United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Requires the Maritime Administration to set aside specified surplus government ships for the use of LIFE International, a private nonprofit organization, to provide humanitarian services to developing countries. States that such set aside authority shall not apply when the ships are needed for national security purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide that certain fiduciary duties under such Act shall be deemed satisfied by investments in residential housing mortgages that provide adequate security and a reasonable rate of interest. Exempts from specified prohibitions under such Act the placing, investing, or purchase of a mortgage secured by residential housing property if such investment or sale: (1) is adequately secured; (2) is made in accordance with specific provisions rearding such loans set forth in the employee benefit plan; and (3) bears a reasonable rate of interest.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which provide incentives for energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources should not be repealed or amended to reduce such incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Fred Waring, Louis L'Amour, and the widow of Joe Louis. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of each medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and Secretary of State should: (1) urge foreign governments to take measures to stop the production and exportation of illicit narcotics; (2) solicit recommendations for U.S. assistance; and (3) consider the desirability of imposing sanctions on nations in which illicit narcotics trade continues.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Repeals titles XV (National Health Planning and Development) and XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Services Act, effective September 30, 1982. Establishes a 20-year right of recovery for the United States against a facility built or modernized with title XVI funds.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Amends the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act to declare that the United States shall assume exclusive fishery management authority over all fish within a specified fishery conservation zone (currently excludes highly migratory species).
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
United States Olympic Development Fund Checkoff Act of 1981 - Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns an election to contribute one dollar of their income tax refunds or one dollar forwarded with returns to support the fund established by this Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a United States Olympic Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund an amount equivalent to the amount designated on tax returns to be available to the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee for use in a program of expansion and improvement of amateur athletics. Sets forth reporting requirements with respect to the expenditure of such funds by the Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that both Houses of the Congress should be adjourned on October 19,1981, to permit members of the Congress to participate in the bicentennial celebration of the British surrender at Yorktown.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Full Recognition of Angola Resolution - Calls upon the President to recognize the present Government of Angola and to establish full diplomatic relations with Angola.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to honor all American servicemen and civilians still unaccounted for as a result of the conflict in Indochina. Provides that such postage stamp shall be of such denomination, and shall be sold for such a time, as the United States Postal Service shall determine.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House that the President should: (1) implement a U.S. nuclear nonproliferation strategy which strengthens the barriers to the spread of nuclear weapons and prescribes methods for achieving restraint by all nuclear suppliers; (2) encourage nations to ratify the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and strengthen the safeguards operations of the International Atomic Energy Agency, (IAEA); (3) work with other nuclear suppliers and with the IAEA to develop credible sanctions against nations which divert nuclear materials, technologies, or equipment to other than peaceful uses; and (4) implement the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the purchase of United States Capitol Historical Society calendars for Members of the House of Representatives beginning with calendar year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Maritime Act of 1981 - Transfers all of the functions, powers, duties, assets, and liabilities of the Maritime Administration of the Department of Commerce to the Department of Transportation. Establishes the office of the Maritime Administrator to head the Maritime Administration. Transfers personnel employed in connection with the functions transferred by this Act. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to make such incidental dispositions of personnel, assets, liabilities, records, and appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Makes conforming amendments to specified Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Comprehensive Immigration Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit the Attorney General to create a record of lawful admission for, or to defer deportation of, specified aliens present illegally in the United States for at least two years. Establishes a commuter worker program for temporary workers from Mexico and the Western Hemisphere. Sets forth program guidelines. Prohibits present nonimmigrants to change to commuter worker status. Permits adjustment to permanent resident after five years of commuter worker status. Subjects an alien to deportation and criminal penalties for false statements made on an admissions application. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) increase the size and technological capacity of the border patrol; (2) establish a system for issuing machine-readable alien identification cards; and (3) report to the President and the Congress within six months. Authorizes necessary appropriations beginning in fiscal year 1982. Increases the fines for smuggling aliens into the United States. Directs the Secretary of State to consult with Mexico on such commuter worker program and related issues and to report periodically to the Congress. Amends the Social Security Act to require new cards to be counterfeit-resistant and show work status when appropriate. Establishes penalties for their false use or manufacture. Makes it unlawful for an employer to hire illegal immigrants. Provides penalties for such violations. Requires the Attorney General to establish hiring regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Tobacco Deregulation Act of 1981 - Title I: Repeal of Programs Concerning Price Support For and the Marketing of Tobacco - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal specified programs concerning tobacco, including: (1) price supports; (2) parity payments; (3) review and adjustment of quotas; and (4) marketing quotas. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 and the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to prohibit agricultural commodity assistance for tobacco. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from issuing any orders that regulate the handling of tobacco. Makes such provisions applicable to the 1982 and subsequent crops of tobacco. Title II: Withdrawal of Consent Relating to Compacts Among States for Regulating Tobacco Production and Commerce - Repeals provisions relating to compacts among States providing for the control or production of, or commerce in, tobacco within such States. Withdraws congressional consent of such compacts. Title III: Tobacco Inspection and Related Services - Amends the Tobacco Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to collect fees from specified persons for the inspection, certification, and other services concerning tobacco at designated auction markets. Requires that such fees cover the cost of such services. Makes such provisions effective July 1, 1981. Title IV: Warehouse Examination, Inspection, and Licensing - Amends the United States Warehouse Act to direct the Secretary to collect a fee for examinations and inspections of agricultural product warehouses that covers the costs of providing such services. Authorizes appropriations. Makes the above provisions effective October 1, 1982. Title V: Increased Tax on Cigars and Cigarettes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigars and cigarettes.
