United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1980
Declares that the Congress accepts the gift of a red oak tree as a symbol of American hopes for the immediate release of the hostages in Iran. Dedicates the tree to the principles of individual freedom and world peace.
United States · United States Congress · 28 August 1980
Amends the Revenue Act of 1978 to extend until January 1, 1983, the period during which individuals who have not been treated as employees by their employers shall not be treated as such for purposes of the employment tax.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit of 25 percent of the qualified research and experimental expenditures paid or incurred by a taxpayer in connection with his trade or business. Defines "qualified research and experimental expenditures" as those business-related expenditures which are currently deductible under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, but limits the scope of such expenditures to technological research designed to develop or improve products or services. Excludes expenditures for research or experimentation in the social sciences or humanities, government-funded research, or research carried on in the taxpayer's behalf. Limits the amount of expenditures eligible for the credit to those which exceed 100 percent of the annual average of such expenditures for the immediately preceding three years. Provides for a three-year carryback and seven-year carryover of unused credits.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1980
Biomass Research and Development Act of 1980 - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to: (1) make the cost of energy produced by biomass systems competitive; (2) increase the efficiency of biomass energy production; (3) encourage the development of biomass energy resources on land unsuited for cultivating food; and (4) assure the production of at least three quadrillion British thermal units of energy per year from biomass by 1986. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish a six-year biomass energy system research and development program to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that the program shall consist of: (1) a feedstocks program; (2) a conversion program; and (3) an end uses program. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish procedures to permit any public or private entity wishing to install a biomass energy system to apply for and receive assistance in purchasing such a system. Directs the Secretary, after the termination of the six year program, to promulgate by rule voluntary performance standards for biomass energy systems. Directs the Secretary to initiate a three-year national biomass resource assessment program. Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive program management plan for the conduct of the programs established under this Act. Sets forth criteria for program selection. Directs the Secretary to monitor the performance and operation of biomass energy systems assisted or installed under this Act. Directs the Secretary to study and evaluate specified matters related to the development of biomass energy systems and report the findings to Congress. Establishes a biomass energy utilization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of biomass energy systems for power production for Federal facilities. Requires the Secretary to take steps to assure that small business will have adequate opportunities to participate in the programs established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should request the International Red Cross to: (1) make regular visits to the hostages held in Iran and report back to Congress with its findings; and (2) urge its member countries to solicit Iranian cooperation in such visits.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,000 for calendar years prior to 1986 and phases out the amount of the credit by $500 decrements until 1989 when such credit terminates. Defines "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1980 and before January 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1980
Requires the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases to conduct such studies as are necessary to determine the safety and efficacy of dimethyl sulfoxide as a topical analgesic. Requires the submission and approval by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of a new drug application should such investigations prove the safety and efficacy of such substance for its intended use.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1980
Trade Procedures Simplification Act of 1980 - Requires the Attorney General, in consultation with other Federal agency heads, to determine whether: (1) U.S. business conduct and arrangements in various countries to expand exports conflict with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws. Directs the Attorney General to identify conduct and arrangements associated with particular types of export sales which the Attorney General determines would not warrant prosecution under the antitrust laws. Sets forth the procedures for describing such permissible conduct and disclosing such descriptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to intervene in such suits and to provide legal assistance to exporters. Prohibits prosecution under the antitrust laws of exporters who: (1) have notified the Attorney General of their intention to engage in such designated permissible conduct; or (2) receive an approval, or no objection, from the Attorney General concerning proposed transactions. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress concerning implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1980
Farm Credit Act Amendments of 1980 - Title I: Federal Land Banks and Associations - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to authorize any Federal land bank, under the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) participate in loans with other Farm Credit System institutions (i.e., Federal land banks, Federal land bank associations, Federal intermediate credit banks, production credit associations, and banks for cooperatives); (2) participate in loans which the land banks are authorized to make with lenders which are not Farm Credit System institutions; (3) sell interests in loans to such lenders; (4) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans and in other financial assistance extended and nonvoting stock; (5) make other investments; (6) accept contributions to their capital from Federal land bank associations; (7) enter into agreements with other Farm Credit System institutions to share loan and other losses; (8) issue nonvoting stock to borrowers as a patronage refund; and (9) make or participate with other lenders in long-term real estate mortgage loans not exceeding 85 percent of the appraised value of the real estate security. Makes producers and harvesters of aquatic products eligible for Federal land bank services. Authorizes Federal land bank associations to make capital contributions to a Federal land bank. States that a member of a Federal land bank association need not make the required purchases of land stock with respect to that part of a loan derived from a lender which is not a Farm Credit System institution. Authorizes the Federal land bank associations to pay dividends on a differential basis between different classes and issues of stock and participation certificates corresponding to the value of such classes and issues to the capital or earnings of the Federal land bank in its district. Permits the Federal land bank associations to agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions. Title II: Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations - Authorizes the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, subject to the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans and in other financial assistance extended and nonvoting stock; (2) make other investments; (3) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions; (4) participate with other Farm Credit System institutions in making loans; and (5) issue nonvoting stock to such institutions. Authorizes the Federal intermediate credit banks to discount, or purchase from other financial institutions, loans made to producers and harvesters of aquatic products. Authorizes each production credit association, subject to the supervision of the intermediate credit bank in its district and the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) buy from and sell to any