United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for contributions of cash or securities made to a savings account created or organized for the benefit of the taxpayer (or the taxpayer and spouse if married) for the exclusive purpose of purchasing the taxpayer's first principal residence. Limits the maximum annual deduction to $1,500 ($3,000 in the case of married individuals filing a joint return), with a maximum lifetime deduction of $15,000 ($30,000 in the case of married individuals filing a joint return). Provides for an annual inflation adjustment of such amounts. Sets forth the requirements for the establishment of an individual housing account. Excludes distributions from a housing account from gross income as long as they are used exclusively for the purchase of a first principal residence. Exempts interest earned on an individual housing account from income taxation. Imposes a ten percent surtax on distributions from an individual housing account which are not used for the purchase of a principal residence. Prohibits contributions to an individual housing account in excess of prescribed limits and imposes a tax on such excess contributions equal to the tax on excess contributions to an individual retirement account. Requires the trustee of an individual housing account to make such reports regarding the maintenance of the account as the Secretary of the Treasury may require. Requires the reduction of the basis of any residence acquired with funds withdrawn from an individual housing account in an amount equal to the funds withdrawn. Requires the reduction of the $125,000 one-time exclusion from gross income of the proceeds from the sale of a principal residence by a taxpayer 55 years of age or older if such residence had been purchased with distributions from an individual housing account. Limits the amount of such reduction to the amount of any such distribution excluded from gross income.
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 · 28 October 1981
Taxpayer's Court Costs and Fees Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit reasonable court costs, including attorneys' fees, to be awarded to the prevailing party (other than the United States or a creditor of the prevailing party) in a civil action brought by the United States in any court of the United States for the determination, collection, or refund of any tax, interest, or penalty imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits such an award where the court finds that the position of the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Includes within the definition of "attorney's fees" amounts paid to an individual who is not an attorney but who is authorized to practice before the Tax Court. Defines "prevailing party" as a party who substantially prevails with respect to the amount in controversy or the most significant issue or set of issues.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Corporation For Prison Industries Act of 1981 - Grants a Federal charter to the Corporation for Prison Industries. Sets forth as the purpose of the Corporation improving prison industry conditions. Authorizes appropriations for the Corporation for fiscal years 1982-1984. Establishes a revolving fund in the Treasury to support the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for the fund for fiscal years 1985-1987.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Authorizes certain additions to the Santa Ana Indian Reservation in New Mexico. Declares certain lands to be part of the Reservation and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept warranty deeds conveying to the United States in trust for the Pueblo of Santa Ana certain other lands to become part of the Reservation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Commitment to the Clean Air Act resolution of the Ninety-seventh Congress - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) clean air is fundamentally important for the health and well-being of the citizens, economy, and environment of the United States; and (2) the existing Clean Air Act should be maintained and strengthened subject only to changes that will improve its administration and effectiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers an income tax credit equal to five percent of the purchase price of a new principal residence. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,000. Specifies that such credit shall be available with respect to only one residence of the taxpayer. Requires the recapture of credit amounts for the purchase of a new principal residence if such residence is sold within 36 months after the date of acquisition.
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 · 7 October 1981
Prompt Payment Act of 1981 - Requires Federal agencies to pay interest on overdue payments to businesses for property or services. Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to prescribe required payment dates. Specifies the procedures for computing such interest. Requires an agency to pay any interest charges out of funds made available for administration of its programs. Authorizes Federal grant recipients to provide for the payment of interest on overdue payments on their procurement contracts. Directs each agency to report to OMB annually on interest payments made during the fiscal year. Requires OMB to report to specified congressional committees on agency compliance with this Act. Requires the Director of OMB to delegate responsibility for OMB functions under this Act to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.
