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United States · Official source
1,245 records where Rep. Mitchell, Donald J. [R-NY-31] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
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 · 28 March 1980
Uniformed Services Health Professionals Special Pay Act of 1980 - Provides special and additional pay for physicians in the Armed Forces or the Public Health Service who are on active duty for a period of not less than one year. Sets forth a schedule for such special pay providing that: (1) physicians below pay grade 0-7 are to receive between $1,200 and $10,000 per year based on years of creditable service; and (2) physicians above pay grade 0-6 are to receive $1,000 per year. Entitles a physician eligible for special pay to an additional $10,000 annual payment for any 12 month period during which he or she is not undergoing medical internship or initial residency training, based on years of creditable service, upon the execution of a written agreement under which the officer agrees to remain on active duty for at least one year. Authorizes additional special pay (from $2,000 to $5,000 based on years of creditable service) for those physicians eligible for special pay who are board certified under regulations prescribed by this Act. Allows a qualified medical officer an incentive special pay not to exceed $8,000 for any 12 month period during which the officer is not undergoing medical internship or initial residency training. Limits the amount paid in special pay in any fiscal year to an amount equal to six percent of the total amount paid in such year for special pay. States that such a physician must agree in writing to remain on active duty for a period of not less than one year beginning on the date the officer accepts the award of such special pay. Permits the Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of the military department concerned, to terminate at any time any officer's entitlement to special pay. Includes, in the computation of creditable service: (1) all periods which the officer spent in medical internship or residency training during which the officer was not on active duty; and (2) all periods of active service in the Medical Corps of the Army or Navy, as medical officer of the Air Force, or as a Public Health Service medical officer. Entitles a medical officer of the Public Health Service who is on active duty for a period of at least one year to special pay at specified rates. Provides for special pay for dentists, optometrists, and veterinarians. Prohibits the amount of special pay to which an officer is entitled to be included in computing the amount of any increase in pay, retirement pay, severance pay, or readjustment pay. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to conduct a review every two years of the special pay for health professionals. Requires a report to Congress on the results of such review.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Designates the third Monday in February of each year as "National Patriotism Week."
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1980
Expresses the opposition of the House of Representatives to the action by the President imposing a fee on the importation of crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1980
Requires a unit of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps to contain 100 students to be established and 50 students for the unit to be maintained. Provides that such enrollees may be United States nationals (presently must be citizens).
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.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Designates the week commencing with the third Monday in February of 1981 as "National Patriotism Week."
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in such a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer at such station. Sets forth the requirements for such an offer. Makes it unlawful for a refiner to: (1) exceed specified annual sales limitations in any State (requires the Federal Trade Commission to determine specified limitation formulas); and (2) sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices (except for price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery differences). Stipulates that a refiner shall: (1) be in violation of this Act if such refiner withholds available motor fuel from a purchaser and then resells such fuel at a lower price to refiner-operated stations; and (2) not be prevented from charging a uniform surcharge in connection with a sale of motor fuel as consideration for the purchaser's use of a refiner's trademark or other such identifying symbol. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within three months of enactment to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of: (1) gallons of motor fuel sold, consigned, or distributed in each State during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel sold to its stations in each State during the preceding year; and (3) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Requires persons owning 50 or more motor fuel stations in the United States to report specified information to the Commission. Sets forth fines for violation of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought against violators of the requirements of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Small Business Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Small Business Innovation - Amends the Small Business Act to require the head of each Federal agency which obligates over $100,000,000 for research and development in a fiscal year to: (1) expend at least one percent of the amount spent on research and development during the next year for a small business innovation program; (2) solicit research and development proposals from small businesses during the next year; and (3) promote the use of small businesses to conduct research and development. Requires the head of each Federal agency to increase the amount of funds obligated for the conduct of research and development by small businesses by one percent each year until the amount obligated to small businesses in a fiscal year equals at least ten percent of the total amount obligated by such agency for research and development. States that it is an objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions. Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances, including when necessary to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization, including provisions: (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization, other than small business firms, from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education. Provides that the first commercial use with respect to a product of the invention shall not end the exclusive period to different subsequent products covered by the invention. Requires the head of a Federal agency to approve provisions of a funding agreement which require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor. Sets forth terms and conditions under which such approval may be granted. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assignees to grant licenses in order to: (1) achieve practical applications of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacturing of an invention. Entitles the government to 15 percent of all net income in excess of $70,000 gross income received by a contractor after a patent application is filed on a subject invention. Provides that if a contractor receives a gross income of $1,000,000, the government shall be entitled to a share of the excess of $1,000,000 that shall be negotiated but not to exceed five percent of such excess. Limits the government share of any excesses to its contributions under the funding agreement. Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to revise the government entitlements in light of changes to the Consumer Price Index or other indices at least every three years. Declares such government entitlements applicable to subject inventions upon which United States patents are granted and in effect. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign-owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States where commercially feasible. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, granting licenses, and transferring custody of patents. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions. Title II: Depreciation Acceleration; Repeal of Used Property Limitation in Investment Tax Credit; Corporate Income Tax Rate Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Repeals the $100,000 limitation on the amount of used property which is eligible for an investment tax credit. Reduces the tax rates applicable to corporate income. Repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property"s basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent. Title III: Tax Incentives for Small Business Capital Formation - Provides for the nonrecognition of gain on the sale or exchange of an equity interest in a small business which is reinvested in another small business within two years. Defines a "small business" as any business entity in which the aggregate equity interests do not exceed $25,000,000. Allows a tax credit for proceeds received from small business debentures which have a fixed maturity and grant no conversion or voting rights. Limits the amount of such credit to $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return). Disallows such credit if the issuing small business has $1,000,000 of such debentures outstanding or has a class of securities subject to regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats amounts paid on such debentures which represent a share of the issuer's earnings as long-term capital gain. Treats losses on such debentures as an ordinary loss. Requires distributions on such debentures, which represent either interest or a share of earnings, to be treated as interest. Title IV: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Amends title II of the Small Business Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this title: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this title applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this title six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in this title. Title V: Small Business Regulatory Flexibility - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small businesses and small organizations. Permits Federal agencies to modify the definition of "small business", if appropriate, after notice and opportunity for hearing. Defines "small organizations" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops enterprises which are not dominant in their fields, and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule, not in conflict with the definition of "small business." Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any proposed rule affecting a substantial number of small businesses and organizations which considers: (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standard for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking, which substantially affects such enterprises, unless otherwise provided. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating or modifying those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this title in conjunction with any other analysis required by law. Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this title. Title VI: Sunset Provisions - Requires the Congressional Budget Office in conjunction with the congressional committees having jurisdiction over each Government program, within one year after enactment of this Act, to set forth a timely review of all Government programs. Terminates any program which has not been reviewed within three years after enactment of this Act unless both Houses of Congress vote to continue such programs pending completion of a review. Requires that each review: (1) identify the need for the program; (2) identify conflicting or duplicative programs; (3) assess the program's effectiveness and cost; and (4) assess the impact of the program on the national economy.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Designates July 18, 1980, as "National P.O.W.-M.I.A. Recognition Day."
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1980
Designates May, 1980, as "Better Hearing and Speech Month."
