United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit of 25 percent of the qualified research and experimental expenditures paid or incurred by a taxpayer in connection with his trade or business. Defines "qualified research and experimental expenditures" as those business-related expenditures which are currently deductible under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, but limits the scope of such expenditures to technological research designed to develop or improve products or services. Excludes expenditures for research or experimentation in the social sciences or humanities, government-funded research, or research carried on in the taxpayer's behalf. Limits the amount of expenditures eligible for the credit to those which exceed 100 percent of the annual average of such expenditures for the immediately preceding three years. Provides for a three-year carryback and seven-year carryover of unused credits.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1980
Declares that the people of Poland should be allowed to settle their own affairs, including the formation of independent trade unions and the right to strike, without foreign interference.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1980
Declares that the California delegation to the Congress joins with the California State Assembly in recognizing August 24, 1980, as "Dia de Mexicanos Americanos" in honor of the cultural contributions of Mexican Americans in that State.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1980
Capital Investment Incentive Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 60 percent to 70 percent the noncorporate capital gains deduction from gross income. Reduces from 28 percent to 21 percent the corporate alternative minimum tax rate on capital gains.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Tax Rate Reduction Act of 1980 - Title I: Individual Tax Rates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual income tax rates for calendar years 1981 through 1985, and permanently thereafter. Title II: Inflation Adjustments for Taxable Years Beginning After 1985 - Requires annual cost of living adjustments to income levels in each income tax bracket, beginning in calendar year 1985. Requires similar cost of living adjustments to the $1,000 personal tax exemption. Increases the minimum income levels at which a taxpayer is required to file an income tax return by providing that such levels shall be equal to the taxpayer's income tax exemption and zero bracket amount, adjusted for inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,000 for calendar years prior to 1986 and phases out the amount of the credit by $500 decrements until 1989 when such credit terminates. Defines "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1980 and before January 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1980
Presidential Nomination Commission Resolution - Establishes the Commission on Presidential Nominations to make an investigation regarding the presidential nominating process. Directs the Commission to report to the President and Congress respecting such investigation, including recommendations for the 1984 presidential elections. States that the Commission shall cease to exist 60 days after submitting such report. Sets forth the powers of such Commission and related administrative provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1980
Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to revise the definition of "employee" to exclude (in addition to the currently excluded masters, or crew members, of any vessel) persons who at the time of injury were: (1) officers or employees of any government; (2) engaged in any employment which is not a direct or integral part of vessel loading, unloading, repairing, building, or breaking; or (3) providing services on or for any vessel less than 65 feet in length, while covered by a State workers' compensation program. Removes the conditions under which compensation for disability or death shall be payable. Increases the maximum rates of compensation for disability and extends such limits to compensation for death. Sets the maximum rate of compensation, with specified exceptions, at the lessor of: (1) an amount equal to 80 percent of the employee's spendable earnings; or (2) an amount equal to 200 percent of the applicable national average weekly wage. Defines "spendable earnings" as the employee's average weekly wage reduced by amounts required to be withheld under Federal and State tax laws. Directs the Secretary of Labor to publish tables in the Federal Register showing the amount of such "spendable earnings" for various wage levels. Entitles an employee to choose an attending physician from an applicable listing established by the deputy commissioner with jurisdiction with respect to such injury. Directs the deputy commissioner to actively supervise such medical care. Requires an attending physician who refers an employee to a medical specialist or consulting physician to notify the employer and submit a report, with reasons for such referral, to the employer and the deputy commissioner. Requires such specialists or consultants to submit reports in order to collect fees. Requires an employee seeking recovery of expenses for medical treatment or services to obtain such treatment in a specified manner and to provide written notice of such treatment or services to the employer within ten days after the date of the first treatment or services. Establishes procedures for providing independent medical examinations when medical questions arise. Entitles employers to specified relief in cases where the workplace injury is the sole cause of an impairment or disability. Provides for reexaminations of such estimates of the degree of impairment due to the workplace injury. Repeals specified provisions which made certain physicians who had participated in a fee relating to any other workmen's compensation claim during the previous two years ineligible for employment as independent medical examiners unless the parties to the claim agreed otherwise. Requires that 80 percent of spendable earnings be paid to an employee during the continuance of permanent total disability, subject to specified limitations. Requires, for a determination of total disability, that an employee prove by substantial evidence that as a result of the injury he or she is permanently unable to earn any wages in employment, in cases other than ones of loss of two or more specified body parts. Requires that 80 percent of spendable earnings be paid to an employee during the continuance of temporary total disability, subject to specified limitations. Prohibits such compensation from being paid after the employee attains the retirement age for the appropriate industry and geographical region. Sets the compensation rate for permanent partial disability at 80 percent of the spendable earnings of the employee, subject to specified limitations. Extends such limitations to the "other cases" category of permanent partial disability compensation and terminates such compensation after the employee attains the appropriate retirement age. Deletes a provision subjecting such compensation to reconsideration of the degree of impairment by the deputy commissioner. Bars employees suffering injuries in specified categories from seeking additional compensation in this "other cases" category. Allows employers to reduce permanent partial disability compensation when an employee's actual wages or wage earning capacity have increased or to suspend such compensation when such wages equal or exceed average weekly wages before the injury. Requires the approval of the deputy commissioner for such reductions or