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
Nuclear Waste Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to review the Department of Energy's research and development program for high-level radioactive waste disposal and to prepare a comprehensive management plan for research, development, and demonstration activities under this Act. Requires the Secretary to identify, within one year, three geographically distributed sites in different geologic media in the continental United States and to select one site for a test and evaluation facility by January 1, 1985. Specifies design requirements for such facility. Requires that the facility be in operation by the end of fiscal year 1988. Provides that the operation of the facility shall terminate when the Secretary determines it is no longer needed. Requires the Secretary to conduct various in situ research and development activities with respect to high-level radioactive waste disposal. Prohibits the conversion of the facility into a permanent disposal facility unless the Secretary can comply with legislation authorizing high-level radioactive waste repositories. Directs the Secretary, upon authorization by Federal law, to establish waste solidification facilities which provide a waste form resistant to the release of radionuclides in a repository. Requires that the waste forms and components of such facilities be ready for placement in the demonstration facility by the end of fiscal year 1988. Requires consultation and coordination with the officials of each State in which a potential facility site is located. Directs the Secretary to prepare and transmit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive management plan for the activities under this Act. Requires submission of a description of such plan as in effect each year to Congress. States that this Act shall not be construed to authorize remedial action or commercialization activities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Repeals provisions of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 which set forth special rules for the leasing of depreciable business property between corporations.
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 · 25 September 1981
Amends the Military Survivor Benefit Plan to create more options for providing an annuity and designating beneficiaries. Permits a remarried participant to irrevocably elect within a year whether or not to provide an annuity for the new spouse. Permits a participant to again designate as beneficiary a natural person with an insurable interest in the participant if an initial beneficiary of the same type predeceases the participant. Reduces the amount of an annuity when the widow or widower receives social security benefits based solely on the service of the participant unless such annuity is already being reduced based on the widow's or widower's government service. Permits a participant with a dependent child but no current spouse to discontinue participation in the Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to release all conditions in a patent on previously transferred land to the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, which require that such land be used for public purposes and prohibit transfer of its title or control. Conditions such release on an agreement by the City to exchange such land for other land originally conveyed by patent to named individuals. Requires the City to use the land it receives in exchange exclusively for public purposes and prohibits the City from transferring its title or control.
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 · 11 September 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission dealing with the matter of the trade regulation rule relating to the sale of used motor vehicles.
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 · 4 August 1981
Federal Land Survey Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to notify affected agencies and the public of the intent to conduct, certify, or record any land survey or resurvey, at least 30 days prior to such intended action. Requires the Secretary to: (1) initiate the survey within six months of the notice of intent; (2) complete the survey affixing a permanent mark designating the year when established and otherwise complying with applicable state statutes; and (3) certify the survey in the appropriate land office within 90 days of its completion. Sets forth certain monumentation requirements for surveys involving both Federal and non-Federal lands. Provides a procedure for removal of any monumentation if the Secretary fails to certify such monument within the 90-day period. Authorizes the Secretary or his designee to conduct land surveys by contract with private sources in accordance with provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary's designee to cooperate with the Interstate Commerce Commission to conduct cadastral surveys and plat maps necessary to perpetuate land boundaries adjacent to abandoned railroads or utilities. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with State governors and the President of the National Academy of Sciences, to: (1) conduct an assessment of multipurpose national cadastre information needs; and (2) develop a feasibility study for the establishment of a multipurpose national cadastre system. Requires the submission of such feasibility report to the Congress within three years of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
