United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Great Lakes Protection Act of 1981 - Amends the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978 to redesignate specified provisions and to revise definitions under such Act. Establishes a Great Lakes Protection program under such Act. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish within NOAA a Great Lakes Research Office, to be directed by an Executive Director appointed by the Administrator. Requires the Executive Director to compile, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, an inventory of all major actions of the Federal, State, and local governments since 1977 which have significantly affected (or may so affect) the Great Lakes. Requires that such inventory be submitted to the Congress and the President and be updated at least once every three months. Requires the Executive Director, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) current state of Federal efforts to improve the Great Lakes' environmental quality; and (2) the degree of coordination among the States to preserve and protect such quality. Sets forth other responsibilities of the Executive Director. Requires that all Federal agencies include Great Lakes environmental impact analyses in their recommendations or reports for major Federal actions significantly affecting the Great Lakes. Sets forth provisions relating to such analyses, including a requirement that copies be available to the President and to the public. Directs that, to the fullest extent practicable: (1) U.S. policies, regulations, and public laws be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies of protection for the Great Lakes set forth in this Act; and (2) any major Federal action significantly affecting the Great Lakes be modified to accommodate such policies and include all possible planning to minimize harm to the Great Lakes. Revises provisions relating to interagency cooperation, dissemination of information, and effect on other laws. Extends through fiscal years 1984 the authorization of appropriations to carry out the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978. Reserves a specified amount of such appropriations to be obligated and expended on the Great Lakes Research Office in each fiscal year ending after September 30, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981
Congressional Campaign Financing Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to place limits and reporting requirements on Congressional primary and general election expenditures for candidates receiving public financing. Sets forth penalty provisions for knowing violations of such requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new chapter, the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Entitles to campaign payments Congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and certify that: (1) they and their authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations; and (2) they have received contributions in excess of a specified sum. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment by a candidate of excess payments and unexpended payments. Establishes criminal penalties for use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct an audit of the qualified campaign expenses of every candidate who receives matching payments; and (2) report to Congress with respect to such expenses and payments, such report to be made readily available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Amends the Freedom of Information Act to prohibit the Attorney General from defending any Federal agency against a Freedom of Information action unless the Attorney General determines that: (1) there is an important public interest in the withholding of the information; and (2) disclosure of the information is demonstrably harmful.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Authorizes appropriations for the international affairs functions of the Department of the Treasury for fiscal year 1982. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, on or before October 1, 1982, to report to both Houses of the Congress regarding the status of negotiations within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development on improving the International Arrangement on Guidelines for Officially Supported Export Credits and on the status of any other multilateral or bilateral negotiations or discussions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Declares the sense of the Congress that the President shall take steps to: (1) call upon the Soviet Union to permit the resurrection of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic Churches; (2) contact the officials of the Soviet Union to secure freedom of worship in the Ukraine and (3) bring to the attention of national and international religious councils Soviet violations of basic human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of five airborne warning and control aircraft (AWACS) and conformal fuel tanks and air-to-air missiles for F-15 aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Economic Equity Act - Title I: Tax and Retirement Matters - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the maximum deduction for contributions to an individual retirement plan: (1) shall be computed separately for each individual who is married; and (2) in the case of a married individual who has no compensation or less compensation than that of the spouse, shall be determined as if such compensation were the same as that of the individual's spouse. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require that a retirement plan which provides an annuity to a participant with at least ten years of creditable service shall provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of a participant who dies before the annuity starting date in an amount not less than the amount which would have been made under the survivor's annuity if the participant had survived and retired on such annuity date. Provides that a participant's election not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such an election. Allows the assignment of the benefits of a qualified retirement plan in the case of a judgment, decree or order relating to child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights pursuant to a State domestic relations law. Amends ERISA to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from age 25 to age 21. Amends ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accruals of creditable service to continue while an individual is on approved maternity or paternity leave at the rate of 20 hours service for each week of approved leave. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the zero bracket amount; (2) lower the tax rate; (3) decrease withholding requirements; and (4) increase minimum filing requirements for heads of households. Entitles former spouses of members of the uniformed services, civil service employees and members of Congress who were married to such a member or employee for at least ten years during creditable service to an annuity based upon a portion of such member's or employee's retired or retainer pay period. Amends the Survivor Benefit Plan of the uniformed services to make former spouses eligible for annuities under such plan. Provides for survivor's annuities for surviving former spouses of civil service spouses or members of Congress. Provides that the election of a member of the uniformed services, civil service employee or member of Congress not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse and any former spouse of such member or employee consents in writing to such an election. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit to employers of displaced homemakers. Title II: Day Care Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment from 20 percent of the cost of such services to 50 percent of the cost reduced by one percent for each $1,000 amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $10,000. Makes such credit refundable. Increases the dollar limit for such credit from $2,000 to $2,400 (from $4,000 to $4,800 for two or more dependents). Allows such credit for certain services performed outside the taxpayer's household. Establishes a minimum income for individuals engaged in business on a substantially full time basis to be used in the computation of the earned income limitation on the amount of such credit. Includes as a tax-exempt organization any organization which provides non-residential dependent care services to the general public for purposes of enabling individuals to be gainfully employed. Title III: Armed Forces - Revises the rules for the distribution of the property of deceased members of the Air Force and Army by removing any gender distinctions from such rules. Establishes a distribution formula based on six classes: (1) beneficiary named in a will; (2) surviving spouse; (3) children; (4) parents; (5) siblings; and (6) next of kin. Eliminates sexual distinctions with regard to promotion procedures and procedures to remove reserve officers from active duty status in the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve. Requires the Secretary of Defense to make an annual report to the Congress concerning the status of women in the armed forces. Title IV: Estate Tax on Agricultural Property and Farm Loans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified credit against the estate and gift tax from $47,000 to $192,800 by specified annual increments through 1985. Increases the minimum gross estate requirement for filing a return from $175,000 to $600,000. Qualifies estates of decedents who were disabled or retired for the special valuation of certain farms based on use if they materially participated in the operation of such farm for five out of eight years preceding the year in which they became disabled or eligible for disability benefits. Permits the spouse of a decedent to use such valuation if the spouse has managed the farm or business for ten years preceding the decedent's death. Permits active management rather than material participation as a test for qualification of the estate for spouses, children under 21, students, and disabled individuals who receive property from a decedent who qualified for special use valuation. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the reduction of the value of qualified real property permitted by the special use valuation. Provides that the interest rate on extended payments of estate taxes shall be the lower of 6 percent or 75 percent of the prime rate. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to remove the preference to married persons in receiving farm improvement loans. Title V: NonDiscrimination in Insurance Act - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Grants to State or local governments having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce this Act. Permits an aggrieved person to file a civil action in State or Federal court against an insurer, if a State or local authority which has received notice of a complaint fails to act within 60 days or with respect to those authorities not having insurance discrimination laws. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights granted by this Act and that such denial raises an issue of general public importance. Title VI: Regulatory Reform and Sex Neutrality - Requires the head of each executive agency to conduct a review of all rules, regulations and policies of the agency which result in different treatment based on gender. Directs each agency to report annually to the Congress on such review. Provides that such report shall include proposals to eliminate any resultant sex-based discrimination. Requires that all rules, regulations, documents and other writings of executive agencies shall use words that are neutral as to gender unless it is impracticable to do so or the subject matter specifically applies only to one sex. Title VII: Study of Enforcement of Alimony and Child Support Payments - Directs the Attorney General to undertake a study of the appropriate role of the Federal Government in the enforcement of delinquent payments of alimony, child support, and property settlement orders against an absent spouse or parent. Requires the Attorney General to submit to the President and the Congress not later than one year after enactment of this Act a report of such study together with recommendations for appropriate legislation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1981
Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Community and Neighborhood Development and Conservation - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to: (1) authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for grants to metropolitan areas for Community Development Programs; and (2) to limit the amount of commitments to guarantee notes and other obligations which the Secretary may enter into with respect to community development loan guarantees in fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to increase the amount of funds authorized for rehabilitation loans and to limit the amount of commitments to make such loans for fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing Act of 1954 to reduce the funds authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1982 for grants for activities relating to the development of comprehensive plans for community development, employment, and conservation, and to restrict the use of such funds to carrying out the clearinghouse functions required by OMB Circular A-95. Amends the Neighborhood Self-Help Development Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for grants for community development to neighborhood organizations. Amends the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act to authorize appropriations for the Corporation for fiscal year 1982. Title II: Assisted Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937: (1) to increase, on October 1, 1981, the maximum amount of annual contractual contributions which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may make to low-income housing; (2) to limit the amount which may be obligated over the duration of such contracts with respect to additional authority provided after October 1, 1981; (3) to allocate such additional authority; and (4) to authorize appropriations to fiscal year 1982 for annual contributions for the operation of low-income housing projects. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to authorize fiscal year 1982 appropriations for operating assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects, with restrictions on the use of such funds for operating deficits resulting from failures to amend project contracts. Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit the approval of the appropriation of funds for such assistance after September 30, 1982. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary to provide additional assistance payments of a specified amount per year to lower income families for acquiring home ownership or membership in a cooperative association. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend the Secretary's authority to insure loans for mortgages and home improvement. Extends the Secretary's authority to establish the maximum interest rates for certain mortgage insurance programs. Limits the maximum principal amount of loans and mortgages that the Secretary may insure under such Act in fiscal year 1982. Amends the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act of 1974 to extend the authority of the Secretary to direct the Government National Mortgage Association to purchase mortgages and securities. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to limit the amount of loans the Secretary may make for the provision of housing for elderly or handicapped families in fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for research for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in fiscal year 1982. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the amount of funds authorized to be appropriated to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to: (1) increase, on October 1, 1981, the limitation on the total amount of commitments authorized for the Government National Mortgage Association; and (2) to limit the aggregate principal amount of mortgages that the Association may purchase and the amount of securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association that the Association may guarantee during fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1975 to direct the President to appoint two of the members of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences selected each year, and to extend the authorization for the Institute through fiscal year 1987. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for the weatherization program for fiscal year 1982. Title IV: Flood, Crime, and Riot Insurance - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the national flood insurance program until September 30, 1983, and to authorize appropriations for various insurance studies during fiscal year 1982. Amends the National Housing Act to extend: (1) the Secretary's powers to enter into contracts with respect to the Federal riot reinsurance program and the Federal crime insurance program until September 30, 1983; and (2) the deadline for submitting a plan for the liquidation of such programs to Congress until September 30, 1986. Title V: Rural Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Secretary of Agriculture: (1) to insure and guarantee loans for rural housing, with certain restrictions; (2) to make loans and grants for improvements of rural housing; (3) to provide financial assistance for the provision of low- rent housing for domestic farm labor; (4) to make grants or contract for the development of programs to assist low-income persons in benefiting from housing programs in rural areas; and (5) to insure loans to provide rental housing for persons of moderate income in rural areas. Terminates use of the Rural Housing Insurance Fund for certain rural housing loans as of October 1, 1981. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into contracts to provide: (1) interest credit payments with respect to such loans made during fiscal year 1982; (2) additional assistance payments to low income persons who are unable to afford dwellings with such interest credit payments; and (3) rental assistance payments. Authorizes appropriations for such payments in fiscal year 1982 with annual and aggregate limitations. Authorizes fiscal year 1982 appropriations for: (1) programs of mutual and self-help housing in rural areas; and (2) the Self-Help Housing Land Development Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Excludes from the Federal law limiting and restricting the corporate powers of national banking associations to deal in, and underwrite, investment securities specified dealings in, and underwriting of, all other nongeneral obligations issued or guaranteed by or on behalf of a State or any political subdivision thereof (except special assessment obligations and industrial revenue bonds) which are at the time eligible for purchase by a national bank for its own account, subject to specified limitations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to the Congress showing the extent to which the business of underwriting and dealing in State and local obligations is being carried on by commercial banks as compared with other banking institutions with a view to determining the effect of the provisions of this Act on the institutional distribution of such business.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that bonds issued by a volunteer fire department to finance the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or improvement of firefighting property shall be treated as obligations of a local government and the interest on such bonds shall be excluded from gross income. Provides that a volunteer fire department qualifies for such tax treatment of its bonds if it: (1) is organized and operated to provide firefighting services in an area which does not have any other firefighting services; (2) is required by a local government to furnish firefighting services; (3) receives over half of its funding from local government; and (4) makes no charge for its services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Proclaims Raoul Wallenberg an honorary citizen of the United States. Requests the President to ascertain his whereabouts from the Soviet Union and to secure his freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1981
State and Local Government Financing Reform Act of 1981 - Excludes from the Federal law limiting and restricting the corporate powers of national banking associations to deal in and underwrite investment securities, specified dealings in and underwriting of all other nongeneral obligations issued or guaranteed by or on behalf of a State or any political subdivision thereof (except special assessment obligations and industrial revenue bonds) which are at the time eligible for purchase by a national bank for its own account, subject to specified limitations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to the Congress showing the extent to which the business of underwriting and dealing in State and local obligations is being carried on by commercial banks as compared with other banking institutions with a view to determining the effect of the provisions of this Act on the institutional distribution of such business.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Hunger and Global Security Act - Title I: Public Law 480 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to require the President to consider the extent to which a developing country is using self-help measures to reduce illiteracy among young farmers and to improve the health of farmers and their families before the President can enter an agreement for the sale of agricultural commodities for foreign currencies and long-term-dollar credit with such country. Requires that the economic development and self-help measures the recipient country agrees to undertake be sufficiently described so that the primary beneficiaries will be needy people with incomes below the level required to prevent malnutrition. Requires such economic development and self-help measures to be in addition to the measures the recipient country had otherwise been planning to take. Directs the President to verify that such measures are being carried out and to report to the appropriate Congressional committees on such verification and on the additional nature of such measures. Title II: Multilateral Development Banks - Amends the Federal provisions for aiding international financial institutions to require the United States to work within certain multilateral development banks to establish a requirement that not less than 50 percent of such bank's lending benefit needy people. Requires the Secretaries of State and of the Treasury to report to Congress annually on establishing such requirement. Title III: World Food Security - Directs the President to encourage other grain exporting countries to establish food security reserves or take other measures that complement the U.S. food security reserve. Directs the President to report to Congress on actions taken with respect to such food security reserves. Directs the President to negotiate the establishment of a global food financing facility and ensure that the benefits of such facility meet basic human needs. Directs the President to report to Congress on the actions taken to implement such facility. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the Secretary of Commerce from imposing export controls on food if it is determined that such controls would cause measurable malnutrition in the countries against whom the controls are proposed unless the President determines such controls are necessary to protect U.S. national security. Title IV: Generalized System of Preferences - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit the President from designating as a beneficiary developing country any country that fails to give priority to alleviating malnutrition and poor health and enabling the poor to participate actively in increasing economic productivity, unless the President determines that such designation is required by U.S. national security interests and so reports to Congress. Directs the President to review the possibility of increasing the benefits available to the poorest beneficiary developing countries under such Act's Generalized System of Preferences. Title V: American International Public Health Fund - Establishes within the Agency for International Development (AID) an American International Public Health Fund to provide financial assistance to private and voluntary organizations to support specified public health activities in developing countries. Limits the Fund's financial assistance with respect to the administrative activities of such organizations. Specifies factors to be considered in allocating the Fund's resources. Authorizes the Fund to carry out all AID programs assisting private and voluntary organizations. Directs the Administrator of AID to establish a Board for International Public Health which shall: (1) participate in project proposal review; (2) review documents that detail the terms under which the Fund provides financial assistance to private and voluntary organizations; (3) review the impact of activities supported by the Fund; (4) recommend the allocation of funds; and (5) participate in preparing the annual report. Requires the Director of the Fund to report annually to Congress and the President on the Fund. Authorizes appropriations for such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth transitional rules for estate and gift tax treatment of qualified disclaimers of property interests transferred before November 15, 1958.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1981 - Title I: Information Practices: Use of Consumer Reporting Agencies - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to permit a Federal agency to disclose records pertaining to an individual to a consumer reporting agency. Authorizes a Federal agency attempting to collect a claim under the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 to notify a consumer reporting agency that a person is responsible for a claim if: (1) the agency has sent a written notice informing the person that a consumer reporting agency will be contacted, describing the information to be disclosed, and explaining the person's right to dispute the agency's claim; (2) the person has not agreed to repay the claim or filed for review of the claim; (3) the agency has reviewed the claim, if requested; and (4) the agency has obtained assurances that the consumer reporting agency complies with Federal laws governing the provision of consumer credit information. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to establish regulations requiring each agency with outstanding debts to submit annual reports on the amount and number of such debts, the interest charged on such debts, the cost to the agency of collecting debts, and other information on the agency's debt collection activities. Requires the Director to report annually to Congress on the management of agency debt collection activities. Title II: Collection Practices for Defaulted Student Loans - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1954 to require the Secretary of Education to analyze, quarterly, the collection status of defaulted Federal, federally-guaranteed, and federally-insured student loans. Directs the Secretary: (1) to notify the borrower of a defaulted loan of the consequences of not repaying the loan; (2) to attempt to enter into a repayment agreement with the borrower; and (3) if such attempt is not successful within 180 days of the loan becoming defaulted, to engage a nonprofit collection agency to service the loan. Directs the Secretary to refer any loan which is not under a repayment agreement within one year after being placed with a collection agency, to: (1) the Attorney General if the projected outstanding balance exceeds $600; or (2) the Secretary of the Treasury for collection. Requires the Attorney General to establish procedures for the efficient collection of such loans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to require any borrower of a defaulted loan referred to the Secretary of the Treasury to pay the amount owed: (1) with income tax imposed for the year of the referral; or (2) by other methods prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Grants the Secretary of the Treasury the same powers to assess and collect such defaulted loans as if such amounts were imposed income taxes, the collection of which would be jeopardized by delay. Exempts any such collection or assessment from review by a Federal court. Directs the Comptroller General to analyze the systems for collecting student loans established under this Act, and to submit to Congress recommendations for the application of these systems to the collection of other loans made, insured, or guaranteed by the Government. Title III: Collection of Child-Support Obligations - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to certify the amount of child support obligations assigned to a State for collection by the Secretary of the Treasury without regard to whether a State agrees to reimburse the United States for collection costs. Shortens the period that collection of such an obligation is stayed after service of the notice and demand for payment in the case of the first delinquency assessment against an individual. Title VI: Higher Interest Charges During Periods of Default for All Federal Loan Programs - Requires each agency which administers a program providing direct Federal loans to include in any such loan a provision stating that the interest rate on the loan for each month during which the loan is in default may be increased to a rate equal to the Federal borrowing cost. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations for the uniform implementation of this title. Title V: Other Provisions Relating to the Collection of Federal Claims - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, by January 15 of each year, to notify any person owing a debt (excluding student loans) to a Federal agency for the preceding year of the amount and method of payment of such debt. Requires such person to pay the debt with his or her income taxes or as prescribed by the Secretary. Grants the Secretary the same powers to assess and collect such debts as if such amounts were imposed income taxes, the collection of which would be jeopardized by delay. Permits the head of an agency to garnish an employee's wages to pay any debt owed to the United States because of an erroneous payment to the individual by another agency. Declares that the statute of limitations for actions brought by the United States for money damages shall not bar the Government from collecting money payable to an individual by administrative offset if the individual is provided with an opportunity for an administrative hearing subject to judicial review. Authorizes the Secretary to disclose a taxpayer's address to an agency or an agency contractor engaged in a proceeding to collect a Federal claim. Permits such agency or contractor to redisclose such information. Authorizes appropriations for the employment in the Internal Revenue Service of sufficient personnel to collect all Federal tax liabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Select Commission on Voluntary Service Opportunities Act of 1981 - Establishes the Select Commission on Voluntary Service Opportunities to examine: (1) the effectiveness of existing voluntary service opportunities in the public and private sectors; (2) alternative types of national service programs; (3) the impact of potential changes in incentives for service; and (4) the feasibility of incorporating existing and alternative service programs into a comprehensive national service program. Directs the Commission to transmit a final report, with any recommendations for legislative or administrative actions, to the President and to each House of the Congress not later than 15 months after its first meeting. Directs each affected Executive department and agency to submit recommendations to the President for implementing such report. Directs the President to report to each House of Congress on the implementation of the Commission's recommendations. Terminates the Commission 180 days after its final report is transmitted. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Interest Rate Deregulation Act of 1981 - Title I: Business and Agricultural Loans - Amends the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 to prohibit State limitations on interest or other charges with regard to the extension of business or agricultural loans credit. Makes the provisions of this Act effective with respect to business and agricultural loans made on or after April 1, 1980. States that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to any such loan made in any State after the date on which a State adopts a law or votes in favor of a referendum rejecting the application of this Act to loans made in such State. Provides for application of this Act to loans made in such a State during the eligibility period but before the adoption of such a law or the passage of such a referendum. Title II: Consumer Loans - Amends the Depository Institution Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 to prohibit State limitations on interest or other charges with regard to the extension of consumer credit. Permits States to adopt legislation explicitly exempting themselves from such prohibition. Permits any such adopted legislation to specify that portion of the extensions of consumer credit made in such State to which the prohibitions of this Act will not apply. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to issue rules and regulations and to publish interpretations governing the implementation of this title. Title III: Effective Date - Makes this Act effective on the date of its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Productivity Improvement Act of 1981 - Establishes a National Productivity Council. Directs the Council to: (1) develop, annually revise, and direct the implementation of a comprehensive National Productivity Improvement Plan which identifies the impact of, and unnecessary obstacles created by, Federal activities, policies, and expenditures on productivity growth in the private sector, and makes recommendations concerning Federal activities to improve productivity growth; (2) obtain the support of the private sector in implementing the Plan; (3) serve as a liaison between the Government and organizations involved in improving productivity; (4) create national and regional productivity centers necessary for improving productivity; and (5) monitoring activities of other countries designed to improve productivity. Directs the Council to report to the President and Congress annually concerning the current Plan and recent revisions. Creates an advisory board to the Council. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Real Estate Construction and Rehabilitation Tax Incentives Act of 1981 - Title I: Capital Cost Recovery Treatment of New Section 1250 Property - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a 20-year straight line depreciation of real depreciable property placed into service after the effective date of this Act. Provides transitional rules for property already in service. Requires a 12-year straight line depreciation of low-income housing and a 16-year straight line depreciation of rehabilitated residential rental property. Title II: Increase in Investment Tax Credit for Rehabilitated Structures - Increases from ten to 25 percent the investment tax credit for qualified rehabilitated buildings. Title III: Deduction of Construction Period Interest and Taxes - Repeals current provisions requiring the amortization of construction period interest and taxes. Allows the taxpayer to elect: (1) to treat the unamortized balance of such interest and taxes as chargeable to capital account; or (2) to deduct such unamortized balance for taxable year 1981. Title IV: Extension and Expansion of Existing Incentives - Repeals the expiration dates for Code provisions which: (1) permit rapid amortization of rehabilitation expenses for low-income rental housing; (2) prohibit accelerated depreciation for new structures built on historic sites; (3) provide for favorable depreciation of rehabilitated historic property; (4) encourage the removal of architectural barriers; and (5) prohibit deductions for the demolition of historic structures. Provides for rapid amortization of rehabilitation expenses for all residential rental housing (currently such rapid amortization is limited to low-income rental housing). Increases: (1) from $3,000 to $5,000 the minimum depreciable per unit expenditure; and (2) from $20,000 to $30,000 the maximum depreciable per unit expenditure. Requires that the amount of such rapid amortization treated as a tax preference shall not exceed the amount which would have been a tax preference item if computed under the double declining balance method. Title V: Removal of Impediments to New Real Property Development - Exempts depreciable real property from the limitation on the deduction of investment indebtedness interest for individuals. States that for purposes of the amortization of startup expenditures the business beginning of real estate activities is the date on which construction activity commences. Permits the exclusion from gross income of interest on certain industrial development refunding bonds if the proceeds of the refunded issue are used to provide residential real property for family units or to remove existing first liens on rehabilitation property. Allows income tax deductions for business expenses related to the rental of a residence to a family member of the taxpayer if such family member pays a fair rental and uses such residence as the principal place of residence. Specifies that the energy investment credit shall be available for low-income rental housing and residential rental property. Title VI: Effective Dates - States that the amendments made by this Act shall be effective upon enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1981
