United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress immediately reimpose price controls on home heating oil and gasoline, and that pending such action the President rescind the decontrol order.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should seek, through diplomatic means, the punishment of all persons involved in the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran and in the holding of American hostages in that embassy. Authorizes the President to suspend implementation of the agreement which secured the release of the hostages if the President determines such punishment has not been satisfactorily effected.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System should reverse its present policy of adjusting the discount rate to cause increased interest rates and should instead pursue a policy of stable interest rates at lower affordable levels.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Reduces from 60 to 55 the age at which a member of the armed forces may retire from nonregular service. Requires the retirement pay of such member to be reduced by the Secretary of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1981 - 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 a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer. Sets forth requirements governing such an offer, including use of an independent appraisal meeting standards set by the SBA. Makes it unlawful for any refiner to exceed specified limitations on annual motor fuel sales. Makes it unlawful for any supplier to sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices. Stipulates that withholding of available fuel from a purchaser for resale at a lower price to a supplier-operated station shall constitute a violation. Permits price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery costs, or which are offered in good faith to meet competitive price reductions. Stipulates that a refiner may charge purchasers of motor fuel a uniform surcharge for use of a trademark or other 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. Permits contracts requiring a dealer to purchase motor fuel exclusively from a particular dealer or supplier, if such contract assures the dealer the right to purchase fuel elsewhere if the refiner does not have such fuel readily available. 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 90 days of enactment and annually thereafter to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of: (1) gallons of motor fuel sold at its U.S. stations during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel manufactured in the United States during the preceding year; and (3) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Sets forth fines for violations of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought by the FTC or private parties against violators. Directs the FTC and the Small Business Administration to prescribe regulations required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that States reduce the amount of unemployment compensation payable for any week to an eligible individual by the amount of certain retirement benefits received by such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Directs the Depository Institutions Deregulation Committee to authorize certain financial institutions to offer a savings certificate which shall: (1) be for a term of seven years; (2) bear interest at a rate determined by such Committee; (3) be offered only to an individual with an adjusted gross income of less than $15,000 or to a family with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000; (4) be in the amount of $500 for an individual and $1,000 for a family; and (5) entitle the individual or family involved to a bonus payment if held to maturity. Prohibits the purchase of a savings certificate by an individual or family more than once during a calendar year. Entitles an individual with an adjusted gross income of less than $15,000 who invests, during any calendar year, a lump sum of $500 for a term of not less than seven years and any family with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000 which invests a lump sum of $1,000 to a bonus. Sets the amount of such bonus payment at 14 percent of the original investment amount. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse a financial institution for all bonus payments. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase by $500 the amount per academic year of any basic educational grant to any individual who, on or after October 1, 1981, enlists in, reenlists in, extends an enlistment in, or is originally appointed to a Reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to permit local distribution companies to provide natural gas service to residential customers for use in outdoor lighting fixtures installed and receiving natural gas before the enactment of such Act. Requires each local distribution company, in accordance with rules established by the Secretary of Energy, to: (1) periodically inform its customers of the amount of natural gas consumed by outdoor lighting; and (2) report such information method to the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Title I: New Emission Control Technology - Amends the Clean Air Act to allow persons proposing to own or operate coal-fired powerplants to request from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency one or more waivers of specified air pollution control requirements for such plant to encourage the use of an innovative technological system or systems of continuous emission reduction. Authorizes the Administrator with the consent of the Governor of the State in which the plant is to be located, to grant such waivers, if the Administrator determines, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, that: (1) the proposed systems have not been adequately demonstrated, will operate effectively, and are reasonably likely to achieve, in comparison with presently available technology, either significantly greater continuous emission reduction or significantly lower cost with the same or greater continuous emission reduction; (2) the owner or operator of the proposed plant has demonstrated that plant emissions will not prevent attainment and maintenance of any national ambient air quality standards or violate specified requirements, increments, or ceilings; and (3) granting such waiver will not exceed the number of waivers necessary to ascertain whether a proposed technological system will achieve specified conditions. Sets forth the Administrator's considerations for making such determinations. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct tests or to require tests and reports to be made by the owner or operator. Requires the owner or operator to make prompt reports of the emission of any unregulated pollutant from a system if such pollutant was not emitted, or was emitted in significantly lesser amounts without the use of such system. Sets forth terms and conditions on which, and time periods for which, such waivers shall be granted. Authorizes waivers requiring a minimum level of continuous emission reduction and fee charges to be assessed in cases where a system has failed to achieve the required level of continuous emission reduction and correction is impracticable. Sets forth formulas to determine such charges. Prohibits any charge being imposed which requires the owner or operator to pay, together with costs of operation and construction, higher costs because of use of innovative rather than existing technology. Title II: Emissions Charges and Rebate Plan - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement, in selected air quality control regions, plans which will assess the effectiveness of using economic incentives to achieve national primary or secondary ambient air quality standards in regions where such standards are not being achieved. Requires that each plan: (1) be developed under regulations promulgated by the Administrator after notice and opportunity for public hearing within the region covered by the plan; (2) be implemented only if each State involved approves; and (3) supercede inconsistent provisions of State implementation plans. Prohibits the Administrator from approving a plan which is not designed to bring about compliance with the ambient air quality standards in the region which is the subject of the plan and which does not specify an overall emission reduction schedule. Requires that each plan: (1) apply to a particular industry or industries or sources responsible for a particular pollutant; (2) specify an initial fee to be paid by the owner or operator of each source covered by the plan to be assessed per-unit of emissions; (3) establish a year-to-year overall emission reduction schedule for all plan participants; (4) provide for automatic annual percentage increases (to be adjusted, if necessary, by the Administrator) in fees if actual emissions exceed scheduled emissions; and (5) be annually reviewed by the Administrator to ascertain whether the emission reduction schedule is sufficient to achieve national primary or secondary ambient air quality standards not later than the date provided under such Act. Requires that regulations provide for annual fee imposition and rebate payment according to a schedule prescribed by the Administrator to encourage rapid plan compliance. Requires that the aggregate amount of rebates paid from the revolving fund for any calendar year to plan participants equal the aggregate amount of fees paid into the fund during the calendar year by all plan participants. Sets forth: (1) a formula for determination of the amount of rebate paid to each participant; (2) requirements for monitoring and reporting of emissions; and (3) nonpayment penalties of 20 percent of the aggregate amount of fee owed, plus interest. Establishes a revolving fund in the Treasury in to which fees shall be paid and from which rebates shall be made. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Authorizes the Administrator to commence civil actions to recover fees, interest, or nonpayment penalties for which any person is liable under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Federal Coal-Fired Powerplant Siting Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to coordinate the planning and scheduling of Federal, State, and local agency proceedings relating to the construction or operation of coal-fired powerplants. States that the Secretary may, with respect to the siting of such a powerplant, require one environmental impact statement to be used by all the Federal agencies involved. Authorizes the Secretary to require Federal agencies to conduct consolidated proceedings if there is concurrent jurisdiction. Requires the Secretary, with the concurrence of State agencies, to prescribe consolidated proceedings procedures for matters over which Federal and State agencies have concurrent jurisdiction. Directs the Secretary to establish a reasonable deadline for Federal agency decisions on the siting of coal-fired powerplants. Directs the Secretary to provide Federal assistance to State programs for coordinating and improving decision procedures for the construction and operation of coal-fired powerplants. Sets forth the criteria for such programs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to eliminate duplicative application and reporting form requirements for any person proposing a coal-fired powerplant project. Requires an applicant for a license, permit, or approval from any Federal agency for construction or operation of a new coal-fired powerplant which is not proximately sited to explain in the application why proximate siting is infeasible. States that the Secretary may, by rule, pay the costs of participating in a Federal proceeding with respect to a coal-fired powerplant to any intervenor who is unable to pay such costs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles before January 1, 1986. Authorizes the Administrator to require separate testing of each new motor vehicle for compliance with emission standards before sale by the manufacturer.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employer a refundable income tax credit for payment of compensation to an employee for periods during which such employee participates in Armed Forces summer camp training. Limits the amount of such credit to the amount which such employee would normally be paid for employment during such period, reduced by the amount of military pay which the employee receives at summer camp. Denies any tax credit for amounts which an employer pays as vacation or holiday pay.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Commends former President Jimmy Carter, former Secretary of State Edmund Muskie, and former Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher for their success in securing the release of the American hostages held in Iran. Conveys appreciation to the Algerian negotiators for the role they played in resolving the hostage crises. Pays tribute to the eight servicemen killed in the April 1980 effort to rescue the American hostages. Commends President Reagan for designating former President Carter to officially greet the freed hostages.