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
Community Partnership for Employment and Training Act - Sets forth the purposes of this Act, including: (1) matching labor force skills to the economy's needs; (2) increasing the employability of the poor; (3) assisting new or dislocated workers to find permanent employment; (4) providing employment and training service to high unemployment areas; and (5) establishing a community-based employment and training system based on partnership between State and local governments and the private sector. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and thereafter to carry out titles II, III, and IV of this Act. Title I: Community Public-Private Training and Employment Assistance System - Part A: Organizational Provisions - Sets forth provisions for prime sponsors under this Act which include prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) and which are similar to CETA provisions. Makes eligible for bonus payments any prime sponsor which: (1) is a consortium of local governments that includes a local government which was a CETA prime sponsor; and (2) serves a preponderence of a major functioning labor market area. Permits such prime sponsors to: (1) submit plans for approval for periods of more than one year; and (2) retain up to one-half of available funds for any fiscal year for use in the succeeding fiscal year. Requires each prime sponsor to establish (or provide for continuance of) a private industry council (PIC) to be jointly responsible for planning activities under this Act. Prohibits prime sponsors from using funds under this Act for any activity not approved by the PIC. Directs the prime sponsor to appoint the initial members of the council, and to fill vacancies with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the remaining members. Requires that a majority be representatives of business and industry in the area served by the prime sponsor and that the remaining members be representatives of labor, education, community-based organizations, and economic development organizations and agencies. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish minimum national performance standards, based on such factors as unsubsidized employment placement and retention, wage increases, and income support payment reductions. Directs the Secretary to establish separate standards for youth, based on such factors as educational competencies attainment, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary school completion, and referral to other training programs, such as apprenticeships or military enlistment. Authorizes the Secretary to waive application of national performance standards for prime sponsors demonstrating exceptional local economic hardship and to approve less stringent performance goals which are the best reasonably attainable goals. Directs the Secretary, where a prime sponsor is failing to attain performance goals, to: (1) provide notice and technical assistance to the prime sponsor; and (2) in the case of ongoing failure during two consecutive years, (A) designate an alternate prime sponsor to prepare a plan for the area for the succeeding years and (B) terminate provision of funds to the unsuccessful prime sponsor. Authorizes the Secretary, upon determination that a prime sponsor has corrected the causes of a failure, to designate that prime sponsor to prepare a plan for the year after an alternate has served the area. Sets forth requirements for prime sponsor plans. Requires that such plans be developed in consultation with, and submitted with the approval of a majority of, the PIC. Authorizes the Secretary to designate the State or other alternate prime sponsor to develop a plan, with PIC consultation and majority approval, in cases where the PIC and the prime sponsor cannot concur. Requires each plan to describe activities conducted with funds under this Act, including: (1) a labor market analysis; (2) a demographic analysis of the eligible population; (3) participant selection procedures; (4) training and employment services, including duration, costs, wages, stipends, or allowances, and supportive services; (5) service provider selection methods and criteria, including consideration of community-based organizations as subgrantees or subcontractors; (6) arrangements for coordination with educational agencies; and (7) procedures for expenditure recordkeeping and for monitoring and auditing subgrantees or subcontractors. Requires each plan to include performance goals and a statement assurance of compliance with applicable requirements. Requires, as a qualification for additional administrative incentives, that a plan provide: (1) evidence of joint development in consultation with agencies administering other Federal employment-related programs; and (2) methods for coordination with such other Federal employment-related programs, including alternative reporting or recordkeeping requirements and uniform administrative forms. Permits plans thus qualifying to cover a period of more than one fiscal year. Sets forth procedures for review of prime sponsor plans by the PIC, the Governor, and appropriate local governments, as well as for availability to the public, before submittal for approval or disapproval by the Secretary. Requires the States seeking financial assistance under this Act to submit a Governor's coordination and special services plan (similar to that under CETA) to the Secretary for approval based on satisfactory implementation of: (1) coordination of all the State's employment and training, education, and related services; (2) technical assistance for prime sponsors; (3) special model training and employment programs and related services; (4) vocational education services agreed upon by prime sponsors and the