United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program under which States periodically furnish the Secretary with information on the death certificates officially filed with them so that necessary corrections may be made to the beneficiary records maintained under the social security program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to declare that the records of a business, engineering, or exploration operation conducted outside the United States are not subject to duty. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit a nominal consignee who is not licensed as a customhouse broker from transacting customs business for another person or from entering merchandise in his or her name.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance for economic relief and rehabilitation to: (1) Northern Ireland if the Government of Great Britain declares its intention to withdraw from Northern Ireland; and (2) the Republic of Ireland if such declaration includes a declaration that the British Government intends to promote the reunification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance. Requires such assistance to be administered by the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, in consultation with an advisory board appointed by the President after consultation with Congress. Permits the obligation of funds for such assistance only if Congress does not adopt a concurrent resolution disapproving the proposed use of the funds.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U. S. citizen or national if such individual: (1) is not a permanent resident of the United States; or (2) is outside the United States. Prohibits the payment of title II benefits to any dependent or survivor of such an individual on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the benefit involved is payable to such an individual as the dependent or survivor of: (1) a U. S. citizen or national; (2) a permanent resident of the United States; or (3) a U. S. citizen or national residing outside the United States if the relationship required for such individual's entitlement already existed at the time such national or citizen reached age 50. Authorizes the payment of title II benefits to an individual who is not entitled to benefits pursuant to this Act until the total amount of such benefits equals the total amount of any taxes paid on the wages and self-employment income on which the benefits are based.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the February meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to tell the Commission that the Soviet Union should stop harassing Soviet Jews and should allow its citizens to practice their religion and to emigrate. Urges the Soviet Union to comply with its human rights obligations. Urges the President to: (1) express, to the Soviet Union, U.S. opposition to harassment of Soviet citizens and to restrictions on emigration; and (2) reiterate that the United States will consider the extent to which other nations honor their commitments under international law when evaluating its relations with such nations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1981
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to deem a disabled individual under 18 who would receive supplemental security income payments under title XVI of the Act if he or she were in a medical institution as an individual to whom an SSI payment is being paid if it is determined that: (1) the individual requires a level of care provided in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or intermediate care facility; (2) it is appropriate to provide such care outside such an institution; and (3) the cost of care outside the institution would not be more than the cost of care in an institution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require each State to submit semiannual reports to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on individuals for whom death certificates have been officially filed during the preceding six-month period. Requires that such reports include the individuals' names, social security numbers, dates of birth and death, sex, and death certificate numbers. Directs the Secretary to release such information upon request to surviving relatives of such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Requests the President to designate February 22, 1982, as a day of national celebration in honor of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Two-Way Street Act - Imposes an import parity fee, in addition to other fees already imposed, on automobiles imported into the United States from Japan. Establishes a Parity Fee Commission to determine the size of the parity fee. Permits persons who build cars in the United States to import one car from Japan without paying the parity fee for each car built by such a person in the United States. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Declares that the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services should immediately study and report to Congress on ways to correct the benefit disparity caused by the 1977 changes in the social security retirement benefit formula.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Condemns the treatment of Yuli Kosharovsky and his family by the Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express U.S. opposition to the refusal of the Soviet Union to permit Kosharovsky and his family to emigrate to Israel; (2) the Soviet Union should comply with international agreements and with its constitution by permitting the Kosharovsky's to emigrate; and (3) the Soviet Union should end its persecution of persons seeking to emigrate and its denial of basic religious, civil, and human rights to Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that policies of Jewish emigration discrimination and anti-Semitism are morally reprehensible. Urges the President to tell the Soviet Union that the United States opposes these policies and wants emigration restrictions on Soviet Jews removed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the collection of taxes, to provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regarding communication and harassment in connection with debt collection. Prohibits the publication of any deficiency which has not been adjudged to be payable by a competent court. Permits individual taxpayers to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages resulting from collection practices prohibited by this Act. Requires a Federal court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax. Specifies that a showing of fraud or malfeasance or a misrepresentation, for purposes of modifying or reconsidering a