United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1981
Establishes a Special Joint Committee on Arrangements to provide for a joint meeting of the Congress on February 22, 1982, or such other day as designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to coordinate its activities with other organizations as it deems appropriate, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require each State to submit semiannual reports to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on individuals for whom death certificates have been officially filed during the preceding six-month period. Requires that such reports include the individuals' names, social security numbers, dates of birth and death, sex, and death certificate numbers. Directs the Secretary to release such information upon request to surviving relatives of such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Requests the President to designate February 22, 1982, as a day of national celebration in honor of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no limitation should be placed on the Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on a residential mortgage.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
National Defense Port System Act of 1981 - Title I: Establishment of National System of User Fees for Deep-Draft Channels and Harbors - Directs the President to appoint a task force which shall make specific recommendations to the Secretary of the Treasury concerning the imposition of user fees on ports having deep-draft channels or harbors. Sets forth factors to be considered by the task force. Directs the Secretary to establish a nationally uniform system of user fees. Allows the Secretary to increase or decrease such user fees under certain circumstances. Requires such fees to be collected by the Customs Service. Establishes the Port System Trust Fund within the Treasury. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on Trust Fund operations. Makes amounts in the Trust Fund available for: (1) navigation improvement projects; and (2) operation and maintenance of specified channels and harbors, including those in the Saint Lawrence Seaway, Great Lakes, or their connecting waters. Revises financing procedures of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. Terminates Corporation obligations outstanding on the effective date of this Act. Title II: Construction and Financing of Navigation Improvement Projects to Increase the Depth of Deep-Draft Channels and Harbors to More Than Forty-Five Feet - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to expedite construction of approved navigation improvement projects if the appropriate State port authority enters into a specified agreement with the Secretary. Requires such port authority to reimburse the United States for 100 percent of construction, operation, and maintenance costs. Allows State port authorities to construct approved navigation improvement projects at their own expense and to finance such construction through the adoption of duties of tonnage. Grants the consent of Congress, subject to certain conditions, to the levying by the States of such duties of tonnage. Directs the Comptroller General to audit the operations of such State port authorities and to report to Congress thereon. Sets forth enforcement procedures concerning such duties of tonnage. Title III: Expedited Procedure for Approval of Navigation Improvement Projects and Related Landside Facilities Projects - Directs the Secretary to establish a project schedule for all agency decisions relating to navigation improvements and landside facilities projects. Authorizes the Secretary to modify the project schedule at any time. Describes procedures concerning judicial review of final agency decisions covered by a project schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1981
Taxpayer's Court Costs and Fees Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit reasonable court costs, including attorneys' fees, to be awarded to the prevailing party (other than the United States or a creditor of the prevailing party) in a civil action brought by the United States in any court of the United States for the determination, collection, or refund of any tax, interest, or penalty imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits such an award where the court finds that the position of the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Includes within the definition of "attorney's fees" amounts paid to an individual who is not an attorney but who is authorized to practice before the Tax Court. Defines "prevailing party" as a party who substantially prevails with respect to the amount in controversy or the most significant issue or set of issues.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a handicapped taxpayer or a taxpayer with a handicapped dependent to elect the one-time exclusion of gain from the sale or exchange of a principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1981
Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to identify Medicare patients and other individuals entitled to benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act who have died in order to eliminate improper OASDI benefit payments to deceased individuals. Directs the Inspector General to report to Congress annually on the progress being made pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1981
Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize a judicial officer when making a pretrial release determination to consider whether a person charged with possession or transfer of a controlled substance will pose a danger to any other person or the community. Requires the judicial officer to hold a hearing for such persons to determine whether surety resources have been obtained by noncriminal means.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1981
Amends titiles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to require Federal agencies to give to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon request, the names and social security account numbers of disability or SSI benefit recipients who are inmates of penal institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Fred Waring, Louis L'Amour, and the widow of Joe Louis. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of each medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Port Development and Navigation Improvement Act of 1981 - Title I: Priority Maintenance and Navigation Improvement Projects - Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to submit to Congress within two years after enactment of this Act a deep-draft commercial port channel maintenance program. Specifies that such program shall include alternate disposal sites for dredged or fill material. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to submit to Congress a programmatic environmental impact statement, including an analysis of the adequacy of deep-draft commercial ports to accommodate increasing import and export trade. Provides for veto of such maintenance programs and navigational improvement projects by concurrent resolution of Congress within 60 days. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress modifications of approved maintenance and navigational improvement projects. Requires the Secretary to undertake navigation improvements in deep-draft commercial ports on a priority basis under specified circumstances. Sets forth procedures by which the Secretary shall submit feasibility studies, survey reports, and environmental impact statements to Congress. Prohibits a State port authority from dredging or performing other maintenance with regard to a navigation improvement project constructed by or with assistance from the Secretary except under specified circumstances. Requires the Secretary to enter into memorandums of agreement with: (1) the Administrator in regard to the disposal of dredged and fill material into navigable waters; and (2) the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce concerning the environmental aspects of the maintenance and improvement of federally authorized channels in deep-draft commercial ports. Sets forth procedures for congressional approval of new navigational improvement projects. Title II: Financing of Navigation Improvement Projects - Grants the consent of Congress to the levying by States of tonnage duties. Lists the purposes of such duties, including reimbursement of Federal and State entities in regard to navigation improvement projects. Directs the Comptroller General to audit periodically the operations of State port authorities dealing with such duties of tonnage. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations. Allows the Secretary, upon congressional approval, to transfer funds from existing Department of the Army civil appropriations pending appropriation of such authorized sums.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
Rural Enterprise Zone Development Act of 1981 - Title I: Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide financial and technical assistance and tax incentives to help restore distressed rural areas. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1961 to define "rural enterprise zone" (zone) as an area under at least one local government's jurisdiction with a population density of less than 200 people per square mile and a total population of between 5,000 and 50,000 people. Requires a local entity to submit a zone plan to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval. Authorizes the Secretary to make: (1) development facility grants; (2) vocational education and agricultural extension service center loans; and (3) industrial and commercial activity loans and loan guarantees. Limits the number of annual zone designations. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983-1984. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make technical assistance grants and provide related aid to rural enterprise zones. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983-1984. Title II: Tax Incentives for Small Businesses Located in Rural Enterprise Zones - Small Rural Business Program Tax Act of 1981 - Subtitle A: Designation of Eligible Areas and Businesses - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new subchapter which sets forth criteria for the designation of rural enterprise zones and defines qualified small rural businesses for purposes of providing tax incentives for such businesses. Empowers the Secretary of Agriculture to approve the designation of an area as a rural enterprise zone if a local government submits to the Secretary a plan which meets specified requirements for the establishment of such zones. Limits the number of zones which the Secretary may designate in any calendar year. Sets forth criteria relating to population, poverty, unemployment, and per capital income growth which the Secretary must consider in approving the designation of a rural enterprise zone. Defines a "qualified small rural business" (small rural business) as an actively conducted trade or business which employs individuals who perform a specified number of hours of service for the business in a rural enterprise zone. Disqualifies any business which has had gross receipts in excess of $2,000,000 for any of the three preceding taxable years. Subtitle B: Tax Incentives for Qualified Small Rural Businesses - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the capital gains tax rates of small rural businesses and investors in rural enterprise zones. Exempts the capital gains of small rural businesses from the minimum tax. Excludes from gross income 50 percent of the total of small rural business income for a taxable year and interest on loans made to such businesses to finance business activity in a rural enterprise zone. Allows small rural businesses a five percent tax credit for interest paid on loans used to finance business activity in a rural enterprise zone. Allows a targeted jobs income tax credit for the hiring of employees for a small rural business. Allows a small rural businesses and their employees a refundable income tax credit for training designed to improve the technical and managerial skills of such employees. Allows a small rural business to elect to use the cash method of accounting. Authorizes accelerated depreciation for small rural business property. Increases by ten percent the investment tax credit for the rehabilitation expenditures of a small rural business.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to provide for the extension of an export financing credit for agricultural commodities. Sets a formula for determining the amount of the credit extension for each fiscal year. Makes provisions for the credit inapplicable for fiscal years in which: (1) the demand for such credit is less than a specified ratio; or (2) the level of agricultural exports will be adequate without the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission dealing with the matter of the trade regulation rule relating to the sale of used motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
United States Olympic Development Fund Checkoff Act of 1981 - Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns an election to contribute one dollar of their income tax refunds or one dollar forwarded with returns to support the fund established by this Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a United States Olympic Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund an amount equivalent to the amount designated on tax returns to be available to the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee for use in a program of expansion and improvement of amateur athletics. Sets forth reporting requirements with respect to the expenditure of such funds by the Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Amends the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, to permit suits for money damages against individual officers and members of a labor organization, acting in their personal and nonunion capacity and not in behalf of a labor organization, by an employer for a violation of a no-strike clause in a collective bargaining agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Social Security Alien and Foreign Resident Limitations Act of 1981 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national and whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a resident of a foreign country who is entitled to old-age or disability benefits if such individual does not bear a spousal, filial, parental, divorced, or surviving relationship to such resident as of the date such resident reaches age 57. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national on the basis of such individual's own wages and self-employment income. Entitles a non-U.S. citizen or national to a single lump-sum benefit on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income if such individual is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or employment purposes or such individual's status is changed to permit such individual to work in the United States. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a non-U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national who is not a permanent resident of the United States or who has not been admitted to the United States for employment purposes. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that both Houses of the Congress should be adjourned on October 19,1981, to permit members of the Congress to participate in the bicentennial celebration of the British surrender at Yorktown.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to authorize appropriations in necessary amounts for fiscal year 1983 and for each of the succeeding fiscal years for: (1) regional education programs; (2) grants or contracts to improve recruiting of educational personnel and dissemination of information concerning educational opportunities for the handicapped; and (3) research in the education of the handicapped. Authorizes appropriations in necessary amounts for fiscal year 1982 and for each of the succeeding fiscal years for: (1) instructional media for the handicapped; and (2) research, training, and model centers for special programs for children with specific learning disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of one representative of employers, one representative of employees, one representative of beneficiaries, and one individual highly qualified in the management of investment funds. Requires the Board to make investments securing the maximum possible interest yield with the portion of the Trust Funds not required to meet current withdrawals. Fixes the interest rates for public-debt obligations issued for purchase by the Trust Funds at the average market yield on all marketable interest bearing U.S. obligations forming part of the public debt, all marketable interest bearing obligations which are not U.S. obligations but which are guaranteed by the United States, and all marketable federally sponsored agency interest bearing obligations which are lawful investments for fiduciary and trust funds under Federal control. Authorizes the Managing Trustee to use the equipment and experts necessary to assure the maximum possible interest yield on Trust Fund investments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Farm Irrigation Property Tax Incentives Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an additional ten percent investment tax credit for equipment which is utilized in the extraction, storage, or use of farm irrigation water.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to prohibit a corporation or labor union from using the involuntary dues or funds of its members or employees for specified political activities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1981 - Title I: Improved Identification for Motor Vehicle Parts and Components - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle security standard, applicable to parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles other than motorcycles after the effective date of such standard or manufactured as new replacement parts after such date. Directs the Secretary to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before promulgating such standard, which includes the effect on domestic motor vehicle production and sales. Stipulates that the standard shall not: (1) impose additional costs upon manufacturers in excess of $10 per motor vehicle; and (2) require the identification of more than 14 parts for any motor vehicle, nine parts for any truck, and four parts for any trailer. Declares that a Federal motor vehicle standard supercedes any State or local standard. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies on the development of security devices and systems. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on such devices and systems within one year of enactment. Provides for repeal of this title on a specified date. Title II: Antifencing Measures - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for removing or altering any identification number of any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulation. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or part which has had such number removed, with specified exceptions. Applies to the seizure and forfeiture of motor vehicles and parts those provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels and merchandise under the customs laws. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title III: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any self-propelled vehicle or vehicle part knowing that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used self-propelled vehicle to present to the appropriate customs officers the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Title IV: Reporting Requirements - Directs the Attorney General to establish a task force to study problems relating to the theft of off-highway mobile equipment. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a task force to study problems relating to motor vehicle titling and controls over motor vehicle salvage which may affect the motor vehicle theft problem. Directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Treasury and Transportation and the Postmaster General, to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Repeals provisions of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981 which repeal the minimum monthly social security benefit under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Petroleum Disruption Management Act of 1981 - Title I: Sequential Management Authority and Activation - Directs the President to prescribe four petroleum disruption management programs and transmit them to Congress for approval: (1) a Strategic Petroleum Reserve distribution program; (2) a private dedicated reserve program (PDR); (3) a national crude oil sharing program; and (4) a petroleum product disruption management program. Prohibits approval of a program unless each House of Congress, within 30 days of transmittal of a program, passes a resolution approving the program. Requires the President to submit a revised program if any program is not approved. Provides for the activation of a program whenever the President determines that a substantial or severe crude oil or energy supply disruption or interruption exists or is imminent, or a program