bank in the Farm Credit System interests in loans, other financial assistance extended, and nonvoting stock; (2) participate in loans with other Farm Credit System institutions; (3) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System Institutions; (4) issue participation certificates to eligible borrowers in lieu of nonvoting stock; and (5) issue participation certificates or nonvoting stock to any financial institution outside the Farm Credit System with which the association participates in a loan in satisfaction of the requirement that a borrower own such stock or participation certificates. Requires a borrower to own only that amount of stock or participation certificates which is proportionate to that portion of a loan retained by a production credit association when it participates with another lender in making a loan. Authorizes the production credit association to extend loan assistance to bona fide farmers, ranchers, and producers and harvesters of aquatic products for basic processing and marketing directly related to the borrower's operations. Requires the borrower's operation to provide a specified percentage of the total processing or marketing for which financing is extended. Title III: Banks For Cooperatives - Empowers each bank for cooperatives, subject to the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) participate with other Farm Credit System institutions in making loans; (2) deposit its securities and current funds with any domestic or foreign financial organization (presently, such deposits must be made at a member bank in the Federal Reserve System); (3) buy and sell bankers acceptances which are obligations of member banks in the Federal Reserve System; (4) buy and sell other obligations including those which arise in the course of transactions which the bank has assisted through loans; (5) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans and in other financial assistance extended and nonvoting stock; (6) make other investments; (7) invest in foreign and domestic business entities to facilitate the obtaining of credit information and the performance of services related to international transactions; (8) maintain credit balances to assist in the transfer of funds between parties to authorized transactions; (9) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions; and (10) issue participation certificates to parties who may not be issued voting stock. Requires all participation certificates, voting and nonvoting stock issued by the banks for cooperatives to be retired at par value. Authorizes the banks for cooperatives to: (1) offer a currency exchange for eligible cooperative associations; and (2) extend loans, loan participation commitments, and other technical and financial assistance to any domestic or foreign party in which a member cooperative has an ownership interest or which engages with the cooperative in dealings in agricultural or aquatic products, farm supplies or the lease of property, provided such assistance substantially benefits the member cooperative. Sets forth guidelines for regulations governing the extension of such assistance. Enables cooperatives solely engaged in furnishing aquatic business services to borrow from the banks for cooperatives. Reduces the degree of ownership in a cooperative which must be held by farmers, producers or harvesters of aquatic products, or other cooperative associations in order to make such a cooperative eligible to borrow from a bank for cooperatives. Requires a bank for cooperatives to retire any equity held by a borrower in default or dissolution at fair market value not to exceed the par value of the equity interest of the borrower. Prohibits the retirement or cancellation of such an equity interest if the bank's capital structure would be adversely affected. Permits each bank for cooperatives to transfer more than 25 percent of its net annual savings to a surplus account. Authorizes the banks for cooperatives to pay patronage refunds to borrowers in the form of participation certificates. Title IV: Provisions Applicable to Two or More Classes of Institutions of the System - Declares that interest rates established by the Farm Credit Administration for loans made by Farm Credit System institutions and by specified agricultural credit corporations shall preempt any interest rate limitation imposed by State law. States that when two or more Farm Credit System institutions participate in a loan as authorized by this Act, the terms of such loan shall be those agreed upon by the institutions. Requires that such factors as borrower eligibility, membership, term, amount, loan security and purchase of stock or participation certificates by the borrower are to be governed by the provisions of law applicable to the institution originating the loan. Exempts credit transactions of Farm Credit System institutions and specified agricultural credit corporations from the provisions of any State statute or any other law or regulation which impose, with regard to a credit transaction, any duty or requirement which is similar to those which have been imposed by the Truth in Lending Act. Requires each Federal land bank association and production credit association to prepare a program for furnishing sound and constructive credit and related services to young, beginning, and small farmers and ranchers. Directs the Federal land bank and the Federal intermediate credit bank for each district to annually obtain reports of activities under such programs. Authorizes the institutions of the Farm Credit System to organize corporations to perform non-lending functions and services which such institutions are authorized to perform. Empowers the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration to review and revise the charters of such corporations. States that such corporations shall be subject to supervision and examination by the Administration. Applies State and other laws relevant to organizing banks to such corporations, except for specified tax exemptions. Authorizes the sale to Farm Credit System members of insurance to protect the loan commitment and the member's farm or aquatic unit, with specified limitations. Permits banks and associations already offering insurance not authorized by this section to continue to sell such insurance for one year and continue to service such insurance until expiration. Title V: District and Farm Credit Administration Organization - Permits the Virgin Islands to be included within a farm credit district, if the extension of credit and other services in the Virgin Islands is determined to be feasible. Revises the process for the election of farm credit district directors by reducing from three to two the number of nominees on the election poll. Establishes the rate of compensation for the Federal Farm Credit Board at the daily equivalent of the rate prescribed for grade GS-18 of the General Schedule. Authorizes the Board to fix the salary of the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration at any level not exceeding the maximum rate of basic pay in the Executive Schedule. Authorizes the Governor to appoint Deputy Governors to provide assistance in the functioning of the Farm Credit Administration. Exempts the Administration from provisions of Federal law relating to appointments in the competitive civil service, travel expenses, allowances, procurement, and property disposition. Credits employees of Farm Credit System institutions with specified leave and retirement benefits when they are transferred to Federal service in the Farm Credit Administration. Authorizes the banks of the System, with the concurrence of two-thirds of the district boards, to sell or otherwise dispose of any interest in property. Requires the Farm Credit Administration to make annual reports to Congress which include a summary of any unresolved differences arising out of consultations with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Comptroller of the Currency and a summary and analysis of specified reports submitted to such Administration by the Federal land banks and Federal intermediate credit banks relating to programs for serving young, beginning, and small farmers and ranchers. Eliminates the requirement that such Administration maintain its principal office in the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1980
Extends the congratulations of the Congress to the Order of the Sons of Italy in America for their 75th anniversary. Proclaims Sunday, June 22, 1980, as "National Italian-American Day."
