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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for the purchase of a model year 1979 or later highway vehicle which is manufactured in the United States and is purchased by the taxpayer after May 31, 1980 and before June 1, 1981. Limits the amount of such credit to $750 and the applicability of the credit to one highway vehicle.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1980
Small Business Direct Expensing Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect to treat expenditures paid or incurred by him during the taxable year (not to exceed an aggregate of $10,000, or $5,000 in the case of a married person filing a separate return) for depreciable tangible property as expenses not chargeable to capital account (thus deductible as current business expenses). Limits such treatment to property purchased after December 31, 1980, for use in a trade or business. Disqualifies property acquired from a related person or another component member of the same controlled group of companies.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the domestic automotive and truck industry. Declares it to be a goal of the United States to achieve technological superiority in the world automobile and truck industry. Advocates changes in economic, fiscal, and import policies in order to create adequate capital and produce a more favorable climate for the domestic automobile and truck industry.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the vandalism of patriotic monuments should be prosecuted and those convicted of such offense punished to the fullest extent of the law.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the provisions of law requiring twice a year cost of living adjustments for Federal civil service and military retirees should not be changed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional excise tax on imported automobiles manufactured in a foreign country, when imports of such automobiles account for more than ten percent of the new automobiles sold in the United States for the most recent 12-month period for which data are available. Imposes such tax in each case also on parts or accessories sold in connection with such sale. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine for each quarter such tax in an amount equivalent to the nontariff barrier for the same quarter imposed by the foreign country of manufacture on United States automobiles exported to such country. Defines "nontariff barrier" as any practice or procedure of a country which unreasonably burdens, restricts, or discriminates against United States automobiles in such country's automobile market. Includes commodity taxes, inspection or testing procedures, product approval requirements, and road or other excise taxes. Authorizes the President to waive such excise tax for any quarter (up to four consecutive quarters at a stretch) with respect to automobiles manufactured by any person if it is determined that such person is making a good faith effort to ameliorate the imbalance in automobile trade between the United States and the country in which such person is located: (1) by limiting exports of automobiles to the United States; or (2) by manufacturing automobiles in the United States. Specifies circumstances under which such waiver may be extended. Grants the Congress a veto over any such Presidential waiver by way of a disapproval resolution. Describes the procedure for exercising such veto. Requires the appropriation of amounts equivalent to such excise taxes into the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.
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 · 4 June 1980
Authorizes the President to present a gold-plated medal, on behalf of the Congress, to those athletes selected through the Olympic trial process to be members of the United States Summer Olympic Team of 1980. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be stricken 650 such medals with suitable emblems. Declares that such medals are national medals and that funds to carry out this Act shall be made available under the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Extends the congratulations of the House of Representatives to members of the 1980 handicapped Olympic team and recognizes specified organizations for their efforts in producing the second winter Olympics for the physically handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1980
Space Industrialization Act of 1980 - Title I: Establishment of Space Industrialization Corporation - Authorizes the establishment of the Space Industrialization Corporation. Directs the President to appoint a panel assist in the selection of persons to be appointed to the board of directors of such corporation. Sets forth the terms and conditions of membership on such board. Sets forth the powers and duties of such corporation, including the provision of the financial means to purchase satellite launching and related services. Requires the Corporation to provide assistance by financing industrial ventures under negotiated management plans to promote the development of new products, processes, services, and industries in space, and the transfer of space technology for applications having potential societal benefits. Requires applications for assistance to contain a detailed description of all of the technical, business, and economic aspects of the project. Limits assistance to corporations or groups organized under the laws of any State or territory or possession of the United States and to U.S. citizens. Requires the Corporation to give preference to those proposals which have high potential benefits with consideration being given to the level of risk and the potential for recovery of the assistance provided, and in which the applicant demonstrates substantial commitment to achieving technical, financial, and business