is necessary in order to comply with the international energy program, and an approving joint resolution is passed within six days of transmittal. Limits such programs to 120 days duration, except the President may request additional 120 day periods. Title II: Private Crude Oil and Petroleum Product Storage Incentives - Directs the President to report on the advisability and alternative means of: (1) reducing the tax liability of persons who draw down crude oil and petroleum product reserves during oil supply disruptions; and (2) providing tax or other incentives for the construction of private-sector oil and petroleum product storage facilities and the maintenance of increased private-sector crude oil or petroleum product reserves. Title III: Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Private Dedicated Reserve Distribution - Authorizes the President to distribute crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, upon a determination that a substantial crude oil disruption exists, in amounts not in excess of 300,000 barrels daily for no more than 90 days annually. Provides for such distributions on a pro rata basis. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prohibit the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan from becoming effective unless each House of Congress passes a resolution approving the Plan within 30 days of the Plan's transmittal to Congress. Requires that during a substantial crude oil disruption allocation shall be as provided for in this Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress a report evaluating the expansion of the physical capacity of the Reserve through the use of temporary storage facilities. Directs the President to promulgate a rule establishing a PDR. Requires the rule establishing the PDR to, among other things: (1) provide for the equitable distribution of crude oil at competitive prices; (2) require designated refiners to provide crude oil to any qualified refiner experiencing a supply disruption; (3) distribute crude oil to such qualified refiners to permit them to operate at 95 percent of the national utilization rate; (4) provide that the obligation of each designated refiner to sell crude oil to qualified refiners shall be a given percentage of each designated refiner's average crude oil runs to distillation units during the previous 12 months; and (5) provide that the price paid by a qualified refiner will not exceed a stated level. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report determining the minimum volume of reserves to be maintained in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and analyzing the advisability of distributing crude oil from the Reserve in lieu of activating the PDR. Title IV: National Crude Oil Sharing Program - Directs the President to promulgate a rule establishing a national crude oil sharing program. Requires the rule establishing such program to: (1) provide for the equitable sharing of crude oil at competitive prices among all regions during a severe disruption; (2) require refiners to offer for sale any crude oil supplies that would permit their refineries to operate in excess of the national utilization rate; (3) assure that refiners are able to purchase sufficient crude oil to permit operation at the national utilization rate; (4) provide that the price paid by a refiner will not exceed the weight-averaged price during the previous 60 day period; (5) provide for directives requiring a refiner to adjust the percentage yield of a refined petroleum product in order to increase output of that product in a time of short supply; and (6) provide for the adjustment of the quantities of crude oil allocated among refiners so as to ensure desired production levels. Title V: Petroleum Product Programs - Directs the President to promulgate a standby regulation which when implemented will provide: (1) for the mandatory allocation of refined petroleum products produced in or imported into the country in amounts specified in and at ceiling prices specified in such regulation; (2) an emergency use fee; or (3) other action specified in such regulation which is not otherwise specially authorized by other Federal law. Requires the standby regulation to provide for, among other things: (1) the protection of public health, safety and welfare (including maintenance of residential heating), and national defense; (2) maintenance of all public services; (3) maintenance of agricultural operations; (4) preservation of an economically sound and competitive petroleum industry; (5) equitable distribution of refined petroleum products at equitable prices; (6) allocation of refined petroleum products necessary to explore for and extract fuels and minerals; (7) economic efficiency; and (8) minimization of economic distortion. Title VI: Establishment of Advisory Data Collection and Coordination Functions - Directs the President to establish: (1) an Energy Emergency Council to be composed of members of the executive branch, to advise the President on matters relevant to the implementation of this Act and the activation and management of its programs; and (2) an Energy Advisory Committee, to consist of members of the petroleum industry and consumers, to advise the President and the Council on matters relevant to the implementation of this Act and the management and activation of its programs. Directs the Council, after consultation with the Committee, to evaluate the current energy information collection and monitoring systems within the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to inform the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration whether the energy information now being collected is sufficient, whether changes are needed, and if so, to direct the Administrator to make the necessary changes. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report examining the standards for activation of the programs. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth provisions relating to administration and enforcement, including: (1) application of provisions of the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 to regulations, orders, and Presidential actions undertaken pursuant to this Act; and (2) setting forth monetary penalties for violations of this Act. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to include this Act within those Acts for which the Secretary shall provide for making adjustments to any rule, regulation or order in order to prevent special hardship or inequity. Extends, until October 1, 1989, the authority for international voluntary agreements with respect to the International Energy Program under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Terminates this Act on October 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
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 · 22 July 1981