suspensions of compensation with such approval to be reviewable by an administrative law judge. Allows employees whose actual wages or wage earning capacity decrease, solely as a result of the injury, to less than their average weekly wage before the injury to request reviews of their compensation payments. Eliminates a provision for death benefits for the survivors of an employee who had been receiving "other cases" category permanent partial disability compensation and who dies from causes other than the original injury. Retains the current compensation rate for temporary partial disability, but subjects such rate to specified limitations. Provides for the designation by the Secretary of an attorney to serve as fund representative, with specified powers, of a special fund under such Act, upon recommendation by an organization representative of employer and insurance carrier interests. Revises provisions relating to: (1) compensation for employees undergoing vocational rehabilitation; (2) the wage earning capacity of injured employees in partial disability cases; and (3) approval of settlements by the deputy commissioner and the manner of payment of such settlements. Eliminates a provision for death benefits if the employee who sustains permanent total disability due to the injury thereafter dies from causes other than the injury. Increases the maximum rate of specified types of compensation for death. Revises methods of determination of the average weekly wages of injured employees at the time of injury. Revises the formula for determining yearly increases in specified compensation for permanent total disability or death. Makes revisions relating to: (1) failure to give notice; (2) the period of installment payments; (3) the right to compensation controverted; (4) penalties for overdue compensation; and (5) notice of payment. Repeals provisions concerning the deputy commissioner's authority: (1) in cases of suspended payments; and (2) to discharge the employer's liability for compensation. Limits the total money allowance payable to an employee or dependent survivors. Provides for preliminary rulings by the deputy commissioner with respect to claims, to become final orders if the parties do not request a hearing. Makes other revisions in the procedure in respect to claims. Repeals provisions relating to presumptions in proceedings for the enforcement of compensation claims. Revises provisions relating to the review of compensation orders and the Benefits Review Board. Establishes a new Benefits Review Board to be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate (the former Board was appointed by the Secretary). Transfers to such Board all officers, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records of the Benefits Review Board in the Department of Labor. Revises the procedures, functions, powers, and duties of such Board. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Revises provisions relating to: (1) powers of the deputy commissioner or an administrative law judge in proceedings under such Act; (2) fees for services; (3) institution of proceedings by a person entitled to compensation; and (4) compromise obtained by a person entitled to compensation. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) furnishing specified information and assistance in processing claims to persons covered under such Act (formerly permitted such information and assistance upon request); and (2) participating, except as an intervenor, in proceedings relating to this Act which are before any court. Makes other technical and conforming amendments. Repeals provisions relating to an administration fund and to the availability of appropriations. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation to evaluate whether this Act provides an adequate, prompt, equitable, and insurable system of compensation. Declares that the Committee shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Provides that nothing contained in the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to reduce the amount of any benefits received under the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act by any individual on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1980
Extends the congratulations of the Congress to the Order of the Sons of Italy in America for their 75th anniversary. Proclaims Sunday, June 22, 1980, as "National Italian-American Day."
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1980
Authorizes the President to present a gold-plated medal, on behalf of the Congress, to those athletes selected through the Olympic trial process to be members of the United States Summer Olympic Team of 1980. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be stricken 650 such medals with suitable emblems. Declares that such medals are national medals and that funds to carry out this Act shall be made available under the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Extends the congratulations of the House of Representatives to members of the 1980 handicapped Olympic team and recognizes specified organizations for their efforts in producing the second winter Olympics for the physically handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the seven-day period beginning October 5, 1980, as "National Port Week." Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on the conditions of U.S. public ports.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Directs specified congressional leaders to designate delegates to participate in an interparliamentary meeting with delegates from the Iranian Parliament to discuss matters of mutual concern, including the release of the hostages in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1980
Calls upon the President to: (1) increase humanitarian assistance to East Timor; (2) encourage Indonesia to allow free emigration from East Timor; (3) establish a U.S. presence in East Timor; and (4) encourage Indonesia to withdraw its troops from East Timor and allow self-determination for the East Timorese.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980
Proclaims October 19, 1981, a national day of celebration as the two hundredth anniversary of the victory of General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1980
Coastal Management Improvement Act of 1980 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to specify that such Act may be cited as the "Coastal Management Act of 1972." Declares that it is the national policy to provide for programs that should at least provide for: (1) the protection of significant natural systems within the coastal zone; (2) the management of coastal development; (3) priority consideration to coastal-dependent uses and orderly processes for siting major facilities related to national defense, energy, fisheries development, recreation, ports and transportation; (4) public access to the coasts for recreation purposes; (5) the coordination and simplification of procedures in order to ensure expedited governmental decisionmaking for the management of coastal resources; (6) continued consultation and coordination with affected Federal agencies; and (7) the giving of timely and effective opportunities for public participation in coastal management decisionmaking. Defines the term "coastal resource of national significance" for the purposes of this Act. Allows the Secretary to Commerce to make a grant annually to any coastal State for not more than 80 percent of the costs of administering such State's coastal management program if the Secretary determines that such program meets specified requirements. Encourages the coastal States to amend their coastal management programs to provide for: (1) the inventory and designation of coastal