objectives. Requires the Corporation and an applicant whose proposal is found to be meritorious to negotiate a management plan which includes appropriate intermediate goals and milestones, a requirement that no less than five percent of the costs will be provided by the applicant, provision for continuing review by the Corporation, a requirement for repayment of the assistance authority of the Corporation to terminate such assistance, the cost of utilizing space industrial systems, and the functions to be performed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Permits the Corporation to make special grants to applicants to correct deficiencies in proposals otherwise meritorious. Requires the Corporation to establish criteria and guidelines for administering the assistance program. Reserves to an applicant for assistance all rights to intellectual properties and discoveries pertaining to or disclosed in the proposal and any other such properties held and discoveries made prior to final approval of the project involved. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a Space Industrialization Trust Fund to be made available to the Corporation for use in carrying out the objectives and purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to invest a portion of the Funds as specified. Directs the President to aid in the planning, development, and execution of a national program implementing space industrialization systems, coordinate the activities of governmental agencies with responsibilities in fields related to space industrialization, and exercise appropriate supervision over relationships of the Corporation with foreign governments and international bodies. Directs NASA to advise and consult with the Corporation on the technical characteristics of space industrialization systems, assist in the conduct of research, development, and operations, and to furnish launching and associated services. Requires the Corporation to notify and consult with the Department of State whenever specified business negotiations are entered into with any international or foreign entity. Directs the Corporation to transmit annually to the President and Congress a report containing a comprehensive description and evaluation of the activities and accomplishments of the Corporation. Title II: Public Ownership of Space Industrialization Corporation - Directs the Board to take all steps necessary to transfer the Corporation from Government to public ownership. Subjects the Corporation to the District of Columbia Business Corporation Act. Authorizes the Corporation to issue shares of capital stock, nonvoting securities, bonds, debentures, and other certificates of indebtedness. Permits inspection and copying of Corporation records by stockholders without regard to the percentage of stock held. Requires all proceeds from securities issued to be deposited in the Space Industrialization Trust Fund. Requires sums from such Fund to be used to pay all expenses of dividend, interest, and redemption payments and to repay appropriations as specified to the general fund of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1980
Honors Raoul Wallenberg for his work in Hungary during World War II. Requests the State Department to discover the whereabouts of Raoul Wallenberg from the Soviet Union and secure his return to Sweden.
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 · 8 May 1980
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to extend from five to ten years the period during which a spouse becoming eligible for a government pension may qualify for an exemption from the provisions of the Social Security Amendments of 1977 requiring a reduction in such spouse's OASDI benefits based on receipt of a government pension.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1980
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to distribute licenses for very high frequency commercial television broadcasting stations to ensure that each State will have at least one such station.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1980
Reduces from ten to five years the period during which a service- connected disability must have been in effect immediately preceding a veteran's death in order for the veteran's survivors to be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
National Science Foundation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1981 - Authorizes appropriations for the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 1981. Makes funds authorized for 1981 available for: (1) mathematical and physical sciences; (2) astronomical, atmospheric, earth and ocean sciences; (3) United States Antarctic Program; (4) biological, behavioral, and social sciences; (5) Ocean Drilling Programs; (6) Science Education Programs; (7) engineering and applied science; (8) scientific, technological, and international affairs; (9) Cross-Directorate Programs; and (10) program development and management. Establishes minimum amounts to be spent for specified programs, including Earthquake Hazards Mitigation, the Small Business Innovation Program, Research and Development in Appropriate Technology, Science Facility Improvement Programs, Science Education Programs relating to Appropriate Technology, and for salaries of faculty members at institutions of higher education with limited programs in science and engineering. Establishes spending ceilings for specified programs, including the Ocean Margin Drilling Project and United States/Union of Soviet Socialist Republics cooperative research. Requires the Foundation to prepare and submit to Congress a report on the Ocean Margin Drilling Project. Requires the National Academy of Sciences to study and report on marine earth sciences research. Limits the amount which may be used for official consultation or representation at the discretion of the Director of the National Science Foundation and