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Permits veterans to refinance previously guaranteed mortgage loans which are secured by homes they still own and occupy. Sets forth conditions and requirements pursuant to such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1980
Family Protection Act - States as the purpose of this Act the strengthening of the American family and the reversal of governmental policies which hinder its strength and prosperity. Title I: Education - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit payments under such Act to States or State or local educational agencies, which: (1) prohibit voluntary prayer in public buildings; (2) lack procedures for the involvement of parents and representatives of the community in decisions relating to the establishment or continuation of religious studies; (3) limit parental visits to public schools or classes or the right of parents to inspect their children's school records; (4) require the payment of dues or fees as a condition of employment for teachers; or (5) lack procedures for parental review of textbooks prior to their use in the classroom. Stipulates that no Federal funds may be made available for curricula which promote values contradictory to the demonstrated beliefs of the community or for textbooks which tend to deny the role differences between the sexes. Guarantees the right of any State or local educational agency to set qualifications for teachers, set attendance requirements for students, and to limit or prohibit the intermingling of sexes in sports or other school-related activities. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude from the definition of employer any corporation or association operating a school. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for cash contributions to a savings account established to pay the expenses of a dependent child under the age of 22 at an educational institution (pre-school through college). Limits the amount of such deduction to $2,500 for a taxable year and permits only one account to be established on behalf of any individual. Exempts from income taxation, distributions from such accounts which are used exclusively to meet the educational expenses of the dependent child. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for the payment of allotments to States for the financing of elementary and secondary school programs. Directs the Commissioner of Education to terminate the payment of such allotments if the programs for which funds are paid no longer comply with specified requirements. Permits judicial review of any finding of the Commissioner with respect to applications for funding or termination of payments to a State. Prohibits the exercise of Federal control over the curriculum, administration, or personnel of any State or local school system. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to grant tax-exempt status to an educational institution controlled by the parents of students enrolled in such institution. Provides for the termination of the tax exemption of a school which is found to discriminate in the hiring of teachers or the admission of students on the basis of race, nationality, or ethnic background. Denies jurisdiction to the U.S. Supreme Court to review any case arising out of a State statute or regulation which relates to voluntary prayer in public schools or buildings or to qualifications imposed by a State for the hiring of public school teachers. Title II: Welfare - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals who maintain a household which includes a dependent who has reached age 65 a nonrefundable income tax credit not in excess of $250 for the taxable year. Allows such individuals to take an income tax deduction in lieu of the credit. Limits the amount of such deduction to $1,000 for the taxable year. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to disqualify students enrolled in post-secondary educational institutions from participation in the food stamp program if such enrollment is equivalent to full-time employment. Grants tax-exempt status to organizations providing day care for children. Allows contributors to a tax- exempt day care center to claim a business expense deduction for contributions not deductible as a charitable contribution. Directs the Secretary of the branch of the Armed Forces concerned to deduct from the monthly pay and allowances of a member of such Armed Forces, who is living separate from his or her dependents, an amount sufficient to provide for the support of such dependents. Title III: First Amendment Guarantees - Prohibits the Federal Government from imposing legal requirements upon the operation of a church organization which sponsors a child care center, orphanage, foster home, social action training program, emergency shelter for abused children or spouses, school, or juvenile delinquency or drug abuse treatment center or home. Amends provisions of the United States Code relating to judicial procedure to establish a legal presumption in favor of an expansive interpretation of a parent's role in supervising and determining the religious or moral formation of his child, in cases involving such issue. Title IV: Taxation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit married individuals to compute on a separate basis the maximum retirement savings deduction to which each individual is entitled. Permits a maximum deduction of $3,000 for a spouse who is handicapped. Increases the zero bracket amount for married individuals filing separately to $2,300 (the same as for unmarried individuals). Imposes the same income tax rates upon married individuals filing separately as are imposed upon unmarried individuals. Specifies that an individual who works without compensation for a charitable, civic, religious, or political activity shall be considered to be gainfully employed for purposes of eligibility for the child care credit. Allows an additional personal tax exemption of $1,000 for each child born to, or adopted by, a taxpayer during the taxable year. Permits an exemption of $3,000 for the adoption of a handicapped child over the age of three whose parents are not of the same race. Allows an income tax deduction for contributions to a trust established by a taxpayer to provide care to such taxpayer's parents or handicapped relatives. Limits the amount of such deduction to $3,000 for a taxable year. Provides for the tax exemption of such trusts. Title V: Domestic Relations - Prohibits Federal preemption of State laws relating to child or spousal abuse, or juvenile delinquency. Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds for such programs in any State unless the legislature of such State has specifically authorized such programs. Defines "child abuse" as physical maltreatment or psychological or emotional neglect. Excludes from such definition discipline or corporal punishment applied by a responsible parent or an individual authorized to act in the place of such parent. Grants tax-exempt status to organizations which provide for the treatment and care of individuals who suffer physical or psychological abuse from a spouse, parent, or other family member and to organizations which provide shelter, care, and medical treatment for individuals under the age of 18 who have run away from their homes. Requires federally-funded abortion and venereal disease treatment centers to notify parents of unmarried minors that such minors have requested an abortion, contraceptives, or are undergoing treatment for a venereal disease. Amends the Legal Service Corporation Act to place restrictions on the classes of individuals to whom legal assistance may be given and the circumstances under which such assistance may be given. Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds to any organization which presents male or female homosexuality as an acceptable alternative life style or which suggests that it can be an acceptable life style. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide that any action taken by an employer against a homosexual shall not be considered an unlawful employment practice. Prohibits any instrumentality of the Federal Government from seeking to enforce nondiscrimination with respect to homosexuals. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Grants jurisdiction to U.S. district courts to hear any cases arising under this Act. Provides for a six-year statute of limitation. Provides a civil penalty for persons violating any provision or regulation promulgated pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the administration of this Act and the progress of the States in effectuating its provisions. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides for the separability of provisions of this Act if any provisions are declared invalid.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1980