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Pollution Control Capital Recovery Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from five to three years the amortization period for pollution control equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1980
Resource Conservation and Development Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a resource conservation and development program to assist States, local units of government, and local nonprofit organizations to operate and maintain a planning process for land conservation and utilization, natural resources development, and rural economic and environmental improvement. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance in developing area plans for designated rural areas; (2) cooperate in conducting surveys and inventories, disseminating information, and developing area plans; (3) assist in the carrying out of approved area plans by local public agencies and nonprofit organizations designated by States; and (4) enter into specified agreements. Sets forth terms and conditions of agreements which must be met if the Secretary is to provide any technical or financial assistance, including loans, to a State agency, local government, or local nonprofit organization in carrying out works of improvement specified in an approved area plan. Permits the identification of groups or problems for special consideration in area plans. Declares that the authority of the Secretary under this Act shall be supplemental and not in lieu of any authority of the Secretary under any other provision of law. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Agriculture a Resource Conservation and Development Policy Board to advise the Secretary regarding the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the program provided for in this Act and to report on such evaluation, with recommendations. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act, with specified annual limits on technical and financial assistance and on loans.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Energy should not promulgate any Federal emergency energy conservation plan which would harm recreational boating.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Small Business Capital Incentive Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer to elect shorter useful lives for buildings and business machinery in computing the allowance for depreciation. Specifies that the taxpayer may elect a useful life of 15 years in the case of a building and its structural components, and four years in the case of business machinery eligible for the investment tax credit. Imposes a $3,000,000 basic limit for buildings and a $1,000,000 limit for machinery eligible for the election provided by this Act. Reduces from seven to three years the useful life of investment tax credit property which is eligible for the full amount of such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1980
Directs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to establish a pilot program of designing and constructing buildings to better withstand nuclear explosions and minimize the damages caused by such explosions. Requires the Director to report to Congress concerning such pilot program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the International Olympic Committee should allow Taiwan to participate in the 1980 winter Olympic games under its own name, flag, and national anthem.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Small Business Equal Access to Justice Act - Title I: Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy - Amends title II of the Small Business Investment Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Title II: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this Act: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this Act six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Establishes the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, New York, to preserve and interpret the nationally significant historical and cultural sites and structures associated with the formal beginning of the struggle for equal rights for women. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire such land, or interest therein he deems necessary, by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange. Limits fee acquisition to specified Women's Rights Historic Sites in Seneca Falls, New York. Directs the Secretary to encourage local and State agencies to establish a preservation commission to develop and implement a plan for the preservation and rehabilitation of the area within the park boundary. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and funding for such plan, up to a limit of 50 percent of the total cost. Establishes the Women's Rights National Historical Park Advisory Commission. Terminates such commission 10 years after the date of establishment of the park. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with appropriate nonprofit entities for developing and implementing programs related to the women's rights movement. Directs the Secretary, within three years, to submit to specified Congressional committees, a general management plan for the women's rights historic sites. Requires any Federal entity conducting or supporting activities directly affecting the park to consult with the Secretary prior to the issuance of final approval for such activity, license, or permit.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers who have attained age 65 an income tax exclusion for up to $500 ($1,000 for joint returns) of the interest income received by the taxpayer during the taxable year on deposits or accounts in a bank, mutual savings bank, or credit union.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the Federal Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Provides for the appointment of members of the Commission by the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Sets forth provisions governing the organization and compensation of the Commission and its staff. Empowers the Commission to establish advisory councils and committees as it deems appropriate without regard to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Sets forth the powers of the Commission enabling it to gather information free from subsequent review or comment by any Federal agency. Directs the Commission to submit its final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out this Act.