for the expenses of the National Science Foundation incurred outside the United States. Permits the transfer of funds from one category to another as specified. Requires the foundation to consolidate all Directors. Requires the Director of the Foundation, with the Secretary of Education, to develop and transmit to Congress a proposed joint science education program plan. Eliminates the Civil Service Commission clearance of personnel with access to specified information or property requirement. Makes individuals who make outstanding contributions in the behavioral or social sciences eligible to receive a National Medal of Science. Directs the President to develop and report to Congress a comprehensive national policy respecting women and minorities in science and technology. Requires the Director to require that all Foundation grants contain a brief statement of the purpose of the research being undertaken.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
National Bureau of Standards Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1981 - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the activities of the National Bureau of Standards for fiscal year 1981. Sets forth minimum amounts to be spent on specified programs, including the Environmental Measurement Program, Earthquake Hazards Engineering, Measurement Standards for the Handicapped, the Automated Manufacturing Research Facility, and for Transfer to Working Capital Fund. Establishes a spending ceiling for expenses of the Bureau incurred outside the United States. Authorizes additional appropriations to carry out the activities performed by the National Technical Information Service for fiscal year 1981, for research, development, and related activities in the field of innovation and productivity, and for adjustments in salary and employee benefits. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of appropriated funds. Permits the transfer of funds among the line items according to a specified formula and procedure. Directs the Director of the Bureau to charge other agencies for any services performed by the Bureau at such agency's request or as required by law. Increases the ceiling on the amount the Bureau may spend for facilities improvement. Authorizes the Director to expend funds to defray the expenses of foreign nationals not in service to the Federal government while they are performing scientific or engineering work at the National Bureau of Standards or participating in the exchange of scientific or technical information at the Bureau. Authorizes employees of the Bureau to participate in foreign exchanges offered by a foreign government for the performance of scientific or engineering activities or the exchange of information if to do so would be in the interests of the United States. Repeals the provision relating to a limited authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Title I: Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to designate the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the agency with the primary responsibilities to conduct and coordinate the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. Requires the Director of such Agency to: (1) recommend to the President the role and responsibility of each appropriate Federal department, agency, and entity with respect to each object and element of the program; (2) provide for the cooperation and coordination with, and assistance to, interested governmental entities in all States; (3) compile by September 30, 1981, and update and submit to Congress annually a written program plan with budget options; and (4) recommend appropriate roles for other levels of government, individuals, and private organizations. Directs that the research elements of the program include the development techniques for the delineation of the potential effects of earthquakes, and their application on a regional basis. Authorizes the Director of the United States Geological Survey to issue an earthquake prediction or advisory as he deems necessary. Requires the Director to recommend specific actions to the State and local officials and residents of an area for which a prediction has been made. Includes within the mitigation elements of the program: (1) the transmittal to Congress by the Director of an intraagency coordination plan for earthquake hazard mitigation and response; and (2) the development and implementation by the Director of a preparedness plan for response to earthquake predictions which includes a prototype plan for a major metropolitan area with specific adaptations for other high risk metropolitan areas. Eliminates the reporting to Congress requirement when proposed action under such plan has not been initiated. Directs the Director to conduct and submit to Congress a study recommending amendments to the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to include funding for the period of time following a validated earthquake prediction. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for: (1) the continuation of the Interagency Committee on Seismic Safety in Construction and the Building Seismic Safety Council Programs; (2) plans and preparedness for earthquake disasters; (3) prediction response planning; (4) architectural and engineering planning and practice programs; (5) development and application of a public education program; (6) earthquake policy research by the National Science Foundation; (7) use by the Center for Building Technology, National Bureau of Standards; (8) the United States Geological Survey; (9) the National Science Foundation; and (10) the National Bureau of Standards. Permits the transfer of funds between categories as specified. Title II: Fire Prevention and Control - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for: (1) a three-year concentrated demonstration program of fire prevention and control in two States with high fire death rates; (2) rural fire prevention and control; and (3) research and development activities at the Fire Research Center of the National Bureau of Standards. Establishes minimum amounts to be spent on such programs. Title III: Multihazard Research, Planning, and Mitigation - Authorizes and directs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to initiate studies to define and develop a multihazard research, planning, and implementation process within the Agency, develop prototype multihazard mitigation projects for State and local governments, and prepare a report on the status of the Agency's emergency information and communication satellites. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth the ratio for the apportionment of funds appropriated for the program included in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Condemns the internal exile of Andrei Sakharov and urges the restoration of full human rights and fundamental freedoms to him. Declares it U.S. policy to halt official travel to the United States by Soviet scientists and scholars, which is not directly beneficial to the United States, for at least six months. Recommends that all governmental agencies, private agencies, scientists, and engineers be requested to defer all official travel to the Soviet Union related to scientific and technological cooperation for at least six months. Calls upon foreign governments, professional societies, scientists, and engineers to join in similar actions. Directs the President to assure that all Federal agencies take coordinated action should any circumstances change. Urges Federal agencies, together with governments and scientists of all nations, to develop standards, and/or policies for the conduct of international cooperative research and research communications and for the protection of the human rights of scientists. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the appropriate policies to further this resolution and steps taken to assure coordinated Federal agency actions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1980
Authorizes the President to redesignate the week of May 11, 1980, as "National Small Business Survival Week" rather than "National Small Business Week".
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Title I: Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to designate the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the agency with the primary responsibilities to conduct and coordinate the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. Requires the Director of such agency to: (1) recommend to the President the role and responsibility of each appropriate Federal department, agency, and entity with respect to each object and element of the program; (2) provide for the cooperation and coordination with, and assistance to, interested governmental entities in all States; (3) compile by September 30, 1981, and update and submit to Congress annually a written program plan with budget options; and (4) recommend appropriate roles for other levels of government, individuals, and private organizations. Directs that the research elements of the program include the development techniques for the delineation and evaluation of the potential effects of earthquakes, and their application on a regional basis. Authorizes the Director of the United States Geological Survey to issue an earthquake prediction or advisory as deemed necessary. Requires the Director to recommend specific actions to the State and local officials and residents of an area for which a prediction has been made. Includes within the mitigation elements of the program: (1) the transmittal to Congress by the Director of an intraagency coordination plan for earthquake hazard mitigation and response; and (2) the development and implementation by the Director of a preparedness plan for response to earthquake predictions which includes a prototype plan for a major metropolitan area with specific adaptations for other high risk metropolitan areas. Eliminates the reporting to Congress requirement when proposed action under such plan has not been initiated. Directs the Director to conduct and submit to Congress a study recommending amendments to the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to include funding for the period of time following a validated earthquake prediction. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for: (1) the continuation of the Interagency Committee on Seismic Safety in Construction and the Building Seismic Safety Council programs; (2) plans and preparedness for earthquake disasters; (3) prediction response planning; (4) architectural and engineering planning and practice programs; (5) development and application of a public education program; (6) earthquake policy research by the National Science Foundation; (7) use by the Center for Building Technology, National Bureau of Standards; (8) the United States Geological Survey; (9) the National Science Foundation; and (10) the National Bureau of Standards. Title II: Fire Prevention and Control - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for: (1) a three-year concentrated demonstration program of fire prevention and control in two States with high fire death rates; (2) rural fire prevention and control; and (3) research and development activities at the Fire Research Center of the National Bureau of Standards. Establishes minimum amounts to be spent on such programs. Title III: Multihazard Research, Planning, and Mitigation - Authorizes and directs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to initiate studies to define and develop a multihazard research, planning, and implementation process within the Agency, develop prototypical multihazard mitigation projects for State and local governments, and prepare a report on the status of the Agency's emergency information and communication systems and the advisability of developing a unified system and using communication satellites. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth the ratio for the apportionment of funds appropriated for the programs included in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
