United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers an income tax credit for up to 50 percent of the cost of installing security devices in their principal residences. Limits the amount of such credit to $200 ($100 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return) for a taxable year. Defines "security devices" as a lock, alarm, or other device which is installed in a taxpayer's principal residence for the purpose of securing such residence. Provides special rules for condominium owners and tenant-stockholders in a cooperative housing corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of the Congress specially struck gold medals to fifty-three individuals held hostage in the United States Embassy in Iran. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) strike fifty-three gold medals with suitable emblems, devices and inscriptions; and (2) coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1981
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow preference visas to be given to an alien who: (1) requests such treatment; (2) was born after 1950 in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, or Thailand; (3) was fathered by an American serviceman; and (4) provides a guarantee of financial support. Stipulates that such guarantee must: (1) be signed by a citizen or lawful permanent resident who is at least 21 years old; and (2) provide that such signing sponsor will provide necessary financial support for five years. Allows the Attorney General to enforce such guarantee against the sponsor in a civil suit unless such sponsor dies or is adjudicated bankrupt.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the standard mileage rate used in computing the charitable deduction for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle shall be the same as the standard mileage rate for the business related deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for individuals who perform voluntary services for public service organizations. Allows a credit equal to the greater of $2.90 for each hour of volunteer service or the minimum hourly wage which would apply for such service under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Limits the amount of such credit to $750 for a taxable year. Requires a volunteer to perform at least 50 hours of volunteer service in order to qualify for any credit. Defines "public service organizations" as organizations which are: (1) tax exempt charitable organizations or civic leagues; (2) public safety service organizations (including police, firefighting, ambulance, or civil defense service organizations); or (3) nonpartisan social welfare organizations which seek the advancement of human welfare through electoral or legislative reforms.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Research Modernization Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the National Institutes of Health a National Center for Alternative Research to develop and coordinate alternative methods of research and testing which do not involve the use of live animals. States that the Center shall be managed by a Director appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and that the head of any Federal agency which conducts or sponsors research or testing involving the use of live animals appoint one employee to serve as a member of the Center. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Center an Advisory Committee to advise the Center. Requires the Secretary to make and publish in the Federal Register descriptions of alternative methods of testing which meet the regulatory scientific needs of the agencies and which have been reported in summary or plan. Prohibits the use of Federal funds to sponsor research or testing involving the use of live animals if alternative methods have been published in the Federal Register or if such work duplicates work performed by another agency. Requires each agency conducting research involving the use of live animals to: (1) implement a program to develop and utilize alternative methods of research and testing that would reduce or eliminate reliance on the use of live animals; and (2) make grants and enter into contracts with educational institutions to establish courses for the training of scientists in methods of research and testing which do not involve the use of live animals. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress annually a summary of the Director's annual report of the performance of the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers who do not itemize income tax deductions to claim a deduction from gross income for charitable contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Declares it the public policy of the United States to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps in the United States and abroad. Prohibits the shipment in interstate or foreign commerce of fur or leather products from animals trapped in a State or foreign country which has not banned such traps. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to publish a list of States and foreign countries which have not banned such traps. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Federal Agency Control and Review Act - Requires the Office of Management and Budget to study the structure, efficiency, and effectiveness of each Executive agency every ten years and to report to the President and Congress any recommendations for the reorganization or abolition of any agency. Abolishes each agency upon the due date of such report unless, during the ten-year period since the last report, legislation to continue such agency has been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Cash Discount Act - Title I: Cash Discounts - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to stipulate that any discount (currently, discounts up to five percent) offered by sellers from the "regular price" to induce payment by cash or other means not involving open-end credit plans or credit cards shall not constitute a finance charge. Voids any rule of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System promulgated under the current provision. Title II: Ban on Credit Card Surcharges - Extends the termination of the prohibition against credit card surcharges from February 27, 1981, to February 27, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Grants to State or local governments having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce this Act. Permits an aggrieved person to file a civil action in State or Federal court against an insurer, if a State or local authority which has received notice of a complaint fails to act within 60 days or with respect to those authorities not having insurance discrimination laws. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights granted by this Act and that such denial raises an issue of general public importance.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
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. Defines such offense as using a firearm to commit a felony over which the district courts have exclusive jurisdiction or carrying a firearm during such a felony involving violence. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "illegally." Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense from one to ten years' imprisonment to five to ten years' imprisonment for a first offender and from two to 25 years to ten years to life imprisonment for a second or subsequent offender. Extends to first offenders the directions, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation and that the additional sentence not run concurrently with any term of imprisonment imposed for the offense itself. Makes a first offender ineligible for parole for five years and a second or subsequent offender ineligible for ten years. Expresses the sense of Congress that the executive prosecute vigorously such offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to remove the existing 70-year upper age limit to which the discrimination prohibitions apply, thus extending coverage to all individuals who are at least 40 years of age. States that no exceptions to the prohibitions are permitted based on the nature of employment of an individual or entitlement to retirement benefits. Repeals mandatory retirement provisions for Federal civil service employees, District of Columbia employees, and Foreign Service employees.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
National Development Act of 1981 - Creates the National Development Bank, as a Government Corporation, to achieve a full employment economy through loans to: (1) State and local governments for public works and facilities; and (2) individuals and corporations to establish, expand, or improve businesses and industries. Sets forth provisions concerning such Bank's Board of Directors, officers and employees, corporate powers, and principal office. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase stock in and assets of such Bank. Gives such Bank borrowing authority. Authorizes Federal Reserve banks to purchase such Bank's obligations. Authorizes such Bank to make or guarantee loans: (1) to create or improve business and industry that will have the effect of combating unemployment or underemployment; (2) for products and services of which shortages are perceived; and (3) to finance public works and community facilities that create employment opportunities at adequate wages. Authorizes such Bank to provide technical and other necessary assistance to protect its investment. Sets forth provisions concerning the security required for loans, maturity of loans, interest rates on guaranteed and direct loans, aggregate loan guarantees, requirements for direct loans, and auditing. Exempts such Bank from all taxation other than property taxes. Subjects such Bank obligations to taxes to the same extent as private corporate obligations. Authorizes appropriations to finance the purchase of Bank stock.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the Executive branch of Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1980
Grants immigrant visas to certain Italian nationals and their dependents who were victims of earthquakes which occurred in Italy on or about November 23, 1980. States that such visa shall not be chargeable against the numerical limitations imposed under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1980
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44, Title 18, United States Code, Gun Control - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to revise and add definitions used in the Act. Defines "handgun" to include handgun parts. Defines "Department" to mean the Department of Justice (current law is under the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury). Prohibits non-licensees from engaging in the business of repairing firearms or ammunition. Stipulates that certain otherwise lawful activities, such as the returning of a firearm by a licensee to the person from whom it was received and the mailing of a firearm to a licensee for the purpose or repair, shall be unlawful with respect to "easily concealable handguns" (that is, those handguns not approved by the Attorney General under this Act). Prohibits the loan or rental of an easily concealable handgun to another person for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes. Prohibits a licensee from selling a handgun to a person who does not appear in person at the licensee's business premises. Prohibits a licensee from selling or delivering a firearm or ammunition to any person if such sale or delivery violates a public ordinance at the place of residence of the purchaser. Revises the statement which must be submitted to a licensee by a purchaser not appearing at such licensee's business premises to provide that such purchaser be 18 years of age with respect to all firearms (current law requires a purchaser of any firearm other than a shotgun or rifle to be 21 years of age). Prohibits a licensee from manufacturing, assembling, selling, or transferring any handgun, other than a curio or relic, which has not been approved by the Attorney General. Prohibits any person from transferring such a handgun unless such person has reasonable cause to believe that the handgun has been approved. Excepts the mailing of handguns to comply with approved standards under certain circumstances. Prohibits the modification of an approved handgun resulting in the failure of such handgun to meet the approved standards. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of individuals transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt of any firearm or ammunition; and (2) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Includes such categories in the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain classes of individuals. Prohibits any person from transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce in violation of a State law in a place to or through which the firearm was transported. Prohibits a licensee from transferring three or more handguns to the same non-licensee within a period of one year, without prior approval of the Attorney General. Prohibits a non-licensee from receiving three or more handguns within one year without such approval. Prohibits any person who has knowledge of the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his or her control or possession to fail to report such incident to a law enforcement officer and the Attorney General. Specifies the circumstances under which a person in lawful possession of a license or permit to: (1) carry handguns issued under a State licensing or permit granting program approved by the Attorney General may purchase or receive a handgun in any State from a licensed dealer or non-licensee; and (2) purchase handguns issued under an approved program, may purchase or receive a handgun in the State issuing the license or permit. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for licenses or permits to carry or purchase handguns and to certify as approved those satisfying specified requirements. Specifies the circumstances under which (except as provided by other sections of the Act) a licensed dealer or non-licensee may transfer a handgun to another non-licensee. Sets new annual licensing fees of $5,000 for a manufacturer or importer of handguns, $500 for a dealer in handguns, $100 for a dealer in ammunition for handguns that is not also used in rifles, and $100 for a dealer who is a gunsmith. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition and such dealers from conducting business from the premises of a pawnbroker. Imposes additional requirements for the approval of a license application by the Attorney General. Increases from 45 to 90 days the period in which an application must be approved or denied. Authorizes the Attorney General, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend or revoke a license, or subject a licensee who violates any provision of the Act to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. Sets forth new recordkeeping requirements for licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers in handguns. Provides for the transfer of records where a licensee loses his or her license, transfers the business to another person, or in any way ceases doing business. Directs the Attorney General to appoint a 15-member Handgun Criteria Commission to develop criteria for the evaluation of handgun models according to frame size and other appropriate factors for determining whether such models are easily concealable, have potential for criminal use, or are particularly suitable for sporting purposes. Requires the Commission to submit a report containing such criteria within one year of enactment and to evaluate biannually the effectiveness of existing criteria. Directs the Attorney General to revise the criteria upon a determination by the Commission that handguns satisfying existing criteria are significantly involved in handgun crime. Requires final criteria to be transmitted to Congress, which may disapprove by resolution the criteria within 60 days of continuous session. Directs the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, importation, or transfer any handgun model which satisfies the established criteria after representative samples of such model are evaluated and tested. Authorizes exceptions with respect to handguns which are particularly appropriate for law enforcement purposes. Directs the Attorney General, prior to the time that criteria have been established, to evaluate samples of all handgun models and approve for manufacture, importation, or transfer handgun models which meet specified requirements. Sets forth procedures for the administrative review of a finding that a sample submitted has failed to meet the approved standards. Requires the Attorney General to publish at least semiannually in the general register a list of handgun models which have been tested and the test results. Deems approved any handgun model not in manufacture on or after October 21, 1968, and which has not been tested. Revises the penalties under such Act. Disallows, with respect to a person who uses or carries a firearm during the commission of any felony and receives an additional sentence, the suspension of such sentence, the giving of probation, or the concurrent running of a term of imprisonment (under current law such prohibitions apply only to a second or subsequent offense). Sets forth a mandatory period of parole ineligibility for such offense, unless the court finds specified mitigating circumstances. Makes any person (including a licensee) who negligently sells or transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury suffered by an individual as a result of the use of the handgun by the transferee in the commission of an offense that causes death or personal injury to that individual. Stipulates that certain