National Defense Compensation Act of 1980 - Increases the pay and allowances, and certain special and incentive pays, of members of the uniformed services for pay periods beginning after December 31, 1981, 1982, and 1983. Directs the President, in any year in which an alternative pay plan is transmitted to the Congress, to include in such plan a statement specifying the adjustments which would have been made but for such alternative plan.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1980
Veterans' Rehabilitation and Education Amendments of 1980 - Title I: Revision of Vocational Rehabilitation Program - Revises veterans' vocational rehabilitation provisions to declare the purpose of this Act to be to provide all services necessary to enable veterans with service-connected disabilities to attain maximum independence, to become employable, and to obtain and maintain suitable employment. Redefines "vocational rehabilitation" to include the provision of all services required to achieve the purpose of this Act, including discharge, medical, social, psychological, economic, and vocational services (presently defined in terms of educational and vocational training to restore employability). Defines "employment handicap" as a disability impairing a veteran's ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with his or her abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Revises entitlement provisions to: (1) make eligibility run as of September 16, 1940, (rather than World War II as at present); (2) require a handicap to be an employment handicap as defined by this Act; and (3) provide for follow up vocational services to a rehabilitated veteran in order for such veteran to enter new employment more suitable to his or her current capacity or condition. Eliminates the language extending eligibility for specified veterans to October 15, 1971. Sets forth the scope of services, including: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) educational, vocational and personal counseling; (3) a vocational rehabilitation plan; (4) vocational and related services including tutorial services, tuition, books, and other training materials; (5) treatment for mental and emotional disorders; (6) medical care; (7) prosthetic and other corrective devices; (8) placement and postplacement services; (9) services to a veteran's family; (10) special rehabilitation services, including services for the blind and the deaf; (11) subsistence allowances; (12) essential employment equipment and supplies for severely disabled veterans requiring homebound training and or self-employment; (13) transportation costs, including pre- and post-training services; and (14) work study allowance, loans, and other incidental goods and services. Revises duration of services provisions to: (1) provide basic vocational rehabilitation services for 48-months; (2) remove the nine year (from discharge) eligibility limitation; and (3) provide a 12 month rehabilitation evaluation period. Revises subsistence allowance provisions to: (1) provide for payments during the evaluation of vocational rehabilitation potential; (2) provide payments for unpaid on-job training or work experience in a Federal agency or during such evaluation period; (3) pay room and board expenses for individuals pursuing a program on a residential basis in a specialized rehabilitation facility; (4) provide that vocational payments be paid on a full-time basis for two months following a determination of employability; (5) set forth the rate of payment for individuals in unpaid Federal training or work experience; (6) prohibit payments to incarcerated individuals; and (7) provide for advance payment of subsistence allowances. Authorizes personal adjustment counseling during the evaluation of rehabilitation feasibility period. Sets forth basic requirements of a vocational rehabilitation program, which shall include: (1) participation by the veteran in formulation of a written plan; and (2) a statement of objectives and goals, services and a time schedule for providing such services, and a projected completion date. Revises leave of absence provisions to remove the 30-day per year limitation on such leave. Revises the regulation of conduct provisions to remove the three-month forfeiture of subsistence penalty for unsatisfactory conduct and to replace the permanent disqualification for further vocational rehabilitation penalty with a provision allowing the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to reinstate such benefits upon satisfactory conduct. Increases the maximum amount of loans available to a veteran from $200 to $400. Authorizes vocational rehabilitation to members of the Armed Forces, otherwise eligible, and veterans hospitalized in VA or non-VA medical facilities. Authorizes vocational training outside the United States (presently prohibited for post-World War II veterans who were not citizens at the time of their United States military service). Provides that any Federal agency facility may be used to provide unpaid training or work experience as part of a veteran's vocational rehabilitation program. States that such veteran shall be deemed a Federal employee for workmen's compensation purposes but not for the purposes of laws administered by the Office of Personnel Management. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to use the facilities, staff, and other resources of any Federal agency to provide services under this Act. Directs the Administrator to assist in the development of employment and on-job training opportunities, including payments to employers for providing on-job training to certain veterans. Directs the Veterans Administration (VA) to: (1) provide employment assistance, including direct employment placement, utilization of Federal, State, and nonprofit private employment services, and securing loans and paying business license fees; (2) provide vocational rehabilitation staff training and development; and (3) carry out an ongoing program of rehabilitation research and special projects, including grants and contracts with public and nonprofit agencies. Directs the Administrator to appoint a Veterans' Advisory Committee on Rehabilitation. Revises provisions concerning the limitation on periods of assistance under two or more veterans' educational assistance programs to include post-Vietnam era benefits within such limitation, and to provide a 48-month aggregate eligibility period for vocational rehabilitation and other educational assistance. Limits the current provision which reduces the number of clock hours of attendance required for payment of benefits for certain courses to courses accredited by nationally recognized accrediting agencies. Authorizes veterans eligible for vocational rehabilitation services to pursue such program using their educational assistance entitlements. Title II: GI Bill Rate Increase - Increases rates of veterans payments for: (1) educational assistance allowances, including special supplementary assistance; (2) educational assistance for survivors and dependents, including special training allowances; and (3) State and local agency administrative expenses, including educational assistance for apprenticeship or other on-job training and education loans. Title III: Educational Assistance Program Amendments : Part A - Educational Assistance for Veterans - Authorizes the Administrator to disapprove a veteran's or serviceperson's application for educational assistance if enrollment would be prohibited by any of the appropriate administrative provisions. Eliminates the 50 percent employment reporting requirement for courses if: (1) veteran and eligible dependent or survivor enrollment does not exceed 35 percent of total enrollment (for the two-year reporting period); and (2) the course had met the employment requirements for two consecutive reporting periods. Eliminates the requirement that a major portion of an open circuit television course must require conventional classroom or laboratory attendance in order to be approved by the Administrator for assistance. Eliminates computing persons receiving Federal educational assistance from the "85-15" enrollment eligibility requirement. Eliminates the course completion time provision as a requirement for satisfactory educational progress with regard to discontinuance of educational assistance. Revises foreign study provisions to authorize such study if: (1) the course is part of a standard college degree program (or its equivalent) at an institution of higher learning so recognized by the foreign country; and (2) the Administrator approves. Authorizes assistance for