National Bureau of Standards Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1981 - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the activities of the National Bureau of Standards for fiscal year 1981. Sets forth minimum amounts to be spent on specified programs, including the Environmental Measurement Program, Earthquake Hazards Engineering, Measurement Standards for Bioengineering, the Automated Manufacturing Research Facility, and for Transfer to Working Capital Fund. Establishes a spending ceiling for expenses of the Bureau incurred outside the United States. Authorizes additional appropriations to carry out the activities performed by the National Technical Information Service for fiscal year 1981, for research, development, and related activities in the field of innovation and productivity, and for adjustments in salary and employee benefits. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of appropriated funds. Permits the transfer of funds among the line items according to a specified formula and procedure. Directs the Director of the Bureau to charge other agencies for any services performed by the Bureau at such agency's request or as required by law. Increases the ceiling on the amount the Bureau may spend for facilities improvement. Authorizes the Director to expend funds to defray the expenses of foreign nationals not in service to the Federal government while they are performing scientific or engineering work at the National Bureau of Standards or participating in the exchange of scientific or technical information at the Bureau. Authorizes employees of the Bureau to participate in foreign exchanges offered by a foreign government for the performance of scientific or engineering activities or the exchange of information if to do so would be in the interests of the United States. Repeals the provision relating to limited authorization.
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 · 2 April 1980
National Science Foundation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1981 - Authorizes appropriations for the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 1981. Makes funds authorized for 1981 available for: (1) mathematical and physical sciences; (2) astronomical, atmospheric, earth and ocean sciences; (3) United States Antarctic Program; (4) biological, behavioral, and social sciences; (5) Ocean Drilling Programs; (6) Science Education Programs; (7) engineering and applied science; (8) scientific, technological, and international affairs; (9) Cross-Directorate Programs; and (10) program development and management. Establishes minimum amounts to be spent for specified programs, including Earthquake Hazards Mitigation, the Small Business Innovation Program, Research and Development in Appropriate Technology, Science Facility Improvement Programs, Science Education Programs relating to Appropriate Technology, and for salaries of faculty members at institutions of higher education with limited programs in science and engineering. Establishes spending ceilings for specified programs, including the Ocean Margin Drilling Project and United States/Union of Soviet Socialist Republics cooperative research. Requires the Foundation to prepare and submit to Congress a report on the Ocean Margin Drilling Project. Requires the National Academy of Sciences to study and report on marine earth sciences research. Limits the amount which may be used for official consultation or representation at the discretion of the Director of the National Science Foundation and for the expenses of the National Science Foundation incurred outside the United States. Permits the transfer of funds from one category to another as specified. Requires the foundation to consolidate all Directors. Requires the Director of the Foundation, with the Secretary of Education, to develop and transmit to Congress a proposed joint science education program plan. Eliminates the Civil Service Commission clearance of personnel with access to specified information or property requirement. Makes individuals who make outstanding contributions in the behavioral or social sciences eligible to receive a National Medal of Science. Directs the President to develop and report to Congress a comprehensive national policy respecting women and minorities in science and technology. Requires the Director to require that all Foundation grants contain a brief statement of the purpose of the research being undertaken.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980
Proclaims October 19, 1981, a national day of celebration as the two hundredth anniversary of the victory of General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employee, in the case of an employee annuity, to elect to exclude from gross income all amounts received by such employee under the annuity until the employee recovers his consideration, without regard to whether such consideration is recovered during the first three years of such annuity. Authorizes revocation of such election only with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Extends from January 1, 1977, to January 1, 1978, the income tax exclusion for subsistence allowances paid to State police officers. Extends from April 15, 1979 until one year after the date of enactment of this Act: (1) the period for electing such tax exclusion; and (2) the period for applying for any refund or credit for overpayment of taxes which was prevented by law or rule of law prior to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1980
