United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Small Business Innovation and Research Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to assist small businesses in obtaining Government contracts for research and development. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $100,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to conduct a small business innovation research (SBIR) program during such years. Requires each agency which conducts an SBIR program to spend annually a specified percentage of its budget in connection with such program. Directs the SBA to maintain an information program to assure small businesses the opportunity to participate in SBIR programs. Requires each such agency to identify categories of research and development controls which shall be the basis for contracts under the agency's SBIR program and promulgate regulations which provide for simplified, standardized SBIR solicitation, funding, and reporting processes. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to promulgate regulations for the general conduct of SBIR programs. Requires each agency which conducts an SBIR program to report to the SBA the number of research and development contracts over $10,000 in amount made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the SBA to independently monitor, and report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on, the Federal SBIR programs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Secretary of Commerce dealing with the Federal consistency provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $100,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $20,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) express to the Soviet Union the U.S. opposition to the Soviet's imprisonment of Benedict Scott (Vytautas Skuodis); and (2) take every appropriate action to secure his release from prison and the emigration of him and his family.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the House shall not consider any bill, resolution, or conference report thereon reducing social security benefits prior to the opening of the second session of the 97th Congress. Instructs the House conferees on H.R. 3982 to recede and concur in an amendment deleting from the conference report on H.R. 3982 the section which repeals minimum social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Airline Deregulation Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to modify the definition of "ticket agent" as used in such Act. Directs air carriers to file with the Civil Aeronautics Board until December 31, 1982, individual and joint fares and charges, classifications, rules, and services for or in connection with interstate and overseas passenger air transportation. Requires that such filings shall be made with the Secretary of Transportation between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 1984. Prohibits air carriers and ticket agents from charging or collecting greater or less or different compensation than that specified in such filings. Transfers the authority of the Board relating to foreign air transportation to the Department of Transportation. Accelerates to January 1, 1983, the transfer of specified authority of the Board. Allows the Board to approve any contract or agreement that reduces or eliminates competition if it finds that the contract or agreement is necessary to secure important public benefits, including the marketing and sale of transportation through ticket agents. Sets forth the expiration dates for specified authority of the Secretary relating to contract approvals. Revises the expiration date and contents of the Secretary's (currently the Board's) report to Congress concerning the implementation of such Act. Prohibits the Board from issuing any final order or rule in regard to agreements among air carriers and agreements among foreign air carriers insofar as those agreements provide for the accreditation and supervision of travel agents. Directs the Board to forward the recommendations and analyses concerning such proceedings to the Secretary for final disposition. Prohibits the Board and the Department from attaching an expiration date on any certificate of public convenience and necessity. Deletes provisions concerning the issuance of such certificates for temporary authority to provide air transportation. Requires that each air carrier or foreign air carrier shall keep on file with the Board after January 1, 1983, the established divisions of all joint rates, fares, and charges for air transportation in which such carrier participates.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Campaign Finance Reform Amendments of 1981 -- Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to increase the limitations on contributions to campaigns for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Raises the ceiling from $1,000 to $2,500 for an individual's total contribution to any candidate for the House of Representatives and his or her authorized political committees. Imposes a limit on the total amount such a candidate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees of $75,000 for a general or special election (with an extra $25,000 in the case of a run-off). Imposes a ceiling on the total amount a candidate for the Senate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees. Sets such ceiling at: (1) the greater of $25,000, or the product of $12,500 times the number of State Representatives, in the case of a run-off election; or (2) the greater of $75,000, or the product of $37,500 times the number of State Representatives (not to exceed $500,000), for a general or special election (including conventions and primaries). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for political contributions from $50 to $100 ($100 to $200 for joint returns). Allows two separate tax credits, up to such amounts, for contributions: (1) to individual candidates and political committees; and (2) to national, State, and local committees of a national political party.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Prohibits a State, or any of its political subdivisions, from imposing a tax with respect to natural gas which discriminates against any out-of-State producers, transporters, consumers, distributors, or users of natural gas or which applies only to gas produced outside the territory of such State. Deems any tax as discriminatory if it results in a greater tax burden on interstate natural gas than on intrastate gas.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to state that a food intended for human consumption shall be deemed misbranded unless it is labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium it contains when in excess of a certain amount of milligrams. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food from such requirement by requiring the information to be prominently displayed in close proximity to the place of display or sale of such food. Exempts from such labeling requirements any manufacturer of such foods whose total annual sale are less than a specified amount.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as long-term capital gain amounts actually paid to a taxpayer with respect to a small business participating debenture (SBPD) which constitute the distribution of a share of the earnings of the issuer. Defines "small business participating debenture" (SBPD) as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which: (1) is a general obligation of such business; (2) bears interest at not less than specified by the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's total earnings. Defines "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $10,000,000; (2) the face value of all of whose outstanding SBPD's does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats members of a controlled group of corporations as a single taxpayer. Denies capital gains treatment where the taxpayer is a "related party" to the SBPD issuer. Treats losses on small business participating debentures as ordinary losses. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on such debentures.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, for placement in a suitable location in the Capitol.