resources of national significance within the coastal zone of the State; (2) the identification of land and water uses permissible with respect to coastal resources of national significance; and (3) specific and enforceable State standards to ensure that human activities are carried out in a manner that is consistent with the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary, with respect to any coastal State which, by October 1, 1984, has not amended its coastal management program to comply with this Act or does not have an approved management program, to: (1) inventory and designate the coastal resources of national significance within that State's coastal zone; (2) identify those permissible land and water uses with respect to designated resources; and (3) specify such standards as are necessary to ensure that human activities are carried out in a manner consistent with the purposes of this Act. Allows any coastal State to which the Secretary has prescribed such regulations to amend its management program to comply with the requirements of this Act. Requires the Secretary upon approval of such amendments to repeal the applicable regulations. Allows the Secretary to make grants annually to any eligible coastal State to assist that State in meeting one or more of the following objectives: (1) the preservation or restoration of specific areas of the State; (2) the redevelopment of deteriorating and underutilized urban waterfronts and ports that are designated in the State's management program as areas of particular concern; and (3) the provision of access to public beaches and other public coastal areas and to coastal waters. Allows such grants to be used for: (1) the acquisition of fee simple and other interests in land; (2) construction projects determined by the Secretary to be consistent with the purposes of this Act; (3) engineering designs, specifications, and other appropriate reports; (4) appropriate transportation systems; and (5) management costs and such other related costs as the Secretary determines to be consistent with the purposes of this Act. Limits such grants to no more than 80 percent of the costs of carrying out, during the fiscal year concerned, the purpose or project for which it was awarded. Allows an eligible coastal State, with the approval of the Secretary, to allocate a grant to a local government, an areawide agency, a regional agency, or an interstate agency. Requires the Secretary to assist eligible coastal States and their local governments in identifying other sources of available Federal technical and financial assistance regarding the objectives of this Act, and, through the Secretarial Representatives of the Department of Commerce in the standard Federal regions, to attempt to achieve simplified and expedited procedures for obtaining such Federal assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to permit two or more coastal States to use a portion of the resource management grants made to them under this Act for the purposes of interstate coastal management coordination. Allows any person having an interest which is or may be adversely affected to commence a civil action on his own behalf to compel compliance with this title against any person, including the United States, and any other government instrumentality or agency for any alleged violation of any provision of this title or any regulation promulgated under this title. Requires the Secretary to conduct a continuing review of the performance of coastal States with respect to coastal management. Provides for the reduction of financial assistance to any coastal State if the secretary determines that the coastal State is failing to make significant improvement in achieving the coastal management objectives. Directs the Secretary to withdraw approval of the management program of any coastal State, and to withdraw any financial assistance available to that State if the Secretary determines that the coastal State is failing to adhere to, and is not justified in deviating from: (1) the management program approved by the Secretary: or (2) the terms of any grant or cooperative agreement funded under this Act. Terminates the program of grants to coastal States for research and technical assistance for coastal zone management. Abolishes the Coastal Zone Management Advisory Committee. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a report summarizing the administration of such Act during each period of two consecutive fiscal years. Requires the Secretary to conduct a systematic review of Federal programs, other than the coastal zone management programs set forth in such Act, which affect coastal resources for purposes of identifying conflicts between the objectives and administration of such programs and the purposes and policies of such Act. Requires the Secretary, within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, to notify each Federal agency having appropriate jurisdiction of any conflict between its program and the purposes and policies of this title. Allows the Secretary to make grants to any coastal State for the purposes of acquiring lands to provide for the preservation of islands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the grants under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1980
Foreign Language and International Studies Incentive Act - Amends the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program of making grants to institutions of higher education to promote student enrollment in foreign language and international studies. Requires that such grants be applied to the tuition and fees charged to students in qualified programs, in amounts per academic year of up to $1,000 for a student in an advanced program and up to $500 for a student in a preliminary program. Sets forth priority categories for awarding students such grants. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for fiscal years 1981 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1980
Omnibus Maritime Regulatory Reform, Revitalization, and Reorganization Act of 1980 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) promote the foreign commerce of the United States; (2) develop and maintain an efficient and competitive ocean transportation system capable of carrying a substantial portion of America's imports and exports; (3) provide for the national security; (4) ensure a unified and consistent national maritime policy; and (5) ensure that United States-flag vessels are fairly and reciprocally treated in international trade. Title II: Regulation of International Ocean Shipping - Exempts from the antitrust laws certain loyalty contracts between or among ocean common carriers, certain activities of shippers' councils, specified agreements regarding transportation between foreign countries that do not involve import or export of goods into or out of the United States, and agreements to be performed entirely within a foreign country. Authorizes ocean common carriers, conferences, or others subject to this title to: (1) discuss, fix, and agree upon rates, surcharges, and accommodations; (2) pool or apportion earnings, losses, or traffic; (3) allot ports or otherwise regulate the number and character of sailings between ports; (4) regulate the volume or character of cargo or passenger traffic to be carried; (5) engage in various working arrangements; (6) enter into agreements to regulate competition; and (7) limit conference membership. Sets forth requirements pertaining to loyalty contracts utilized by ocean carriers or conferences of carriers with shippers or consignees. Authorizes shippers' councils to negotiate with any ocean common carrier or conference regarding rates, practices, and terms and conditions