National Technology Foundation Act of 1980 - Establishes the National Technology Foundation as an independent agency to: (1) foster communication between scientific and technological agencies of the Federal Government and the small business community; (2) collect, analyze and publish information concerning grants and contracts awarded to small business concerns by such agencies; (3) operate programs of grants and contracts for the development of high-technology small businesses; and (4) operate the programs transferred to it by this Act. Transfers to the Foundation; (1) the Patent and Trademark Office; (2) the National Bureau of Standards; (3) the National Technical Information Service; (4) the Office of Small Business Research and Development of the National Science Foundation; (5) the directorate for Engineering and Applied Science of the National Science Foundation; and (6) the working groups on Innovation Processes and their Management and on Socioeconomic Effects of Science and Technology. Establishes specified offices within the Foundation to perform the functions of such organizations and other functions of the Foundation. Requires the Foundation to: (1) collect and analyze information on the availability of and the current and projected need for engineering, technical, and technology managerial resources in the United States; (2) support engineering, technical, and technological managerial training through grants, loans, or other assistance; (3) assist the establishment of Centers for Industrial Technology to enhance technological innovation through specified means; (4) conduct technology assessments; (5) determine the relationships of technological developments and international technology transfers to the productivity, employment, and world trade performance of the United States and foreign industrial sectors; (5) develop improved indicators of the state of technology; (6) determine the influence of economic conditions and government policies on industrial innovation and the development of technology; (7) promote technology transfer from the Federal government and private enterprise to State and local governments; (8) support applied research in engineering and other disciplines as necessary in the national interest; (9) promote United States interests in international voluntary standardization activities; and (10) promote technology transfer from the Federal Government to private enterprise. Establishes within the Foundation a National Technology Board to supervise and control the policy of the Foundation. Sets forth the composition, procedures, and terms of membership on such Board which is to be operated under the auspices of a Chairman, a Director, and a Deputy Director. Sets forth the general authority of the Foundation. Establishes a National Technology Medal to be awarded by the President to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of technology and technological manpower for the improvement of the economic, environmental, or social well-being of the United States. Requires the Director to coordinate the programs of the Foundation with other programs of the Federal, State, and local governments and the private sector. Sets forth the powers of the Director, including the exercise of authority over the transferred Federal divisions, the establishment and alteration of regional or field offices, and the transfer of funds within the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Rental Housing Assistance Act of 1980 - Amends the National Housing and the United States Housing Acts of 1937 to improve Federal housing programs which provide mortgage insurance for multifamily rental housing. Eliminates condition on Government National Mortgage Association purchase of certain multifamily mortgages requiring that at least 20 percent of the units covered by such mortgage are receiving lower-income housing assistance. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a study for the purpose of establishing a prototype construction cost system which could be used in determining the amount of a mortgage on a multifamily housing project which may be insured under the National Housing Act. Sets forth criteria for determining prototype construction costs. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress containing the findings and conclusions of the study. Authorizes the Association to begin making commitments to purchase, and to purchase loans and advances of credit (and related purchase certificates and other related instruments). Permits the Association to finance improvements (other than solar energy systems and energy conservation improvements) or additions to a multifamily rental housing project. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Treasury to purchase any obligations of the Association, and to use as a public debt transaction the proceeds from the sale of any securities under the Second Liberty Bond Act. Prohibits the application of State or local usury law or comparable law establishing interest rates or prohibiting or limiting the collection or amount of discount points or other charges in connection with loan transactions. Prohibits the application of State loan insurance laws to the Association's transactions. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts for section 8 moderately rehabilitated projects which have a term of more than 180 months. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study for the purpose of determining the impact of Federal taxation on rental housing.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1980