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 · 17 June 1981
Amends the copyright law to eliminate the pre- July 1, 1982, restriction on the application of the manufacturing requirements to nondramatic literary material.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) urge France and Italy not to sell sensitive nuclear technology or material to Iraq to replace the reactor and equipment destroyed by Israel; (2) strengthen the U. S. nuclear nonproliferation policy and improve restrictions on the export of nuclear technology or material which can be used to make atomic weapons; (3) veto any United Nations condemnation of Israel for the raid in Iraq; and (4) determine the adequacy of the international system of safeguards. Declares that Congress should impose no economic or military sanctions against Israel for the raid on Iraq's reactor.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives over the hunger strike in Northern Ireland. Calls upon the British government to exercise greater urgency and flexibility in finding a resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for home health care and nursing home expenses paid by families on behalf of their relatives.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary insurance program to provide insurance benefits for aged and disabled individuals and individuals medically determined to have end stage renal disease to be financed from premium payments by enrollees and excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products. Provides for coverage of the following under the program: (1) routine physical checkups, not exceeding one in any two-year period; (2) routine eye care, including the dispensing of eyeglasses no more than once a year; (3) dental care, including teeth cleaning, extractions, and crowns and bridges (as authorized); (4) hearing care, including examinations and hearing aids; and (5) prescription drugs and biologicals. Directs the Secretary to provide for a program certifying hearing aids. Creates a Trust Fund from which benefits will be paid to enrolled individuals, after payment of an annual $60 deductible. States that the Fund shall consist of gifts and bequests as provided in title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Act and 100 percent of a special tax on alcohol and tobacco established under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish such tax. Creates a Board of Trustees for the Fund and sets forth the reporting requirements. Sets forth provisions detailing the procedure for payment of claims of providers of services and the use of carriers for administration of benefits. Declares that every individual who: (1) is entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII; or (2) has attained age 65, is eligible to enroll. Sets forth provisions relating to enrollment and the enrollment period. Provides that the monthly premium shall be equal to the monthly premium under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, at the request of a State, to enter into an agreement with a State pursuant to which individuals receiving money payments under the following titles of the Act will be enrolled under the program: (1) individuals receiving money payments under a plan approved under title I (Old Age and Medical Assistance for the Aged) or XVI (Supplemental Security Income); or (2) individuals receiving money payments under all of the State plans approved under titles I, X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), XVI, and IV, part A (Aid to families with Dependent Children). Permits the Secretary to enter into a modification of an agreement with a State under which individuals who are entitled to benefits under title II of the Act or who are eligible under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act may be included within the coverage group covered under such a State agreement. Directs the Secretary to provide for a project demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of providing services and appliances, as a benefit under the program established by this Act, to assist or compensate for visual impairment in low-vision individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for protection and advocacy of individual rights, university affiliated grants, and State allotments. Revises the system for evaluating services provided to persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make allotments to States to design, test, and operate a comprehensive evaluation system which meets certain standards. Permits the Secretary to reserve up to ten percent of total allotments appropriated each fiscal year for such purpose. Revises the Secretary's authority to make special project grants to require that demonstration projects be conducted in more than one State, involve the participation of two or more Federal agencies, or otherwise be of national significance. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for special project grants at a reduced level. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funding under this Act by contract in lieu of by grant.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income medicare payments for physicians' services which exceed $10,000. Limits the aggregate amount excluded from gross income and which is attributable to services performed by any one physician to $15,000.