closing agreement between an individual taxpayer and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken into account only if such a showing or misrepresentation is determined by a competent court. Prohibits the Secretary from consenting to extend for more than one year the period for assessment of the income tax liability of any individual taxpayer. Requires the Secretary to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Makes binding on the Secretary : (1) a tax return prepared for the taxpayer by an officer or employee of the IRS acting in his official capacity to provide such assistance; and (2) written information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. Places the burden of proof, in administrative and judicial proceedings involving the IRS and a taxpayer, upon the IRS. Directs that all property of taxpayers, for purposes of the estate and gift tax, be valued at historical cost (original cost to the taxpayer or the basis of the property if it was not purchased). Prohibits the use in IRS personnel evaluations of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations. Precludes the Secretary from exercising any enforcement authority over churches or certain other organizations. Prohibits the audit of any group of taxpayers unless the Secretary has first met certain notice requirements or permitted members of the group to file an amended return. Sets forth conditions which must be met by the IRS before any action is taken to interfere with the property rights of a taxpayer. Requires the IRS, before securing the records of, or personal data concerning, any taxpayer, to: (1) notify the taxpayer in writing of the demand, the material sought, and the need for the material; (2) have commenced an action in a competent court against the taxpayer; and (3) have justified its need before the court consistent with the discovery rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. States that the IRS shall have no authority, in enforcing the tax obligations of any person, which is in conflict with the rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Violent Crime Control Act of 1981 - Title I: Mandatory Sentences For Use of Firearms in Felonies - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970 to revise and increase the mandatory penalties for using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony. Makes the additional penalties inapplicable to offenses consisting solely of possessing, transporting, or selling a firearm. Increases the additional penalty to two years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and to five years for a second or subsequent offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second or subsequent offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences. Prohibits the granting of parole to any offender. Prohibits the Government attorney from plea bargaining with respect to this offense. Title II: Assassination-Related Killings - Amends the Federal criminal code to extend the current offense of killing designated Federal employees to include any Federal public servant engaged in the performance of, or on account of, his or her duties. Replaces the current crimes of Presidential and Congressional assassination with new offenses covering the assassination, assault, kidnapping, or conspiracy to kill or kidnap "United States officials." Includes Cabinet heads and Federal judges within such definition, in addition to the President, Vice President, and Members of Congress. Makes it a Federal crime to kill any civilian in the course of an assassination of a U.S. official. Authorizes the Attorney General to offer a reward of up to $100,000 for information and services concerning these offenses. Makes it the duty of any Federal agency to assist the Attorney General in the investigation and prosecution of violations. Title III: Bail Reform - Bail Reform Act of 1981 - Repeals the Bail Reform Act of 1966 and sets forth new bail procedures. Authorizes a judicial officer to consider the safety of any person of the community when making a pretrial release determination. Establishes as a mandatory release condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during release. Authorizes pretrial release upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond. Expands the number of discretionary release conditions. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the detention for up to ten days of a person who is presently on pretrial release for a felony under Federal, State, or local law or on probation or parole or release pending sentencing or appeal for any offense if no conditions will assure his appearance and the safety of the community and any other person. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the pretrial detention of a person upon finding that: (1) no condition will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the safety of any other person and the community; and (2) there is a substantial probability that the person committed the offense. Requires that a detention hearing be held in any case involving: (1) a crime of violence; (2) any offense punishable by life imprisonment or death; or (3) a narcotics offense punishable by at least ten years' imprisonment. Permits the Government or the court to move for a detention hearing in any other case involving a serious risk of flight or obstruction of justice or any offense committed after the person has been convicted of two or more offenses for which a hearing is mandated. Enumerates additional factors to be considered by the judicial officer in making a release determination, including the defendant's past conduct, history of drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and the nature and seriousness of the danger to the community or any person. Requires the detention of a person who has appealed his conviction unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) such person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to another person or property; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Requires the detention of a person awaiting sentencing unless the officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to appeal a release order. Establishes mandatory additional penalties for commission of an offense while on pretrial release. Subjects a person who has been conditionally released and violates a condition of release to revocation of release and prosecution for contempt of court. Grants new authority to law enforcement officers to arrest a person who violates certain pretrial release conditions. Title IV: Insanity Defense Modifications - Amends Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to authorize a new plea of "guilty