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 or 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 discretionary release conditions to require that the defendant: (1) maintain employment or an educational program; (2) avoid contact with an alleged victim or potential witness; (3) report to a law enforcement or pretrial service agency; (4) comply with a curfew; (5) refrain from possessing a firearm or using alcohol or narcotic drugs; (6) undergo medical treatment; (7) forfeit designated property upon failure to appear; and (8) return to custody at specified hours. 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: (1) a serious risk of flight or obstruction of justice; or (2) 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.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Title I: Recommended Executive Actions - Urges the President to seek institutional ways to ensure more adequate consultation by the United States with Japan and to encourage U.S. Cabinet officers to consult with their Japanese counterparts regularly. Urges the President to discuss arranging with Japan medium-term supply, purchase, and storage commitments for farm produce. Title II: Discussions and Studies Regarding United States-Japan Relations - Establishes the Japan-United States Interparliamentary Group to meet annually to discuss common problems in the interest of relations between the United States and Japan. Requires the U.S. members of the Group to report annually to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to grant funds for fiscal years 1983-1986 to the Japan-United States Trade Study Group, a voluntary group of businessmen and government officials formed to resolve trade problems and misunderstandings between the two countries. Authorizes the Secretary to grant funds to similar trade study groups for the United States, and other countries. Directs the U.S. Comptroller General to submit to Congress a study on recent and current trends in Japanese productivity in selected basic and high technology industries. Directs the Secretary of Energy to report annually to Congress on the comparative energy efficiency between the United States and Japan for at least 20 significant industrial processes during a specified five year period. Title III: Amendments to, and Actions under, Existing Law for Purposes of Improving Japan-United States Relations - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to authorize the President to export oil to Japan during the effective period of a bilateral agreement: (1) which provides for the sale to or exchange with the United States by Japan of an equal amount of crude oil; and (2) between the United States and Japan which coordinates nonpetroleum energy research and development projects. Makes the Export Administration Act of 1979 not applicable to coal specified in bilateral coal agreements which guaranteed access to foreign markets and guaranteed supply by the United States. Urges the President to negotiate a trade agreement with Japan, the European Economic Community, and other countries providing for: (1) a mutual substantial reduction in, or elimination of, duties on semi-conductors and integrated circuits; and (2) the mutual reduction or elimination of nontariff barriers to trade in semi-conductors, integrated circuits, and related high technology electronic products. Amends the Federal provisions for developing the Senior Executive Service to encourage sabbaticals for personnel to study foreign countries and foreign languages. Amends the Federal provisions for training government employees to require the heads of agencies to regularly review the need for foreign language training.
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
Critical Materials Act of 1981 - Establishes a Council on Critical Materials in the Executive Office of the President to: (1) advise the President on national policy concerning critical materials; (2) coordinate Federal policies and activities concerning such materials; (3) evaluate Government activities according to the policy and directions provided under the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980; and (4) oversee and coordinate materials research and development programs of Federal entities. Sets forth duties of the Council's executive director, which include: (1) cataloging materials research and development activities of public and private institutions; (2) evaluating the critical materials needs of basic industry and the Government; (3) initiating studies to resolve national critical materials problems; (4) issuing a biennial report providing a domestic inventory of critical resources with projections on the needs for such resources; and (5) recommending necessary changes in policies, regulations, and legislation to Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1981
Title I: Reclamation Reform - Repeals residency requirements of a prior Federal reclamation law and allows the availability of irrigation water to project lands whether or not owners or operators live on or near such lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, upon the request of any district, to complete land classifications for such district prior to the enforcement of any acreage limitation within such district. Requires owners of excess lands to execute a recordable contract with the Secretary for the disposal of such lands before irrigation water may be made available to them. Exempts lands receiving benefits from Federal water resources projects constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers from acreage limitation requirements or other provisions of reclamation laws, unless specifically made applicable by statute or pursuant to the authority of the Secretary. Provides that lands which are leased shall not be subject to the application of acreage limitation provisions of Federal reclamation laws. Exempts from limitations and restrictions of reclamation laws: (1) any district which has repaid the construction costs of water project facilities; (2) bona fide religious or charitable organizations using the agricultural produce for charitable purposes; (3) lands held by a trustee in a fiduciary capacity for beneficiaries whose interest in such lands are within limits imposed by reclamation laws; (4) lands which receive a temporary supply of water; (5) lands acquired by involuntary foreclosure, bona fide conveyance in satisfaction of mortgage, inheritance, or devise, which are eligible for a temporary supply of water not exceeding five years; (6) isolated tracts which are economically farmable only if included in a larger farming operation; and (7) lands served with a temporary supply of water under contracts permitting later use of such water for municipal or industrial purposes. Requires payment contracts for the use of irrigation water temporarily made available from reclamation facilities in excess of ordinary quantities not otherwise storable for project purposes or not otherwise available without such facilities. Provides a procedure for the validation of any contract provision between the Secretary and any party pursuant to matters arising under reclamation laws. Vests exclusive jurisdiction in the United States district court for the district in which a project facility is located for injunctive relief sought under contracts between any non-Federal party and the Secretary relative to water service. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to carry out provisions of this Act. Title II: Optional Expanded Ownership - Authorizes the amendment of water contracts between the Secretary and any non-Federal party to conform to provisions of this Act and after such amendment, limits the delivery of water for irrigation purposes to 960 acres of class I lands. Allows the delivery of water in excess of such acreage upon payment by recipients of the full cost of such excess water.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1981
Designates the Roy A. Taylor Forest in the Natahala National Forest in North Carolina. Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior: (1) to erect appropriate signs and markings commemorating the contributions of Roy A. Taylor and the designation of Roy A. Taylor Forest; and (2) to place information and designations of such forest in publications for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Authorizes appropriations for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Sets ceilings on funds allocated for: (1) nuclear reactor regulation, including gas-cooled thermal reactor preapplication review; (2) inspection and enforcement; (3) standards development; (4) nuclear material safety and safeguard; (5) nuclear regulatory research; (6) program technical support; and (7) program direction and administration. Limits the Commission's authority to enter into grants and cooperative agreements with universities to not more than one percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for nuclear regulatory research. Prohibits the Commission from reprogramming the funds authorized to be appropriated for any activity under this Act by an increase or decrease in excess of $500,000 for a period of 30 calendar days after notice of such action to the appropriate Congressional committees unless each committee has transmitted a written notice that it has no objection to such action. Authorizes the Commission to retain monies received for cooperative nuclear research programs for salaries and expenses for such programs and to transfer sums from the amounts appropriated under this Act to other Government agencies which perform the work for which such appropriations were made. Authorizes payments under this Act only to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts. Sets a ceiling on the amount of funds which may be used for the acquisition and installation of equipment for the small test prototype nuclear data link program or for any other program for the collection and transmission to the Commission of data from licensed nuclear reactors during abnormal conditions. Exempts from such limitation equipment for which the Commission prepares and submits to Congress a specific acquisition and installation proposal unless either House of Congress rejects such proposal within 60 days of submission. Limits the amount of funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act for fiscal year 1982 which may be used to continue tests at the Loss-of-Fluid Test Facility. Makes available from amounts authorized to be appropriated for program direction and administration funds for interim consolidation of Commission headquarters staff offices in the District of Columbia and in Bethesda, Maryland, but not for relocation of offices of Commission members outside of the District of Columbia. Authorizes the Commission to use funds, in the absence of a State or local emergency preparedness plan approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to issue an operating license for a nuclear reactor if there is a State, local, or utility plan for the public health and safety. Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act to promulgate or publish a safety goal for nuclear reactor regulation until after public hearings on such goal have been held. Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act to assist the General Public Utilities Corporation with the decontamination, clean-up, repair, or rehabilitation of facilities at Three Mile Island Unit 2. Permits the Commission to use funds to monitor or inspect such activities and to carry out regulatory functions with respect to the facilities at Three Mile Island. Requires the Commission to use funds from amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Office of Nuclear Materials, Safety and Safeguards to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Energy specifying interagency procedures for the disposition of radioactive materials resulting from the cleanup of Three Mile Island Unit 2. Authorizes the use of funds for the issuance of nuclear reactor license amendments prior to the conduct of required hearings and after notice to the State in which the facility is located if the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration. Authorizes the use of funds for the issuance of temporary operating licenses, prior to the conduct of required hearings, for fuel loading, testing, and operation of nuclear reactors at a power level not to exceed five percent of the rated full thermal power. Establishes an independent Temporary Advisory Panel to evaluate the nuclear powerplant licensing process. Requires the Panel to report its evaluation within a specified time period to the Commission and specified Congressional committees. Terminates the Panel upon submission of such report. Requires the Commission to set forth its views on the Panel's report and recommend improvements for the nuclear powerplant licensing process to such Congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1981