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
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 · 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
Intelligence Reform Act of 1980 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to define "special activity" to mean activity conducted abroad to further official United States programs and policies which is planned and executed so that the role of the Government is not apparent or acknowledged publicly, but excluding diplomatic activity and the collection of intelligence or related support functions. Prohibits the expenditure of funds by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for a special activity unless: (1) the President finds that the activity is important to the national security and reports such activity to the congressional select intelligence committees (current law requires such reporting to the "appropriate" congressional committees); or (2) the National Security Council (NSC) determines that the activity does not involve substantial resources or risks and falls within a category of special activities which (A) have been found by the President to be important to the national security, and (B) have been reported to the congressional select intelligence committees. Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to exempt information in files maintained by an intelligence agency or component of the Government from the provisions of any law requiring publication or disclosure, if such files have been specifically designated by the Director of Central Intelligence to be concerned with: (1) scientific or technical systems for the collection of foreign intelligence; (2) special activities and foreign intelligence operations; (3) investigations to determine the suitability of potential foreign intelligence sources; and (4) intelligence liaison arrangements with foreign governments. Requires requests by U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens for information concerning themselves to be processed in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to add a new title V, "Protection of Certain National Security Information." Establishes a maximum criminal penalty of ten years' imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine for anyone who, having had authorized access to classified information, intentionally discloses to any individual not authorized to receive classified information any information that identifies an individual as an employee of an intelligence agency or as an agent, informant, or source of assistance to an intelligence agency, where the actor knows or has reason to know that the information so identifies such individual and that the United States is taking affirmative measures to conceal such individual's intelligence relationship to the U.S. Establishes a maximum criminal penalty of one year imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine for anyone who with intent to impair the foreign intelligence activities of the U.S. discloses such information with such knowledge. Makes it a defense to such crimes that before the commission of the offense the United States had publicly acknowledged or revealed the intelligence relationship of the individual to the United States Stipulates that it shall not be an offense to transmit such information directly to the congressional intelligence committees. Defines "intelligence agency" for the purposes of such offenses to mean the CIA, any intelligence component of the Department of Defense, and any foreign intelligence component of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Individual Investors' Incentive Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to ten percent of the cost of corporate securities purchased by such taxpayer during the taxable year. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $1,000 ($2,000 for married individuals filing jointly). Requires the recapture of specified amounts of such credit if any securities for which the credit is allowed are disposed of by the taxpayer within one year of their purchase. Disqualifies estates, trusts, and nonresident aliens from eligibility for the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that if the United States does not participate in the 1980 summer Olympic games, the Presidential Medal of Freedom should be awarded to each member of the United States summer Olympic team.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that April 22, 1980, should be observed and celebrated as "Earth Day, 1980."
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to balance the Federal budget in fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the International Olympic Committee should withdraw the 1980 summer Olympic games from the Soviet Union; and (2) there should be a boycott of such games, if they are not withdrawn and Soviet troops have not been withdrawn from Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Designates February 19, 1980, as "Iwo Jima Commemoration Day."
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate June 27, 1980, as "Helen Keller Day."
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Medicaid Community Care Act of 1980 - Authorizes a State with a plan approved under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to have Federal payments for home health care services, nursing services, home health aid services, medical equipment for use in the home, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology services, endiology services, adult day health services, respite care, short-term full-term nursing care, homemaker services, and nutrition counseling made at a higher rate the the rate for other care and services provided under the State plan. Specifies that the Federal medical assistance percentage for such services and the comprehensive assessments provided for in this Act shall be the lesser of: (1) the Federal medical assistance percentage determined under title XIX plus 25 percent; or (2) 90 percent of the cost of such services and assessments. Requires an application to be accompanied by a community care plan which: (1) provides for a comprehensive assessment of each individual eligible or applying for Medicaid who is likely to need long-term skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility services; (2) makes available, under title XIX, the care and services for which the higher Federal payment may be made to individuals determined pursuant to a comprehensive assessment to be in need of long-term facility services and for whom such assistance is a feasible alternative to long-term facility services; and (3) coordinates the services provided under this Act with similar services provided under the Older Americans Act of 1965, and under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress with respect to the program established under this Act. Permits a State, for the purposes of title XIX, to treat a noninstitutionalized individual the same as an individual who is in a long-term care facility if the noninstitutionalized individual meets the income and resources standards for long-term facility residents and has been determined, pursuant to an assessment under this Act, to need long-term facility services.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Savings of Income for Retirement Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the deduction for contributions to an individual retirement savings account (IRA): (1) by individuals to the lesser of 20 percent (currently 15 percent) of annual compensation or $2,000 (currently $1,500), adjustable annually for increases in the Consumer Price Index; and (2) by certain married individuals to the lesser of 20 percent (currently 15 percent) of annual compensation or $2,400 (currently $1,750), adjustable annually for increases in the Consumer Price Index. Increases the amount of the deduction for contributions to an owner-employee retirement plan (Keogh) by a self-employed individual to the lesser of 20 percent (currently 15 percent) of annual earned income or $10,000 (currently $7,500), adjustable annually for increases in the Consumer Price Index, but only after the deductible amount for an individual's contributions to an IRA has reached $5,000. Allows a new income tax deduction for amounts paid in cash by an individual for his own benefit to: (1) a qualified pension, profit-sharing, or stock bonus plan; (2) an annuity plan; (3) a qualified bond purchase plan; (4) an individual retirement account (IRA), or a retirement bond; or (5) a group retirement trust. Limits the amount of such deduction to the lesser of ten percent of annual compensation or $1,000. Places limitations on such deduction for amounts paid to certain IRA accounts, retirement annuities, or bonds. Denies such deduction to any individual claiming a deduction for such contributions under certain existing Code provisions. Denies such deduction to any highly compensated participant unless the employer certifies that specified discrimination standards have been met.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1979
Authorizes the President to impose higher or additional duties on the products of any country which is not cooperating with the United States in its diplomatic or economic initiatives to terminate the unlawful actions of other foreign governments regarding U.S. citizens assigned to a U.S. diplomatic mission.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1979
Designates the week of October 5 through October 11, 1980, as "National Diabetes Week."