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
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the week commencing on June 7, 1981, should be designated as "National Italian-American Heritage Week."
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Limits the term of office of the President and Vice President to six years. Prohibits any person from being elected President if such person has filled a vacancy in such office for more than three years. Provides for elections to the House of Representative every four years. Prohibits Members from being elected to the House more than three times and to the Senate more than twice. Repeals the twenty-second amendment to the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Small Business Investment Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce corporate income tax rates. Exempts from income taxation any income resulting from the transfer of stock to an individual exercising a stock option under an incentive stock option plan. Specifies that the optionee may not dispose of stock within two years after an option is granted nor within one year after the transfer of shares. Requires that the optionee be an employee of the corporation granting such option at all times during the period after an option is granted and for three months after such option is exercised. Defines "incentive stock option" as an option granted to an individual in connection with employment by a corporation to purchase stock of such corporation. Sets forth the following conditions for the granting of such options: (1) approval of a plan for granting options by the shareholders of the corporation; (2) the granting of options within ten years of either the adoption or approval of the plan; (3) the termination of the option after ten years; (4) an option-price which is not less than the fair market value of the stock subject to such option; (5) the nontransferability of the option; and (6) the optionee may not hold more than ten percent of the stock of the corporation, unless the option price is at least 110 percent of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option and such option is terminable five years after it is granted. Allows corporations engaged in marketmaking activities a limited deduction equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount of additions during the taxable year to a reserve for gains from marketmaking activities; or (2) the amount of gain from such activities. Defines "marketmaking activities" as the purchase and sale by a dealer in securities of over-the-counter equity securities which are: (1) issued by a corporation with less than $25,000,000 in stock and securities outstanding; and (2) held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of trade or business. Requires specified withdrawals from the marketmaking reserve at the close of the taxable year and includes amounts so withdrawn in gross income. Provides for nonrecognition of any long-term capital gain from the sale of small business stock, except to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of small business stock purchased by the taxpayer within 18 months after the date of such sale. Prescribes a three-year statute of limitations for the assessment of any deficiency attributable to gain realized by the sale of such stock. Increases the allowable number of shareholders in a Subchapter S Corporation from 15 to 25. Increases the allowable cost of used property eligible for the investment tax credit and allows a three-year carryback and seven-year carryover of the excess cost of such property. Permits the quarterly refund of excise taxes on special fuels used for nontaxable purposes by intercity, local, or school buses if $50 or more of the refundable amount is payable during any of the first three quarters of the taxable year. Reduces the estate and gift tax rates. Provides for an exemption of $300,000 reduced by amounts allowed as specific exemptions by repealed Code provisions from the gross estate and from the amount used in computing taxable gifts. Repeals the unified credit against the estate and gift taxes. Repeals the existing limitations on the marital deduction for gift and estate taxes. Increases from $3,000 to $10,000 the annual gift tax exclusion. Revises the definition of "qualified real property," for purposes of the special use valuation, to qualify property used by a member of the decedent's family. Permits disabled individuals and those receiving social security benefits to qualify for the special use valuation of certain farms and other real property if they have materially participated in the operation of the farm or business for five out of the eight years preceding the year in which they become disabled or eligible for such benefits. Permits the spouse of a decedent to use such valuation if the spouse has actually managed the farm or business for ten years preceding the decedent's death or takes over active management upon the decedent's death. Permits the owner of a woodland to qualify for the special use valuation if he or she has used such property for a farming purpose for ten years prior to the decedent's death. Reduces from 15 to ten years the length of time a qualified property must be held following the decedent's death before it can be disposed of without incurring a recapture of estate tax benefits. Permits active management rather than material participation as a test for qualification for 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 the special use valuation. Allows like kind exchange of property without loss of special use valuation qualification. Repeals the requirement that an heir elect special treatment for involuntary conversions of qualified real property, thus making such treatment automatic upon such conversion. Revises the method of valuing farms to permit the use of bases other than cash in calculating average annual gross rental, whether or not any portion of the property has in fact been rented. States that gifts made within three years of a decedent's death shall be valued as of the time of transfer rather than as of the date of death. Modifies the alternate extension of time for payment of the estate tax where the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business to: (1) allow an installment payment election if the value of the interest in the closely held business is either 35 percent of the value of the gross estate or 50 percent of the taxable estate; (2) increase to 50 percent the value of an