exceptions to the provisions of the Act shall only apply with respect to handguns which have been approved by the Attorney General in accordance with the Act. Allows a mental incompetent to be relieved from the disabilities of the Act with respect to the possession, acquisition, or transfer of firearms upon specific findings by a court. Authorizes the Attorney General to permit the importation of approved handguns. Directs the Attorney General to make annual grants for each fiscal year and supplemental grants at his or her discretion for compensation of victims of handgun crime to qualifying State programs for the compensation of victims of handgun crime. Specifies eligibility criteria for such programs and the amount of authorized payments. Requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to the congressional judiciary committees concerning such programs. Establishes a nine-member Advisory Committee on Victims of Handgun Crime to advise the Attorney General on the administration of the programs and policies relating to the compensation of victims of handgun crimes. Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Authorizes the President to transfer additional functions of other agencies to the Department which relate to the functions transferred by this Act. Establishes within the Department of Justice the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration to administer the functions of the Attorney General under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Directs the Attorney General to transmit to Congress as part of the annual report of the Department of Justice a report on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to increase from 45 to 90 days the period in which an application for a user permit or a license to import, manufacture, or deal in explosive materials must be approved or denied. Authorizes the Attorney General, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend or revoke a license, or subject a licensee who violates any statutory requirement to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. Directs the Postal Service to promulgate regulations for the conveyance of handguns in the mails. Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations established by the Act of September 24, 1959, in consultation with the United States Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, and representatives of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, to report within six months of enactment on: (1) intergovernmental problems in controlling illicit handgun traffic; and (2) the effectiveness of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and the Gun Control Act of 1968. Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship). Makes this Act effective 120 days after enactment, with specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1980
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine protective measures for the natural wetlands and undeveloped uplands of DeKorte State Park in New Jersey and to determine whether such park should become part of the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the peaceful resolution of the Polish workers' strike contributes to international peace. Encourages implementation of the strike settlement without outside interference.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1980
Handicapped Financial Security Tax Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers an income tax deduction for cash contributions to a handicapped dependent support fund. Limits the dollar amount of such deduction to $3,000 in calendar year 1980 with inflation adjustments to such amount in succeeding taxable years. Defines "handicapped dependent support fund" as an irrevocable trust created for the exclusive benefit of a dependent of a taxpayer who is a handicapped individual. Sets forth requirements for the establishment and operation of the trust fund. Exempts handicapped dependent support trusts from income taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1980
Establishes the United States Holocaust Memorial Council which shall: (1) provide and encourage appropriate ways for the Nation to observe the Days of Remembrance to commemorate the holocaust; (2) plan, erect, and oversee the operation of a memorial museum to the victims of the holocaust; and (3) develop a plan for carrying out the recommendations of the report submitted to the President on September 27, 1979, by the President's Commission on the Holocaust. Authorizes the Council to receive public land in the District of Columbia on which it may erect the memorial. Terminates the Council's authority to construct a memorial if the erection of the memorial has not commenced within five years of enactment of this Act and sufficient funds to ensure completion of the memorial have not been certified to be available. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 August 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that aliens who engage in unlawful or disorderly activities in the United States should be promptly deported in accordance with provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1980
Urges the peaceful resolution of issues raised by Polish workers in accordance with international agreements. Requests the Polish government to release persons unjustly imprisoned during recent worker unrest. Asks all signatories to observe the Declaration on Principles Guiding Relations between Participating States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1980