of service and to exchange information with such carriers or conferences concerning traffic and transportation data. Provides that nothing in this title shall restrict the powers of an association organized under the Export Trade Act of 1918. Requires that agreements made among ocean carriers or conferences or with shippers' councils be filed with the Federal Maritime Commission which in turn, shall publish such notice of such filing in the Federal Register. Sets forth rules governing the activities of ocean carrier conferences, including: (1) reasonable notice to the appropriate shippers' councils of any proposed rate changes; (2) a right of independent action for any member of a conference agreement or for any conference serving different trades that would otherwise be naturally competitive; (3) an independent neutral body to monitor compliance; (4) a consultation process between shippers' councils and conferences to exchange information and resolve disputes; (5) conditions for admission and readmission to conference membership; (6) the opportunity to withdraw from membership without penalty; (7) commercially reasonable criteria for limitations on membership; and (8) a description, in any agreement filed under this Act, of the proposed changes in allotting ports or regulating sailings between ports. Requires shippers' councils to: (1) establish a consultation process between shippers and conferences; (2) commercially resolve disputes; and (3) cooperate in curbing malpractice. Declares that agreements between conferences and shippers' councils shall become effective within 60 days after filing with the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to suspend such effective date at its discretion for up to 180 days. Sets forth the conditions under which the Commission may disapprove or modify any such agreement. Directs the Commission to issue a final decision on any complaint within 180 days or, for cause, within an additional 60 days. States that such agreement shall go into effect as filed if such final decision is not issued within the 180 day period or by the end of any extension period. Authorizes the Commission, if it determines that it is unable to issue a final order within such period or extension due to willful delays directly attributable to either a proponent or a complainant, to approve or disapprove the agreement solely on the basis of such delays. Sets forth requirements relating to the filing and public accessibility of ocean carrier, conference, or nonvessel operating tariffs. Directs that increases in existing rates may not become effective earlier than 30 days after filing with the Commission unless the Commission allows otherwise. States that a rate change which decreases a shipper's cost may become effective upon such filing. Authorizes the Commission to permit an ocean carrier or conference to refund a portion of freight charges collected from a shipper to correct an error in the rate charged. Prohibits any ocean common carrier that is controlled by a government under whose registry such carrier operates from maintaining rates below a level which is just and reasonable. Places the burden of proving that such tariff is just and reasonable on the controlled carrier involved. Sets forth factors which the Commission may consider in determining whether the rates of such a controlled carrier are just and reasonable, including whether: (1) the rates are below a level which is fully compensatory to the controlled carrier; (2) the rates are the same as or similar to those charged by other carriers in the same trade; (3) the rates are required to assure movement of particular cargo in the trade; or (4) the rates are required to maintain acceptable service to or from affected ports. Requires a controlled carrier, upon the request of the Commission, to file a statement of justification of its existing rates or proposed rates. Authorizes the Commission to suspend a controlled carrier's rate pending a determination of its lawfulness. Requires the Commission to transmit to the President any order of suspension or final order of disapproval of a controlled carrier's rates. Grants the President the authority to require the Commission to stay such order for national defense or foreign policy reasons. Sets forth exemptions with respect to the controlled carrier regulations contained in this Act. Prohibits any person from acting as an ocean freight forwarder or nonvessel operating common carrier unless the person has been issued a license by the Commission. Creates a procedure for such licensing. Directs an ocean carrier to compensate an ocean freight forwarder in connection with any cargo shipment dispatched on behalf of others only when such forwarder has performed specified services. Sets forth guidelines under which such compensation is to be paid. Prohibits specified acts by ocean common carriers including rebates, rate discrimination, and retaliation against shippers. Sets forth the powers of the Commission and procedures to be followed with respect to adjudication proceedings under this title. Sets forth penalties for violations of this title. Authorizes the Commission to modify or remit any such penalty. Authorizes the Commission to exempt any specified activity or class of agreements between ocean carriers or other persons subject to this title from any requirement of this title. Directs that orders of the Commission relating to violations of this title or to regulations issued hereunder shall be made only after opportunity for hearing. Sets forth guidelines concerning the reversal, suspension, and enforcement of such orders. Repeals the Shipping Act of 1916. Title III: Amendments to the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to declare that the policy of the United States shall be to have an efficient and competitive merchant marine, owned and operated under the United States flag, capable of carrying its domestic commerce and a substantial portion of its foreign commerce and to have an efficient and competitive shipbuilding capacity that is sufficient to satisfy the needs of national security. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to attempt to eliminate through negotiation the adverse effects of a foreign nation's reservation of all or a portion of the cargoes moving in its waterborne commerce for its national-flag carriers. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conclude, if necessary, an intergovernmental maritime agreement with such a nation to protect the interests of United States-flag carriers. Specifies required provisions in such an agreement. Grants specified powers to the Secretary of Commerce, including authority: (1) to achieve the goal that United States-flag vessels carry 50 percent or more of the liner and bulk cargoes of the United States' foreign commerce; (2) to ensure the capacity of shipyards necessary for national security; and (3) to meet with the Secretary of the Navy, and others, and to annually submit a report to the President and the Congress of their activities and recommendations. Establishes within the Department of Commerce an Under Secretary for Maritime Policy (the Under Secretary). Modifies the construction- differential subsidy and cost of national defense features incident to the construction or reconditioning of ships to include those costs essential to maintaining a shipyard mobilization base. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to insure the existence of a competitive privately owned United States-flag fleet and the maintenance on a continuing basis of such mobilization base. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to investigate and keep current records of shipyards, related industrial production facilities, and skilled manpower available to same. Allows any citizen of the United States to make application to elect a per diem subsidy for certain vessels exclusively engaged in the bulk trades instead of a construction-differential subsidy or an operating-differential subsidy. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a contract, with specified restrictions, for the payment of such per diem subsidy. Sets forth in detail the components of such subsidy. Revises the construction-differential subsidy program under such Act to make vessels which are to be used in international trade (previously only foreign trade) eligible for such subsidies. Prohibits the payment of such a subsidy unless the Secretary certifies that he has considered the standards established by the Secretary of the Navy. Reduces such subsidy unless the vessel involved is part of an existing or future vessel series as determined by the Secretary of Commerce. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to establish standards relating to the equipment and specifications for vessels so that they will be suitable for use by the United States for national defense or military purposes. Allows an owner or charterer of a vessel: (1) built in a United States' shipyard; (2) documented under United States laws; and (3) operated in the foreign commerce of the United States, or a United States shipyard to apply for a construction-differential subsidy to make such vessel at least 15 percent more energy efficient. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to enter into specified contracts for such reconditioning. Requires that materials used in such reconditioning be of United States origin. Redefines such a reconditioned vessel as a "new vessel" and reduces by ten years the age of such vessel for the purposes of this Act. Repeals the termination date for the construction-differential subsidy program. Directs that the price of constructing a vessel in a foreign shipyard shall reflect the lower price to the vessel owner. Authorizes the Secretary to pay in excess of the approved construction-differential subsidy if ship construction necessary to sustain the shipyard mobilization base level will not be undertaken during the fiscal year. Revises the duties of the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Defense as regards the shipbuilding and ship repair capacity of the United States. Sets forth criteria for the assessment of such capacity. Reduces the duration of documentation of a completed vessel. Grants the Secretary of Commerce an option to purchase such vessel for national defense purposes. Allows a ship purchaser operating with an operating-differential subsidy to negotiate with regard to vessel specifications with foreign or domestic shipyards upon application to the Secretary. Specifies steps to be taken by the Secretary in granting such subsidy. Directs such purchaser to accept the lowest price proposal offered by a United States shipyard if such subsidy is granted. Allows such purchaser to contract with a foreign shipyard if such subsidy is not granted. Removes the competitive bidding requirement for the construction of vessels receiving such a subsidy at United States' shipyards. Sets forth requirements as to which materials used in constructing subsidized vessels may be of foreign origin or must be of United States origin. Directs the owner of a subsidized vessel to agree that such vessel shall be operated exclusively in (1) the foreign commerce of the United States; (2) international trade; or (3) on a round-the-world voyage or other specified round voyages. Allows the Secretary to approve the temporary transfer of such vessel to service other than the service covered by such agreement. Requires the owner of such a vessel to pay a prescribed amount for such transfer. Defines the "useful life of the vessel" as 25 years from the date of delivery. Authorizes the Secretary to sell a vessel from the reserve fleet for commercial use to a U.S. citizen. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to report his recommendations to Congress concerning the elimination of unnecessary requirements or procedures used by vessel classification societies. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from approving, unless specified conditions are met, the application of a U.S. citizen for financial aid in the operation of certain vessels. Directs the Secretary, in considering application for subsidies under this Act, to provide shipping services on a nondiscriminatory basis. Sets forth eligibility requirements for operating-differential subsidies for vessels in specified trade or service. Specifies amounts to be paid by the Secretary for such subsidies or in lieu thereof. Disallows such subsidies for a vessel exclusively engaged in domestic trade. Directs the Secretary to develop, keep, and publish cargo forecasts for essential trade routes. Sets forth provisions for subsidizing additional United States-flag sailings. Permits an operator receiving such subsidy to make specified replacements, transfers, or exchanges under his contract. Directs the recipient of an operating-differential subsidy ("the contractor") to conduct his operations in an economical and efficient manner. Allows a contractor to suspend such subsidy contract for not less than 12 months. Sets forth requirements under which such subsidy may be paid. Prohibits certain subsidized contractors, charterers, affiliates thereof, and specified employees from owning or operating specified foreign-flag vessels which compete with a United States-flag vessel providing essential service. Directs the Secretary to assure that any subsidized contractor who also owns foreign-flag vessels uses subsidy funds only to support United States-flag vessels. Directs that at least 50 percent of materials procured by the United States which may be transported on ocean vessels shall be transported on certain United States-flag commercial vessels. Directs each department or agency to develop an affirmative plan of action to achieve the above objective. Sets forth requirements for such plans and for their approval by the Secretary. Prohibits operators from repairing a vessel in a foreign country except in an emergency which renders the vessel incapable of reaching the United States or Puerto Rico for such repairs. Directs the Secretary to determine whether such repairs were performed pursuant to this title and to levy a duty on such operator if they were not. Defines, for purposes of this Act, a citizen of the United States. Prohibits, generally, the transfer of a vessel to any person not a citizen of the United States. Directs the Secretary to investigate and examine the: (1) cost and operation of merchant vessels in the United States and foreign countries; (2) construction methods and rules under which vessels are constructed; (3) subject of marine insurance; and (4) navigation laws of the United States, and to make recommendations for their revision. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse clearance to a vessel under specified circumstances. Prohibits specified activities during a war or national emergency without the approval of the Secretary of Commerce. Orders that any vessel or related facility transferred in violation of this Act shall be forfeited to the United States. Declares that in any action to enforce such forfeiture, the criminal conviction of any person for a violation thereof with respect to the subject of the forfeiture shall constitute prima facie evidence of such violation against the person so convicted. Specifies penalties for violation of this Act. Designates the Secretary of Commerce as a preferred creditor under a preferred ship mortgage as defined in the Ship Mortgage Act of 1920. Repeals the termination date for the provision of war-risk insurance by the Secretary to United States vessels. Title IV: Tax Title - Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to include in the amount deposited in the capital construction fund income attributable to the ownership or sale of an eligible agreement vessel and the insurance proceeds attributable to such vessel. Redefines the term "eligible vessel" to include only vessels operated in international trade, the foreign or domestic commerce of the United States, or the fisheries of the United States. Amends the Internal Revenue Code regarding the applicable percentage of basis used in the case of certain vessels. Redefines the useful life of specified progress expenditure property. Increases to 100 percent the investment credit for certain vessels. Sets forth guidelines for the depreciation of expenditures for specified vessels. Title V: Miscellaneous - Repeals a specified provision of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Amends the Intercoastal Shipping Act, 1933, to require that rates and charges for certain barging of containerized cargo between points in the United States be filed with the Federal Maritime Commission. Directs the Federal Maritime Commission to promulgate rules governing such barge operations. Directs every common carrier by water in interstate commerce to observe reasonable rates, charges, and tariffs and reasonable regulations and practices in the transportation or storage of property. Directs such carriers to file with the Commission the maximum rates and charges for its services. Prohibits a carrier from collecting an amount in excess of such filed rates and charges except with the approval of the Commission. Empowers the Commission to set such rates if a carrier fails to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Presidential Commission on National Service Act of 1980 - Establishes the Presidential Commission on National Service to examine: (1) alternative national service programs; (2) the rate of women in any national service program; (3) the necessity for drafting individuals into any national service program; (4) the role of military and civilian service in any national service program; (5) examine existing volunteer service programs. Sets forth the duties, membership, and powers of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the President and to Congress. Terminates the Commission 180 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations necessary for the Commission to carry out its duties.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that school authorities and college and university administrators should consider strengthening the study of foreign languages and cultures through appropriate actions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the first concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 1981 reported by the Committee on the Budget shall limit budget outlays to 21 percent of the gross national product.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Food Security Act of 1980 - Declares it to be U.S. policy to develop a wheat reserve solely to provide for emergency food needs in developing countries. Directs the President, in order to carry out such policy, to establish a reserve stock of wheat of up to 4,000,000 metric tons for specified purposes. Permits stocks of wheat for such reserve to be acquired: (1) through purchases from producers or in the market, if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that such purchases will not unduly disrupt the market; and (2) by designation by the Secretary of stocks of wheat acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Authorizes the President to release such designated or acquired wheat reserve stocks to provide, on a donation or sale basis, emergency food assistance to developing countries at any time that the U.S. domestic wheat supply is so limited that quantities cannot be made available for disposition, except for humanitarian purposes, under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Provides that up to 300,000 tons of wheat may be released from the reserve in any fiscal year for use under such Act in providing urgent humanitarian relief in developing countries which suffer major disasters (as determined by the President), in circumstances of unanticipated and exceptional need when the normal means of obtaining food assistance make timely programming impossible. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on wheat so released and its timely replenishment. Allows such wheat to be processed in the U.S. and shipped to the recipient country as wheat flour, when necessary. Requires that such wheat be made available under such Act, with specified provisions as to determinations of availability inapplicable thereto. Directs the Secretary to provide for reserve management as to location and class of wheat needed to meet emergencies, rotation to avoid spoilage and deterioration, and prompt equivalent replacement of removed quantities. Specifies that stocks of wheat shall not: (1) be considered a part of the total domestic supply (including carryover) for certain purposes; or (2) be subject to any quantitative export limitations under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Directs the Secretary to utilize the funds and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation in carrying out this Act, except that any restrictions applicable to the acquisition, storage, or disposition of Corporation owned or controlled commodities shall not apply to wheat for or in the reserve. Requires that the Corporation be reimbursed for actual costs under such program. Declares final any determination by the President or the Secretary under this Act. Provides that: (1) this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1980; (2) the authorities of this Act shall expire on September 30, 1983; and (3) any wheat in the reserve when such authorities expire shall be distributed under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act in fiscal year 1984 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Amends the National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration not to exceed $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 to carry out the provisions of such Act. Amends such Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) conduct research, training, and demonstrations for the purpose of determining means of minimizing or ending ocean dumping and developing disposal methods as alternatives to such dumping; and (2) provide for the coordination of such research among appropriate Federal, State, local, or interstate public authorities, agencies, and institutions and provide financial and other assistance to such entities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for research programs authorized under such Act. Renders the designation of a marine sanctuary, or any terms included therein, by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to such Act ineffective upon: (1) certification to the Secretary by the Governor of any State in which such designation is made that such designation or any of its terms are unacceptable to such State; or (2) adoption of a concurrent resolution by both Houses of Congress disapproving such designation or any of its terms. Sets forth terms to be included in such designations and authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to implement such terms and control the activities permitted under such designation. Directs the Secretary to conduct research to carry out the purposes of such Act. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to conduct enforcement activities to carry out the purposes of such Act. Requires the Secretary to transmit to the Congress a marine sanctuary designation at the time of its publication. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for making such designations, and for research and enforcement. Adds "industrial waste" to the provision of such Act requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to end the dumping of sewage sludge into ocean waters, but provides that after December 31, 1981, the Administrator may issue permits for the ocean dumping of industrial waste upon determination that such proposed dumping: (1) is necessary for research purposes; (2) will have minimal adverse impact upon human health and welfare and the marine environment; or (3) will provide potential benefits outweighing any such adverse impact. States that such permits shall be effective for no more than six months. Authorizes the Administrator to impose such conditions and restrictions on permits as are necessary to minimize possible adverse impacts of such dumping. Defines "industrial waste" as any solid, semisolid, or liquid waste generated by a manufacturer or processing plant which, if dumped in the ocean, may degrade or endanger human health or welfare or the marine environment. Makes the provisions of such Act concerning foreign-state ocean-dumping permits applicable to transportation of material by an agency or instrumentality of the United States, with a proviso that the Administrator must concur in the filing of an application for such permit. States that the waters of Long Island Sound shall be considered "ocean waters" for the purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Research Revitalization Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer engaged in a trade or business an income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the cash contributions made by such taxpayer to a reserve fund established to finance research or experimentation related to the taxpayer's business. Limits the total amount of such credit to five percent of the taxable business income of the taxpayer for the taxable year. Exempts such reserve fund from income taxation. Allows an income tax deduction for research expenses paid out of the reserve fund during the taxable year. Specifies that research financed pursuant to this Act shall be performed by an institution of higher education. Prescribes tax penalties for the use of funds from the research reserve for purposes other than research and experimentation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Panama Canal Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1981 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 from the Panama Canal Commission Fund for the expenses of the Panama Canal Commission incurred under the Panama Canal Act of 1979. Reserves a specified portion of such authorization for improvements, facilities, and equipment required by such Commission. Establishes ceilings on the appropriations for specified categories of projects. Permits the amount that may be expended for any one project to be increased above the amount specified for such project upon approval by the Board of the Commission and notification of the appropriate congressional committees. Permits the crediting to such appropriation of funds received from Commission employees or insurers for services provided to Commission employees by other Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations from such Fund for deposit into the Panama Canal Emergency Fund for emergency expenses. Permits continuing contracts for programs as long as any such contract does not exceed in the aggregate the total amount for each specified program. Requires any spending authority to be provided in advance in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Panama Canal Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1981 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 and 1982 from the Panama Canal Commission Fund for the expenses of the Panama Canal Commission incurred under the Panama Canal Act of 1979 and the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977. Reserves a specified portion of such authorizations for improvements, facilities, and equipment required by such Commission. Establishes ceilings on the appropriations for specified categories of projects. Permits the amount that may be expended for any one project to be increased above the amount specified for such project upon approval by the Board of the Commission and notification of the appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes additional appropriations for increases in employee benefits, payments to Panama, and increased fuel expenses. Permits the crediting to such appropriation of funds received from Commission employees or insurers for services provided to Commission employees by other Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations from such Fund for deposit into the Panama Canal Emergency Fund for emergency expenses. Permits continuing contracts for programs as long as any such contract does not exceed in the aggregate the total amount for each specified program. Requires any spending authority to be provided in advance in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Urges the President to transmit the advance notice required to terminate the Governing International Fishery Agreement between the Soviet Union and the United States, unless Soviet troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan by February 20, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should establish a commission on national service to examine alternative national service programs, the role of women in any national service program, the necessity for drafting individuals into any national service program, and the role of military and civilian service in any national service program; and (2) any such commission should include civilian, military, and youth (18-to-25 years old) representatives as members, focus attention on such issues in public hearings, and report to the President and the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal of appropriate design to Ambassador Kenneth Taylor in recognition of his efforts to secure the return of six American Embassy officials in Tehran. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be struck such gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Vietnam Era Veterans Agent Orange Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for certain diseases arising in Vietnam-era veterans (and for birth defects in their children) exposed to agent orange.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any Member of Congress from using funds received as contributions to pay personal expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Expresses appreciation to Canada for: (1) its historic close relations and cooperation with the United States in conducting foreign policy; (2) its support for U.S. efforts to obtain the safe release of the hostages in Iran; and (3) its efforts to protect and arrange the safe departure of certain U.S. citizens from Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Urges the President to: (1) notify the Soviet Union that the United States will terminate the Agreement on Maritime Matters, unless Soviet troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan; and (2) refuse the Soviets permission to enter U.S. ports, until such troops are withdrawn.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Establishes the Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area, in the States of California and Nevada, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of this Act and, in the case of national forest land within such scenic area, in accordance with the laws applicable to the national forests. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan which shall contain such standards and describe such programs as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires the Secretary, before adopting any such plan, to: (1) publish a proposed plan which shall be available to the public; and (2) hold at least two public hearings within the scenic area regarding the proposed plan. Directs the Secretary to adopt, within two years after the date of enactment of this Act, a final "Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area Plan". Directs the Secretary, as soon as possible after the date of enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations which distinguish between the types of activities which shall be deemed to have a potentially significant impact on the scenic area and those activities which do not. Requires any State or local governmental entity which has authority to issue any permit, variance, license, or other type of approval for any activity which is deemed to have a potentially significant impact on the scenic area to provide prompt notice to the Secretary of any determination made by such entity to: (1) approve an application; or (2) carry out such activity (in the case of activities conducted directly or indirectly by the State or local government). Prohibits any such permit, variance, license, or other type of approval from becoming effective unless, within a 60 day period after such entity has submitted notice to the Secretary, the Secretary has issued a written approval of the activity. Allows any permit, variance, license, or other type of approval for an activity which is deemed not to have a potentially significant impact on the scenic area to become effective 10 days after approval is made, unless, during such time, any interested party submits a written petition to the Secretary appealing the approval. Sets forth specified actions that the Secretary shall take to ensure that certain Federal funds and permits are not made available to any State or local governmental entity having jurisdiction within the scenic area if the Secretary determines that such governmental entity has failed to: (1) establish regulations or laws consistent with the standards specified in the plan within one year after any such standards have been adopted by the Secretary; (2) interpret such regulations or laws in a manner consistent with the plan; or (3) notify the Secretary of applications for building or sewer permits or zoning variances within the scenic area. Allows the Secretary to charge user fees for use of the scenic area. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area fund which shall be available to the Secretary for the purpose of implementing this Act. Permits the Secretary to acquire by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, exchange, condemnation, or otherwise any property, or interest therein, within the scenic area. Limits acquisition by condemnation to specified conditions. Allows the Secretary to establish a Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area Advisory Commission to insure public participation in the preparation and implementation of the plan. Declares that nothing contained in this Act shall effect any right of the States of California or Nevada, or any political subdivisions thereof, to: (1) exercise civil or criminal jurisdiction within the scenic area; (2) levy taxes on any persons or property within the scenic area; or (3) adopt and enforce any standards or requirements for the protection of scenic resources or environmental quality within the scenic area. Provides for the mitigation of local revenue losses due to an increase in property taxes on properties remaining in private ownership within the scenic area. Provides for judicial review of any final action or order of the Secretary under this Act. Repeals the Act consenting to the Tahoe regional planning compact approved December 18, 1969, effective upon the date of the adoption of the plan by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Fusion Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish research, development, and demonstration programs involving magnetic fusion energy systems to: (1) construct and operate a fusion engineering test facility by 1986; (2) construct and operate a magnetic fusion demonstration facility before the end of this century; (3) maintain and expand the base programs for fusion energy research and the development and testing of appropriate alternative confinement technologies; (4) maintain a strong research and development program in advanced fusion fuels; and (5) ensure an uninterrupted source of scientific and engineering talent from institutions of higher learning to support such effort. Requires such programs to include a study of the potential of using fusion energy for the production of synthetic fuels and the electrification of ground transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information promoting the practical uses of fusion energy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Repeals the authority of the Secretary of War (now the Secretary of the Army) to revoke the permit for the delivery of water from the Dalecarlia Reservoir, in the District of Columbia, to the Arlington County Sanitary district, the Falls Church water system, or to any other State or local authority in the Washington metropolitan area in Virginia. Prohibits any Federal employee from exercising the Secretary of Army's authority to revoke any permit or terminate any contract for the use of water entered into between the Secretary of the Army and any State or local authority in the Washington metropolitan area in Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
African Development Foundation Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish the African Development Foundation to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the people of Africa and the United States and to assist in the development of Africa. Requires such Foundation to cooperate with indigenous organizations representative of Africa and other private, regional, and international organizations. Authorizes such Foundation to make grants, loans, and loan guarantees to African entities for developmental purposes. Requires the Foundation to give priority to community self-help projects with the maximum feasible participation of the poor. Sets forth the corporate powers of such Foundation. Provides for the appointment of a Board of Directors to manage such Foundation. Requires the Board to consult with a Council composed of individuals knowledgeable about development activities in Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Condemns the use of lethal chemical agents against the Hmong tribespeople in Laos and any such use in Kampuchea (Cambodia). Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) take action to bring about the cessation of such poison gas use; (2) direct the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Committee on Disarmament to express strong concern over such use and reach agreement with the Soviet Union on a general prohibition of chemical warfare; and (3) report to the Congress concerning actions taken.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1979
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide that area agencies on aging shall have authority to award funds to the providers of home delivered meals for older persons without requiring that such providers also furnish meals to older persons in a congregate setting.
![Official portrait of Rep. McCloskey, Paul N., Jr. [R-CA-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000343_200.jpg)