Coal Pipeline Act of 1981 - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to authorize a person to apply to the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) for a certificate of public convenience to construct, operate, or maintain a coal pipeline or to extend an existing coal pipeline. Directs the Commission to approve the application if the public convenience will be enhanced. Permits any person holding such a certificate to acquire rights-of-way on private lands by exercise of the power of eminent domain. Limits the scope of such exercise regarding rights to water or to certain historic or significant lands. Requires coal pipeline certificate holders to fulfill relevant common carrier transportation and service obligations. Requires the line pipe of all pipelines to be located underground, to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with environmental protection, safety, and good engineering and technological practices. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant or renew to a certificate holder rights-of-way on Federal lands for the construction, operation, maintenance, or extension of coal pipelines. Requires the Secretgary to first consult with the heads of other agencies which may administer such Federal lands. Requires a right-of-way to be granted or renewed in accordance with specified provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe additional terms and conditions. Exempts existing coal pipeline rights-of-way and law suits commenced prior to enactment of this Act from certain provisions of this Act. Prohibits the United States or its agents from using or claiming water within any State for a coal pipeline unless pursuant to State substantive and procedural law. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations establishing uniform Federal standards applicable to certain aspects of coal pipeline facilities. Exempts existing coal pipelines from certain such standards. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of Transportation, to institute a civil action to enforce any such regulation. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of the Interior, to institute a civil action to enforce any provision of this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for any person failing to comply with any provision or regulation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1981
Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation Act of 1981 - Establishes the Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation which shall be a mixed-ownership Government corporation subject to the District of Columbia Business Corporation Act but which shall not be considered a U.S. agency or instrumentality. Requires the Corporation's conversion to a privately controlled corporation when the Barnwell Nuclear Fuel Plant is licensed and operational pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Corporation to issue capital stock, bonds, debentures, and other certificates of indebtedness. Limits the amount of stock which may be owned by any foreign person or partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, or group to which such person belongs. Gives to any Corporation stockholder inspection and copying rights, notwithstanding District of Columbia requirements with respect to such rights. Authorizes the President to restrict the exercise of such rights in the interest of national defense or foreign policy interests. Limits the Corporation's functions to: (1) acquiring, reprocessing, storing, and transferring spent nuclear fuel; and (2) conducting research and development programs. Directs the Corporation to acquire the Barnwell Nuclear Fuel Plant in Barnwell, South Carolina. Requires the Corporation to enter into long-term contracts to acquire, reprocess, provide temporary storage services for, and transfer spent nuclear fuel. Vests in the United States title to and control of any plutonium, or any other special nuclear material designated by the President, which is obtained or produced by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to conduct research and development programs related to its functions, including programs on nuclear waste solidification, nuclear safeguards, and plutonium separation, treatment, and storage. Authorizes appropriations to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Department Energy to provide financial assistance to the Corporation for such programs. Specifies the general powers and limitations of the Corporation. Provides for Congressional oversight of the Corporation. Directs the NRC to license the Barnwell facility in a single, site-specific proceeding. Requires the Secretary of Energy to identify Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements with respect to the operation of the Barnwell facility and initiate efforts to coordinate and expedite the decision making process on such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1981
Entitles to educational assistance benefits veterans who served on active duty after September 30, 1981. Eliminates the delimiting period for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1981
Mineral Lands Leasing Amendment of 1981 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to prohibit, for a specified period, any foreign person from acquiring more than five percent of the voting securities in a United States mineral resources corporation. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress concerning indirect foreign investment in mineral resources on U.S. lands.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to lease lands containing oil shale deposits. Permits such leases to exceed 5,120 acres of land if necessary to permit long-term commercial operations. Increases the number of leases which may be held to two in any State and four nationwide. Permits the acquisition of one additional lease in a State by a lessee who has achieved commercial production in both existing leases and is within ten years of exhausting the reserves on one of the leases. Authorizes the unlimited issuance of leases to avoid bypassing small acreages of oil shale resources which otherwise could not be mined economically. Authorizes the Secretary to lease additional lands required in support of operations necessary for the recovery of oil shale. Includes within such operations the disposal of oil shale waste and the building of facilities; but excludes the removal of any mineral deposits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue leases for additional lands after considering the need for such lands, the environmental impact, and determining that the public interest will be served. States that a lease shall include lands the Secretary determines are necessary to achieve the purposes for which the lease is issued and shall contain provisions needed to protect environmental and other resource values. Sets forth guidelines for other lease provisions, including rent and duration.