National Development Act of 1980 - Creates the National Development Bank, as a Government Corporation, to achieve a full employment economy through loans to: (1) State and local governments for public works and facilities; and (2) individuals and corporations to establish, expand, or improve businesses and industries. Sets forth provisions concerning such Bank's Board of Directors, officers and employees, corporate powers, and principal office. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase stock in and assets of such Bank. Gives such Bank borrowing authority. Authorizes Federal Reserve banks to purchase such Bank's obligations. Authorizes such Bank to make or guarantee loans: (1) to create or improve business and industry that will have the effect of combating unemployment or underemployment; (2) for products and services of which shortages are perceived; and (3) to finance public works and community facilities that create employment opportunities at adequate wages. Authorizes such Bank to provide technical and other necessary assistance to protect its investment. Sets forth provisions concerning the security required for loans, maturity of loans, interest rates on guaranteed and direct loans, aggregate loan guarantees, requirements for direct loans, and auditing. Exempts such Bank from all taxation other than property taxes. Subjects such Bank obligations to taxes to the same extent as private corporate obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1980
Used Oil Recycling Act of 1980 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require lubricating oil to be labeled with a statement concerning the recycling of used oil. Requires re-refined oil used as lubricating oil to bear a label stating that such oil is a recycled product. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States with solid waste plans to encourage the use of recycled oil, prohibit hazardous uses of used oil, and establish a program for the collection and disposal of oil in a safe manner. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to States in removing impediments to the recycling of used oil. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations protecting the public health and environment from the hazards of burning used oil. Requires the Administrator to determine and report to Congress on whether used oil ought to be treated as a hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to study the collection and demand in the used oil industry, and energy savings associated with re-refining used oil.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income a corporate stock distribution to a stockholder based upon the reinvestment of stock dividends in the corporation by such stockholder pursuant to his election to participate in a qualified dividend reinvestment plan, as defined in this Act. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $1,500 per year. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a distribution made by a corporation which purchases its common stock within one year of such distribution shall not be deemed a distribution pursuant to a qualified dividend reinvestment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1980
Government Cost Reduction Act - Title I: Productivity Improvement by the Office of Personnel Management - Requires each performance appraisal system developed by a Federal agency under Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations to include performance standards relating to the degree of attainment of cost reduction goals and management objectives established under title III of this Act. Directs an agency to consider such standards when evaluating the performance of senior executives. Prohibits the President from awarding the rank of Meritorius Executive or Distinguished Executive to a senior executive who fails to attain such standards. Specifies criteria for the classification of Federal managerial positions which excludes any consideration of the subordinate position structure or the extent to which functions are performed by an agency rather than by contract. Directs OPM to prescribe regulations to assure that managers who reduce their staffing levels or budget utilization are rewarded and do not, as a result, have their position reduced in grade. Title II: Program Goals and Performance Indicators - Requires the head of each executive agency to establish goals for each agency program, and performance indicators which measure the effectiveness of each program. Directs the President to issue on Executive order providing for the termination of the current system by which agencies report productivity data to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Title III: Cost Reduction Goals and Performance Objectives - Directs the Presidents to establish goals for each fiscal year for reducing unit costs and the costs of maintaining required levels of Government effectiveness, and to include such goals in the annual Budget transmitted to Congress. Requires that such goals indicate the reductions which will occur in direct and indirect labor costs and overhead costs. Requires each agency head: (1) to achieve explicit, measurable cost reduction goals; (2) to establish performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of the production of goods and delivery of services by an agency; (3) to establish objectives for each program of the agency; and (4) to report to the President annually on the progress of the agency in achieving its goals. Title IV: Productivity Program Reporting - Prescribes a framework for reporting and assessing the results of productivity enhancing programs, including guidelines governing budget savings and surplus personnel resulting from productivity improvements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report savings returned to the Treasury by the agencies to the President and Congress. Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): (1) to report at least annually to the President and Congress on each agency's productivity reserve transactions; and (2) to maintain an inventory of all reports on executive branch productivity, unit costs, and work measurement, resource requirement factors, and data bases containing similar information. Title V: Productivity Enhancing Capital Investments - Directs OMB to: (1) promote capital investments which enhance productivity; (2) develop guidelines for agencies to identify capitol investments which result in fast payback within four years or increased program effectiveness; (3) issue guidelines for establishing agency revolving funds to finance productivity enhancing capital investments; and (4) monitor and report annually to the President and Congress on the savings and improved program effectiveness derived from fast payback investments. Title VI: Labor Management Relations - Establishes standards for productivity and quality of working life as negotiable items between an agency and any labor organization. Directs OMB to issue guidelines enabling agencies and employees to demonstrate that work could be performed by an outside contract as efficiently as it could be performed by agency employees. Requires OPM to prescribe regulations which: (1) prohibit a reduction in force if unit cost reductions are maintained when productivity improvements result in a reduced workload; and (2) provide for a necessary reduction by attrition, relocation, retraining, or job redesignation. Directs OMB to prescribe regulations: (1) to permit half of the savings resulting from effective management to be reapplied to authorized functions or used to record productive employees; and (2) to abolish personnel ceilings and budgeted workload requirements designed to limit the agency workforce. Authorizes agencies to establish Joint Employee Management Work Committees to improve work performance. Establishes, within each agency, merit teams to develop performance appraisal standards on a consensus basis. Directs each agency to include employees in training sessions respecting the development of such standards. Directs OPM to transmit periodic reports to the President and Congress on the costs and benefits of quality of work life initiatives. Title VII: Quality of Working Life - Requires each agency to prescribe regulations which provide that management systems, operating procedures, and jobs are structured to improve the productivity, environment, morale, job security, and utilization of employees. Title VIII: Consultant Reform - Establishes general statutory authority for the head of a Federal agency to appoint and fix the compensation of experts or consultants for temporary or intermittent services. Eliminates provisions of Federal law permitting an agency to procure such services by contract only when specifically authorized by appropriation or statute. Establishes the pay rate payable for GS-18 as the maximum pay rate for experts and consultants for all agencies. Directs OPM to prescribe regulations governing the employment of experts and consultants by Federal agencies. Requires each agency: (1) to submit to OPM a quarterly report on the number of days each consultant or expert is employed and the amount each individual is paid; and (2) to count such individuals as fractions of persons (depending on the number of hours they are employed) in administering any personnel ceiling. Prohibits an agency from initiating any action to obtain consultant or expert services by contract unless it has been certified that all reasonable steps have been taken to obtain such services by appointment. Requires each Federal agency to transmit to the Secretary of Commerce a written notice describing: (1) any proposed contract in an amount exceeding $10,000, with specified exemptions; and (2) any contract modification that increases the contract award by $50,000 or more. Directs the Secretary to publish such notices in a specified publication of the Department of Commerce. Directs each agency to notify the Committees on Appropriations of each House of Congress concerning any such modification. Directs every Federal agency to maintain and make available to the public each month a list of contracts which were entered into during the preceding 24 months and for which contractors have not completed performance. Requires that such list disclose certain information concerning the contract, contractor, and Government employees responsible for awarding and administering the contract. Declares that all contracts, excluding contracts determined to be classified information for national security reasons, shall be considered public information. Specifies information concerning the qualifications and selection of a contractor which shall be available to the public upon request. Requires each agency report which is prepared by a contractor or which is derived from a contractor's report, to disclose certain information converning the contract including: (1) the identity of the contractor; (2) the amount of the contract; and (3) the type of procurement process used to award the contract. Defines the term "organizational conflict of interest" as any situation in which a contractor has interests relating to work to be performed under a contract which may bias the contractor's judgment or result in an unfair competitive advantage to the contractor. Requires each contractor and each consultant or subcontractor used by such contractor to disclose any information relevant to any potential or existing organizational conflict of interest with regard to any contract for which such contractor is submitting a proposal or any proposed modification to an existing contract. Directs an agency, upon determining that such a conflict exists, to: (1) disqualify such contractor or the consultant or subcontractor from eligibility for ward of the proposed contract; (2) modify the proposed contract to eliminate such conflict; (3) include in the agency records and transmit to Congress a statement concerning such conflict if the contract services can be obtained from no other person; (4) terminate the existing contract to be modified; or (5) modify the existing contract to mitigate the conflict and report thereon to Congress if termination is not in the best interest of the Government. Requires each agency to include with its requests for regular appropriations for each fiscal year, an itemized statement of amounts requested for the procurement of