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada should meet to discuss North American economic development, trading relationships, specific problems, and cooperation and reciprocal negotiations in the joint development of solutions to these problems.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Directs the Postal Service to submit to Congress (rather than to the Postal Rate Commission) any proposed change in the nature of postal service which would have nationwide impact. Requires any statement of proposed change so submitted to include an estimate of the impact of such change upon the public, business mail users, service levels and postal finances. Provides that no proposed change shall become effective if either House of Congress adopts a resolution disapproving it within 60 days after it is submitted to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the maximum reduction (currently $500,000) in valuation under the special estate tax valuation for certain farm and small business real property shall be increased annually between 1981 and 1985 by $100,000 each year plus an inflation adjustment amount.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified credit against the estate and gift tax from $47,000 to $155,800 by specified annual increments through 1985. Provides for a yearly inflation adjustment of the amount of such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase the amount of outside earnings permitted each year without any deduction from OASDI benefits by an amount equal to the total of all State and local real property taxes which an individual pays during a taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans' Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standard currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. Stipulates that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; (2) provide the claimant with an opportunity for a hearing; and (3) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreements with respect to a material issue in a veterans' appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimants' right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of procedural rights and procedures. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternate claims resolution methods, one a new intermediate-level adjudication process, the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Title II: Veterans' Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States, with regard to jurisdiction: (1) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (2) that in cases not directly involving a claim for benefits a civil action otherwise authorized by law shall not be precluded; (3) the definition of final decision; (4) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans; (5) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; and (6) that the court render a decision on the pleadings. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, such court may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits' awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. Stipulates that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. Establishes procedures for the review of the VA's or a court's approval of attorneys' fees. States that in the case of a benefits claim resolved before the VA, either the claimant or the attorney may challenge the award in the Federal district court in which the claimant resides or has his principal place of business within 30 days after notice of the attorneys' award. Provides that all parties be given notice. Stipulates that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - States that this Act shall become effective 180 days after enactment. Permits review of Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions rendered on or after January 1, 1977, and prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Higher Education Tuition Tax Credit Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer an income tax credit for 25 percent of the expenses paid for the college or post-secondary vocational education of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse or dependents. Sets forth maximum dollar amounts allowable as a credit for calendar years 1981 and 1982, after which the credit expires. Excludes graduate students from eligibility for the credit. Requires the individual for whom the tuition tax credit is allowed by this Act to be a full-time student during any four months of the calendar year or a part-time student during any eight months of the calendar year. Excludes from the definition of "expenses of higher education" any amounts paid for books, supplies, and equipment for courses of instruction or meals, lodging, transportation, and other living expenses. Forbids any construction of this Act as granting the Government additional authority to examine the books or activities of any church school except to the extent necessary to determine whether such school is an eligible educational institution. Requires that any amount received by the taxpayer as a tuition tax credit be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of the taxpayer for Federal, State, or local educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit certain credit transactions for the acquisition of securities of United States corporations by either United States or non-United States persons where such a transaction is financed by either United States or non-United States lenders if: (1) such a transaction is or would be prohibited if it had been made or had otherwise occurred in a lender's office or other place of business in the United States; and (2) a statement is required to be filed under such Act in connection with the acquisition or carrying of such securities. Applies the provisions of this Act to any purchase or carrying of securities on or after January 27, 1981, if the loan or extension of credit involved originated, or if the loan proceeds used to purchase or carry such securities were disbursed, on or after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for the repair of nontoll public roads which have incurred a substantial increase in use and deterioration as a result of transportation activities to meet national energy requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to apportion funds for transportation projects that will alleviate the environmental, social, and economic impact of substantial or increased train traffic to meet such energy requirements. Permits such projects to include systems management methods, grade crossing separation, and rail and highway relocation. Limits the Federal share of the cost of any such project to 80 percent. Directs the Secretary to establish a formula for the apportionment of funds under this Act. Prohibits any State from receiving less than one-half of one percent or more than 12 percent of the total apportionment made under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for such projects for fiscal years 1982 through 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981