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Wilderness Review Act of 1981 - Requires that lands recommended for wilderness and lands requiring further planning for purposes of this Act be identified in an executive communication by the Secretary of Agriculture. Prohibits judicial or administrative review of the second roadless area review and evaluation (RARE II) final environmental statement dated January 1979. Requires that the following lands be managed for multiple uses other than wilderness: (1) national forest system lands not identified under this Act as land recommended for wilderness, requiring further planning, or previously designated as wilderness; (2) lands recommended for wilderness pursuant to this Act and not designated as wilderness before January 1, 1985; and (3) lands identified by this Act as requiring further planning but (a) not recommended for wilderness by the Secretary before September 30, 1985, or (b) recommended for wilderness before such date but not designated as wilderness before January 1, 1988. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting any further statewide, regional, or national roadless area review and evaluation of national forest system lands for purposes of determining their suitability as wilderness without express congressional authorization, except for lands identified pursuant to this Act as requiring further planning. Prohibits the creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones around areas designated as wilderness. Requires the Secretary to manage lands recommended for wilderness and lands requiring further planning to preserve their wilderness character. Permits the authorization of nonwilderness uses which are in the public interest for lands recommended for wilderness and the modification of wilderness recommendations by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Postal Service Amendments of 1981 - Authorizes the United States Postal Service to issue written demands requiring access to books, records, documents, or other objects believed to relate to any postal offense or civil matter under investigation by the Postal Service. Provides for the enforcement of such a demand by the appropriate district court. Authorizes the Postal Service to issue an order requiring any person to cease and desist from conducting a lottery or scheme for obtaining money or property by false representations through the mail. Declares that the resumption of such an activity through the use of any instrumentality of interstate commerce shall be considered to be a failure to comply with such order. Permits the Postal Service, in investigating whether a person is conducting such an activity, to tender the price of any article or service that such person has offered for sale. Declares that failure by such person to provide such article or service, or failure to comply with a written demand of the Postal Service for access to materials, shall constitute probable cause to believe such person is engaged in such activities, warranting the detention of such person's incoming mail. Establishes a civil penalty to be assessed by the Postal Service, after an opportunity for an agency hearing, against any person who: (1) attempts to evade an order directing the postmaster to return mail addressed to such person; (2) fails to comply with a cease and desist; or (3) assists another person in evading such an order.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain National Forest System lands which are: (1) 40 acres or less with a market value of not more than $150,000, and interspersed with or adjacent to mineral patents; (2) five acres or less and have been used or improved upon as a result of an erroneous Federal survey; and (3) road rights-of-way substantially surrounded by lands not owned by the United States. Defines "person" to include any State or subdivision or entity thereof. Declares that nothing in this Act shall authorize conveyance of Federal lands in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Entitles to educational assistance benefits veterans who served on active duty after September 30, 1981. Eliminates the delimiting period for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1981
Missing Children Act - Directs the Attorney General to collect and preserve information which would assist in: (1) the identification of any deceased individual who has not been identified within 30 days of his or her death; and (2) the location of any missing child who is under the age of 17, does not have a history of running away, and has been missing for at least 48 hours.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Indian Tribal Governmental Tax Status Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat an Indian tribal government as a State for purposes of: (1) determining the deductibility of a charitable contribution made to such tribe; (2) certain excise taxes; (3) deductions for State and local taxes; (4) the unrelated business income tax applicable to colleges and universities; (5) the credits for public retirement system income and contributions to candidates for public office; (6) the exclusion from gross income of certain scholarships and fellowship grants and contributions of certain employers for employee annuities; (7) the tax on excess lobbying expenditures by public charities; and (8) the tax treatment of activities of private foundations. Excludes from gross income, under specified circumstances, interest on industrial development bonds issued by an Indian tribal government. Defines "Indian tribal government" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission from investigating or taking any action concerning