Condemns the internal exile of Andrei Sakharov and urges his restoration to his former situation. Declares it U.S. policy to halt official travel to the United States by Soviet scientists and scholars, which is not directly beneficial to the United States, for at least six months. Recommends that all governmental agencies, private agencies, scientists, and engineers be requested to defer all official travel to the Soviet Union related to scientific and technological cooperation for at least six months. Calls upon foreign governments, professional societies, scientists, and engineers to join in similar actions. Directs the President to assure that all Federal agencies take coordinated action should any circumstances change. Urges Federal agencies, together with governments and scientists of all nations, to develop standards for the conduct of international cooperative research and research communication and for the protection of the human rights of scientists. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the appropriate policies to further this resolution and steps taken to assure coordinated Federal agency actions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Marriage Penalty Offset Tax Credit Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow married individuals filing jointly a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to ten percent of the earned income of the spouse who earns 50 percent or less of the combined earned income of both the husband and wife for the taxable year. Limits the amount of such credit to $500 for the taxable year. Requires the reduction of such credit by one percent for each percentage point by which the lower income spouse's earned income is below 30 percent of the couple's combined earned income.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Directs the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to conduct a full investigation of alleged improper conduct (commonly referred to as ABSCAM) of Members, officers, or employees of the House of Representatives. Directs the Committee to report to the House any recommendations it deems appropriate as a result of such investigation. Authorizes the Committee to conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, and coordinate its investigation with the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the 1980 automatic cost-of-living increase in social security benefits should be allowed to occur as scheduled in accordance with the recommendations of the President.
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 · 5 March 1980
Title I: Quantitative Limitations on the Importation of Automobiles - Limits the total number of automobiles produced by each automobile manufacturer that may be imported into the United States during calendar years 1981-1983 to specified numbers based upon the number of automobiles imported in 1979. Provides for specified decreases in the number of automobiles that may be imported after 1983. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to compute, and certify to the Secretary of the Treasury, the total number of automobiles produced by each manufacturer that may be imported each year. Exempts automobiles produced in Canada from such quotas. Title II: Restrictions on the Domestic Sale of Automobiles - Prohibits the sale or distribution in the United States of any automobile which is not domestically manufactured by any person engaged in the business of manufacturing automobiles. Specifies the percentage of cost to such manufacturer that must be attributable to value added in the United States and Canada, during model years 1983-1985, in order for an automobile to be considered domestically manufactured. Exempts automobiles imported in accordance with the quotas set forth in title I from such prohibition. Sets forth the penalties for violations of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit the direct or indirect restriction by any person engaged in commerce on the use of credit instruments in any transaction concerning the sale, resale, or transfer of gasohol or other synthetic motor fuel, where there is no similar restriction on transactions concerning conventional motor fuel. Prohibits any other conditions, restriction, agreement, or understanding which otherwise discriminates against or unreasonably limits the sale, resale, or transfer of gasohol or other synthetic motor fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Food Security Act of 1980 - Declares it to be U.S. policy to develop a wheat reserve solely to provide for emergency food needs in developing countries. Directs the President, in order to carry out such policy, to establish a reserve stock of wheat of up to 4,000,000 metric tons for specified purposes. Permits stocks of wheat for such reserve to be acquired: (1) through purchases from producers or in the market, if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that such purchases will not unduly disrupt the market; and (2) by designation by the Secretary of stocks of wheat acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Authorizes the President to release such designated or acquired wheat reserve stocks to provide, on a donation or sale basis, emergency food assistance to developing countries at any time that the U.S. domestic wheat supply is so limited that quantities cannot be made available for disposition, except for humanitarian purposes, under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Provides that up to 300,000 tons of wheat may be released from the reserve in any fiscal year for use under such Act in providing urgent humanitarian relief in developing countries which suffer major disasters (as determined by the President), in circumstances of unanticipated and exceptional need when the normal means of obtaining food assistance make timely programming impossible. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on wheat so released and its timely replenishment. Allows such wheat to be processed in the U.S. and shipped to the recipient country as wheat flour, when necessary. Requires that such wheat be made available under such Act, with specified provisions as to determinations of availability inapplicable thereto. Directs the Secretary to provide for reserve management as to location and class of wheat needed to meet emergencies, rotation to avoid spoilage and deterioration, and prompt equivalent replacement of removed quantities. Specifies that stocks of wheat shall not: (1) be considered a part of the total domestic supply (including carryover) for certain purposes; or (2) be subject to any quantitative export limitations under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Directs the Secretary to utilize the funds and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation in carrying out this Act, except that any restrictions applicable to the acquisition, storage, or disposition of Corporation owned or controlled commodities shall not apply to wheat for or in the reserve. Requires that the Corporation be reimbursed for actual costs under such program. Declares final any determination by the President or the Secretary under this Act. Provides that: (1) this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1980; (2) the authorities of this Act shall expire on September 30, 1983; and (3) any wheat in the reserve when such authorities expire shall be distributed under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act in fiscal year 1984 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Municipal Waste-to-Energy Act of 1980 - Title I: Research, Development and Demonstration - Requires the Director of the Office of Urban Waste Energy Management (established under this Act) to establish, conduct, and promote an accelerated research, development, and demonstration program for the recovery of energy from municipal wastes. Directs the Director to provide financial assistance in the form of grants, contracts, price supports, purchase guarantees, loan guarantees and cooperative agreements, or any combination thereof, to public or private entities to support the cost of planning, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining experimental and demonstration facilities and modifications of existing facilities for demonstration purposes, for the conversion of municipal wastes into energy, or for the recovery of materials. Requires that such program be designed to achieve its goals within ten years after enactment of this Act. Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to extend the financial support program to include public and private entity waste reprocessing demonstration facilities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out this title. Title II: Commercialization - Requires the Director to establish a program of financial assistance for commercial-scale projects designed for the conversion of municipal wastes into energy or the recovery of materials, including, in decreasing order of priority, price and loan guarantees, loans, and grants. Stipulates that such assistance shall be made to supplement but not to compete with nor supplant any private capital investment under authority of any other Federal law. Directs the Director to establish internal procedures, standards, and criteria for the timely review of compliance with such requirement of each new award of assistance for a specific proposed municipal waste processing project. Limits such financial assistance to a maximum of 75 percent of the total capital cost of that project. Prohibits any project receiving such assistance from thereafter being eligible for such assistance. Requires that any specific tax credit directly associated with such projects be considered in determining the need for financial assistance awarded under this title. Limits the amount of loans entered into for such projects to a maximum of 49 percent of the total capital costs of the project, unless the Director determines that such limit would prevent the financial viability of the proposed project. Sets forth requirements concerning the Director's authority to enter into, or make, such loans, loan guarantees, price guarantees, and grants. Directs the Director to conduct economic analyses of municipal waste-to-energy conversion technologies in other countries for publication and dissemination. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out this title. Title III: General Provisions - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish an Office of Urban Waste Energy Management within the Department of Energy to perform the research, development, demonstration, and commercialization activities authorized under this Act. Directs the Director of such Office to prepare a program and management plan for such activities and to transmit such plan to specified congressional committees. Requires the Director to annually submit to the Congress a detailed description of such plan as in effect, with proposed modifications as necessary. Requires the Director to support science and engineering education programs to provide trained personnel to perform the activities required under this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Commerce, and other appropriate agency heads to cooperate with the Director in carrying out duties under this Act and to provide the Director with information in their possession which is necessary for such purposes. Requires the Director to assure the full and complete dissemination of information concerning any project or other activity conducted under this Act to Federal, State, and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific community, and the public in order to promote the early, widespread, and practical use of municipal waste-to-energy technologies. Directs the Director, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of Commerce, to prepare and transmit to the Congress a report analyzing and assessing legal impediments and other barriers to the development and application of such technologies. Sets forth the components of such report. States that amounts received by the Director as repayment of loans made under this Act and other specified amounts shall be deposited in the Federal Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.