Savings and Retirement Income Incentive Act of 1981 - Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 to make permanent the income tax exclusion for dividend and interest income. Increases such tax exclusion for persons over age 65 to $500 ($1,000 for joint returns). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $2,000 the amount of the income tax deduction for contributions to individual retirement accounts. Eliminates the prohibition against certain pension plan participants (e.g. government and military personnel) from making deductible contributions to individual retirement accounts. Increases the amount of nondeductible contributions which an individual may make to an individual retirement account in a taxable year and over such individual's lifetime. Permits contributors to an individual retirement account to withdraw from such an account up to $10,000, without tax penalty, in order to purchase a first home or finance the higher education of a dependent child. Allows an income tax deduction for voluntary employee contributions to tax-qualified employer pension and annuity plans.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to eliminate the present deductions from employee annuities under such Act on account of military pensions, disability compensation, and other gratuitous benefits given to such individuals under other Acts of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to direct that benefits under such Act for divorced spouses, surviving divorced spouses, widows, and widowers of railroad employees shall be the same as those benefits that they would have been entitled to had the railroad employee's service been subject to the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to provide an annuity for disabled spouses of railroad employees and for spouses of disabled railroad employees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to include all military service (presently only wartime military service) as years of service in computing the amount of an annuity for a retired railroad employee.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to direct that benefits payable to a parent of a deceased railroad employee under such Act shall be equal to those that the individual would have received under the Social Security Act if the service of the employee had been covered under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to direct that an individual who has completed 25 years of service shall be deemed to have "current connection with the railroad industry" for retirement purposes under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow income tax deductions related to the rental of a residence to a family member of the taxpayer if such family member pays a fair rental and uses such residence as the principal place of residence.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Prisoner of War Health-Care Benefits Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish an advisory committee to assess new medical and other information on former prisoners of war (POW's). Requires that such committee include former POW's of World War II, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam era and individuals who are recognized authorities in certain fields of medicine. Directs the committee to submit a biennial report to the Administrator on its activities. Reduces from six months to 60 days the internment period after which it may be presumed that a POW has suffered certain diseases. Makes POW's with the disease of psychosis manifest to a degree of ten percent presumptively eligible for wartime disability benefits (presently such psychosis must have occurred within two years of separation from service). Entitles POW's of not less than 60 days' internment during World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, or the Vietnam era to hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care benefits. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations and furnish medical services for any disability on an outpatient or ambulatory basis to such POW's. Includes veterans held in captive status due to the seizure of the United States Embassy in Iran among those veterans eligible for educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1981 - 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. Permits calculation of the investment tax credit for such property without regard to the useful life of the property. 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.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Resource Conservation and Development Act of 1981 - 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 with such State and local entities. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such agreements. Permits the identification of groups or problems for special consideration in area plans. 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 by December 31, 1986. 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 · 22 January 1981
Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles, unless the Administrator establishes separate inspection and testing of each new motor vehicle before the vehicle is sold by the manufacturer.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Powerplant Fuel Conservation Act of 1980 - Title I: Accelerated Fuel Conversions of Certain Powerplants - Directs the Secretary of Energy to make a grant to any owner or operator of a "designated powerplant" (a powerplant found by the President to be feasible for conversion to coal or other alternate fuel) for the costs of conversion of such powerplant from petroleum to coal or another fuel as a primary energy source. Limits the amount of such grant to: (1) 70 percent of the conversion costs for any powerplant which will meet the average preconversion sulfur dioxide limitation; and (2) 30 percent of such costs for any powerplant which will not meet such limitation. Conditions such grants upon the filing of a grant application with the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator to determine jointly that the operation of a designated powerplant using the fuel proposed in the application would meet the average preconversion sulfur dioxide limitation. Permits the Secretary to make a grant even though the powerplant does not meet such limitation if the plant adopts recommendations for measures which would reduce the sulfur atmospheric pollutants emitted by the powerplant. Conditions any grant on the joint determination of the Secretary and the Administrator that the operator of the powerplant using the fuel proposed in the application will apply measures which reduce the nitrogen oxides emitted by the powerplant. Directs the Secretary to consult with specified State and Federal authorities before taking final action on an application. Requires the Secretary to approve a grant for a designated powerplant unless the Secretary finds that the requirements of this Act have not been met or cost estimates and other information in the application cannot be adequately verified. Sets forth additional terms and conditions for such grants. Directs the Secretary to make payments under any grant according to a schedule established by the Secretary and the applicant which assures that funds are used only for conversion costs and that the terms and conditions of the grant are being met. Requires each electric utility for which a grant is made to repay any portion of the grant that has been spent by the utility for purposes other than compliance with specified air quality limitations and other applicable environmental requirements. Requires a schedule to be established which provides that the funds for the repayment will emanate from charges for the electricity produced by such electric utility and which will take into account the savings expected because of the use of a fuel other than petroleum as a primary energy source. Allows the Secretary to relieve the electric utility from such repayment at any time after the schedule has been established to the extent that the utility shows that such savings have not been or are not expected to be realized to the extent anticipated. Requires notification of the appropriate Federal and State agencies of grant approvals. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to any electric utility which owns or operates an eligible coal-fired electric powerplant for sulfur removal system costs (the reasonable costs for facilities which reduce sulfur atmospheric pollutants). Defines an eligible coal-fired electric powerplant to be any electric powerplant which: (1) was placed in service before the enactment of this Act and is not a designated powerplant; (2) uses coal as its primary energy source; and (3) has been identified by the Administrator as a candidate for a sulfur removal system. Sets forth the application priority, notification, recommendation, environmental standard, and monitoring program requirements which must be met before the Secretary can approve such a grant. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant for up to 20 percent of the costs for the design and installation of equipment and facilities for reducing the sulfur content of coal committed for use in a powerplant. Sets forth the application priority, notification, recommendation, and monitoring program requirements which must be met before the Secretary can approve such a grant. Prohibits recovery of costs incurred by an electric utility powerplant for use of petroleum or natural gas after December 31, 1985, by the use of an automatic adjustment clause, with specified exceptions. Title II: Additional Incentives for Reduction of Powerplant Use of Petroleum and Natural Gas - Directs the Secretary to make a grant to any electric utility for reasonable costs incurred after enactment in carrying out an approved fuel displacement plan. Limits the amount of a utility's grant to its pro rata share of the total appropriation for such grants, determined according to a specified ratio. Keys the obligation of approved grant amounts to any utility to the fuel reduction target established in its fuel displacement plan, depending on the percentage by which such target meets or falls short of such utility's pro rata share of a national fuel reduction goal of 600,000 barrels per day of petroleum and natural gas. Makes available additional grant amounts for any excess of such pro rata share. Sets a maximum grant ceiling of $4.00 per barrel of petroleum or natural gas conserved under the utility's fuel displacement plan. Specifies application and reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a schedule for the payment of grant funds designed to insure the proper use of funds and compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant. Provides for recapture by the United States of funds paid out to any utility failing to meet the fuel displacement target established in its fuel displacement plan. Sets the period beginning January 1, 1974, and ending December 31, 1978, as the base period for purposes of determining fuel usage. Specifies factors for appropriate adjustments to the base period fuel usage. Specifies the general contents of any fuel displacement plan. Requires approval of any such plan by the appropriate State regulatory authority in the case of a State regulated electric utility before the Secretary may approve it. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State regulatory authorities and non-regulated electric utilities to carry out duties with regard to the implementation of rules for cogeneration and small power production facilities. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Directs the Secretary to make a grant to any State office of consumer services for the purpose of assisting consumers in making presentations directly related to the development and review of fuel displacement plans. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 and 1983. Specifies circumstances under which funds appropriated for the Economic Regulatory Administration of the Department of Energy may be used for program administration relating to this Act. Limits the making of grants under this Act to capital costs. Requires final action on grant applications within six months after filing.