but insane" for any criminal defendant whose actions constitute all necessary elements of the offense charged but who lacks the requisite state of mind as a result of mental disease or defect. Permits the jury or the court in a non-jury trial to find a defendant guilty but insane. Requires the court in any such case to hold a hearing to determine the present mental condition of the convicted person. Directs the court to commit such person to the custody of the Attorney General upon a finding by a preponderance of the evidence that the person is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect as a result of which release would create a substantial danger to himself or to the person or property of another. Directs the Attorney General to release such person to a State which will assume responsibility for his custody and treatment or otherwise to hospitalize such person in a suitable facility. Requires the court to hold a hearing upon the certification by the director of the facility that such person's release will no longer create a substantial danger to himself or the person or property of another. Directs the court to order the discharge of a person who is found to have recovered. Provides for the hospitalization of persons found guilty, imprisoned persons, and persons due for release who are found to suffer from mental disease or defect. Title V: Modification of the Exclusionary Rule - Declares that evidence obtained in violation of the fourth amendment shall not be excluded in a criminal proceeding if the Government attorney shows by a preponderance of the evidence that the law enforcement officer acted with a reasonable, good faith belief that the search or seizure conformed with fourth amendment requirements. States that evidence obtained in accordance with a warrant is prima facie evidence of good faith belief. Makes the United States liable for damages resulting from a search or seizure conducted by a law enforcement officer acting within the scope of employment in violation of the fourth amendment, unless the Government attorney shows the officer's reasonable good faith belief of constitutional compliance. Permits recovery of actual and punitive damages not exceeding $50,000. Authorizes the court to award reasonable attorney fees. Limits recovery of a person convicted of an offense for which evidence was illegally seized to actual physical personal injury and property damage. Authorizes a Federal agency to discipline an officer who conducts an illegal search or seizure upon a determination, after notice and hearing, that the officer lacked a good faith belief that the action was constitutional. Title VI: Sentencing Reform - Establishes as an independent body in the judicial branch the United States Sentencing Commission to set forth sentencing policies and practices for the Federal criminal justice system. Directs the Commission to promulgate: (1) sentencing guidelines, including appropriate fines and terms of probation and imprisonment; and (2) general policy statements regarding application of the guidelines. Requires the court to consider the Commission's guidelines and policy statements in imposing sentences in a criminal case. Requires the court to state in open court at the time of sentencing the reason for imposing a sentence at a point within the prescribed range or the specific reason for imposing a sentence outside of such range. Provides that in the case of a felony or misdemeanor carrying a maximum imprisonment term of one year, a defendant may appeal a sentence greater than the maximum allowed under the Commission's guidelines which are found by the sentencing court to be applicable, unless contrary to a plea agreement. Permits the Government, with the personal approval of the Attorney General or the Solicitor General, to appeal a sentence less than the applicable minimum. Title VII: Habeas Corpus Changes - Prohibits Federal magistrates from conducting evidentiary hearings in habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners, except upon consent of the parties. Prohibits the consideration in a habeas corpus proceeding of a Federal question which was not properly presented under State law at trial and on appeal unless the petitioner establishes that the alleged violation of the Federal right was prejudicial and that: (1) the Federal right did not exist at time of trial and has been determined to be retroactive; (2) the State procedures precluded assertion of the right; (3) evidence was suppressed which prevented raising of the claim; or (4) material and controlling facts upon which the claim is based were unknown and could not have been ascertained by reasonable diligence. Establishes a three-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners. Prohibits a Federal evidentiary hearing from being conducted where State court records demonstrate that the factual issue was litigated and determined, unless the petitioner establishes the existence of at least one of six circumstances (currently, the State findings are presumed to be correct unless the petitioner establishes the existence of a circumstance). Requires the Federal court to view the State court record in the light most favorable to the prosecution. Title VIII: Corrections Construction and Development - Corrections Construction and Program Development Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States for up to 75 percent of the cost of projects to: (1) construct, expand, and repair correctional facilities; and (2) improve correctional programs and practices. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1985. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to donate surplus property to States for correctional purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Prohibits recovery of damages for the injury or death of a foreign seaman if the incident occurred while such seaman was engaged in certain activities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Amends the Federal Reserve Act to declare that the enforceability in any State of any due-on-sale clause contained in any fixed-rate real estate loan made or purchased by any national banking association shall be determined under the law of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which provide incentives for energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources should not be repealed or amended to reduce such incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of October 12, 1992, to honor Christopher Columbus' discovery of the Americas. Authorizes the President to establish a special advisory commission to plan and implement a five hundredth anniversary celebration during the week of October 12, 1992, in honor of Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the Americas.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1981