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that social security benefits should remain exempt from all taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1979
Protection of Americans Abroad Act - Directs the President, if U.S. property abroad is illegally intruded upon or any Federal employee assigned abroad is illegally detained or attacked by foreign nationals, to determine whether: (1) such nationals were agents of the government; (2) their government sanctioned such actions; or (3) their government failed to respond to a U.S. request for assistance in preventing or terminating such actions. Requires the President, if an affirmative determination is made, to: (1) terminate diplomatic relations with such country as deemed appropriate; (2) terminate all U.S. military and economic assistance to such country; and (3) prohibit the transfer of such country's property and assets within U.S. jurisdiction. Provides for the removal of such sanctions if such country: (1) restores U.S. property and employees to the custody of the United States; and (2) makes adequate restitution. Authorizes the President to impose a fine to be paid out of such country's assets within U.S. jurisdiction for each day U.S. property or employees are illegally held by foreign nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979
Vietnam Veterans Act - Title I: Employment - Provides for a program of career development, training, and related services for Vietnam-era veterans. Establishes the Office of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment in place of the existing office of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment. Title II: Health and Psychological Care - 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. Authorizes specified mental health care for eligible Vietnam-era veterans at community health centers. Directs the Comptroller General to assign ombudsmen (from the General Accounting Office) at each Veterans' Administration hospital to investigate patient complaints. Title III: GI Bill Assistance - Extends the educational assistance delimiting period for certain Vietnam-era veterans. Eliminates the requirement of matching State funds for accelerated educational loan payments. Increases such maximum payment amounts. Title IV: Administrative Costs for State Home Loan Programs - Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay the initial administrative expenses for a qualifying State veterans' home loan program. Title V: Commission to Study Veterans' Benefits - Establishes the Commission on Veterans' Benefits to perform a comprehensive study of the structure and administration of the laws relating to veterans' benefits. States that such Commission shall report its findings within 18 months to the President and the Congress, and cease to exist 30 days after such submission.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should establish a Federal strike force and implement a program in each Federal judicial district for the purposes of investigating and prosecuting members of outlaw motorcycle gangs who commit Federal crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1979
Designates December 7, 1979, as "National Unity Day."