goods and the procurement of services. Requires the Budget transmitted by the President to Congress each year to specify requests for new budget authority for and estimates of outlays by each agency for such procurement. Directs each agency head, by a specified date, to transmit to the Committees on Appropriations of each House an analysis of such requests and estimates. Requires each agency to include in its records regarding any completed contract totaling more than $50,000 and for which a report was prepared, an evluation describing such report, the actions taken by the agency in response to such report, and a summary of the performance of the contractor. Directs an agency to consider an employee's compliance with agency rules and procedures applicable to contracting functions when: (1) evaluating the performance of a member of the Senior Executive Service; and (2) determining any pay increase for a supervisor or manager under the merit pay system. Requires the Director of OMB to apportion appropriations to Federal agencies in a manner which insures that no more than 20 percent of the total appropriations available to an agency in a fiscal year may be obligated during the last two months of that year. Authorizes the Director to waive such spending limitation with regard to certain funds upon determining that such action is necessary to avoid a serious disruption of an agency program or operation, if the Director reports on such waiver to Congress. Requires the Director to report to Congress on the implementation, agency violations, impact, and continuation of such spending limitation. Exempts reserves established to comple with such a spending limitation from reporting requirements of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Requires the Director to promulgate a regulation establishing a data system for the collection and dissemination of information regarding Government procurement activities. Specifies information concerning each Government contract for the procurement of goods or services which must be included in the system. Directs the Director: (1) to make information within the system available to Congress, Federal agencies, and the public upon request; and (2) to submit to Congress quarterly and annual reports on Government procurement activities. Amends the Freedom on Information Act to require agencies to make information produced pursuant to a contract available to the public to the same extent as if produced by Government officials. Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require agencies to pay interest on any payment which is overdue by more than four weeks on a contract with a small business concern. Consultant Reform Act of 1980 - Title I: Appointments - Establishes general statutory authority for the head of a Federal agency to appoint and fix the compensation of experts or consultants for temporary or intermittent services. Eliminates provisions of Federal law permitting an agency to procure such services by contract only when specifically authorized by appropriation or statute. Establishes the pay rate payable for GS-18 as the maximum pay rate for experts and consultants for all agencies. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations governing the employment of experts and consultants by Federal agencies. Requires each agency: (1) to submit to OPM a quarterly report on the number of days each consultant or expert is employed and the amount each individual is paid; and (2) to count such individuals as fractions of persons (depending on the number of hours they are employed) in administering any personnel ceiling. Prohibits an agency from initiating any action to obtain consultant or expert services by contract unless it has been certified that all reasonable steps have been taken to obtain such services by appointment. Title II: Contracts - Requires each Federal agency to transmit to the Secretary of Commerce a written notice describing: (1) any proposed contract in an amount exceeding $10,000, with specified exemptions; and (2) any contract modification that increases the contract award by $50,000 or more. Directs the Secretary to publish such notices in a specified publication of the Department of Commerce. Directs each agency to notify the Committees on Appropriations of each House of Congress concerning any such modification. Directs every Federal agency to maintain and make available to the public each month a list of contracts which were entered into during the preceding 24 months and for which contractors have not completed performance. Requires that such list disclose certain information concerning the contract, contractor, and Government employees responsible for awarding and administering the contract. Declares that all contracts, excluding contracts determined to be classified information for national security reasons, shall be considered public information. Specifies information concerning the qualifications and selection of a contractor which shall be available to the public upon request. Requires each agency report which is prepared by a contractor or which is derived from a contractor's report, to disclose certain information concerning the contract including: (1) the identity of the contractor; (2) the amount of the contract; and (3) the type of procurement process used to award the contract. Defines the term "organizational conflict of interest" as any situation in which a contractor has interests relating to work to be performed under a contract which may bias the contractor's judgment or result in an unfair competitive advantage to the contractor. Requires each contractor and each consultant or subcontractor used by such contractor to disclose any information relevant to any potential or existing organizational conflict of interest with regard to any contract for which such contractor is submitting a proposal or any proposed modification to an existing contract. Directs an agency, upon determining that such a conflict