United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1980
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to authorize a U.S. court to penalize an individual convicted of a felony by excluding any wages and self-employment income earned by such individual during the calendar year in which such conviction occurs or any prior year from the wages and income of such individual for purposes of determining the old age, survivors and disability insurance (OASDI) benefits payable to that individual. Declares that such a penalty shall cease to apply after such individual serves his or her sentence or is pardoned or paroled. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to certify directly to the administrator of a penal, correctional, or psychiatric institution the payments of OASDI benefits payable to any inmate who has been convicted of a felony or found not guilty of a felony by reason of insanity, provided such institution has established a system for obtaining reimbursement from its inmates for maintenance, rehabilitation, or related expenses. Prohibits the payment of any disability insurance benefits to any individual convicted of a felony if the disabling injury occurred during the commission of the felony. Prohibits the payment of any survivors insurance benefits to any individual who was convicted of the felonious homicide of the person upon whose earnings such benefits are based. Declares that for the purpose of determining OASDI benefits an individual shall not qualify as a full-time student during a period exceeding four months in which the individual does not attend school if the individual is incarcerated after being convicted of a felony or found guilty of a felony by reason of insanity. States that benefits withheld from incarcerated individuals pursuant to this Act shall be treated as having been paid to such individuals for purposes of determining the benefits to which other persons are entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of such individuals.
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 · 25 June 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the present level of the trade deficit with Japan is intolerable and threatens the future of trade between our nations. Urges Japan to cooperate in correcting such deficit.
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
Saturday Mail Delivery Act of 1980 - Requires the Postal Service to maintain the frequency of mail delivery service in effect on June 1, 1980 (six days each week).
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1980
Foreign Language Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to State educational agencies applying to reimburse local educational agencies for part of the costs of foreign language instruction for students in grades one through six, at a rate of $20 per student. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a survey of the effectiveness of foreign language training in grades seven through 12, and in community colleges; and (2) report to Congress within two years on the results of such survey. Directs the Secretary to make grants to applicant institutions of higher education as reimbursement for part of the costs of foreign language instruction. Conditions eligibility for such grants upon an institution's: (1) having more than five percent of its total number of students enrolled in qualified postsecondary language courses; and (2) meeting such standards and reporting requirements for assisted instructional programs as the Secretary may establish. Sets rates for such grants, per student beyond the minimum five percent of total enrollment, of $30 for first or second year language courses and $40 for courses above second-year level, with an additional $20 for less commonly taught languages. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each institution of higher education which requires at least two academic years of secondary school foreign language credits or knowledge of a foreign language for each graduating student, at a rate of $30 per number of students enrolled (as full-time students or the full-time equivalent of the number of part-time students) at such institution. Provides that grants under this Act shall be ratably reduced if sums appropriated are not sufficient for full payment. Prohibits the making of a grant, or entering into a contract, under this Act except to such extent, or in such amounts, as provided in appropriation Acts. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for fiscal year 1982.
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 · 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 · 5 June 1980
Energy Savings Tax Credit Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a refundable income tax credit for 50 percent of the residential energy costs saved by such taxpayers during a taxable year in comparison with residential energy costs incurred during 1979. Terminates the authority for such tax credit for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1980
National Export Policy Act of 1980 - Title I: General Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and the purposes of this Act. Title II: Export Financing - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to direct the Export-Import Bank to adopt export finance programs comparable in structure to those extraordinary measures of official export credits offered by competing countries, until such financing is limited by international agreements. Requires the Bank to report annually to Congress as to whether any additional appropriations or any increases in its commitment authority or ceiling levels are necessary to carry out this Act. States that this Act shall not take effect until six months after enactment, unless the President defers the effective date for an additional six months. Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that the Export-Import Bank of the United States should facilitate, particularly in the presence of foreign officially-supported export credit competition, exports to countries: (1) having insufficient access to international credit facilities; (2) demonstrating reasonable economic progress; and (3) offering adequate formal assurances of repayment (currently, must offer sufficient likelihood of repayment). Increases the aggregate amount of loans and contractual liability of guarantees and insurance which may be outstanding at any one time. Requires such activities to be carried out through the Export Expansion Facility. Provides for the capitalization of such facility. Establishes staggered ten-year terms of office for the Bank directors. Declares that the appropriate congressional committees should consider limitations on Bank activities when considering appropriations for international trade activities rather than when considering foreign assistance activities. Title III: Export-Related Tax Policy - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the earned income exclusion for United States citizens working abroad, who are bona fide residents of a foreign country, from an annual rate of $20,000 to: (1) $50,000; or (2) $65,000, if such persons qualify as bona fide residents for certain specified periods. Allows separate exclusions to married individuals who are both working overseas, although one's excess exclusion cannot be used against income earned by the other. Waives the residency requirements to qualify for such exclusion for those required to leave a foreign country because of civil unrest, war, or similar adverse conditions precluding the normal conduct of business. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the foreign residency requirement with respect to the deduction for certain housing expenses of living abroad. Revises the formula for determining the base housing amount with regard to such deduction to make it 16 percent of the salary of a GS-14, step 1. Repeals similar deductions for cost-of-living differential, schooling expenses, home leave travel expenses, and residence in a hardship area. Provides that the foreign bad debt loss deduction shall not exceed the greater of 15 percent of the taxpayer's taxable income from exports, or two percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding at the close of the taxable year. Provides that the amount of bad debt losses that may be added to a bad debt reserve shall not exceed five percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding as of the close of the taxable year. Permits the amortization, based on a period of 60 months, of: (1) foreign market studies; (2) foreign marketing expenses; and (3) foreign patents. Permits an income tax deduction for currency fluctuation losses on export credit which have not been repaid by the end of the taxable year. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the six-month deadline for exempting exports from the manufacturer's excise tax for an additional 12 months if it is determined, after consultation with the Secretary of State, that exports were delayed because of war, civil unrest, or similar adverse conditions in a foreign nation. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to approve the duty-free entry of machinery, materials, and fuels to be used for the production of goods in a foreign trade zone if such goods are not subsequently entered into U.S. customs territory. Sets forth requirements before applications for such treatment will be approved. Makes such approval valid for six years. Requires the Foreign Trade Zones Board to include in its annual report to Congress a summary of activities and proposals to increase the use of foreign trade zones to expand U.S. exports. Makes banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Makes export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment. Title IV: Antitrust - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Directs the Attorney General to study whether: (1) U.S. business conduct to expand exports conflicts with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws. Requires the Attorney General to identify such conduct which 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 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 section. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws that Hinder Exports - Amends the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to change the name of such Act to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers of securities to keep their books and maintain a system of internal accounting controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Makes issuers liable for knowingly falsifying any books or for the intentionally wrongful maintenance or circumvention of the system of internal accounting controls. Requires only good faith efforts by issuers holding 50 percent or less of the equity capital to use their influence to cause transactions and dispositions of assets to be carried out consistent with such provisions. Repeals the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by issuers. Amends the Business Practices and Records Act to include issuers within the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by domestic concerns. Permits items of value to be given to foreigners in specified circumstances, including courtesy items, demonstration expenses, and payments lawful under the laws of the country of the intended recipient. Directs the Attorney General to issue guidelines specifying permissible conduct and arrangements associated with common types of export sales arrangements and business contracts and precautionary procedures creating a rebuttable presumption of compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Business Practices and Records Act Review Procedure to answer specific inquiries concerning enforcement of such Act. Requires the Attorney General to issue opinions regarding compliance. Makes such opinions final and binding on all parties if the conduct does not involve a violation. Requires annual reports to Congress by: (1) the Attorney General concerning actions taken pursuant to such Act; and (2) the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate agreements establishing standards of conduct for international business practices, a resolution procedure, and rates of commissions. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Requires Congress to review the Business Practices and Records Act after receiving the President's report. Requires an export competitiveness impact statement from any issuing authority taking significant action which could affect adversely U.S. exports or the international competitive position of the United States and its exporters. Expresses the sense of Congress that export paperwork must be reduced to encourage export sales. Requires all agencies to minimize paperwork and reporting requirements. Title VI: Export Awareness and Export Promotion Programs - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Small Business Export Expansion Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to permit participating lending institutions to take actions on behalf of the Administrator with respect to deferred participation loans. Empowers the SBA, either directly or in cooperation with lending institutions, to extend credit for export purposes to enable small business concerns to develop foreign markets. Limits the extension of such credit to periods of 18 months or less. Sets a maximum of $750,000 which may be committed to any borrower from the business loan and investment revolving fund. Establishes within the Administration an Office of International Trade to promote sales opportunities for small business goods and services abroad. Requires such Office to: (1) provide small businesses with access to current and complete export information; (2) encourage greater small business participation in trade fairs, shows, missions, and other domestic and overseas export development activities of the Department of Commerce; and (3) assign full-time export development specialists to each Administration regional office. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with specified agencies, to establish an export promotion center in each of two regional offices of the Administration where field offices of the Department of Commerce and the Internal Revenue Service exist. Requires each such center to serve as a one-stop information center of Federal Government export assistance, financing programs available to small business, and other provisions of law governing exporting for small business. Requires: (1) a progress report on the implementation of such centers to the appropriate Congressional committees within six months of enactment of this Act; and (2) an evaluation, within two years after enactment, of the effectiveness of such centers in developing and expanding small business exports. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to qualified applicants to encourage the development and implementation of small business international marketing programs. Sets forth eligibility requirements for applicants. Prohibits the use of any Federal funds to directly underwrite any small business participation in foreign trade missions abroad. Requires each small business international marketing program to: (1) have a full-time staff director to manage program activities; (2) have access to export specialists to counsel and assist small business clients; and (3) establish an advisory board. Directs the Secretary to require, as a condition to any grant, that an additional amount equal to twice the amount of such grant be provided from sources other than the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to evaluate such programs to: (1) determine the impact of such programs on the small businesses assisted; (2) determine the amount of export sales generated by such businesses; and (3) make recommendations concerning continuation and/or expansion of the program. Requires the establishment of at least one small business international program within each region of the Department of Commerce. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration, to maintain a central clearinghouse for the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information between such programs. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with industrial corporations to develop foreign markets for their products. Requires the Secretary to direct specific market research for the products involved in foreign markets upon entering such agreements. Permits interested industrial corporations to submit a proposal incorporating specific marketing actions to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a marketing agreement after approving any such proposal. Requires repayment of the Federal share of the costs by the entity entering into such an agreement. International Education Programs Act - Amends the Higher Education Act to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of programs designed to promote linkages between such institutions and the American business community engaged in international economic activities. Requires higher education institutions to apply for such grants and contracts. Limits the amount of Federal assistance. Provides for an advisory board to consider the grants made, or contracts entered into, and to review programs established under this section. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. representative to any international organization to: (1) identify programs affecting the export of U.S. firms' services; (2) make available information concerning such programs; (3) establish programs to publicize export-related programs for services; and (4) modify those programs with an adverse effect on the export of services. Makes the Secretary of Commerce responsible for coordinating such programs. Directs the Department of Treasury to report to Congress concerning the feasibility of extending DISC treatment to the export of services. Title VII: Agricultural Exports - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to establish the Agricultural Export Credit Revolving Fund to be available for: (1) the export of, or aid in the development of, foreign markets for agricultural commodities; and (2) loans for the acquisition of facilities in foreign countries to improve the countries' capacities to handle agri-commodities exported from the United States. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress annually concerning the export credit sales program. Abolishes such fund effective October 1, 1983. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the ratio of credit extended by the Export-Import Bank for agricultural exports in comparison with the total amount extended be at least equivalent to the value of agricultural exports in comparison with total value of exports. Specifies exceptions to this requirement. Requests the President to take action to establish an International Wheat Exporting Commission which would establish an annual minimum world market price for wheat and prescribe export quotas. Requires the President to keep Congress informed about the establishment of such Commission and to report annually once such Commission is established. Title VIII: International Agreements - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the multilateral trade agreement be strongly implemented; and (2) the efforts must continue to secure a freer world trading environment. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a special export subsidy program for agricultural commodities to neutralize the effects of foreign export subsidy programs. Specifies the circumstances required before such program may be implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should enter negotiations for international codes of: (1) official export financing; (2) business conduct; (3) reciprocity of antitrust enforcement; and (4) fair trade in services. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Title IX: Government Support of Export Goals - Overseas Private Investment Corporation Act of 1980 - Establishes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) as an independent agency. Sets forth the duties of OPIC. Provides for the capital of OPIC to be paid in through the appropriation process and through transfer from OPIC's earned income. Sets forth the structure of OPIC with a Board of Directors, a President of the Corporation, an Executive Vice President of the Corporation, other officers and staff, and consultants. Authorizes OPIC to issue insurance to eligible investors covering new or existing investments protecting against specified risks. Authorizes OPIC to make arrangements with foreign governments or multilateral organizations for sharing liabilities. Limits the insurance that may be issued to a single investor. Authorizes OPIC to issue guarantees of loans and other investments. Sets forth limitations on such guarantees. Authorizes OPIC to make direct loans to privately owned or mixed publicly and privately owned firms for projects sponsored by or significantly involving United States small business or cooperatives. Limits the circumstances under which OPIC may acquire stock in any other corporation. Authorizes OPIC to initiate and support the identification, assessment, and promotion of private investment opportunities, with specified exceptions. Authorizes OPIC to administer special projects to provide private technical, professional, or managerial assistance in the development of human resources, skills, technology, capital savings, and intermediate financial institutions and cooperatives. Authorizes OPIC to engage in other insurance, reinsurance, and risk sharing activities with other insurance companies, financial institutions, persons, or groups. Limits the amount of reinsurance of liabilities which OPIC may issue. Limits the amount of maximum contingent liability pursuant to insurance or guarantees issued under this Act which may be outstanding at any one time. Establishes the: (1) Direct Investment Fund as a revolving fund to be available for direct investments; and (2) Insurance Reserve and Guaranty Reserve to be available for discharging liabilities. Authorizes appropriations to the investment and guaranty fund in specified circumstances. Authorizes OPIC to issue obligations in specified circumstances in order to discharge liabilities. Requires that all revenues and income transferred to or earned by OPIC be available to carry out OPIC's purposes. Directs OPIC to determine that suitable arrangements exist for protecting OPIC's interests in connection with any insurance, guaranty, or reinsurance issued under this Act. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States for the full payment and performance of previous obligations. Sets forth conditions with respect to insurance, guaranty, and reinsurance coverage under this Act concerning fees, time limits, fraud, and settlement of disputes. Sets forth administrative provisions and duties applicable to OPIC. Requires OPIC to undertake to broaden the participation of United States small business, cooperatives, and other small investors in the development of small private enterprise in less developed friendly countries or areas. Directs OPIC to report annually to Congress concerning its operations. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to define "eligible investor" in terms of this Act with respect to housing guarantees. Repeals provisions: (1) prohibiting the transfer of OPIC funds between accounts; (2) authorizing the President to deny assistance to any less developed country which fails to enter into an agreement to institute the investment guaranty program; and (3) establishing OPIC. Stipulates that nothing in this part shall be construed as terminating any of OPIC's statutory authority. Requires the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees any necessary technical or conforming amendments. Declares that the potential for U.S. exports shall be a primary decisionmaking factor in considering which projects to include in U.S. foreign aid programs. Requires the Director of the International Development Cooperation Agency, (IDCA) to transfer the functions of the Office of Reimbursable Development from the Agency for International Development to an independent functional status within the IDCA. Declares that the Office of Management and Budget should assure that adequate budget allocations are made available to carry out the programs prescribed in this Act. Declares that the Department of Justice should do what it can to facilitate procedures for exporters. Declares that the Small Business Administration should: (1) be aware of the benefits of export to small business development; and (2) use every opportunity to provide information and assistance to potential exporters. Declares that the U.S. ability to export coal, nuclear power fuels, and other energy matters in a reliable manner should be a key consideration. Directs congressional committees to include in their reports the effect of the bill or resolution on the international competitiveness of the United States. Creates a National Export Council to: (1) serve as a national advisory body on matters relating to United States export trade: (2) act as a liaison among the communities represented by its membership; and (3) provide advice on Federal plans and actions that affect export promotion and development policies which have an impact on those communities represented by its membership. Requires the Council to make an annual report to the President and the Congress on its activities. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to appoint commercial ministers, counselors, and attaches with the rank and privileges of other ministers, counselors, and attaches in U.S. embassies and consulates, to: (1) provide trade and commercial services; (2) engage in the promotion of U.S. exports; (3) file semiannual reports to the Secretary on market, industrial, and commodity conditions in their districts and on the implementation of multilateral and bilateral trade agreements; and (4) maintain current data on the commercial standing and capacity of foreign firms within their districts. Provides for domestic assignment, office logistics, allowances and benefits of such ministers, counselors, and attaches. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress with any recommendations concerning: (1) the organization of international trading and financing programs in the United States; (2) the effectiveness of foreign export promotion programs; and (3) the trade activities of specified Federal agencies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the appropriate congressional committees should review periodically the trade organization of the U.S. Government.
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 · 20 May 1980
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the entitlement of a disabled widow or widower under the age of 60 shall not be less than 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the deceased spouse.
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 require that any surviving spouse, surviving divorced wife, or surviving divorced mother (as such term is defined in such Act) to whom an individual had been married for at least five years shall inherit all of the wages and self-employment income credited to such individual during their marriage.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to grant benefits to a divorced woman who had been married for only five years after the younger spouse reached age 50. Maintains, for other marriages, the current requirement that the marriage must have lasted ten years regardless of age.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the combined earnings of a married couple, which are attributable to the period of their marriage, shall be shared equally between them for purposes of determining the eligibility for and amount of OASDI benefits to which each spouse is or may become separately entitled. Credits the survivor of the marriage with 100 percent of the combined total wages for the period of the marriage. Declares that this Act shall not apply in specified cases where it would result in a reduction of OASDI benefits.