Radioactive Waste Research, Development, and Policy Act - Title I: Repositories for Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare a mission plan for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste which shall include: (1) information on research and development needs for repository siting and construction; (2) an evaluation of any financial, political, or institutional problems; (3) a determination of the need to proceed with unlicensed research and development repositories or intermediate scale repositories, or both; (4) a comparison of the different geologic media under consideration for depository sites; (5) site selection criteria; (6) site recommendations for site characterization activities to determine suitablity for intermediate scale or permanent repositories; (7) recommendations for the form, packaging, and transportation of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel; (8) an estimate of the total repository capacity required for the safe disposal of all such waste and fuel generated through the year 2000 if no commercial reprocessing of spent fuel occurs; (9) a cost estimate of such plan; and (10) information on possible adverse impacts from such plan and alleviation of such impacts. Requires the Secretary to submit such plan to the State Planning Council on Radioactive Waste Management and the Interagency Review Group, both established by this Act, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for comments. Directs the Secretary to submit such plan to appropriate Congressional committees by March 1, 1982. States that such plan shall take effect unless disapproved by either House of Congress within 60 days. Requires, in the event of Congressional disapproval, submission of a revised plan. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress every two years on the implementation of an approved plan. Authorizes the Secretary to designate sites for unlicensed research and development repositories if such repositories are needed to gather data on the suitability of emplacement of radioactive waste or spent fuel in various geologic media. Requires consultation with the NRC and State review boards (State entities composed of representatives of local governments affected by repositories and of the general public in a State) prior to repository construction. Directs the Secretary to assess the environmental impacts of any site designation. Directs the Secretary to determine whether or not to develop intermediate scale repositories for storage of radioactive waste and spent fuel. Sets forth design requirements for such repositories. Requires submission of the mission plan and a subsequent site characterization report to the State review board of any State in which a proposed research and development, intermediate scale, or permanent repository site is located and to the tribal governing body of any Indian tribe on whose reservation a proposed repository site is located. Directs the Secretary to designate sites after: (1) completion of required environmental impact statements; (2) completion of engineering design plans for the repositories and of waste forms and packaging technologies; and (3) submission of a preliminary license application to the NRC. Permits any State review board or Indian tribal governing body to file written objections to a site designation within 30 days after such designation is made. Establishes an Independent Review and Arbitration Board to review objections filed by a State or Indian tribe and recommend remedial action if necessary. States that Board determinations are not subject to judicial review. Directs the Secretary to apply to the NRC for a construction license for each designated site once such designations are in effect. Requires the Federal Government to take title to any radioactive waste or spent fuel when it is delivered to a repository for storage. Requires Federal cooperation with States and Indian tribes in providing information on repository siting, design, construction, and operation and resolving public health and safety, environmental, and economic concerns. Directs the Secretary to make annual payments in lieu of property taxes to the States for any Federal property within their jurisdiction used for a repository. Requires the Secretary to assess annually the economic, environmental, social, and other impacts caused by repositories to determine the need, if any, for impact aid payments to a State or Indian tribe. Establishes in the Treasury a fund to finance site characterization activities, construction and operation of repositories, and impact aid payments. Prohibits the use of such funds to carry out research and development activities under the mission plan. Requires the Secretary to calculate and collect a fee from persons or entities who hold title to radioactive waste or spent fuel in interim storage for their disposal costs. Sets forth a schedule for the promulgation of standards by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the environment from radioactive materials in repositories and criteria by the NRC to apply to repository construction license applications. Establishes an Interagency Review Group to: (1) improve interagency coordination of radioactive waste management policies; (2) assist in developing the mission plan; and (3) review such plan and submit written comments on it to Congress. Establishes a State Planning Council on Radioactive Waste Management to: (1) advise the Secretary and other Federal agencies on radioactive waste management; (2) review the mission plan; (3) provide advice on repository siting; and (4) provide advice on the roles of State and local governments, State review boards, and Indian tribal governing bodies in the development of research and development repositories and in the licensing process for intermediate scale and permanent repositories. Requires the Council to report annually to the Secretary and appropriate Congressional committees on its activities. Title II: Spent Fuel Policies - States that the primary responsibility for the interim storage of spent nuclear fuel lies with the private sector. Directs the NRC to develop licensing procedures to permit the commercial reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Prohibits Federal subsidization of such commercial reprocessing. States that Federal policy shall be to continue research and development of commercial reprocessing and reprocessing technologies that will not result in nuclear proliferation. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program, in cooperation with the private sector, for the dry storage of spent nuclear fuel at sites adjacent to nuclear powerplants. Directs the NRC to recommend to Congress ways to shorten the time required for licensing of facilities for the storage of spent nuclear fuels in pools.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1981
Requests the President to call on the pertinent members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and on Japan to meet or exceed their pledges for at least a three percent real increase in defense spending in 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1981
Directs a motor carrier of passengers providing transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission to allow its bus operators to install and operate citizens band radios and related accessories in such vehicles for: (1) the safety and benefit of passengers; (2) assisting motor vehicle operators in trouble; and (3) aiding law enforcement officials.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1981
Cigarette Safety Act - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate, within 24 months, final performance standards for cigarettes and little cigars ensuring a minimum capacity for igniting smoldering fabric fires. Authorizes the Commission to prohibit manufacturers from stockpiling such products to which such standards apply. Provides for judicial review of such standards in an appropriate U.S. court of appeals. Declares such cigarette safety standards to be subject to all remedial and penalty provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act for the first three fiscal years beginning after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Presidential Nomination Commission Resolution - Establishes the Commission of Presidential Nominations to make an investigation regarding the presidential nominating process. Directs the Commission to report to the President and Congress respecting such investigation including recommendations for the 1984 presidential elections. Terminates the commission 60 days after submission of such report. Sets forth the powers of such Commission, and related administrative provisions. Authorizes necessary appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the furnishing of certain military aid under such Act to El Salvador. Prohibits extending credits, guaranteeing loans, making sales, and issuing export licenses to El Salvador under the Arms Export Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