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
Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns an election to contribute any portion of their income tax refunds or any additional contributions forwarded with the returns to the support of the arts. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to modify income tax return forms to notify taxpayers of their option to contribute. Authorizes the payment of 100 percent of taxpayer refunds or contributions designated for the support of the arts to the National Endowment for the Arts (Arts Endowment). Directs the transfer of all such amounts, on a proportionate basis, to State arts agencies. Treats payments of funds to State agencies as donations from private persons and not as Federal assistance. Directs the transfer of amounts transferred to State agencies under this Act, on a proportionate basis, to local arts agencies. Imposes restrictions on the use of funds transferred to the Arts Endowment or State or local arts agencies for administrative purposes. Prohibits any local agency to which funds are paid under this Act from requiring any applicant for funds to meet any matching requirement. Prohibits the use of funds raised under this Act for grants to any endowment funds or for other investment purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Title I: Domestic Violence Prevention - Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for projects designed to prevent domestic violence and to provide immediate shelter and other assistance for victims of domestic violence and their dependents. Sets forth conditions for receiving such grants, including that the State: (1) distribute funds to local public agencies and private nonprofit organizations; (2) distribute at least 70 percent of such funds to private nonprofit organizations and give special emphasis to community-based projects; (3) designate a State agency to administer the programs; (4) set forth procedures to assure active citizen participation within the State; (5) assure that any project funded will coordinate its activities with other State programs and be administered by trained personnel; (6) provide technical assistance; and (7) comply with reporting requirements. Limits the total amount of grants to any local program to $150,000 for not more than a three-year period. Limits the grant for any fiscal year to $50,000. Stipulates that funds may not be used for direct payment to victims or dependents and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed. Requires local public agencies and private organizations to provide the following shares of Federal funding: (1) 25 percent in the first year; (2) 33.33 percent the second year; and (3) 50 percent the third year. Requires that at least 75 percent of grants be distributed to entities providing immediate shelter and related assistance to victims. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental grants to States for: (1) administrative costs; (2) developing and implementing programs; (3) assuring active citizen participation; and (4) developing a media campaign. Provides that each State will be allotted at least $45,000 in formula grants and $7,500 in supplemental grants. Requires each State receiving assistance to submit detailed annual reports to the Secretary on the implementation of programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate a director of programs carried out under this title; (2) establish a national information clearinghouse on domestic violence, in coordination with the child abuse clearinghouse; (3) make recommendations to Congress regarding domestic violence programs; and (4) obtain information on research relating to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the programs no later that than two years after funds are obligated. Sets forth confidentiality requirements with respect to records of persons assisted under this title. Establishes the Federal Interagency Council on Domestic Violence to assist the Secretary in coordinating Federal programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1983 to carry out this title. Provides for repeal of this title at the end of either fiscal year 1985 or the third fiscal year after appropriations are first made. Title II: Study of Abuse of Elderly Individuals - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the President and Congress within 18 months of enactment on the nature and incidence of abuse of elderly persons.
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 · 22 January 1981
Biennial Budgeting Act of 1981 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish a two-year cycle for the congressional budget process. Requires each standing committee of Congress to review the laws and programs under its jurisdiction every other year and to consider the desirability of new legislation in such areas. Requires separate consideration for authorizing legislation, budget resolutions, and appropriation bills.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest or dividends earned on savings deposits which are used by the deposit institutions for residential mortgage lending purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Defines "person" to include the unborn for the purpose of the right to life guarantee. Makes such amendment inapplicable to laws permitting medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Expresses the appreciation of the American people for the efforts of the Algerian Government to secure the safe and peaceful release of the Americans held hostage in Iran.
![Official portrait of Rep. Murphy, Austin J. [D-PA-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001088_200.jpg)