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 · 8 May 1980
Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Promotion, to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies without obtaining the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Allows greater investment by Edge Act corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations after: (1) filing an application to make such investments with the appropriate Federal banking agency; and (2) proposed investment is not denied by such agency. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Prohibits those banking organizations, and their affiliates, with an ownership interest in any export trading company from extending credit to such companies or customers of such companies on more favorable terms than those afforded to similar borrowers. Authorizes the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loans and guarantees to export trading companies for the financing of exports and export trade services in specified circumstances. Limits the amount of loans and guarantees to any one company and in the aggregate. Declares that such authority shall expire five years from enactment. Authorizes the Bank to provide loan guarantees to such companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories in specified circumstances. Permits State and local governments to participate in export trading companies. Declares that such companies shall be eligible for the Export-Import Bank's loans and guarantees under this Act. Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt export trading companies solely with respect to their export trade activities from antitrust restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to transfer the authority to invest moneys in federally-guaranteed bonds from the (Treasury) surety bond fund to the (Treasury) qualified contract fund. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to delegate certain responsibilities respecting deferred participation loans to participating lending institutions, including eligibility determination, loan monitoring, collection, and liquidation. Includes "Asian Pacific Americans" within the definition of socially disadvantaged groups for purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee the payment of all principal and interest as scheduled on any debenture issued by any qualified State or local development company. Prohibits such a guarantee to be made unless: (1) the debenture is issued to permit a small business to use the proceeds of the loan for plant acquisition, construction, expansion, or conversion purposes; (2) private loan sources are unavailable; (3) the interest rate on such debenture is not lower than Treasury rates; (4) the aggregate amount of such debenture does not exceed the amount of loans to be made from the proceeds of such debenture; (5) the amount of any loan does not exceed 50 percent of the cost of the project with respect to which such loan is made; and (6) each loan is approved by the SBA. Authorizes the SBA to impose an administrative charge for such guarantees. Defines the term "qualified State or local development company" to mean a development company which has a full-time professional staff, professional management ability, and an active board of directors or membership.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Small Business Act to specify that contract priority shall be given to small businesses. Revises the existing priority order for Federal contracts under set-aside programs to set forth the following order of priorities: (1) small businesses located in labor surplus areas, on the basis of a total set-aside; (2) small businesses, on the basis of a total set-aside; (3) small businesses located in labor surplus areas, on the basis of a partial set-aside; (4) small businesses, on the basis of a partial set-aside; and (5) businesses (regardless of size) that will perform a substantial part of their contract production in areas of concentrated unemployment or underemployment or in labor surplus areas. Repeals the existing provision terminating such priorities as of September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1980
Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Community and Neighborhood Development and Conservation - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to specify for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983 that no data derived from the 1980 Decennial Census, except those relating to population and poverty, shall be taken into account for purposes of the allocation of funds to metropolitan areas. Prohibits, for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983, any revision of the criteria for establishing a metropolitan area or defining a central city of such an area published after January 1, 1980, to be taken into account for purposes of this title, except in the case of any area or city which would newly qualify as a metropolitan area or a central city of such an area. Specifies that, with respect to grants for State, tribal, and local community development programs, beginning in fiscal year 1981, the population of any unit of general local government which is included in that of an urban county shall be included in the population of such urban county for three program years beginning with the program year in which its population was first so included. Requires any county seeking qualification as an urban county, including any urban county seeking to continue such qualification, to notify each unit of general local government, which is included therein and is eligible to elect to have its population excluded from that of an urban county, of its opportunity to make such an election. Declares that the Congress finds that the Nation's cities, towns, and smaller urban communities face critical social, economic, and environmental problems arising in significant measure from increasing energy costs which have seriously undermined the quality and overall effectiveness of local community and housing development activities. Requires concerted action by Federal, State, and local governments to address the economic and social hardships borne by communities as a consequence of scarce fuel supplies. Allows grants for State and local community development programs to be available for the conservation of the Nation's scarce energy resources, improvement of energy efficiency, and the provision of alternative and renewable energy sources of supply. Allows the applicant, at the discretion of the applicant, when applying for such grants, to include as part of the program summary, formulation, and description as required by such Act, comparable information with respect to the applicant's energy conservation and renewable energy resource needs and objectives. Makes activities necessary to the development of a comprehensive community-wide energy use strategy eligible for assistance under the community development program. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for the purpose of making grants to States and units of local government to help finance community development programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1983. Authorizes funds for fiscal years 1981 through 1983 for the purpose of assisting severely distressed cities that require supplemental grant assistance in order to alleviate excessive deterioration through neighborhood reclamation and community revitalization. Limits amounts of appropriated funds which may be used to aid metropolitan cities, urban counties, and other units of local government within metropolitan areas to meet their basic grant needs. Eliminates hold-harmless entitlements. Declares that funds which are to be reallocated, after a determination by the Secretary that they are not likely to be fully obligated during a community development program period, shall be reallocated first to other units of general local government in the metropolitan area to which the funds were originally allocated, second, in any metropolitan area in the same State, and third, in any other metropolitan area. Requires an applicant for a grant under the community development program to take into account the effect of such activities on the involuntary displacement of low- and moderate-income persons and takes into account appropriate environmental factors. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to continue the study on involuntary displacement conducted under the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 and to transmit, not later than March 30, 1981, a report to Congress which shall contain: (1) data collected since the initial report; and (2) further recommendations on minimizing involuntary displacement and alleviating problems caused by such displacement. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to define the terms "congregate housing" as residential property in which some or all of the dwelling units do not contain kitchen or bathroom facilities, and the term "single-room occupancy housing" to mean residential property in which some or all of the dwelling units do not contain bathroom or kitchen facilities. Extends the rehabilitation loan program under such Act to include congregate housing and single-room occupancy housing, and to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1980 and 1981 for community and neighborhood development and conservation programs. Authorizes appropriations, through fiscal year 1982, for the neighborhood self-help development programs under the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to reimburse the Veterans Administration for properties transferred to urban homesteading programs. Requires the Secretary, not later than January 1, 1983, to report to the Congress with respect to the adequacy, effectiveness, and equity of the formula used for the allocation of funds for community development programs under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, with specific analysis and recommendations concerning the manner in which such formula is or could be affected by the data derived from the 1980 decennial census. Title II: Housing Assistance Programs - Authorizes additional authority for the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into contracts for annual contributions under the United States Housing Act of 1937, after October 1, 1980, for low-income housing projects. Directs the Secretary to enter into only such new contracts for preliminary loans as are consistent with the number of dwelling units for which contracts for annual contributions may be entered into. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide assistance to improve the physical condition of existing public housing projects, and to upgrade the management and operation of such projects, in order to assure that that such projects continue to be available to serve low-income families. Allows the Secretary to make available and contract to make available financial assistance to public housing agencies for the purpose of improving the physical condition of existing low-rent public housing projects and for upgrading the management and operation of such projects to the extent necessary to maintain such physical improvements. Prohibits such assistance from being made unless the Secretary has approved an application from the public housing agency which has been developed in consultation with appropriate local officials and with tenants of such housing projects. Sets forth the information required in such application. Declares that in making such assistance the Secretary shall give preference to public housing agencies which: (1) request assistance for projects having conditions which threaten the health or safety of the tenants or have a significant number of vacant, substandard units; and (2) which have demonstrated a capability of carrying out the activities proposed in the plan submitted and approved by the Secretary. Provides for assistance to any public housing agency in an amount which the Secretary determines is necessary to meet emergency or special purpose needs. Allows the Secretary to make, and contract to make, periodic interest reduction payments on behalf of the owner of a multifamily rental project in order to encourage the construction of new or substantially rehabilitated multifamily rental housing projects designed for families with incomes which do not exceed 150 percent of the median income of the area in which the project is located. Permits such payments to be made for a period of not more than 30 years to mortgagees holding mortgages secured by such project. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for review of incomes of tenants at intervals of two years. Requires the Secretary, if as a result of such review it is determined that there are tenants in the project whose incomes exceed 150 percent of the median income for the area, to provide that rental payments made by each such tenant shall increase over a three-year period so that at the end of such period each such tenant will be paying the amount of rent which would be charged with respect to the tenant's dwelling unit if payments were not made with respect to the project. Reduces the amounts payable by the Secretary with respect to the project by any amount received by the owner as a result of such increased rental payments. Directs the Secretary, in making such rental assistance, to give a preference to projects which have or will receive financial contributions from a State or local government. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for operating assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects under the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978. Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary to utilize amounts credited to the rental housing assistance fund for the sole purpose of carrying out assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects through September 30, 1981. Increases the allowable maximum amount for mortgage assistance payments under the National Housing Act. Allows the Secretary, under the mortgage insurance program, to insure a mortgage involving a principal obligation which exceeds, by not more than ten percent, the maximum limits, if such mortgage relates to a dwelling to be occupied by a physically handicapped person. Allows the Secretary, in order to prevent inflationary conditions and related governmental actions from having a severely disproportionate effect on the housing industry, to make and contract to make periodic assistance payments to mortgagees or other lenders on behalf of homeowners (including the owners of mobile homes). States that not more than 75 percent of such authority may be so utilized. Terminates such authority on September 30, 1981, or at such earlier date as the Secretary may deem appropriate. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for such assistance payments. Specifies that assistance payments to a mortgagee by the Secretary on behalf of a homeowner shall be made only during such time as the homeowner shall continue to occupy the property which secures the mortgage or loan. Permits the Secretary to insure, upon application by the mortgagee, a mortgage executed by a mortgagor who meets the eligibility requirements for assistance payments. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for such insurance. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to require a public housing agency or nonprofit corporation applying for assistance to provide congregate services: (1) to elderly residents to consult with the Area Agency on Aging; and (2) to nonelderly handicapped residents to consult with the appropriate agency. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide funds to cover the administrative cost of public housing for Indians and Alaskan Natives. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into contracts for assistance with respect to newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated public housing projects. Requires the installation of a passive or active solar energy system in any such project unless the Secretary determines that such installation would not be cost effective over the estimated life of the system. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Extends through September 30, 1981, the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure mortgages or loans under certain HUD mortgage or loan insurance programs under the National Housing Act and to set interest rates for insured mortgage loans. Extends until October 1, 1981, the authority of the Government National Mortgage Association to enter into new commitments to purchase mortgages under the interim mortgage purchase authority of the National Housing Act, as amended by the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act of 1974. Authorizes appropriations for research and demonstration housing projects through fiscal year 1981. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize appropriations to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund. Amends the National Housing Act to specify that neither the holder of a mortgage insured under such Act and covering five or more dwelling units, nor the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as insurer or holder of such a mortgage insured or formerly insured under such Act, shall be precluded, limited, or delayed in the exercise of any rights or remedies provided in the mortgage or in any contract or agreement governing the maintenance or operation of the property secured by the mortgage, by the provisions of any Federal law, except Federal law enacted expressly in limitation. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the mortgage purchase authority of the Government National Mortgage Association. Increases, by up to 20 percent, the amounts which may be insured under the National Housing Act for multifamily and institutional projects if such increase is necessary to account for the increased cost of the project due to the installation of a solar energy system. Requires a mortgage, in order to be eligible for mortgage insurance under the National Housing Act, to have a period of not less than ten years to run beyond the maturity date of the mortgage. Makes mortgaged property located where concentrated housing, physical development, and public service activities are being or will be carried out in a coordinated manner, pursuant to a locally developed strategy for neighborhood improvement, conservation, or preservation, eligible for rehabilitation and neighborhood conservation housing insurance under the National Housing Act. Authorizes the Secretary, as an alternative to the acquisition of an insured mortgage to avoid foreclosure, to make all or part of the monthly payments due on an insured mortgage of a one to four family residence necessary to avoid default caused by circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control. Stipulates that such payments may be provided for a period of up to 18 months which may be extended for an additional 18 months at the discretion of the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide home ownership counseling to persons receiving such assistance. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, by March 15 of every other year beginning with calendar year 1981, to report to Congress concerning housing production goals for the current year and set forth general objectives for such activity during the next year. Declares that the land transferred by the city of Springfield, Illinois, to the United States Department of the Interior for the Lincoln Home National Historic Site shall be deemed to have been made in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act of 1961 and any other law and with any regulations or other requirements in implementation thereof. Amends the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act of 1976 to extend until August 1, 1982 the deadline for energy conservation standards for new buildings. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to limit mortgage amounts which may be purchased under certain secondary financing programs. Amends the National Housing Act to provide supplementary loans for multifamily housing projects if meters are purchased or installed in connection with other energy conserving improvements or with a solar energy system or the project meets minimum standards of energy conservation as established by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Increases the mortgage limits in the case of property upon which there is located one to four family dwelling. Increases the limit on loans for mobile homes and lots with respect to credit insurance of financial institutions. Amends the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to study the feasibility of utilizing manufactured and other appropriate types of housing in carrying out housing programs for Indians and Alaskan Natives. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize the corporation to purchase, service, sell, lend on the security of, and otherwise deal in loans and advances of credit secured by mortgages or other liens against mobile homes. Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in connection with a loan or mortgage insurance program established under such Act, to require that payment of such premiums be made promptly upon their receipt from the borrower. Stipulates that the Secretary may approve payment of such premiums within 12 months of such receipt if the financial institution, mortgagee, or agent thereof pays interest, at a rate specified by the Secretary, to the insurance fund for the period beginning 20 days after receipt from the borrower and ending upon payment of the premiums to the Federal government. Title IV: Planning Assistance - Declares that the following are national policy objectives with respect to housing under the Housing Act of 1954: (1) the conservation and improvement of existing communities; (2) an increase in housing and employment opportunities and choices; and (3) the promotion of orderly and efficient growth and development of communities, regions, and States, taking into consideration the necessity of conserving energy. Declares that it is the purpose of this title to help achieve these objectives by: (1) encouraging the joint efforts of State and local governments and areawide planning organizations in developing State and areawide strategies; and (2) assuring that strategies developed pursuant to this section will lead to implementation activities by States, areawide planning organizations, and local governments. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to contract to make, and to make, grants approved in accordance with the provisions set forth in this section to: (1) States, for statewide activities; (2) States, for the provision of assistance to metropolitan areawide planning organizations, nonmetropolitan areawide planning organizations, units of general local government, counties, other than urban counties, and any group of adjacent units of general local government having a total population of less than 50,000; (3) area-wide planning organizations; (4) units of general purpose local government; (5) urban and rural counties; (6) Indian tribes; and (7) the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Specifies that such grants shall not exceed two-thirds of the estimated cost of the work for which the grant is made. Sets forth the information to be included in the applications for such grants and requires such applications to meet such requirements as the Secretary may prescribe by regulations. Requires such applications to set forth a strategy statement which identifies policies and programs over at least a three-year period which address the major issues and problems of the applicant's jurisdiction. Requires the Secretary to establish, by regulation, criteria for the evaluation and approval of strategy statements and applications for grants and for the awarding of such grants. Requires each State and other entity receiving assistance directly from the Secretary for actions or activities being carried out to submit to the Secretary, each year, a performance report concerning such actions and activities. Requires the Secretary, on an annual basis, to make such reviews and audits as may be necessary or appropriate to determine whether a recipient of funds has carried out actions and activities substantially as described in its application. Allows the Secretary to adjust, reduce, or withdraw grant funds, or take other action as appropriate in accordance with such reviews and audits. Specifies that a strategy statement approved by the Secretary shall remain in effect for a maximum of three years following the date of its approval. Title V: Rural Housing - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for the following rural housing programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture subject to approval in appropriation Acts: (1) low and moderate income or elderly rental and cooperative housing assistance; (2) insurance of loans for housing and related facilities for domestic farm labor; and (3) advances from the escrow account for taxes, insurance, and other expenses. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) payments on notes and obligations issued by the Secretary for the purpose of making direct loans; (2) loans and grants for repairs and improvements to rural dwellings; (3) financial assistance to provide low- rent housing for domestic farm labor; (4) loans and loan insurance for the purchase of condominiums in rural areas; and (5) sums necessary for the Secretary to administer specified Federal housing program for lower income families. Repeals the ceiling on the aggregate loan principal which may be insured in a single fiscal year for housing and related facilities for domestic farm labor. Limits the amount of contract authority for home ownership subsidies in fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Prohibits such assistance in any fiscal year after 1980. Authorizes appropriations for mutual and self-help housing programs for fiscal year 1981. Requires such amounts appropriated, together with principal collections from loans made under appropriations in any previous fiscal year, to be deposited in the Self-Help Housing Land Development Fund, which shall be available as a revolving fund for making loans under the mutual and self-help housing programs. Allows the Secretary to enter into rental assistance contracts with respect to the fiscal year 1981. Defines the terms "Indian tribe", "rural resident", and "adequate dwelling" for the purposes of Federal rural housing programs. Makes persons who reside in reservations or villages of Indian tribes eligible for assistance under the Federal rural housing program. Applies energy conservation standards to homes acquired and sold by the Farmers' Home Administration. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any rent increases in specified projects which are assisted under such Act unless the project owner is receiving, or has applied for rental assistance payments under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Permits the Secretary to make and insure loans to consumer cooperatives to enable such cooperatives to finance the transfer of membership in the cooperative upon such terms and conditions as low- and moderate-income persons can reasonably afford. Specifies that a loan made to a consumer cooperative for cooperative housing purposes may be made upon condition that persons, admitted as eligible members and tenants of the cooperative, may not subsequently be deprived of their membership or tenancy by reason of their no longer meeting the income eligibility requirements. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1969 to allow the Administrator of General Services to transfer any Federal surplus real property, within the meaning of such Act, to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development or the Secretary of Agriculture at either's request for sale or lease by either Secretary at its fair value for use in the provision of housing to be occupied predominantly by families or individuals of low- or moderate-income, assisted under a Federal housing assistance program or under a State or local program. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to study the legislative and administrative changes which would be required: (1) to conform the procedures of the Farmers Home Administration for reporting budget and accounting information with the reporting principles established by the Presidential Commission on Budget Concepts; (2) to establish procedures to reflect fully in the Federal Budget the budget authority and outlays of the programs administered by the Farmers Home Administration; (3) to remove budget and accounting practices which are inconsistent with the practices for recording debt transactions as provided in the current policy of the Office of Management and Budget; and (4) to simplify the authorities provided in the Housing Act of 1949. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to administer, in any rural area, any mortgage insurance program established pursuant to the National Housing Act to the extent to which the administration of any such program is delegated to the Secretary by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to delegate certain mortgage insurance programs to the Secretary of Agriculture in rural areas.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1980
Small Business Employee Ownership Act of 1980 - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide that a qualified employee trust shall be eligible for certain Small Business Administration (SBA) loan guarantees regardless of the percentage of stock of the business held by the trust, including loans for the purchase of small business majority stock interests. Amends the Small Business Act to define "qualified employee trust" as: (1) a trust which is part of an employee stock ownership plan as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (a) which is maintained by a small business; and (b) entitles plan participants to direct the manner in which voting rights under qualifying employer securities are to be exercised respecting a corporate matter which must be decided by a majority vote of outstanding common shares voted; and (2) in the case where the trustee enters into an agreement with the SBA which is binding on the trust and on the small business and which provides that; (a) the guaranteed loan shall be used solely for buying qualifying employer securities of such business; (b) such business shall provide loan repayment funds and put up its property for security for such loan if necessary; and (c) all such purchased qualifying employer securities shall be allocated to eligible plan participants' accounts. States that a trust may be treated as a qualified employee trust with respect to a small business if: (1) the trust is maintained by an employee organization representing at least 51 percent of such business' employees; and (2) such business maintains a plan (a) which is designed to invest primarily in qualifying employer securities, (b) which provides for plan participants to direct specified employer securities voting rights exercised with respect to certain corporate matters, (c) which provides for repurchase of specified employer securities by the business, and (d) which meets other requirements that may be prescribed by the SBA; and (3) in the case of certain loan guarantees, such business enters into a trustee-SBA agreement (as set forth in this Act). Authorizes the SBA to guarantee certain loans to employee trusts for approved (by the SBA) stock purchases which will result in at least 51 percent employee trust-ownership of such business. Sets forth the requirements of such SBA approved plan. Requires periodic reports to be made to Congress respecting such loan guarantees. Directs the SBA to contract with an independent consultant for a study of the feasibility of loan guarantees directly to the seller of a small business concern in connection with the installment sale of such business. States that such study shall include an analysis of: (1) the extent of installment sales in the sale of small businesses; (2) the ability of the SBA to make credit judgments in connection with such sales; (3) the need for SBA loan guarantees to facilitate such sales; (4) financial institution participation; and (5) the anticipated cost of such a program. Directs the SBA to report to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such study not later than April 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the International Monetary Fund to consent to an increase in the U.S. quota in the Fund to the extent provided in appropriation Acts. Directs the President to instruct the Secretaries of the Treasury and State and other appropriate Federal officials to encourage countries to safeguard jobs, investment, income redistribution programs, and social programs in formulating economic adjustment programs to deal with their balance of payments difficulties. Directs U.S. representatives to the Fund to: (1) seek decisions by the Fund to permit the extension of standby arrangements to enable Fund members to implement their adjustment programs successfully; (2) work for programs to promote employment, investment, real income per capita, income redistribution, and social programs and to ameliorate any adverse effects of economic adjustment programs on the poor; (3) seek coordination of Fund and World Bank financing activities to safeguard basic human needs and facilitate development of a productive economic base; and (4) request periodic analyses of the effects of economic adjustment programs supported by Fund or Bank financing. Requires the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies to include a report on such actions in its annual report to Congress. Repeals references that stipulate that stabilization programs be entered pursuant to loans from the Supplementary Financing Facility. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning balance of payments problems resulting from surpluses in oil exporting countries and the responsibilities of such countries to assume a greater burden of financing balance of payments deficits. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, with the U.S. Executive Director of the Fund, to: (1) study and report to Congress concerning the adequacy of Fund resources and the feasibility of increasing Fund liquidity through various means; and (2) encourage Fund members to expedite negotiations to formulate a dollar-Special Drawing Rights substitution account. Expresses the sense of Congress that Taiwan shall be granted appropriate membership in the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Small Business Development Center Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make grants to States, regional entities, and any public or private institution of higher education to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Requires grant applicants to obtain matching funds on a 50-50 basis from non-Federal sources. Limits any recipient from receiving a grant greater than its pro rata (based on population) share of a $65,000,000 program, or $200,000, whichever is greater. Sets forth application guidelines. Authorizes the SBA to permit a center to provide assistance to small businesses within close proximity located in another State. Requires applicants to assist small businesses to solve their business problems in such areas as: operations, manufacturing, engineering, technology and development, personnel administration, marketing, sales, merchandising, finance, accounting, and business strategy development. Sets forth services to be provided by such centers including: (1) counseling; (2) information services; (3) research and surveys; and (4) financial, legal, and other business-related information and consulting sources. Authorizes the use of consultants, engineers, and testing laboratories. Directs the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to cooperate with small business development centers participating in the program, to report annually to the SBA and the Congress, and to make recommendations to the SBA on continued funding. Directs the Administrator of the SBA to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance to administer the small business development center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of nine members appointed by the Administrator to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance. Requires each State small business development center to establish an advisory board appointed by the Governor to advise and confer with the Director of such State small business development center. Directs the SBA, with the advice of the Board, to establish an evaluation plan of the center program and to submit a report to the Senate Select Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Small Business by January 31, 1982. Eliminates such program as of October 1, 1983. States that on or after October 1, 1979, the SBA shall only fund small business development center programs authorized by this Act. Stipulates that: (1) such restriction shall not apply in fiscal year 1980 to any center funded by the SBA before October 1, 1979; and (2) no such center funded in fiscal year 1978 may be funded in excess of $300,000 in fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1980
Expresses the condolences of the Congress over the death of members and officials of the United States Amateur Athletic Union boxing team in a plane crash in Warsaw, Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1980
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to impose duties on valuable wastes which cannot be feasibly segregated and/or exported after the manufacturing process of articles that entered the United States free of duty under bond.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow homeowners a nonrefundable income tax credit for 50 percent of the expenses paid or incurred to make alterations to their residences for the purpose of making such residences more accessible to, and usable by, a handicapped individual who is either the taxpayer, his spouse, or a dependent of the taxpayer. Limits the amount of such credit, for each such handicapped individual, to the lesser of $1,000 or an amount which, when added to previous year's credits, does not exceed $5,000. Reduces the amount of such credit by one-half of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $20,000 ($35,000 in the case of married individuals filing jointly). Defines "handicapped individual" as any individual who has a medically identifiable mental or physical impairment which can be expected to result in death or which can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months, and which substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual. Requires the handicapped individual to live in the principal residence for which the alterations are made for not less than a nine month period during the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1980
Comprehensive Housing Development Act of 1980 - Amends the National Housing Act to increase the allowable maximum amount for mortgage assistance payments under such Act. Authorizes appropriations for such mortgage assistance payments through October 1, 1981. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, under the mortgage insurance program, to insure a mortgage involving a principal obligation which exceeds, by up to ten percent, the maximum limits specified under the Act, if such mortgage relates to a dwelling to be occupied by a physically handicapped person and the additional principal reflects the cost of making the dwelling accessible to such person. Allows the Secretary, in order to prevent inflationary conditions and related governmental actions from having a severely disproportionate effect on the housing industry, to make and contract to make periodic assistance payments to mortgagees or other lenders on behalf of homeowners (including the owners of mobile homes). Terminates such authority on September 30, 1981, or at such earlier date as the Secretary may deem appropriate. Specifies that such payments may be made only on behalf of a homeowner who satisfies such eligibility requirements as may be prescribed by the Secretary. Requires a homeowner to continue to occupy the property which secures the mortgage or loan in order to receive such assistance payments. Sets forth the formula for determining the amount of such assistance payments. Allows the Secretary to include in the payment to the mortgagee or other lender such amount as the Secretary deems appropriate to reimburse the mortgagee or lender for its reasonable and necessary expenses in handling the mortgage or loan. Limits assistance payments for mobile homes to no more than 20 percent of the total number of units for which assistance is approved. Allows the Secretary, upon application by the mortgagee, to insure a mortgagor who meets the eligibility requirements for assistance payments as set forth by the Secretary. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for such insurance. Allows the Secretary to provide for graduated mortgage assistance payments, and to insure mortgages with varying rates of amortization, for not in excess of 100,000 mortgages. Extends until October 1, 1981, the authority of the Government National Mortgage Association to enter into new commitments to purchase mortgages under the interim mortgage purchase authority of the National Housing Act, as amended by the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act of 1974. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize appropriations to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund. Allows the Secretary to make, and contract to make, periodic interest reduction payments on behalf of the owner of a multifamily rental project. Allows such payments to be made for a period of not more than 30 years to mortgagees holding mortgages secured by such project. Sets forth the formula for determining the amount of such payments. Sets forth the eligibility requirements which must be met in order to receive such payments. Requires the Secretary to provide that such payments are made only with respect to that part of the mortgage concerning the portion of the project which is used for residential purposes and only for the benefit of the families residing in such projects. Specifies that such payments may be made only to a project located within the jurisdictional boundaries of a unit of general local government which has made substantial progress in meeting its annual goals for housing for lower- income persons as specified in its housing assistance plan submitted pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Requires the Secretary, in making such assistance, to give a preference to projects which have or will receive financial contributions from a State or local government which will result in lower rental charges to the families residing therein. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require an applicant for grants for State and local community development programs to submit a housing assistance plan which: (1) accurately surveys the condition of housing stock in the community designed for persons who have incomes which do not exceed 150 percent of the median income for the area; (2) assesses the housing assistance needs of such person; (3) specifies a realistic goal of the number of rental dwelling units which will be provided such persons as a result of such program; and (4) indicates the general locations of such dwelling units.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1980
Establishes within the National Institutes of Health the Office of Drugs of Limited Commercial Value under the direction of the Director of the National Institutes of Health. Establishes within the Office an advisory council to advise the Director and make recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly Health, Education, and Welfare) respecting the time required for drug approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance to entities for the development of drugs of limited commercial value, defined as a drug for a condition or disease of low incidence, to undertake the development of such drugs, undertake studies to determine the potential and need for specific drugs, and coordinate the efforts of public and private entities engaged in the development of such drugs. Requires the submission and approval of an application containing the scientific basis for the development of the drug and the proposed therapeutic use of the drug and other specified information before financial assistance is provided. Requires each entity receiving funds to keep specified records. Requires the Director to report to Congress within two years on the effectiveness of this Act.
