significantly increase U.S. costs. Directs the President to report annually to Congress on the MFO, on U.S. participation in the MFO, and on specified discussions with Egypt and Israel. Requires such reports to be as detailed as possible. States that nothing in this resolution is intended to signify congressional approval of any agreement made by the executive branch other than the agreement to participate in the MFO.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits any change in the compensation of Senators and Representatives until an election of Representatives has intervened.
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 · 19 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the inclusion of the receipts and disbursements of the social security trust funds (the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund) in the totals of the Federal budget and exempt them from any general statutory limitation on Federal budget outlays, beginning with fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit 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.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit 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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Prompt Payment Act of 1981 - Requires Federal agencies to pay interest on overdue payments to businesses for property or services. Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to prescribe required payment dates. Specifies the procedures for computing such interest. Requires an agency to pay any interest charges out of funds made available for administration of its programs. Authorizes Federal grant recipients to provide for the payment of interest on overdue payments on their procurement contracts. Directs each agency to report to OMB annually on interest payments made during the fiscal year. Requires OMB to report to specified congressional committees on agency compliance with this Act. Requires the Director of OMB to delegate responsibility for OMB functions under this Act to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.
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 · 1 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should press for a negotiated settlement among the political factions in El Salvador to guarantee a safe environment for free elections.
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 · 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
Nuclear Property Insurance Act of 1981 - Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a Nuclear Property Insurance Fund to pay insurance claims made by licensees of nuclear powerplants who enter into insurance agreements under this Act and the costs of necessary remedial action at Three Mile Island Unit 2. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide insurance policies to licensees of nuclear powerplants to supplement insurance available from private sources. Requires that such policies provide for payment from the fund when the costs of remedial action associated with onsite property damage caused by a single nuclear accident exceed the greater of two specified amounts. Sets a ceiling on such insurance payments. Permits the Secretary to require proof of loss or damage before paying any claim. Prohibits the issuance of an operating license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a nuclear powerplant unless the licensee is insured by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to prescribe insurance premium rates and coverage schedules to provide sufficient revenue for the fund. Sets a minimum aggregate amount of premiums to be paid by all licensees insured by this Act. Requires the Secretary to maintain an actuarially sound reserve in the fund in order to pay insurance claims. Requires insured licensees to pay additional assessments if the Secretary becomes obligated under any insurance agreement for any claim in excess of the amount in the fund. Directs the Secretary to coordinate activities of the Federal agencies involved with the clean-up of Three Mile Island Unit 2 and prepare a contingency plan to protect public health and safety and maintain service continuity if the General Public Utilities Corporation cannot carry out its responsibilities in connection with Three Mile Island Unit 2. Directs the Secretary to reimburse the General Public Utilities Corporation from the fund for 75 percent of the uninsured costs incurred by the Corporation after the enactment of this Act for remedial action associated with onsite property damage at Three Mile Island Unit 2 if: (1) there is a joint plan by Pennsylvania and New Jersey to insure that the Corporation continue utility service and achieve economic stability; and (2) the Corporation agrees to pay the Secretary premium surcharges to recover 50 percent of the Secretary's costs. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance to the NRC to expedite licensing and regulatory procedures for remedial actions with respect to Three Mile Island Unit 2; (2) provide technical and planning assistance to the Pennsylvania Public Utilitiy Commission, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and the Corporation for the joint plan; and (3) arrange with the Corporation to use data valuable in understanding and enhancing nuclear powerplant safety. Subrogates the Secretary to all rights and claims of an insured licensee against a third party for costs for which the Secretary provides insurance coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1981
Amends Federal law with respect to concessions for public accommodations, facilities, and services in areas administered by the National Park Service to make franchise fees collected pursuant to such law available for appropriation to the National Park Service for restoration and improvement of National Park System units and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Condemns South Africa's military invasion of Angola. Recognizes that Cuban and Soviet military personnel have contributed to instability in southern Africa. Urges all parties to the Namibian conflict to cooperate in implementing a specified United Nations Security Council Resolution which embodies the Western plan for Namibian independence.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission dealing with the matter of the trade regulation rule relating to the sale of used motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Social Security Alien and Foreign Resident Limitations Act of 1981 - 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 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 an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national on the basis of such individual's own wages and self-employment income. Entitles a non-U.S. citizen or national to a single lump-sum benefit on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income if such individual is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or employment purposes or such individual's status is changed to permit such individual to work in the United States. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a non-U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national who is not a permanent resident of the United States or who has not been admitted to the United States for employment purposes. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Goodling, William F. [R-PA-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000291_200.jpg)