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 · 22 June 1981
Declares that it is the general policy of the Federal Government to rely on competitive private industry to supply the products and services it needs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, to administer such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Olympic Coin Act of 1981 - Declares the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to provide for the minting of coins to commemorate the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games; and (2) to help finance those games without the use of tax revenues. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint: (1) not more than 30,000,000 copper-nickel clad coins with a face value of one dollar; (2) not more than 22,400,000 silver coins with a face value of ten dollars; (3) not more than 2,400,000 gold coins with a face value of fifty dollars; and (4) not more than 1,400,000 gold coins with a face value of one hundred dollars. Specifies the size and weight of such coins. Specifies that the designs of such coins shall be determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. Sets certain minting specifications for such coins. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee which shall provide for the implementation of the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to furnish such coins to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee at a price agreed to pursuant to such implementation agreement. Provides that all coins minted shall be delivered to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for distribution and sale to the public in accordance with the terms of the implementation agreement. Sets the delivery date for each series of coins. Provides that all proceeds received by the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee from the commercial sale of such coins shall be used for the purpose of staging and promoting the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and assisting the U.S. Olympic Committee and amateur athletics. Provides that all coins authorized by this Act shall be legal tender. Directs that no coins shall be minted pursuant to this Act after December 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that nuclear war represents a great hazard and should be prevented. Urges the President to propose: (1) that the United States and the Soviet Union begin negotiations to reduce substantially their nuclear arsenals; and (2) that conferences should be held among all nuclear nations to propose annual reductions and gradual elimination of all nuclear weapons.
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 · 14 May 1981
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to prohibit assistance to any public agency unless there is in effect with respect to such agency a law enforcement officers' bill of rights which includes, at a minimum, the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any policy complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; and (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, to suspend regulations prohibiting the transportation of forest products to the east and gulf coasts of the United States and to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from any ports on the west coast of the United States in vessels neither built in nor documented under the laws of the U.S. Allows such vessels to be used whenever the Secretary of Commerce determines that domestic vessels are unavailable for such transportation. Specifies conditions under which such suspension shall terminate.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to prohibit any person or organization from entering, or coercing another to enter, into an agreement that requires a common carrier by water or other person subject to such Act not to do business with persons who load, unload, or prepare containers for shipment at locations away from shipping piers or docks.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Virgin Islands Nonimmigrant Alien Adjustment Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Attorney General to adjust to permanent resident status alien workers and their dependents who have resided continuously in the Virgin Islands since June 30, 1975, if: (1) application for such adjustment is made within one year of enactment of this Act; (2) such persons were physically present in the Virgin Islands at the time of such filing; and (3) the worker is otherwise admissible as an immigrant. States that such status adjustments shall not reduce the number of available total or national immigrant visas. Authorizes the Secretary of State, after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of the Virgin Islands, to limit the number of second preference immigrant visas issued to spouses or unmarried sons or daughters of aliens adjusted under this Act. Prohibits the filing of fourth (married sons or daughters) or fifth (brothers or sisters) preference immigrant petitions by aliens adjusted under this Act unless: (1) at the time of filing such person is physically present and has resided continuously in the United States for at least two years; or (2) a case of extreme hardship exists. Prohibits the admission of alien workers to perform temporary labor in the Virgin Islands. Establishes the Interagency Task Force on Virgin Islands Immigration to analyze the impact, including the possible need for Federal assistance, on the Virgin Islands of providing health, housing, education and other social services to persons admitted under this Act. Requires a report to be submitted to the President and the Congress within one year after enactment of this Act. Disbands the Task Force 60 days after transmittal of such report. Authorizes specified appropriations.