exists, to: (1) disqualify such contractor or the consultant or subcontractor from eligibility for award of the proposed contract; (2) modify the proposed contract to eliminate such conflict; (3) include in the agency records and transmit to Congress a statement concerning such conflict if the contract services can be obtained from no other person; (4) terminate the existing contract to be modified; or (5) modify the existing contract to mitigate the conflict and report thereon to Congress if termination is not in the best interest of the Government. Requires each agency to include with its requests for regular appropriations for each fiscal year, an itemized statement of amounts requested for the procurement of goods and the procurement of services. Requires the Budget transmitted by the President to Congress each year to specify requests for new budget authority for and estimates of outlays by each agency for such procurement. Directs each agency head, by a specified date, to transmit to the Committees on Appropriations of each House an analysis of such requests and estimates. Requires each agency to include in its records regarding any completed contract totaling more than $50,000 and for which a report was prepared, an evaluation describing such report, the actions taken by the agency in response to such report, and a summary of the performance of the contractor. Directs an agency to consider an employee's compliance with agency rules and procedures applicable to contracting functions when: (1) evaluating the performance of a member of the Senior Executive Service; and (2) determining any pay increase for a supervisor or manager under the merit pay system. Requires the Director of OMB to apportion appropriations to Federal agencies in a manner which insures that no more than 20 percent of the total appropriations available to an agency in a fiscal year for procurement of goods and services may be obligated during the last two months of that year. Authorizes the Director to waive such spending limitation with regard to certain funds upon determining that such action is necessary to avoid a serious disruption of an agency program or operation, if the Director reports on such waiver to Congress. Requires the Director to report to Congress on the implementation, agency violations, impact, and continuation of such spending limitation. Exempts reserves established to comply with such a spending limitation from reporting requirements of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Requires the Director to promulgate a regulation establishing a data system for the collection and dissemination of information regarding Government procurement activities. Specifies information concerning each Government contract for the procurement of goods or services which must be included in the system. Directs the Director: (1) to make information within the system available to Congress, Federal agencies, and the public upon request; and (2) to submit to Congress quarterly and annual reports on Government procurement activities. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to require agencies to make information produced pursuant to a contract available to the public to the same extent as if produced by Government officials.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Father Michael J. McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, as the Knights of Columbus celebrate their 100th anniversary. Requires that such stamp be issued in the denomination used for first class mail and be placed on sale in 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the domestic automotive and truck industry. Declares it to be a goal of the United States to achieve technological superiority in the world automobile and truck industry. Advocates changes in economic, fiscal, and import policies in order to create adequate capital and produce a more favorable climate for the domestic automobile and truck industry.
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 · 8 May 1980
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to distribute licenses for very high frequency commercial television broadcasting stations to ensure that each State will have at least one such station.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1980
Supports the President's actions towards Iran to secure the release of the hostages. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that it is necessary to obtain international cooperation in imposing sanctions on Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to conduct a clinical investigation of the safety and efficacy of dimethyl sulfoxide as a drug to be used by persons with arthritis.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Extends from January 1, 1977, to January 1, 1978, the income tax exclusion for subsistence allowances paid to State police officers. Extends from April 15, 1979 until one year after the date of enactment of this Act: (1) the period for electing such tax exclusion; and (2) the period for applying for any refund or credit for overpayment of taxes which was prevented by law or rule of law prior to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1980
Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to prohibit the President from taking action, pursuant to the President's authority to adjust the imports of articles which threaten national security, to impose import fees on petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States without specific authorization from Congress, effective March 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the residential energy credit for energy conservation expenditures with respect to residences substantially completed after April 19, 1977, if such expenditures are for energy conservation items which are not required by Federal, State, or local housing standards.
![Official portrait of Rep. Minish, Joseph G. [D-NJ-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000796_200.jpg)