any State regulated profession until Congress enacts legislation which expressly provides that the Commission has authority over professions and that the Commission's authority preempts State authority. Vacates any such action taken during the period beginning on May 28, 1981, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Postpones until after the issuance of final regulations the effective date of an Internal Revenue Code provision regarding the treatment of employees of an affiliated service group for purposes of the qualification of pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans as tax-deferred compensation plans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $1,000 of the interest or dividends earned on savings accounts in institutions at least 75 percent of whose assets are invested in specified domestic building and loan association assets and in loans secured by an interest in real property which is primarily residential real property.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Public Land Reform Act of 1981 - Title I: Short Title; Findings and Declaration of Policy; Definitions - Declares that the Federal Government retains ownership of substantial territory considered unreserved unappropriated public lands in States wholly west of the one-hundredth meridian. Provides that it is the policy of this Act to place all such lands, presently held in trust for the States in which they are situated, in State ownership. Excludes from the definition of unreserved unappropriated public lands the following: (1) lands within the boundaries of national parks, national monuments, and national wildlife and migratory bird sanctuaries established prior to May 1, 1981; (2) designated units of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (3) lands within boundaries of military and Indian reservations; (4) lands essential to the operation, maintenance, and access to the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Water and Power Resources Services projects, and designated highways; (5) lands necessary to the operation, maintenance, and access to shipyards, docks, security and defense establishments, magazines, arsenals, and Federal buildings; (6) lands selected under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and other applicable law; and (7) lands within the boundaries of any national forest. Title II: Federal Land Transfer Board - Authorizes the Governor of any State seeking to acquire such unreserved and unappropriated lands to petition the President within ten years of the enactment of this Act to establish a Federal Land Transfer Board for such State. Directs the President to establish such a Board consisting of State and Federal members within 90 days of the receipt of such an application. States that the Board shall serve until all conveyances of such lands within the State are carried out. Requires each Federal Land Transfer Board to coordinate its activities with the State management agency established pursuant to this Act. Directs each Board to carry out the required land transfers within two years of its determination that a State's application meets the requirement of this Act. Empowers the Land Transfer Boards to resolve land claims and disputes arising from the implementation of this Act. Grants any State aggrieved by a decision of a Land Transfer Board on its application the right to public hearing and review before the Board. Empowers the United States courts of appeals to hear appeals from final order of the Boards. States that judicial review shall be on the record made before the Board and that the Board's findings shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence. Prohibits members of the Board from directly or indirectly receiving compensation as a result of any land transfer carried out pursuant to this Act. Title III: State Land Management Agencies - Requires each State seeking the conveyance of unreserved and unappropriated land under this Act to establish a State land management agency to: (1) hold any transferred lands in trust for all people of the United States; (2) protect the interests of persons who have acquired rights in such land under Federal law; (3) provide for an ongoing inventory and study of public lands within the State with a view toward determining the best methods of management and utilization; (4) provide for the continued annual payments to units of local government in which entitlement lands are situated; (5) transfer to the United States those property interests necessary to continue lawful, Federal activities; and (6) continue to administer lands previously administered by the United States pursuant to a treaty or interstate compact in conformance with the terms of such treaty or compact. Title IV: Conveyance From State Ownership - Prohibits any State from conveying lands conveyed to it by the Federal Land Transfer Board unless such land is difficult and not economical to manage, or no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was acquired, or disposal of it will serve important public objectives. Title V: Miscellaneous - Declares that the United States shall retain control over the oceans, seas, navigable rivers, streams, and lakes, and projects of the Corps of Engineers and Water and Power Resources Service. Directs the President to modify agreements with other nations if necessary to implement this Act. Grants the consent of Congress to any interstate compact relating to the management and use of such lands if it has been approved by the appropriate Federal Land Transfer Boards. Grants the consent of Congress to any amendments to the Enabling Act of a State receiving a conveyance of land which may be necessary to revoke any disclaimer to title of public lands not granted by the United States to the State. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to the Congress, within 18 months of enactment of this Act, on the results of a study of the relative costs and benefits of Federal and State land management activities. Authorizes sums as may be necessary to carry out provisions of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Lujan, Manuel, Jr. [R-NM-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000506_200.jpg)