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 · 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 · 10 April 1981
Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to State educational agencies to fund model programs, designed and operated by local educational agencies, for the improvement and expansion of foreign language study for children aged five through 17 who reside within their school districts. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of such grants based on State population. Sets forth provisions relating to the availability of such funds. Sets forth grant application requirements for State educational agencies. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to cover part of the costs of foreign language instruction for their students. Sets forth formulas to determine whether an institution is eligible for such grants, based on the percentage of its student body enrolled in qualified postsecondary language courses. Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards, including reporting requirements, for programs assisted by such grants. Sets forth formulas for determining the amounts of such grants, based on numbers of students enrolled in such courses. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each institution of higher education which requires at least two years of postsecondary credits in foreign language (or a competency equivalent) for each graduating student. Sets forth formulas for determining the amounts of such grants, based on the number of students enrolled in the institution. Prohibits any grant or contract under this Act except to such extent, or in such amounts, as may be provided in appropriation Acts. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1985 to carry out grant programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1981 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44 of Title 18, United States Code - Amends the Federal criminal code to direct the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, assembly, importation, sale, or transfer any handgun model which is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, importer, dealer, or collector to manufacture, assemble, sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun (other than a curio or relic) which is not an approved model. Makes it unlawful for any non- licensee to sell or transfer any handgun (other than curio or relic) unless such person knows or has reasonable cause to believe such handgun is an approved model. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for permits to carry and purchase handguns and certify those meeting specified standards. Allows an individual possessing a permit under a certified State law to purchase a handgun if certain requirements are met. Makes it unlawful for a licensed dealer to transfer a handgun to a person not holding a permit under a certified State law unless certain procedures are followed. Requires in any such case that the transferee appear in person at the dealer's business premises. Requires the dealer, before delivery of the handgun, to forward a copy of a sworn statement by the transferee to the chief local law enforcement officer of the transferee's place of residence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an identity and record check. Prohibits delivery until 21 days after submission of the sworn statement. Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to sell to the same person, or for any non-licensee to purchase, three or more handguns during a period of one year, without the prior approval of the Attorney General. Makes it unlawful for any person to fail to report the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his possession to the authorities within 24 hours after discovering such loss. Requires all licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to maintain accurate records of all handgun transfers. Makes whoever negligently transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury of an individual as a result of the use of such handgun by the transferee during commission of an offense. Makes it unlawful for any person to transport any firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce if such transportation violates a State law in a place through which the firearm was shipped or an ordinance at the place of sale, delivery, or other disposition. Increases the license fee for handgun dealers from $10 to $500 and for manufacturers and importers from $50 to $5,000. Makes it unlawful for any illegal alien, dishonorably discharged member of the Armed Forces, or U.S. citizen who has renounced such citizenship to possess, transport, or receive any firearm or ammunition. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970 to revise and increase the mandatory penalties for using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "illegally." Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense to two to ten years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and five to 25 years for a second offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences, unless the court finds the existence of enumerated mitigating circumstances. Adds a term of parole ineligibility as an additional restriction on first offenders (two years) and subsequent offenders (five years). Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to the Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Establishes the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration within the Department of Justice. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, in consultation with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities, to report on the intergovernmental problems involved in controlling illicit handgun traffic and the effectiveness of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for the conduct of an epidemiological study of the long-term health effects in humans from exposure to dioxins produced during manufacture of phenoxy herbicides, including Agent Orange. Requires such study to give particular attention to Vietnam veterans. Directs the Secretary to request the National Academy of Sciences to design and analyze the data from such a study or, if the Academy refuses, another appropriate public or nonprofit entity. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such study. Stipulates that such study shall be conducted in lieu of the study authorized by Public Law 96-151.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with various declarations and international agreements by providing proper medical care to Yuriy Shukhevych, by releasing him from prison, and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; (2) the President should express continuing U.S. opposition to the imprisonment and maltreatment of Yuriy Shukhevych; and (3) the President should reiterate that the United States, in evaluating its relations with other nations, will consider the extent to which other nations honor their international commitments, especially their human rights commitments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Elephant Protection Act of 1981 - Prohibits importing or exporting African elephants or elephant products. Prohibits the acquisition, transportation, or sale in interstate commerce of such products imported in violation of this Act. Permits individuals to: (1) import and export a total of 10,000 pounds of unworked ivory for six months after enactment of this Act; and (2) import worked ivory for 90 days after enactment if there is no intention to sell such ivory in the United States. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants and elephant products if the Secretary finds that: (1) such nation has developed and implemented an elephant conservation program according to specified criteria; (2) the products can be traced as coming from a particular nation; (3) the products are acquired and transported in compliance with laws of the originating nation; (4) the importation or exportation will not be detrimental to the survival of the species; and (5) the permit is applied for in good faith. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants or elephant products to enhance propagation or survival of the species and is consistent with the policy of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress concerning granting of such permits. Sets forth civil or criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for the remittance or mitigation by the Secretary of any civil penalty assessed under this Act. Provides for the forfeiture of elephants, elephant products, or vehicles aiding in the importation, exportation, acquisition, or transportation of such products contrary to the provisions of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Authorizes the payment of rewards to persons furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Requires all imports and exports of elephant products to go through either the Port of New York or the Port of Seattle, Washington. Exempts from this Act: (1) elephants imported or exported for zoological, educational, scientific, or exhibitional purposes; (2) elephant products included in a keyboard for a musical instrument; (3) elephant products taken and imported or exported by a sports hunter; and (4) elephant products taken and transported in compliance with the laws of the originating nation. Supersedes the Endangered Species Act and State laws regarding elephants and elephant products. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a program to assist nations to: (1) protect elephant habitats; (2) conserve living elephants; and (3) develop and implement elephant conservation management programs. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of the Interior and State for fiscal years 1983, 1984, and 1985.
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 · 31 March 1981
Voting Rights Act Repealer Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen who is a member of a language minority to vote. Repeals bilingual election requirements that States and other political subdivisions make available registration, voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority.
![Official portrait of Rep. McCloskey, Paul N., Jr. [R-CA-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000343_200.jpg)