State vocational education board; (5) rural area special assistance; (6) labor market and occupational information provisions without reimbursement to prime sponsors and appropriate education agencies; (7) fostering activities of the State Occupational Information Coordination Committee; (8) industrywide training; and (9) activities under title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Displaced Workers), if the State is eligible for financial assistance under title III. Requires States desiring to receive financial assistance under this Act to establish a State employment and training coordinating council. Includes among such council's duties the review of plans and programs of prime sponsors and of all appropriate State agencies, and other activities similar to those of the State employment and training council under CETA. Part B: General Requirements - Sets forth general program requirements under this Act which are similar in part to some special and general program conditions under CETA. Requires prime sponsors to provide employment and training opportunities to those most in need of such opportunities and make every effort to provide equitable services among significant segments of the eligible population. Sets program participation (30 months) and training allowances (104 weeks) limits similar to those under CETA. Sets a participant subsidized wage limit of 78 weeks in any five-year period (similar to the CETA limit on public service employment). Permits subsidized employment with a private for-profit employer, but only if the employee is an economically disadvantaged youth aged 16 through 19 and specified title II provisions are met. Permits subsidized employment of any sort only if the prime sponsor determines that unsubsidized employment is not immediately available in the area served. Prohibits (as did CETA) funding of programs involving political activities. Sets forth provisions for wages, benefits, and allowances. Sets forth labor standards. Sets forth provisions relating to allocation and availability of funds, reports, records, audits, investigations, complaints and sanctions, judicial review, interstate agreements, services and property, and the utilization of services and facilities. Title II: Employment and Training Services for the Economically Disadvantaged - Sets forth formulas for the allocation of amounts appropriated to carry out this title. Allocates 83 percent in FY 1983 and 73 percent in succeeding fiscal years among the States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) employed persons; (2) unemployed persons in excess of four-and-one-half percent of the labor force in the State or in areas of substantial unemployment; (3) unemployed persons residing in areas of substantial unemployment; and (4) adults in low-income families. Directs the Secretary to suballocate the State allocation among prime sponsors within the State on an equitable basis based upon such relative numbers. Allocates ten percent of the amount appropriated for title II for any fiscal year, among the States in proportion to their other allocation, for the Governor's coordinating and special services and for the State employment and training council. Directs the Secretary to make available five percent of title II funds to prime sponsors: (1) in FY 1983 on a basis consistent with the purposes of this Act; and (2) in FY 1984 and thereafter to those who have met or exceeded performance goals during the preceding fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to allocate ten percent of title II funds in FY 1984 and thereafter to prime sponsors who raise, and expend for title II program purposes specified amounts of non-Federal funds. Directs the Secretary to allocate two percent of title II funds among prime sponsors eligible for bonus payments for forming consortia of local governments serving major labor market areas. Requires prime sponsors to use title II funds in accordance with their plans to provide employment and training services which they and their PICs determine to be necessary and appropriate for economically disadvantaged youth and adults. Requires that at least one-half of such funds be used for such services for youth aged 16 through 21, with proportionate reductions of this minimum requirement in areas where the ratio of economically disadvantaged youth to economically disadvantaged adults is less than the nationwide ratio. Sets forth a non-exhaustive list of permissible title II services. Permits wage subsidies for temporary employment with public or private nonprofit employers. Permits wage subsidies to private for-profit employers for part-time employment during the school year or full-time employment not to exceed eight weeks during the summer for in-school economically disadvantaged youth aged 16 through 19, provided no such subsidy exceeds the net cost to the employer of wages paid and training provided. Includes among other permissable services: (1) job search; (2) job counseling; (3) remedial and basic skills education; (4) institutional skill training; (5) on-the-job training; (6) outreach; (7) labor market information; (8) work habit development; (9) supportive services; (10) upgrading and retraining; (11) education-to-work transition; (12) literacy and bilingual training; (13) work experience and vocational exploration; (14) high school equivalency; (15) job and job-opening development and generation; (16) apprenticeship; (17) program information to employers; (18) advanced learning technology; (19) followup; and (20) coordination with related programs. Limits eligibility to participate in title II programs to economically disadvantaged individuals aged 16 or older, but allows: (1) youth aged 14 or 15 to receive specified employment assistance services; and (2) up to