continuing education or training required by Federal, State, or local law for professional or vocational relicensure or continued employment. Provides that such continuing education shall be paid at the same rate as refresher training. Stipulates that educational assistance for a veteran pursuing an eligible (as revised by this Act) open circuit television course shall be paid in the same manner as an independent study program. Part B - Educational Assistance for Dependents and Survivors - Disqualifies specified family members from eligibility as qualified tutors for veterans receiving supplementary tutorial assistance. Directs the Administrator to approve any application for educational assistance received from an eligible survivor or dependent. Authorizes the Administrator to arrange for educational or vocational counseling for such dependents upon their request. Authorizes the Administrator to disapprove an eligible survivor's or dependent's application for educational assistance if enrollment would be prohibited by any of the appropriate administrative provisions. Prohibits such individuals from enrolling in an educational institution not located in a State or in the Republic of the Philippines unless: (1) the course is part of a standard college degree (or its equivalent) at an institution of higher learning so recognized by the foreign country; and (2) the Administrator approves. Revises provisions concerning advance educational assistance payments to such individuals to: (1) authorize direct payments to an eligible individual (presently payments must be made to a parent or guardian); (2) eliminate certain certification requirements; and (3) provide that payments for an eligible (as revised by this Act) open circuit television course shall be paid in the same manner as an independent study program. Part C - Amendment Relating to Administration of Educational Benefits - Revises provisions concerning the period for which educational or subsistence allowances will be paid for eligible veterans or persons to provide that: (1) the individual must be pursuing a course of study (presently only required to be enrolled); (2) the Administrator shall determine regulations regarding eligibility; and (3) payment shall be for the stated period of enrollment, or the actual period of enrollment, whichever is shorter. Requires veterans and other individuals to report any changes in their educational status to the Administrator. Requires educational institutions to report any facts they know or should have known concerning their compliance with, or eligibility for, such educational assistance. Includes "residence" in the definition of a full-time undergraduate course. Defines "in residence on a standard quarter-or semester-hour basis" to require pursuit of regularly scheduled weekly class instruction on campus at the rate of one standard class session per week throughout the semester for one semester hour of credit. Provides for payments to veterans and eligible persons attending non- degree courses during periods between terms which do not exceed 15 calendar days and periods when the school is not in session because of teacher conferences or teacher training sessions (not to exceed five days in any 12-month period). Terminates the (veterans') education advisory committee as of December 31, 1989. Includes post- Vietnam era veterans' educational assistance, and deletes vocational rehabilitation, within such committee's responsibility. Title IV: Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program Adjustments - Makes eligible for participation in the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program certain persons who entered military service on or after January 1, 1977, after having served on active duty before or after such date for a period of 180 days or less and were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Revises the procedure for distribution of unused contributions to such program fund by the participant, if the participant dies while on, or after discharge from, active duty and has not designated a beneficiary under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance program. Title V: Revision of Eligibility for Veterans Employment and Training Programs - Defines "veteran" for purposes of veterans' job counseling, training, and placement benefits, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans' employment and training benefits as one who: (1) served on active-duty for more than 180 days and received other than a dishonorable discharge; or (2) received a service-connected disability discharge. Defines "disabled veteran" for purposes of disabled veterans' training and employment benefits as one who: (1) is entitled to veterans' disability compensation; or (2) received a service-connected disability discharge. Declares that no veteran shall be considered a Vietnam-era veteran after December 31, 1989. Requires the Secretary of Labor to assure that any veteran made ineligible for certain veterans' job counseling and placement assistance by provisions of this Act (defining categories of eligible veterans) shall be provided with employment assistance and related services under other applicable provisions of law. Includes disabled veterans and Vietnam-era veterans as those eligible veterans who shall receive special consideration for job placement. Requires the Secretary of Labor to include numerical breakdowns of such veterans' categories in his annual veterans' training report to Congress. Makes a qualifying Vietnam veteran eligible for Federal contract priority-hiring. Directs that the benefits an eligible veteran may be receiving (or has received) under certain other programs of the VA shall be disregarded when determining the needs and qualifications of such veteran under any employment or training program financed with Federal funds. Authorizes the Administrator to give preference to qualified disabled and Vietnam-era veterans for employment in the VA as veterans' benefits counselors and veterans' claim examiners. Grants to members of the National Guard, called to assemble for required drills and field exercises for a period of not less than twelve consecutive weeks, the reemployment rights of reserves called to active duty. Title VI: Cost-Savings Provisions - Repeals the authority for veterans to receive educational assistance for the pursuit of flight and correspondence training, including post-Vietnam-era veterans and survivors and dependents. Directs the Administrator to deduct from future payments any overpayment made to persons for service-connected disability or death compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, pension for non-service-connected disability for death, and educational assistance benefits. Provides that such deductions are not subject to time limitations for bringing civil actions or administrative proceedings. Grants the Administrator the authority to charge interest on amounts owed to the United States for overpayment of benefits or services provided by the Veterans' Administration, unless such amounts are repaid within a reasonable period of time. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to set forth the rate of interest to be charged. Repeals the authority of the Administrator to deduct from future payments any overpayment made to parents for dependency and indemnity compensation. Revises existing provisions of law relating to overpayments made to veterans receiving educational assistance to declare that such overpayment constitutes a liability of the veteran to the United States (present provisions cover the liability of the institution attended by the veteran). Stipulates that if such liability of the veteran is waived, the institution is not released from its liability. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to disclose to a consumer reporting agency the name and address of an individual indebted to the Veterans' Administration (VA) for the purpose of obtaining consumer reports in order to assess such individual's ability to repay the debt and to give notice of the outstanding obligation. Prohibits: (1) the VA from disclosing other information that would imply an individual's indebtedness to the United States; and (2) the credit reporting agency from indicating in its reports or files that such VA inquiry indicates any indebtedness by such individual (willful violation punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for the first offense and up to $20,000 for a subsequent offense). Authorizes the disclosure of an individual's name, address, and other identifying information necessary to locate him or her in order to carry out specified VA evaluation studies. Requires the Administrator to make a pre-disclosure determination that the inclusion of a particular individual in such study is clearly warranted. Establishes other disclosure requirements similar to those for indebtedness disclosures. Authorizes the disclosure of information affecting an individual's credit rating (name, address, indebtedness) if such individual has failed to respond to administrative debt-collection efforts. Requires the VA, before making such indebtedness disclosures, to: (1) notify an individual of the information to be disclosed, and to which credit agencies, at least 30 days prior to such disclosure; (2) inform the individual of his or her right to dispute the debt claim; and (3) make a determination regarding any such disputed debt. Defines "consumer reporting agency" for purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator, upon application by any person, to make available any appraisal report submitted to, or prepared by, the VA in connection with any home, condominium, or mobile home loan. Authorizes the Administrator to disclose the name and address of any person to any person (authorized by regulation) for the purpose of determining creditworthiness, verifying information, or to provide assistance pursuant to any such loan made by the VA. Stipulates that any such disclosure be recorded in the file of the person concerned. Exempts a credit agency's handling of such VA debt disclosures from the Privacy Act. Authorizes the VA to use its own attorneys to recover any amount owed the United States under laws administered by the Administration. Repeals specified provisions authorizing servicepersons to participate in the predischarge education training program (PREP). Sets forth the rate of educational assistance allowance for an incarcerated veteran or eligible person. Title VII: Technical Amendments - Defines "person" for purposes of veterans' survivors and dependents special restorative training to mean children of veterans. Title VIII: Effective Date - Provides that the provisions of this Act shall take effect on the first day of the second month after the date of enactment of this Act and specifies those provisions which shall take effect on October 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to enable an insured individual's spouse, who has attained the age of 50 and is not entitled to any other monthly benefits, to obtain a transition benefit for four months upon the death of the insured individual. Establishes the amount of such transition benefits at 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the insured individual, or if it is higher, 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide a married couple, at the time either or both of them become entitled to benefits, the option of splitting equally their combined earnings, which are attributable to the period of their marriage, for purposes of determining the eligibility for and amount of OASDI benefits to which each spouse is or may become separately entitled. Provides that if a couple exercises such option and one spouse is not fully insured, that spouse shall become fully insured by reason of crediting wages and self-employment income to that spouse. Grants a couple, after a divorce, two years within which to exercise the option. Provides that, if a couple chooses not to exercise the option, their benefit will be based on 75 percent of the combined primary insurance amount.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the seven-day period beginning October 5, 1980, as "National Port Week." Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on the conditions of U.S. public ports.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress, with regard to Kampuchea (Cambodia), concerning: (1) humanitarian assistance; (2) an international conference to end the fighting; (3) withdrawal of foreign forces; (4) a new government acceptable to the people; and (5) United Nations action to protect human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Veterans' Administration Health-Care Personnel Act of 1980 - Title I: Physicians and Dentists Pay Comparability - Exempts physicians, dentists, nurses, and other health-care professionals employed by the Veterans' Administration (VA) Department of Medicine and Surgery from the Senior Executive Service. Sets forth increased special pay schedules for physicians, dentists, and nurses. Title II: Veterans' Administration Health Professional Scholarship Program - Establishes the Veterans' Administration Health Professional Scholarship Program. Sets forth eligibility, contract, obligated service, and application provisions. Exempts such scholarship payments from taxation. Provides, with regard to Veterans' Administration physician's or dentist's primary and special incentive pay, that such scholarship recipients shall not be eligible for such pay during the first three years of obligated service, and thereafter shall only be eligible for half of such pay. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Sets forth standards for: (1) a presumption of inability to defray the expenses of medical care provided by the Veterans' Administration; (2) the supervision of real property transactions by the Congressional Committees on Veterans' Affairs; (3) the number of beds per thousand veterans population required to provide adequate nursing home care in State home facilities. Extends the time for submission of reports on hospital care and medical services furnished in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and in the Virgin Islands. Repeals the requirement that recipients of health-care personnel training grants must increase the number of individuals receiving training.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1980
Hostage Relief Act of 1980 - Title I: Amendments to Title 5 of the United States Code - Amends title 5 of the United States Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a savings fund to which the head of an agency may allot all or a portion of the pay and allowances of any employee who is in a missing status on or after November 4, 1979, as the result of a hostile action against the United States. Requires interest on such fund to be compounded quarterly at the average rate paid on United States Treasury bills with three-month maturities issued during the calendar quarter immediately preceding the first day of the applicable pay period. Directs the President to issue regulations to authorize agency heads to reimburse (up to $25,000 in any calendar year) any such employee, or dependent of such an employee, for necessary travel, rest and recuperation, private medical car, and other expenses related to the ordeal which are incurred on or after such date. Entitles the spouse of such an employee to reimbursement, for a certain time, for expenses incurred for tuition, books, fees, and subsistence while attending an educational or training institution. Extends to such employees the provisions of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, deferring civil actions that affect property rights of such persons until their missing status is ended. Applies the provisions of this Title to all citizens and resident aliens of the United States held hostage in Teheran at any time during November, 1979, and to their dependents and spouses, regardless of whether they are Federal employees. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of such an employee compensation received for active service for any month during the period of his or her missing status, or during which such employee was hospitalized as a result of wounds, injury, disease, or partial or total physical or mental disablement incurred during a hostile action against the United States. Cancels the income taxes for any such employee who dies as a result of such hostile action, for the year in which death occurs and for all prior years during which the employee was in missing status. Authorizes spouses of such employees to file a joint income tax return. Defers the filing of an income tax return by such an employee until after 180 days following the termination of his or her missing status. Applies the provisions of this Title to all citizens and resident aliens of the United States held hostage in Teheran at any time during November, 1979, regardless of whether they are Federal employees. Applies the tax exclusion to non-employees only to the extent of the daily equivalent of the annual basic rate of pay in effect for level V of the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to conduct a clinical investigation of the safety and efficacy of dimethyl sulfoxide as a drug to be used by persons with arthritis.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress, with regard to Kampuchea (Cambodia), concerning: (1) humanitarian assistance; (2) an international conference to end the fighting; (3) withdrawal of foreign forces; and (4) United Nations action to protect human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against an individual's income tax in an amount (not to exceed $200, or $100 in the case of a married individual filing separately) equal to such taxpayer's qualified fuel oil contribution for the taxable year. Defines such fuel oil contribution as the fair market value of fuel oil: (1) the taxpayer has purchased but cannot use by reason of having converted the heating system for his residence to an energy source other than fuel oil; and (2) the taxpayer has consequently contributed to a tax-exempt charitable organization. Denies a charitable contribution deduction to any taxpayer who takes advantage of such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1980
Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to prohibit the President from taking action, pursuant to the President's authority to adjust the imports of articles which threaten national security, to impose import fees on petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States without specific authorization from Congress, effective March 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in such a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer at such station. Sets forth the requirements for such an offer. Makes it unlawful for a refiner to: (1) exceed specified annual sales limitations in any State (requires the Federal Trade Commission to determine specified limitation formulas); and (2) sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices (except for price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery differences). Stipulates that a refiner shall: (1) be in violation of this Act if such refiner withholds available motor fuel from a purchaser and then resells such fuel at a lower price to refiner-operated stations; and (2) not be prevented from charging a uniform surcharge in connection with a sale of motor fuel as consideration for the purchaser's use of a refiner's trademark or other such identifying symbol. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within three months of enactment to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of: (1) gallons of motor fuel sold, consigned, or distributed in each State during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel sold to its stations in each State during the preceding year; and (3) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Requires persons owning 50 or more motor fuel stations in the United States to report specified information to the Commission. Sets forth fines for violation of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought against violators of the requirements of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Small Business Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Small Business Innovation - Amends the Small Business Act to require the head of each Federal agency which obligates over $100,000,000 for research and development in a fiscal year to: (1) expend at least one percent of the amount spent on research and development during the next year for a small business innovation program; (2) solicit research and development proposals from small businesses during the next year; and (3) promote the use of small businesses to conduct research and development. Requires the head of each Federal agency to increase the amount of funds obligated for the conduct of research and development by small businesses by one percent each year until the amount obligated to small businesses in a fiscal year equals at least ten percent of the total amount obligated by such agency for research and development. States that it is an objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions. Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances, including when necessary to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization, including provisions: (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization, other than small business firms, from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education. Provides that the first commercial use with respect to a product of the invention shall not end the exclusive period to different subsequent products covered by the invention. Requires the head of a Federal agency to approve provisions of a funding agreement which require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor. Sets forth terms and conditions under which such approval may be granted. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assignees to grant licenses in order to: (1) achieve practical applications of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacturing of an invention. Entitles the government to 15 percent of all net income in excess of $70,000 gross income received by a contractor after a patent application is filed on a subject invention. Provides that if a contractor receives a gross income of $1,000,000, the government shall be entitled to a share of the excess of $1,000,000 that shall be negotiated but not to exceed five percent of such excess. Limits the government share of any excesses to its contributions under the funding agreement. Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to revise the government entitlements in light of changes to the Consumer Price Index or other indices at least every three years. Declares such government entitlements applicable to subject inventions upon which United States patents are granted and in effect. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign-owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States where commercially feasible. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, granting licenses, and transferring custody of patents. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions. Title II: Depreciation Acceleration; Repeal of Used Property Limitation in Investment Tax Credit; Corporate Income Tax Rate Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Repeals the $100,000 limitation on the amount of used property which is eligible for an investment tax credit. Reduces the tax rates applicable to corporate income. Repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property"s basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent. Title III: Tax Incentives for Small Business Capital Formation - Provides for the nonrecognition of gain on the sale or exchange of an equity interest in a small business which is reinvested in another small business within two years. Defines a "small business" as any business entity in which the aggregate equity interests do not exceed $25,000,000. Allows a tax credit for proceeds received from small business debentures which have a fixed maturity and grant no conversion or voting rights. Limits the amount of such credit to $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return). Disallows such credit if the issuing small business has $1,000,000 of such debentures outstanding or has a class of securities subject to regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats amounts paid on such debentures which represent a share of the issuer's earnings as long-term capital gain. Treats losses on such debentures as an ordinary loss. Requires distributions on such debentures, which represent either interest or a share of earnings, to be treated as interest. Title IV: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Amends title II of the Small Business Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this title: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this title applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this title six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in this title. Title V: Small Business Regulatory Flexibility - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small businesses and small organizations. Permits Federal agencies to modify the definition of "small business", if appropriate, after notice and opportunity for hearing. Defines "small organizations" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops enterprises which are not dominant in their fields, and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule, not in conflict with the definition of "small business." Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any proposed rule affecting a substantial number of small businesses and organizations which considers: (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standard for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking, which substantially affects such enterprises, unless otherwise provided. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating or modifying those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this title in conjunction with any other analysis required by law. Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this title. Title VI: Sunset Provisions - Requires the Congressional Budget Office in conjunction with the congressional committees having jurisdiction over each Government program, within one year after enactment of this Act, to set forth a timely review of all Government programs. Terminates any program which has not been reviewed within three years after enactment of this Act unless both Houses of Congress vote to continue such programs pending completion of a review. Requires that each review: (1) identify the need for the program; (2) identify conflicting or duplicative programs; (3) assess the program's effectiveness and cost; and (4) assess the impact of the program on the national economy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1980