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 · 16 April 1980
Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to authorize the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to permit any bank holding company to acquire voting shares, interests in, or assets of any additional bank located outside the State in which such company's banking subsidiaries are principally conducted. Requires the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council to be satisfied that an emergency exists with regard to the additional bank and a transaction involving an intrastate purchaser of such bank would not be in the public interest. Directs the Board to consider the possible adverse effects of any proposed transaction upon competition or upon the concentration of resources in any State, region, or the nation. Permits the Board to dispense with notice and hearing requirements if an emergency exists requiring immediate action. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to make loans to purchase the assets of, or make deposits in, insured banks when severe economic conditions exists which threaten the stability of insured banks in a large geographic region and such action will reduce the risk to the FDIC. Permits the FDIC to make loans or purchase assets to facilitate a merger or a sale of the assets and an assumption of the liabilities of an insured bank with or by a savings and loan association as well as another insured bank. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC) to permit any savings and loan holding company to acquire voting shares, interests in, or assets of any additional insured institution (including Federal stock savings banks and State-chartered mutual savings bank) located outside the State in which the principal savings and loan business of such company is conducted under the same circumstances in which a bank holding company may acquire an out-of-State bank. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to authorize the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to suspend temporarily the reserve requirements and permit dividends to be paid out of existing reserves if severe economic conditions exist which threaten the stability of member institutions. Increases the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Federal Home Loan Bank obligations that may be held by the Secretary of the Treasury from $4,000,000,000 to $10,000,000,000. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to authorize the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to permit the conversion of a mutual savings and loan association in receivership into a Federal stock savings and loan association or charter a Federal stock savings and loan association to acquire the assets of such an institution in receivership. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to require the National Credit Union Administration Board to pay excess funds to the Secretary of the Treasury to be credited against any outstanding loans from the Secretary to the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Fund to borrow from the National Credit Union Administration Control Liquidity Facility. Authorizes the Board to permit the merger or the purchase and assumption of the assets and liabilities of an insured credit union in danger of insolvency with or by any other insured credit union under similar circumstances by which holding companies may acquire out-of-State banks or savings and loans associations. Permits the Board to appoint itself as conservator and take possession and control of specified insured credit unions. Authorizes the Facility to act as an agent of the Federal Reserve System as requested by the Federal Reserve Board. Terminates the amendments made by this Act three years after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1980
Directs the President to utilize the forum of the Venice Economic Summit to urge the development of an International Code of Business Conduct. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should negotiate and report to Congress concerning agreements to establish standards of ethical and equitable conduct of international business and mechanisms to resolve problems. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to report to Congress concerning its recommendations regarding such negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1980
Social Security Payroll Credit Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers, employees, and self-employed individuals an income tax credit equal to ten percent of the amount of social security taxes paid by such individuals in 1981 or 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on small cigarettes from $4 per thousand to $9 per thousand, and on large cigarettes from $8.40 per thousand to $18.90 per thousand.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from June 15, 1981, to July 1, 1986, the termination date for certain provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1976 relating to the allowance of a deduction for the amortization of certain rehabilitation expenditures for certified historic structures.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1980
National Ridesharing Act of 1980 - Transfers specified provisions of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1978 relating to carpool and vanpool projects to Federal highway law, as codified. Includes specified recipients of financial assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 among those to whom the Secretary of Transportation may make grants and loans for carpool and vanpool projects. Prohibits the use of such grants for the construction of highway lanes as preferential carpool or vanpool highway lanes, or for the construction of parking facilities. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Transportation a National Office of Ridesharing to coordinate all carpooling and vanpooling activities within the Department. Requires the Office, in connection with carpooling and vanpooling, to: (1) set national goals for reduction of pollution and traffic and conservation of motor fuel; (2) compile statistics; (3) perform economic analyses; (4) provide promotion, technical assistance, and public information; (5) evaluate national impacts of, and identify obstacles to, such programs; and (6) report and recommend legislation to Congress. Directs the Secretary to report annually on such programs to the President and the Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from approving, after January 1, 1982, the granting of such carpooling or vanpooling financial assistance to be used in any urban area of more than 50,000 population unless the Secretary finds that such assistance is based on a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1978 to increase the amount of the authorization of appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund for specified assistance for carpool and vanpool projects for fiscal year 1981 and to extend the authorization of such appropriations through fiscal year 1982. Increases the amounts authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund for specified grants and loans for such projects for fiscal year 1979, 1980, and 1981, and extends such authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982. Provides that, to the extent authorized by Acts governing the use of funds available in the windfall profit tax account, such funds shall be available, as provided in appropriation Acts, for such financial assistance for such projects. Limits the amounts of such funds available for specified purposes in fiscal year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Presidential Commission on National Service Act of 1980 - Establishes the Presidential Commission on National Service to examine: (1) alternative national service programs; (2) the rate of women in any national service program; (3) the necessity for drafting individuals into any national service program; (4) the role of military and civilian service in any national service program; (5) examine existing volunteer service programs. Sets forth the duties, membership, and powers of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the President and to Congress. Terminates the Commission 180 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations necessary for the Commission to carry out its duties.
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 · 19 March 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that taxpayers who incur expenses for the care of a dependent child who is mentally or physically handicapped shall be eligible for the child care expenses credit whether or not the taxpayer incurred such expenses to enable the taxpayer to seek gainful employment or such expenses were incurred outside his household. Increases the amount of expenses which may be considered in determining the amount of the credit. Provides that the earned income limitation shall not apply to taxpayers who provide care for handicapped children. Grants tax-exempt status to a trust established for the care of a physically or mentally handicapped child of the taxpayer. Allows an income tax deduction for contributions to a child care trust. Limits the amount of such deduction to the lesser of 15 percent of the taxpayer's compensation includable in gross income for the taxable year, or $1,500. Provides that distributions from such a trust shall not be taken into consideration in determining the eligibility of such child for Federal or State assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) 50 percent of the net revenues from the windfall profit tax should be allocated toward energy research, development, production, and conservation, and for transit programs; (2) 25 percent of such revenues should be allocated for energy assistance to low-income individuals; and (3) the remaining revenues should be available for any other purpose.
![Official portrait of Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000556_200.jpg)