ten percent of title II program participants to be individuals who are not economically disadvantaged if such individuals have encountered barriers to employment (such individuals may include the physically handicapped, those with limited English-speaking ability, displaced homemakers, ex-offenders, alcoholics, or addicts). Title III: Employment and Training Assistance for Displaced Workers - Declares the purposes of this title to be: (1) alternative employment assistance to involuntarily unemployed individuals unlikely to be rehired by the same employer; (2) occupational retraining for individuals with skills in declining occupations; and (3) reduction of the impact of economic dislocation on local communities. Directs the Secretary to allocate title III funds for any fiscal year among the States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) individuals in the labor force; (2) unemployed persons; and (3) persons unemployed for ten weeks or more. Requires each State to match its title III Federal grant by an equal expenditure of non-Federal public or private funds for title III services, including direct costs of such services and State unemployment insurance benefits to participants in title III programs. Requires States desiring title III funds to submit to the Secretary of State displaced worker plans for the use of such funds and for coordination of title III programs with other Federal, State, or local employment-related programs. Requires such plans to ensure the maximum feasible utilization of title II program facilities and services in carrying out title III programs. Requires prime sponsor and PIC approval of title III program operations in the areas they serve. Requires, for specified title III program services, affected labor organization consultation and approval. Authorizes use of title III funds to assist eligible participants to obtain unsubsidized employment through services which include, but are not limited to: (1) job search; (2) job development; (3) in-demand skills training; (4) support services; (5) relocation assistance; and (6) cooperative programs with employers or labor organizations for early intervention in the event of plant closures. Requires allowances or stipends for eligible participants during title III training or retraining periods. Permits relocation assistance if the State determines that the participant: (1) cannot obtain employment within the commuting area; and (2) has secured suitable long-duration employment or a bona fide job offer in a relocation area. Makes eligible for title III services any individual who has experienced or been notified of termination or suspension of employment as a result of any plant closure or permanent reduction in force. Makes eligible for title III training or retraining programs any unemployed individual with job skills that the State determines offer limited opportunities for employment or reemployment in the same or a similar occupation in the area of residence. Title IV: National Employment and Training Programs - Part A: Employment and Training Services for Indians and Migrants and Seasonal Farmworkers - Sets forth provisions for Native American employment and training programs which are similar to CETA provisions. Directs the Secretary to reserve for Native Americans programs from title IV funds an amount equal to not less than two and seven-tenths percent of the amount available for title II programs. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations and performance standards necessary to meet the special circumstances under which such Native American programs operate. Sets forth provisions for migrant and seasonal farmworker employment and training programs, similar in part to CETA provisions. Directs the Secretary to establish an office of farmworker programs within the national headquarters of the Department of Labor to select, administer, monitor, and evaluate such programs. Requires that the public agencies and private nonprofit organizations carrying out program services have a previously demonstrated capability to administer effectively a diversified employability development program for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Authorizes the Secretary to approve the designation of grantees for such programs for a period of two years. Requires that such programs, in addition to other employment and retraining activities assist in improving the well-being of farmworkers who remain as seasonal agricultural employees. Requires title IV fund recipients to establish performance goals. Directs the Secretary to reserve for farmworker programs from title IV funds an amount equal to not less than two and eight-tenths percent of the amount available for title II programs. Prohibits national farmworker programs and activities from precluding other assistance to farmworkers under this Act. Part B: Job Corps - Sets forth provisions for the Job Corps which are similar to CETA provisions. Sets participant age limits of 16 through 24 (CETA provides limits of 14 through 21), but permits appropriate nonresidential services for 14 and 15 year olds (both this Act and CETA allow waivers of the maximum age limitation in cases of handicapped individuals). Authorizes the Secretary to pay individuals and organizations for the cost of recruitment, screening, and selection of Job Corp candidates (but prohibits, as does CETA, any payment solely as compensation for referring the names of candidates. Provides for an exception from the two-year Job Corps enrollment period limit where necessary for participation in an advanced career program (as well as in special cases). Authorizes the Secretary to arrange for advanced career training programs for selected Corps members for a period of up to one additional year of Corps participation. Permits such programs to be provided by postsecondary institutions or by businesses and labor unions. Limits, in FY 1983, personal allowances to no more than $70 per month for the first six months and no more than $125 for the remainder of Corps service, for expected short-term service, or for readjustment allowances. Permits the Secretary to increase such allowances in FY 1984 and thereafter. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information from Job Corps program experience which may help related programs. Authorizes the Secretary to test at various Job Corps centers the efficacy of selected education or training activities. Directs the Secretary to establish annual orientation and training sessions for appropriate prime sponsor and Job Corps staff to be held at Job Corps centers. Authorizes the Secretary to arrange with the Secretary of Defense for pilot projects at Job Corps centers to prepare youth to qualify for military service. Permits permanent programs for such purpose if the Secretary of Defense reimburses the Job Corps for 90 percent of program costs. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake pilot projects using community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness for Job Corps center operation. Authorizes the Secretary to accept on behalf of the Job Corps charitable donations which would not jeopardize Job Corps integrity. Part C: National Programs and Activities - Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to provide services authorized under all titles of this Act for employment and training programs that are most appropriately administered from the national level, such as federally-assisted multistate programs sponsored by public agencies or private organizations, including programs: (1) assisting persons with particular employment-related disadvantages (such as offenders, persons with limited English proficency, handicapped, women, single parents, displaced homemakers, youth, older workers, persons lacking educational credentials, and public assistance recipients); (2) fostering employment and training linkages between public and private sectors; and (3) addressing critical skill shortages. Directs the Secretary to provide for research and demonstration programs and for training and technical assistance. Directs the Secretary to establish, in the office of the Secretary an Office of Management Assistance to provide specified services to prime sponsors. Part D: Labor Market Information - Sets forth provisions for a comprehensive system of labor market information which are similar to CETA provisions. Directs the Secretary to assure: (1) statistical reliability and national standardized definitions of employment, unemployment, and occupational definitions for purposes of such system; (2) consolidated departmental data collecting and processing systems to eliminate overlap and duplication; and (3) compliance with Federal Paperwork Reduction Act criteria. Establishes a National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee. Reserves funds from amounts available for this part to establish and maintain the Committee in the Department of Labor to assure the coordination of functions required by this part. Sets forth provisions relating to the Committee which are similar to CETA provisions. Sets forth provisions for a nationwide computerized job bank and matching program which are similar to CETA provisions. Part E: Economic Adjustment Program - Directs the Secretary to use funds available for this part to provide financial assistance to eligible prime sponsors for employment services, subsidized employment, and appropriate training and supportive services for unemployed workers. Makes prime sponsors eligible to apply for national Economic Adjustment Program (EAP) funds if the area under prime sponsor jurisdiction has an unemployment rate for the preceding three consecutive months exceeding the national average. Requires the PIC approval of prime sponsor EAP plans. Makes any Indian tribe, band, or group receiving part A assistance an eligible prime sponsor for EAP purposes. Permits EAP programs or activities to include any activity authorized under titles II or III of this Act. Makes individuals eligible for EAP participation if they: (1) have been unemployed for at least ten out of the 12 weeks immediately prior to the eligibility determination; and (2) are economically disadvantaged. Permits 20 percent of participants in a prime sponsor's EAP programs and activities to be individuals who are not economically disadvantaged. Directs the Secretary to establish priority approval criteria for EAP proposals, including such factors as: (1) severity of area unemployment; (2) potential for training leading to unsubsidized employment in occuaptions with skills shortages; and (3) involvement of subsidized employment in economic development activity (including public facility maintenance) leading to expanded private unsubsidized employment opportunities. Part F: National Commission on Employment and Productivity - Establishes a National Commission on Employment and Productivity (replaces the National Commission for Employment Policy under CETA and reconstitutes its membership without Federal officials). Sets forth provisions for Commission functions, administration, and reports which are similar to CETA provisions. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act (U.S. Employment Service) to direct the Secretary to distribute 98 percent of funds under such Act among the States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) individuals in the civilian labor force in each State as compared to all States; and (2) unemployed individuals in each State as compared to all States. Directs the Secretary to allocate the remaining two percent of such funds among those local employment service offices which have developed joint plans with prime sponsors under this Act. Permits State allocations to be used for: (1) job search and placement services for job seekers; (2) recruitment and technical services for employees: (3) program evaluation; (4) service linkages with related government programs; (5) services for displaced workers; (6) labor market and occupational information; (7) management information and analysis; (8) work test administration for the State unemployment compensation system; and (9) job search and placement for unemployment insurance claimants. Authorizes the U.S. Employment Service to perform only such activities and such other labor market-related services as are specified in reimbursable contracts with other State or Federal agencies. Amends part C (Work Incentive Program - WIN) of title IV of the Social Security Act to make applicants for (as well as recipients of) aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) eligible for the WIN program. Deletes a requirement that a specified portion of WIN program funds be used for specified on-the-job training and public service employment programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that WIN registrants receive employment and training services under this Act. Directs the Secretary to utilize PICs of prime sponsors under this Act for advice as to availability of area jobs for WIN programs purposes (thus replacing the WIN Labor Market Advisory Councils established to serve such function). Revises provisions for WIN program operation to direct the Secretary to: (1) provide intensive job search assistance services for all WIN registrants (as a program requirement, with specified exceptions); (2) following provision of such services, refer all WIN registrants who have not been placed in unsubsidized employment to the appropriate prime sponsor for employment and training services under this Act; and (3) place WIN registrants without unsubsidized jobs who are not currently served under this Act in other employment and training activities. Requires the State agency administering WIN program activities to coordinate these with activities under this Act. Repeals the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), as of October 1, 1982. Provides for a CETA program transition period expiring at the end of June 30, 1983. Permits prime sponsors, even before the expiration of such transition period, to carry out activities authorized under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Requires that the taxable year of inclusion in gross income of any amount covered by a nonqualified deferred compensation plan maintained by a tax-exempt organization be determined in accordance with principles applicable to deferred compensation plans maintained by other private organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to repeal the elimination of the national trigger provisions which were part of the extended unemployment compensation program. Provides that the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 shall be applied as if such elimination had not been enacted.
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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 17 November 1981
Declares that the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services should immediately study and report to Congress on ways to correct the benefit disparity caused by the 1977 changes in the social security retirement benefit formula.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify as tax-exempt public charities certain amateur sports organizations which, as part of their activities, provide athletic facilities or equipment. Denies a tax deduction for income, estate, and gift tax purposes, for contributions in excess of $500 made to such an organization by a person, or a member of the family of a person, who uses any athletic facility or equipment provided by the organization.
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
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 · 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 · 5 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no limitation should be placed on the Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on a residential mortgage.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Declares that the funding for general revenue sharing shall be maintained as adopted in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Public Law 97-35).
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 · 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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a handicapped taxpayer or a taxpayer with a handicapped dependent to elect the one-time exclusion of gain from the sale or exchange of a principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) proclaim the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Ukrainian Public Group to Promote the Implementation of the Helsinki Accords as a day honoring that Group; and (2) ask the Soviet Union to release the jailed members of the Group and to cease persecuting and jailing Ukrainian citizens seeking their rights.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1981
Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish, within the Department, an Office of Housing for the Elderly. Lists the responsibilities of the Office which include coordinating housing programs for the elderly and representing the Assistant Secretary for Housing on matters concerning housing for the elderly. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee on Housing for the Elderly. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Act to submit to Congress an annual report on housing for the elderly.