Amends titiles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to require Federal agencies to give to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon request, the names and social security account numbers of disability or SSI benefit recipients who are inmates of penal institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Expresses the objection of Congress to the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, conformal fuel tanks, AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and aerial refueling aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Fred Waring, Louis L'Amour, and the widow of Joe Louis. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of each medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Repeals provisions in the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 regarding the windfall profit tax which: (1) increase the credit for royalty owners for 1981 and exempt royalty oil for 1982 and thereafter; (2) reduce the tax imposed on newly discovered oil; and (3) exempt independent producer stripper well oil. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to establish in the Treasury the Social Security Reserve Trust Fund. Appropriates to the Trust Fund for each fiscal year 25 percent of the revenues from the windfall profit tax for such year. Limits the aggregate amount appropriated to the Trust Fund to $50,000,000,000 for all fiscal years. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Trust Fund amounts so appropriated at least quarterly. Creates a Board of Trustees to hold and manage the Trust Fund and report to Congress annually on the operation of the Trust Fund and whenever the Trust Fund amount is deemed too low. Sets forth requirements for investment by the Trust Fund in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in federally guaranteed obligations. Directs the Secretary to transfer from the Trust Fund to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund such amounts as may be provided by appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1981
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of the tax on employment income. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or, if he does, such place of business is not provided, or is not provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes; and (5) the recipient of such individual's services files returns disclosing payments made to such individual. Provides that the criteria established by this Act shall not be applicable to agent-drivers, commission-drivers, full-time life insurance salesmen, home workers, and traveling or city salesmen who are statutorily designated as employees for purposes of social security taxation. Provides that the failure of an individual claiming independent contractor status to meet the criteria established by this Act shall not create an inference that such an individual is an employee or that the recipient of his services is an employer. Limits the applicability of the criteria established by this Act to questions of employment status arising under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, self-employment tax provisions, and withholding requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires recipients of services performed by an independent contractor to file an information return with respect to payments made for such services in excess of $600 for the taxable year. Requires individuals who file such information returns to furnish written statements to persons with respect to whom such information is reported which indicate the amount of payment reported. Provides penalties for failure to furnish information returns or statements. Applies deficiency procedures for the assessment of unpaid taxes due to the reclassification of an individual as an employee who had been treated as an independent contractor. Treats as employees, for purposes of the withholding of income tax, certain traveling or city salesmen.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Maritime Dry Bulk Trade Act - Directs the Secretary in the Department in which the Maritime Administration is operating to negotiate a Governing International Maritime Agreement with each nation with which the United States traded a specified amount of dry bulk cargo in 1980. Directs the Secretary to also negotiate such an agreement with nations whose U.S. trade was less than the specified amount if such a nation asks to negotiate an agreement. Lists the essential provisions of a Governing International Maritime Agreement. Directs the Secretary to enter into such an agreement with any group of nations which desires to execute the agreement on a regional basis. Prohibits such an agreement from becoming effective until 60 days after it is transmitted to Congress. Sets forth the procedures for a Congressional veto of such an agreement. Prohibits a non-national-flag ship from transporting dry bulk cargo with a trading partner except as authorized by the Governing International Maritime Agreement. Provides that five years after enactment of this Act: (1) non-national-flag ships not documented under the laws of a trading partner are prohibited from transporting dry bulk cargo; and (2) such ships documented under the laws of a trading partner are authorized to transport dry bulk cargo between the United States and any nation not a party to such an agreement. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury to implement procedures to insure that non-national-flag ships do not transport bulk cargo in excess of the authorized amount. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to assist in implementing this Act. Requires it to report annually to Congress on its activities. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress annually on actions taken pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Safe Drinking Water Regulatory Reform Act - Amends title XIV of the Public Health Service Act (the "Safe Drinking Water Act") to revise regulatory procedures relating to safe drinking water requirements. Provides for administrative procedures and judicial review of such procedures relating to the promulgation or amendment, under such title, of: (1) any national interim primary drinking water regulation; (2) any revised national primary drinking water regulation; and (3) any regulation for State underground injection control programs. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a rulemaking docket for such rulemaking actions. Requires the establishment of an identical docket in the appropriate regional office of the Agency whenever a rule applies only within a particular State. Requires that notice in the Federal Register of such proposed rulemaking be accompanied by: (1) a statement of its basis and purpose; (2) the docket number, location, and times for public inspection; and (3) notice of the period available for public comment. Sets forth procedures for written and oral public comment and inclusion of such comment in the docket. Requires that a promulgated rule be accompanied by statements of: (1) its basis and purpose; (2) the reasons for any major changes from the proposed rule; (3) factual data and reasons supporting a determination that the benefits of applying the rule justify the compliance costs; (4) the reasons why any public comment alternatives to the proposed rule were rejected; and (5) response to significant public comment, criticism, and new data submissions. Prohibits basing the promulgated rule on any information not in the docket. Limits the record for judicial review to docket materials and required accompaniments to the promulgated rule. Directs the Administrator to convene a proceeding for reconsideration of a rule upon a demonstration that an objection of central relevance to the rule could not be raised during the public comment period. Provides for judicial review of refusals of such reconsideration. Authorizes the Administrator or the appropriate U.S. court of appeals to stay the effectiveness of the rule for up to three months during reconsideration. Sets forth provisions for judicial review of procedural determinations of the Administrator. Permits statutory deadlines for promulgation of rules to be extended to not more than six months after the proposal date, if necessary, to afford the public and the Agency adequate opportunity to carry out this Act. Permits petitions for judicial review of administrative actions under such Act to be filed only in the U.S. court of appeals for a judicial circuit in which a substantial portion of the associated impact or injury will occur. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Revises standards for primary drinking water regulations. Replaces regulation of contaminants having "any adverse effect" on human health with regulation of contaminants "posing an unreasonable risk to human health". Removes a requirement that such regulations provide for proper operation and maintenance of public water systems, minimum quality of water taken into the systems, and new facilities siting. Eliminates specified references to the Administrator's judgments or determinations and to allowance for "an adequate margin of safety" in promulgating such regulations. Requires the maximum contaminant level specified in revised national primary drinking water regulations for a contaminant to be as close to the recommended maximum contaminant level as is "reasonable" (currently, "feasible"). Removes specified provisions relating to requirements for the use of treatment techniques. Continues State primary enforcement responsibility whenever the Administrator revises or amends any national primary drinking water regulation. Requires a State with primary enforcement responsibility to show the Administrator that the State public water system supervision program meets the revised or added requirement, within a specified period. Requires the Administrator's approval of continuation of the State's primary enforcement responsibility. Authorizes the Administrator to waive a prohibition against making grants to State public water system supervision programs that have not assumed and maintained primary enforcement responsibility. Permits such waiver during any time within 18 months after the effective date of any amendment or revision of the national regulations if the State has assumed such responsibility and is making a diligent effort to comply with the new amendment or revision. Authorizes the Administrator to grant a State an additional six months to come into compliance, on a showing of good cause.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Amends the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act to declare that the United States shall assume exclusive fishery management authority over all fish within a specified fishery conservation zone (currently excludes highly migratory species).
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
United States Olympic Development Fund Checkoff Act of 1981 - Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns an election to contribute one dollar of their income tax refunds or one dollar forwarded with returns to support the fund established by this Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a United States Olympic Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund an amount equivalent to the amount designated on tax returns to be available to the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee for use in a program of expansion and improvement of amateur athletics. Sets forth reporting requirements with respect to the expenditure of such funds by the Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Requires that satisfactory arrangements be made to pay the certified claims of U.S. nationals against Cuba before full diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States are established. Requires assignable tax credits to be provided as cash equivalents to U.S. certified claimants if the President enters into any agreement involving counterclaims by Cuba against the United States. Directs the President to urge Cuba to establish a fund to be administered by an international agency to pay these claims.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers an income tax deduction from gross income for commuting expenses. Defines "commuting expenses" as the amounts paid or incurred for the transportation of such taxpayers between their residence and their principal place of employment or self-employment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) prohibit U.S. participation in the Yamal natural gas pipeline project in the Soviet Union; (2) urge Western European nations and Japan not to participate in such project; (3) propose and enlist the cooperation of Western European nations and Japan in an alternative energy diversification project; and (4) promote this alternative energy diversification project.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to impose criminal penalties for the alteration, purchase or sale, or counterfeiting of a social security card or for possession of a social security card or counterfeit social security card with intent to sell or alter.
![Official portrait of Rep. Lent, Norman F. [R-NY-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000243_200.jpg)