State and Local Government Cost Estimate Act of 1981 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Congressional Budget Office, for every significant bill or resolution reported in the House or Senate, to prepare and submit (along with its regular estimate of the Federal cost involved) an estimate of the costs which would be incurred by State and local governments in carrying out or complying with such bill or resolution. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to permit local distribution companies to provide natural gas service to residential customers for use in outdoor lighting fixtures installed and receiving natural gas before the enactment of such Act. Requires each local distribution company, in accordance with rules established by the Secretary of Energy, to: (1) periodically inform its customers of the amount of natural gas consumed by outdoor lighting; and (2) report such information method to the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Commends former President Jimmy Carter, former Secretary of State Edmund Muskie, and former Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher for their success in securing the release of the American hostages held in Iran. Conveys appreciation to the Algerian negotiators for the role they played in resolving the hostage crises. Pays tribute to the eight servicemen killed in the April 1980 effort to rescue the American hostages. Commends President Reagan for designating former President Carter to officially greet the freed hostages.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that any loss which exceeds recognized gain from the holding of a straddle may not be recognized, for income tax deduction purposes, for the period during which a taxpayer holds such straddle, plus 30 days (or before the close of such period if the taxpayer disposes of all the positions which make up a straddle). Provides that the running of the required holding period for capital assets shall be tolled during the same period. Defines "straddle" to mean that there is a substantial reduction of the taxpayer's risk of loss from holding any position with respect to personal property because the taxpayer also holds one or more other positions with respect to personal property (commodities, evidences of indebtedness,currency, and other types of personal property). Creates a rebuttable presumption that two or more positions are offsetting, for purposes of the definition of a straddle, if: (1) the positions are customarily treated as such; (2) the aggregate margin requirement for such positions is lower than the sum of the margin requirement for each such position; or (3) there are other factors, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to regulations, which indicate that such positions are offsetting. Disallows as a deduction, and makes chargeable to capital account, interest and carrying charges with respect to personal property which is part of a straddle. Provides that obligations of the United States, a State or local government, or a U.S. possession issued on a discount basis and payable without interest in less than one year shall be treated as capital assets in determining tax consequences of gain or loss with respect to such obligations. Excludes from capital gains tax treatment gain by a securities dealer from the sale or exchange of any security, unless the security was clearly identified in the dealer's records before the end of the day after the date of acquisition as a security held for investment (currently, before the end of the 30th day after the date of acquisition).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that any loss which exceeds recognized gain from the holding of a straddle may not be recognized, for income tax deduction purposes, for the period during which a taxpayer holds such straddle, plus 30 days (or before the close of such period if the taxpayer disposes of all the positions which make up a straddle). Provides that the running of the required holding period for capital assets shall be tolled during the same period. Defines "straddle" to mean that there is a substantial reduction of the taxpayer's risk of loss from holding any position with respect to personal property because the taxpayer also holds one or more other positions with respect to personal property (commodities, evidences of indebtedness,currency, and other types of personal property). Creates a rebuttable presumption that two or more positions are offsetting, for purposes of the definition of a straddle, if: (1) the positions are customarily treated as such; (2) the aggregate margin requirement for such positions is lower than the sum of the margin requirement for each such position; or (3) there are other factors, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to regulations, which indicate that such positions are offsetting. Disallows as a deduction, and makes chargeable to capital account, interest and carrying charges with respect to personal property which is part of a straddle. Provides that obligations of the United States, a State or local government, or a U.S. possession issued on a discount basis and payable without interest in less than one year shall be treated as capital assets in determining tax consequences of gain or loss with respect to such obligations. Excludes from capital gains tax treatment gain by a securities dealer from the sale or exchange of any security, unless the security was clearly identified in the dealer's records before the end of the day after the date of acquisition as a security held for investment (currently, before the end of the 30th day after the date of acquisition).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Regulatory Negotiations Commissions Act of 1981 - Directs the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to announce the availability of funds for the creation of five regulatory negotiation commissions comprised of representatives of business, local government, and public interest organizations to negotiate and make recommendations concerning regulatory policy in the areas of health, safety, and the environment. Permits interested persons proposing to form such a commission to apply for such funding. Sets forth the required contents of the application and the criteria for approving a commission to receive funds. Requires a commission to have sufficient representation of all persons significantly affected by the area of regulation concerned. Directs each commission receiving such funding to submit to the Chairman annual reports on its activities and a final report containing its recommendations for regulatory policy. Directs the Chairman to transmit the recommendations to all agencies concerned with such area of regulatory policy for their consideration and comments. Requires any agency, when requested by a commission, to send observers to commission meetings to provide requested information. Directs the Chairman to report to Congress by January 1, 1983, on the results of commissions funded under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Exempts such commissions from provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Resource Conservation and Development Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a resource conservation and development program to assist States, local units of government, and local nonprofit organizations to operate and maintain a planning process for land conservation and utilization, natural resources development, and rural economic and environmental improvement. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance in developing area plans for designated rural areas; (2) cooperate in conducting surveys and inventories, disseminating information, and developing area plans; (3) assist in the carrying out of approved area plans by local public agencies and nonprofit organizations designated by States; and (4) enter into specified agreements with such State and local entities. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such agreements. Permits the identification of groups or problems for special consideration in area plans. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Agriculture a Resource Conservation and Development Policy Board to advise the Secretary regarding the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the program provided for in this Act and to report on such evaluation by December 31, 1986. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act, with specified annual limits on technical and financial assistance and on loans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns an election to contribute any portion of their income tax refunds or any additional contributions forwarded with the returns to the support of the arts. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to modify income tax return forms to notify taxpayers of their option to contribute. Authorizes the payment of 100 percent of taxpayer refunds or contributions designated for the support of the arts to the National Endowment for the Arts (Arts Endowment). Directs the transfer of all such amounts, on a proportionate basis, to State arts agencies. Treats payments of funds to State agencies as donations from private persons and not as Federal assistance. Directs the transfer of amounts transferred to State agencies under this Act, on a proportionate basis, to local arts agencies. Imposes restrictions on the use of funds transferred to the Arts Endowment or State or local arts agencies for administrative purposes. Prohibits any local agency to which funds are paid under this Act from requiring any applicant for funds to meet any matching requirement. Prohibits the use of funds raised under this Act for grants to any endowment funds or for other investment purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of the Congress specially struck gold medals to fifty-three individuals held hostage in the United States Embassy in Iran. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) strike fifty-three gold medals with suitable emblems, devices and inscriptions; and (2) coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the standard mileage rate used in computing the charitable deduction for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle shall be the same as the standard mileage rate for the business related deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Grants a Federal charter to the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865. Directs such corporation to submit to Congress an annual report on its activities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans' Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standard currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. Stipulates that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; (2) provide the claimant with an opportunity for a hearing; and (3) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreements with respect to a material issue in a veterans' appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimants' right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of procedural rights and procedures. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternate claims resolution methods, one a new intermediate-level adjudication process, the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Title II: Veterans' Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States, with regard to jurisdiction: (1) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (2) that in cases not directly involving a claim for benefits a civil action otherwise authorized by law shall not be precluded; (3) the definition of final decision; (4) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans; (5) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; and (6) that the court render a decision on the pleadings. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, such court may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits' awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. Stipulates that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. Establishes procedures for the review of the VA's or a court's approval of attorneys' fees. States that in the case of a benefits claim resolved before the VA, either the claimant or the attorney may challenge the award in the Federal district court in which the claimant resides or has his principal place of business within 30 days after notice of the attorneys' award. Provides that all parties be given notice. Stipulates that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - States that this Act shall become effective 180 days after enactment. Permits review of Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions rendered on or after January 1, 1977, and prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to add a new title (Title XI: Regulatory Budget Procedure) to require Congress, on or before September 15 of each year, to complete action on a concurrent resolution establishing a regulatory budget for each Federal agency that sets the maximum costs of compliance with all rules and regulations declared by the agency. Directs the President to establish a Business Advisory Council to include representatives of each major industrial and commercial sector, and each geographic region, to provide such information, advice and consultation as required to develop and carry out regulatory costs analysis procedures. Directs the President, in consultation with the Council, to formulate the criteria for determining the costs of compliance with Federal rules and regulations. Requires the head of each agency, using such criteria, to conduct a study of the costs of compliance with rules and regulations set forth by the agency and to submit such reports to the President, Congress, and the Comptroller General. Directs the Comptroller General to review such agency reports and to submit findings to Congress. Requires the President to include regulatory budget recommendations in the Budget to Congress. Directs Congress to utilize such findings and recommendations in developing the regulatory budget for each agency. Requires Congressional committee reports on bills or resolutions to contain a statement of the estimate of the costs of compliance with agency rules or regulations to carry out the provisions of such bill or resolution. Sets forth the rules for consideration of any bill, resolution, or amendment that would cause the level of costs of compliance for any agency to exceed the maximum costs of compliance as established in the regulatory budget for the agency.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers who do not itemize income tax deductions to claim a deduction from gross income for charitable contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Establishes the Sunday after the first Monday in November in 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988 as the day for election of Representatives and Delegates to the Congress. Requires electors of the President and Vice President for 1984 and 1988 to be appointed on the Sunday after the first Monday in November. Specifies the hours during which polling places shall be opened for such presidential elections. Requires the Federal Election Commission to report to Congress and the President on the amendments made by this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Lundine, Stanley N. [D-NY-34]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000516_200.jpg)