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
Requests the President to designate the week of October 12, 1992, to honor Christopher Columbus' discovery of the Americas. Authorizes the President to establish a special advisory commission to plan and implement a five hundredth anniversary celebration during the week of October 12, 1992, in honor of Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the Americas.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1981
Allows individuals who voluntarily leave military service to receive unemployment compensation based on such service. Increases from 365 to 730 days the length of continuous military service needed to qualify as employment for purposes of unemployment compensation. Delays an ex-service member's entitlement until the fifth week after discharge or release from the service. Limits an ex-service member's total entitlement to no more than 13 weeks of benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include certain tax-exempt scientific research organizations as eligible recipients of scientific property for purposes of the special computation of the charitable contribution deduction for such property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
National Commission on Down Syndrome Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the President's Committee on Mental Retardation, and other concerned organizations, to establish a National Commission on Down Syndrome to formulate a long-range plan for the study, prevention, and treatment of Down Syndrome. Requires a final report to the President and the Congress within 12 months after the Commission is organized. Requires the Secretary to submit a related budget analysis to specified congressional committees. Terminates the Commission three months after submission of the final report. Authorizes specified appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for the growing acceptance of principles of freedom and democracy in Poland. Commends the President for extending agricultural credits to Poland. Urges the President to extend additional credits to help relieve Poland's food shortages.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1981
Declares that the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services should develop and present to Congress a plan to correct the benefit disparity caused by the 1977 changes in the social security retirement benefit formula.
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
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the retired senior volunteer program (RSVP), administered by the ACTION agency, should be commended upon its tenth anniversary for successfully providing meaningful opportunities for retired persons to render volunteer service in their communities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
Delays until 1983 the application of Revenue Ruling 81-216 which denies a tax exclusion of the interest on multiple lots of $1,000,000 each of industrial development bonds that are pooled and issued as one bond. Provides that the rules in effect before such Revenue Ruling (including Revenue Rulings 74-380, 77-55, and 78-159) shall remain in effect during such period.
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
Title I: Amendments to Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Justice Assistance Act of 1981 - Amends title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Justice System Improvement) to eliminate the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration and the Office of Justice Assistance, Research and Statistics. Retains the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Institute of Justice. Establishes a new Office of Justice Assistance. Revises the formula grant program to make the following changes. Eliminates the authority for local governments to receive formula grants. Decreases from 23 to 15 the purposes for which formula grants may be made. Requires States to provide a 50 percent match to receive Federal funding, or 25 percent match for innovative programs addressing critical problems of crime. Requires grant recipients to assume program costs after a four-year period. Revises the application requirements for a State to receive formula grant assistance. Requires States to include assurances that not more than ten percent of assistance will be spent on innovative programs addressing critical crime problems or five percent of assistance on administrative costs. Requires submission of the formula grant application for approval to the State legislature which shall act on the application as it would for State budget requests. Retains the current requirement that 80 percent of total funding be allocated for formula grants. Requires a State to distribute formula grants among local governments in the same proportion that such governments expend State funds for law enforcement purposes. Eliminates the national priority grant program. Retains the discretionary grant program. Revises the general purposes for which such grants may be made. Requires that private nonprofit organizations be the primary recipients of such grants for providing educational, training, and technical assistance and undertaking national projects. Revises the training and manpower development program to eliminate the training programs for prosecuting attorneys and State and local criminal justice personnel by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Retains the Federal Bureau of Investigation training of State and local criminal justice personnel and the criminal justice education program. Permits "construction" under such Act to include renovation, repairs, or remodeling. Decreases from $750,000,000 to $170,000,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated for each of FY 1980 through 1983. Authorizes additional appropriations as are necessary to provide emergency law enforcement assistance to States. Eliminates the current authorization of appropriations for the Office of Community Anti-Crime Programs and the requirement that at least 19.15 percent of total appropriations be maintained for juvenile delinquency programs. Title II: Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance - Authorizes a State or local government to apply for emergency Federal law enforcement assistance in the event that a crime problem of serious and epidemic proportions exits. Requires the Attorney General, in approving or disapproving such application, to consider: (1) the nature and extent of the crime problem; (2) the emergency or extraordinary circumstances; (3) the availability of State and local resources; (4) the cost of increased Federal presence; and (5) the need to avoid unnecessary Federal involvement in local concerns. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose.
![Official portrait of Rep. Guarini, Frank J. [D-NJ-14]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000511_200.jpg)