interest disposed of which will accelerate the payment of tax; and (3) permit payment, but with a penalty, of an installment within six months after the due date. Allows a disclaimer of an interest in property for estate tax purposes in specified circumstances where such disclaimer does not result in the passing of the interest concerned under the applicable State law. Increases the capital gains deduction from 60 percent to 75 percent. Reduces the rate of alternative minimum tax for individuals. Reduces the alternative tax on the capital gains of corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require a blind person to have at least six quarters of coverage in order to be eligible for disability benefits. Specifies the method of computing the average indexed monthly earnings of a blind individual for purposes of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that the benefits of a blind person shall not be reduced because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Requires recomputation of the disability insurance benefit of a blind individual who applies for a recomputation if such recomputation would result in a higher primary insurance amount.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Title I: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Requires a principal who enters into a contract with a sales representative for the solicitation of orders for merchandise of the principal to furnish specified information to the representative, including monthly commission statements. Enumerates items to be included in any written contract between a principal and sales representative in order to conform with this Act. Title II: Indemnification - Exempts principals who have entered into a written contract in conformity with title I from the indemnification requirements of this title. Requires any principal to indemnify a sales representative in accordance with this title if such principal: (1) without good cause terminates a representative's assignment or reduces the geographical territory assigned to a representative; (2) reduces the rate of commission paid to a representative; or (3) reduces the number of accounts assigned within a geographical territory. Sets forth a formula for the indemnification of such representatives. Title III: Miscellaneous - Permits actions to be brought in Federal district court to enforce the rights or liabilities of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to permit a bank, a bank holding company or a subsidiary thereof, or a savings and loan association to: (1) organize, sponsor, operate, or render investment advice to an investment company; or (2) underwrite, distribute, sell, or issue securities of any such investment company which is organized, sponsored, operated, controlled, or so advised by a bank, a bank holding company or a subsidiary thereof, or a savings and loan association. Requires officers and employees of banks or savings and loan associations who sell such securities to meet such standards with respect to training, experience, and sales practices as the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board shall prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
National Automotive Research Act of 1981 - Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to require the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to plan, direct, and conduct automotive research and technology development activities, utilizing to the extent possible the capabilities of other Government laboratories, private industry, and institutions of higher learning. Gives contract or grant priorities to American industrial concerns with production activities in the United States. Requires NASA to establish and implement a program to solicit and evaluate ideas from inventors and to stimulate the further development of specified ideas. Transfers to NASA within two years of enactment all automotive research and technology development activities currently being conducted by other Federal departments and agencies and as many of the positions, personnel, property, and funds of such departments and agencies as the Administrator of NASA shall recommend. Authorizes and directs the Administrator to prepare a comprehensive management program for the conduct of research and technology development activities under this Act, including a progress report on the transfer to NASA of the automotive research and development activities of other departments and agencies. Requires the Administrator to transmit such program to the appropriate committees of Congress. Requires the Administrator to detail modifications in such program in the annual budget submission. Authorizes specified amounts through fiscal year 1982 and amounts to be set in annual authorization Acts for subsequent fiscal years to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Declares it to be the intent of Congress to ensure that small businesses receive at least 48 percent of any business tax reductions enacted during this session.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Noninstitutional Long-Term Care Services for the Elderly and Disabled Act - Amends the Social Security Act by adding a new title, title XXI (Noninstitutional Acute and Long-Term Care Services for the Elderly and the Disabled), to provide a comprehensive system of noninstitutional health, developmental, and social services for individuals with chronic disabilities. Entitles an eligible individual to the following benefits: (1) home health services; (2) homemaker-home health aide services; (3) adult day services; (4) respite care services for up to 14 days, or 336 hours, in any year; (5) service coordination; (6) home help services; and (7) other services, provided on a demonstration basis, which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines may be of value. Sets forth definitions of such benefits. Provides benefits to every individual who: (1) has attained age 65; (2) is disabled and eligible for benefits under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income), XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid) of the Act; (3) was eligible for such benefits and ceased to be so eligible, but only if loss of benefits would seriously jeopardize such individual's ability to continue to live in a noninstitutional community residence and such individual's income is not sufficient to allow such individual to provide a reasonable equivalent of the services available under this Act; or (4) has been certified as eligible by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. States that no eligible individual shall be eligible to receive any benefits under title XXI or any long-term care benefits under titles XVIII, XIX, or XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Act unless such individual has a plan of care, as specified in this Act, and has been screened and assessed by a preadmission assessment and screening team (PAT) in order to determine the types and frequency of services required by such individual and in order to assure the maximum level of independence for such individual. Requires the Governor of each State to designate the State agency or agencies which shall administer or supervise the administration of the States' PAT program. Directs such agency or agencies to designate the PAT. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any PAT, and any State, for the reasonable costs incurred under this Act. Requires beneficiaries under title XXI to make copayments. Sets limits based on income for such copayments. Exempts those below the poverty line from copayments. Directs the Secretary to pay amounts for benefits incurred by an eligible individual in accordance with specified guidelines. Creates the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund into which specified funds will be deposited in order to make the payments required by this Act. Coordinates the provisions of this Act with titles XVIII, XIX, and XX of the Act by providing that no payment shall be made under such titles to or on behalf of an individual who is eligible under title XXI for services available under title XXI, unless the individual seeking coverage first undergoes a preadmission screening and assessment as provided in title XXI. States that this Act shall be effective between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 1987. Directs the Secretary to monitor the effects of this Act and report to Congress. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct an ongoing evaluation of the effects of this Act and to report to Congress.
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
Coastal Barrier Resources Act - Declares the findings and intentions of Congress in regard to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the coastal barriers along the Atlantic and gulf coasts of the United States. Establishes the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System) which shall consist of specified undeveloped coastal barriers on the Atlantic and gulf coasts. Requires that certain coastal barrier maps shall be available for public inspection through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide copies of such maps to the chief executive officer of: (1) each State and political subdivision in which a System unit is located; and (2) each affected Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to make necessary modifications to such maps and to notify specified Congressional committees of same. Limits, to specified projects, Federal expenditures on or financial assistance for purposes within the System. Lists those projects eligible for financial assistance. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify annually to Congress that the Federal agencies concerned have complied with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the contents of reports to be filed by the Secretary with specified Congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of this Act.
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 · 7 April 1981
Economic Opportunity Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands within the definition of 'State' for the purposes of such Act. Title I: Research and Demonstrations - Permits the Director of the Community Services Administration to provide financial assistance through grants or contracts for research, demonstration, or pilot projects for urban and rural community development. Requires the Director, as a part of the annual report to the Congress on the activities of such office, to submit a description for each fiscal year of the current plan of activities, together with a statement indicating the time and, to the extent feasible, the manner in which the benefits of such activities and findings are expected to be realized. Requires the Director to develop and carry out pilot projects which are designed to: (1) aid low-income elderly persons to achieve greater self-sufficiency; (2) focus upon the problems of rural poverty; (3) develop new techniques and community-based efforts to prevent narcotics addiction or to rehabilitate narcotics addicts; (4) encourage the participation of private organizations other than nonprofit organizations, in programs under such Act; or (5) strengthen and maintain the family unit. Requires the Director to conduct research and pilot projects designed to: (1) assure a more effective use of the human and natural resources of rural America and to slow the migration from rural areas due to lack of economic opportunity; and (2) suggest new programs and policies to achieve economic development of urban and rural low-income areas in such ways as to provide opportunities for employment, ownership, and a better quality of life for low-income community residents. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such programs through fiscal year 1984. Title II: Urban and Rural Community Action Programs - Makes the strengthening and support of the low-income family unit a purpose of such Act. Terminates the "Summer Youth Recreation" program under such Act. Establishes the "Youth and family development" program which shall be designed to strengthen and maintain low-income families and assist economically disadvantaged children and youth. Makes the Northern Mariana Islands eligible for assistance under such Act for the development and implementation of community action programs. Requires the Director to reserve not more than five percent of the sums which are appropriated or allocated for assistance under such Act for allotment in accordance with such criteria and procedures as the Director may prescribe. Directs the Director to utilize the criteria of poverty used by the Bureau of the Census in compiling the 1980 decennial census for the allotment of funds under such Act. Reserves a specified amount of appropriated funds to carry out the national youth sports program. Terminates research for the development of new approaches to the problems of rural poverty. Permits financial assistance under such Act to include funds to provide reimbursement of actual expenses for attendance at meetings of any community action governing board, neighborhood council, or committee meeting. Increases, to $22,275, the amount of financial assistance that an employee engaged in carrying out community action program activities under such Act may receive per year. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out rural community action programs. Title III: Special Programs to Combat Poverty in Rural Areas - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out special programs to combat poverty in rural areas. Title IV: Assistance for Migrant and Other Seasonally Employed Farmworkers and Their Families - Requires the Director of the Community Service Administration to coordinate programs with the Office of Economic Development to assist or serve migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to provide assistance for migrant and other seasonally employed farmworkers and their families. Title V: Head Start and Follow Through - Authorizes appropriations though fiscal year 1986 to carry out the Head Start and Follow Through programs. Extends such program through June 30, 1986. Title VI: Administration and Coordination - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for the National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity and for programs for the elderly poor. Eliminates the transfer of funds from one program or activity under such Act to any other program or activity. Prohibits the release of any funds to any agency receiving financial assistance for work training, programs to combat poverty in rural areas, employment and investment incentives, administration and coordination, or community economic development until it has submitted to the Director a statement certifying that the assisted agency and its delegate agencies have established an accounting system with internal controls. Requires the Director, within three months after the effective date of a grant to or contract of assistance with an organization, to provide for a preliminary audit survey to review and evaluate the adequacy of such accounting system and internal controls. Requires the Director, not less than every two years, to provide for an audit of each organization receiving grants or contracts of assistance under such Act. Title VII: Community Economic Development - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out community economic development programs. Terminates the requirement of a plan of action for the establishment of a Model Community Economic Development Finance Corporation. Terminates the research and demonstration projects designed to suggest new programs to achieve the purposes of such Act in such ways as to provide opportunities for employment, ownership, and a better quality of life for low-income residents. Title VIII: Native American Programs - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out Native American programs. Title IX: Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for program and project evaluation. Title X: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Directs the Chief of Engineers, in lieu of local interests, to dredge and maintain a suitable channel of a specified depth and distance from the inner end of the navigation project for Lynn Harbor, Massachusetts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the: (1) U.S. representative to the World Health Assembly should vote for the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes; (2) American infant formula industry should abide by such code; (3) President should encourage other governments to call upon their infant formula industries to comply with this code; and (4) President should cooperate with governments of developing countries to develop health standards and programs to implement this code.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Small Business Procurement Reform Act of 1981 - Requires that any Government procurement contract for which a notice for bidding is published in the Commerce Business Daily remain open for bidding for at least 30 days. Establishes exceptions to such requirement in specified circumstances. Amends the Small Business Act to establish a goal of 20 percent participation by small business concerns with each Federal agency for the procurement of items which the Small Business Administration (SBA) determines can be produced by small business. Directs each Federal agency to take all feasible steps to subdivide large procurements into smaller components on which small businesses can bid. Requires any Federal agency to provide small business concerns, upon request, with copies and summaries of laws and regulations materially affecting the performance of contracts open for bids under $100,000. Establishes Government procurement contract arbitration panels within the SBA to facilitate the resolution of contract disputes between any small business concern and any Federal agency having procurement authority. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee to advise the Administrator of the SBA and Congress on Government procurement contracts awarded to or set aside for small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Directs the President to award a special gold medal to Fred Waring. Stipulates that funds may not be appropriated under this Act for any period before October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Defense Contract Profit Control Act - Requires defense contractors, during an emergency period, to submit an annual report to the Secretary of Defense disclosing their total profit, and the percentage of such profit, on certain contracts during the preceding year. Sets forth the baseline profit percentage allowable on defense contracts during such period and the method to determine how much excessive profit should be returned to the United States. Repeals existing provisions of law relating to profit limitations on contracts for the construction of aircraft and naval vessels.
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 · 26 March 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President and the Secretary of Defense should make every effort to remove waste and inefficiency from Department of Defense programs and that the expenditure of appropriated funds for national defense purposes should be closely monitored.
![Official portrait of Rep. Mavroules, Nicholas [D-MA-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000264_200.jpg)