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the taxation of any title II benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1979
Small Business Export Expansion Act of 1979 - Title I: Small Business Export Expansion Assistance - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make grants to qualified applicants to encourage the development and implementation of a small business international marketing program. Stipulates that not more than one-third of such grants be used for the purpose of hiring personnel. Sets forth eligibility requirements for applicants. Requires each small business international marketing program to: (1) have a full-time staff director to manage program activities; (2) have access to export specialists to counsel and assist small business clients; and (3) establish an advisory board of nine members appointed by the Governor of the State in which the applicant is located. Sets forth operational procedures for such advisory board. Directs the SBA to maintain a central clearinghouse for the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information between small business international marketing programs. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for such programs. Title II: Export Promotion Centers - Directs the Administrator of SBA, after consultation with specified agencies, to establish an Export Promotion Center in each regional office of the Department of Commerce. Requires the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Internal Revenue Service, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the SBA to each designate at least one full-time employee to serve as the agency representative in each Center. Directs the Administrator to report to the Senate Select Committee on Small Business and the House Small Business Committee on the progress made in imprementing this title, not later than six months after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administration to establish a plan for the evaluation of the international marketing program to be submitted annually to the appropriate congressional committees. Title III: Small Business Export Financing Assistance - Authorizes the Administration to make loans to small businesses for export purposes of 90 percent of the balance of such loans outstanding at the time of disbursement. Title IV: Small Business Investment Companies - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administration to make commitments, by contract, to guarantee qualifying investments by small business investment companies licensed pursuant to this Act. Limits such contracts to specified aggregate amounts of guarantee eligibility. Provides that such guarantees be granted with respect to initial and subsequent (to the effective date of this Act) investments made in eligible small business concerns, and shall not exceed 50 percent of each net investment loss. Directs that such guarantees be granted to such concerns which are or will be engaged in continuous export business operations, giving preference to new-to-export small businesses. Sets forth requirements for qualifying investments and terms and conditions under which the Administration may void or suspend any such contractual commitments.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1979
Designates the third week of April of each year as "National Coin Week."
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1979
Designates December 7, 1979, as "National Unity Day."
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1979
Directs the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission to determine the validity and amounts of claims against Iran by U.S. citizens held as hostages in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, and their families, for personal injuries and punitive damages. Requires the Commission to certify: (1) the amount of damages to the individual claimants and to the Secretary of State; and (2) the amount of each award to the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a special fund for the payment of such awards into which shall be paid: (1) payments by Iran to satisfy such claims; and (2) amounts realized from Iranian assets subject to control under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Requires the Secretary to make payments from such funds for awards not otherwise satisfied by Iran. Directs the President to continue to prohibit transactions in at least $100,000,000 of Iranian assets subjected to controls, until all claims are fully satisfied.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1979
Wind Energy Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for converting wind energy into electricity. Sets as a goal of such program the attainment of a total megawatt capacity of at least 800 megawatts from wind energy systems by fiscal year 1988 and the reduction of the average cost of electricity produced by such systems to a level competitive with conventional energy sources by the end of fiscal year 1986. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into agreements with public and private entities to obtain scientific, technological, and economic information on the design, fabrication, purchase, installation, and testing of wind energy systems. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to entities seeking to install wind energy systems upon submission of the proper application. Sets forth terms and conditions for receiving such assistance. Terminates any Federal subsidization of purchases of such equipment upon the determination that such systems have become competitive with conventional energy sources or by a specified date. Sets forth the amount of such assistance, taking into consideration any tax credits allowed under the Internal Revenue Code for renewable energy source expenditures. Allocates a portion of the funds appropriated to carry out such assistance program for accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems by Federal agencies for demonstration purposes. Directs the Secretary to promulgate voluntary performance standards for such systems. Directs the Secretary to initiate a three-year national wind resource assessment program to: (1) validate existing assessments of known wind resources; (2) perform wind resource assessments in regions where the use of wind energy may prove feasible; (3) initiate a general site prospecting program; (4) establish standard wind data collection and siting techniques; (5) establish, in consultation with the Administrators of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a national wind data center to make public information available on wind energy. Directs the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive program management plan for the research, development, and demonstration activities prescribed under this Act for submission to specified congressional committees. Sets forth criteria for selection of programs consistent with the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to monitor, collect and evaluate data and information, and conduct studies and investigations relating to wind energy systems and programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that information relating to programs, projects and other activities conducted under this Act are widely disseminated to Federal, State, and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific community and the public, so as to promote the use of wind energy to the maximum extent feasible. Directs the Secretary to assure that small businesses will have adequate opportunities to participate in the programs conducted under this Act to the maximum extent practicable. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
Designates the third week of September of each year as "National Cystic Fibrosis Week."