Resource Conservation and Development Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a resource conservation and development program to assist States, local units of government, and local nonprofit organizations to operate and maintain a planning process for land conservation and utilization, natural resources development, and rural economic and environmental improvement. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance in developing area plans for designated rural areas; (2) cooperate in conducting surveys and inventories, disseminating information, and developing area plans; (3) assist in the carrying out of approved area plans by local public agencies and nonprofit organizations designated by States; and (4) enter into specified agreements. Sets forth terms and conditions of agreements which must be met if the Secretary is to provide any technical or financial assistance, including loans, to a State agency, local government, or local nonprofit organization in carrying out works of improvement specified in an approved area plan. Permits the identification of groups or problems for special consideration in area plans. Declares that the authority of the Secretary under this Act shall be supplemental and not in lieu of any authority of the Secretary under any other provision of law. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Agriculture a Resource Conservation and Development Policy Board to advise the Secretary regarding the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the program provided for in this Act and to report on such evaluation, with recommendations. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act, with specified annual limits on technical and financial assistance and on loans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Research Revitalization Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer engaged in a trade or business an income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the cash contributions made by such taxpayer to a reserve fund established to finance research or experimentation related to the taxpayer's business. Limits the total amount of such credit to five percent of the taxable business income of the taxpayer for the taxable year. Exempts such reserve fund from income taxation. Allows an income tax deduction for research expenses paid out of the reserve fund during the taxable year. Specifies that research financed pursuant to this Act shall be performed by an institution of higher education. Prescribes tax penalties for the use of funds from the research reserve for purposes other than research and experimentation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Small Business Equal Access to Justice Act - Title I: Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy - Amends title II of the Small Business Investment Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Title II: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this Act: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this Act six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Establishes the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, New York, to preserve and interpret the nationally significant historical and cultural sites and structures associated with the formal beginning of the struggle for equal rights for women. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire such land, or interest therein he deems necessary, by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange. Limits fee acquisition to specified Women's Rights Historic Sites in Seneca Falls, New York. Directs the Secretary to encourage local and State agencies to establish a preservation commission to develop and implement a plan for the preservation and rehabilitation of the area within the park boundary. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and funding for such plan, up to a limit of 50 percent of the total cost. Establishes the Women's Rights National Historical Park Advisory Commission. Terminates such commission 10 years after the date of establishment of the park. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with appropriate nonprofit entities for developing and implementing programs related to the women's rights movement. Directs the Secretary, within three years, to submit to specified Congressional committees, a general management plan for the women's rights historic sites. Requires any Federal entity conducting or supporting activities directly affecting the park to consult with the Secretary prior to the issuance of final approval for such activity, license, or permit.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should request the United Nations to establish an international presence in the Khmer refugee camps on the Thailand - Kampuchean (Cambodian) border to promote security and oversee the distribution of food.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from 70 percent to 50 percent the maximum rate of income tax for individuals. Requires separate computation of personal service income and non-personal service (unearned) income, applying each category to the lowest tax rates initially. Prohibits separate computations in the case of any individual with more than $10,000 in tax-preference items.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal of appropriate design to Ambassador Kenneth Taylor in recognition of his efforts to secure the return of six American Embassy officials in Tehran. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be struck such gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Vietnam Era Veterans Agent Orange Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for certain diseases arising in Vietnam-era veterans (and for birth defects in their children) exposed to agent orange.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Expresses appreciation to Canada for: (1) its historic close relations and cooperation with the United States in conducting foreign policy; (2) its support for U.S. efforts to obtain the safe release of the hostages in Iran; and (3) its efforts to protect and arrange the safe departure of certain U.S. citizens from Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish disaster relief and reconstruction assistance to the Azores to alleviate the suffering caused by a recent earthquake. Authorizes additional appropriations for such purposes. Permits obligations incurred prior to enactment of appropriations to be charged to appropriations authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Establishes in the House of Representatives and under the direction of the Committee on House Administration a Congressional Child Care Center to provide child care services for children of Senators, Representatives, and congressional employees. Requires all operating expenses of the Center to be recovered through the fees charged for child care services provided by the Center. Directs the chairman of the Committee on House Administration to appoint a nonpartisan advisory board to make recommendations to the Committee with respect to matters relating to the Center and to conduct semiannual reviews of the operations of the Center and submit a written report of each such review. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury a revolving fund within the contingent fund of the House of Representatives to be known as the Congressional Child Care Center Revolving Fund. Authorizes the Committee on House Administration to acquire such facilities as may be necessary for the operation of the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States call upon the Soviet Union to intervene in the Cambodian crisis by advising Cambodia and Vietnam to cooperate with international relief efforts.
![Official portrait of Rep. Heckler, Margaret M. [R-MA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/cbb617b482e186b253684e67ee44091e_200.jpg)