Coal Pipeline Act of 1981 - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to authorize a person to apply to the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) for a certificate of public convenience to construct, operate, or maintain a coal pipeline or to extend an existing coal pipeline. Directs the Commission to approve the application if the public convenience will be enhanced. Permits any person holding such a certificate to acquire rights-of-way on private lands by exercise of the power of eminent domain. Limits the scope of such exercise regarding rights to water or to certain historic or significant lands. Requires coal pipeline certificate holders to fulfill relevant common carrier transportation and service obligations. Requires the line pipe of all pipelines to be located underground, to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with environmental protection, safety, and good engineering and technological practices. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant or renew to a certificate holder rights-of-way on Federal lands for the construction, operation, maintenance, or extension of coal pipelines. Requires the Secretgary to first consult with the heads of other agencies which may administer such Federal lands. Requires a right-of-way to be granted or renewed in accordance with specified provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe additional terms and conditions. Exempts existing coal pipeline rights-of-way and law suits commenced prior to enactment of this Act from certain provisions of this Act. Prohibits the United States or its agents from using or claiming water within any State for a coal pipeline unless pursuant to State substantive and procedural law. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations establishing uniform Federal standards applicable to certain aspects of coal pipeline facilities. Exempts existing coal pipelines from certain such standards. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of Transportation, to institute a civil action to enforce any such regulation. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of the Interior, to institute a civil action to enforce any provision of this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for any person failing to comply with any provision or regulation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to impose criminal penalties for the alteration, purchase or sale, or counterfeiting of a social security card or for possession of a social security card or counterfeit social security card with intent to sell or alter.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1981
Directs the Secretary of State to offer a reward for information leading to the discovery of an Army sergeant who disappeared following a helicopter crash in Ecuador. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
Amends the Federal Plant Pest Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to take emergency measures against plant pests if State action is inadequate. Authorizes intrastate inspections without warrants by Department of Agriculture personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
American Shrimp Industry Development Act - Title I: Shrimp Harvesters Cooperative Associations - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make loans to assist: (1) certain shrimp cooperatives in carrying out marketing activities and in constructing or acquiring physical facilities necessary for their operations; and (2) certain shrimp harvesters who are members of a shrimp cooperative in consolidating debts incurred by purchasing or refitting fishing vessels. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving fund to be available for making such loans. Directs the Secretary to deposit in the fund payments of interest and principal received from such loans. Authorizes appropriations to the fund for each fiscal year after fiscal year 1981. Makes the Act authorizing associations of producers of aquatic products applicable to shrimp cooperatives if shrimp harvesters control a specified percent of the business of the association. Title II: Tariff and Quota Provisions Affecting Shrimp - Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to impose a tariff on imported shrimp. Imposes a quota on imported shrimp for calendar years 1982-1986. Sets forth a procedure by which the Secretary may increase the quota of imported shrimp during any such year. Title III: Establishment of Regional Boards for Research on, and Promotion of, the Shrimp Fisheries - Directs the Secretary to identify the resident shrimp harvesters of each shrimp producing region and to conduct a referendum among the harvesters regarding the establishment of a Regional Shrimp Board for their shrimp producing region. Provides for the establishment and consolidation of Regional Shrimp Boards. Sets forth the functions and powers of Regional Shrimp Boards including the duty to implement plans for the promotion, marketing and research of shrimp. Title IV: Reporting and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to require shrimp harvesters, shrimp cooperatives, and other persons involved in the shrimp industry in the United States to report certain statistics. Provides for: (1) prescribing regulations necessary for collecting statistics; (2) maintaining the confidentiality of statistics submitted to the Secretary; and (3) imposing civil penalties for violation of statistics regulations. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for reporting shrimp import statistics. Directs the Secretary to award a fisheries research and development project grant for establishing and operating a project which utilizes an associated fishery or for carrying out a project to improve fuel efficiency in shrimp fishery harvesting if the application is made during fiscal year 1982, 1983, or 1984, and if the applicant and the proposed project meet certain requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out projects which do not meet such requirements through the national fisheries research and development program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to delegate to the Secretary of Agriculture authority to administer Federal assistance for community development programs involving units of local government and Indian tribes outside metropolitan areas or within such an area if the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines that the location is rural in nature and best served by the Farmers Home Administration (nonmetropolitian areas). Requires that 20 percent of the special discretionary fund set aside for housing and community development grants by the Secretary of HUD be used by the Secretary of Agriculture for making such grants for nonmetropolitan areas. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make rural development action grants to nonmetropolitan counties (which include portions of counties outside metropolitan areas). Delegates to the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to administer specified Federal assistance programs for lower income housing in nonmetropolitan areas. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to direct the Secretary of HUD to delegate to the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to make loans for the provision of rental or cooperative housing for elderly or handicapped families in nonmetropolitan areas. Amends the National Housing Act to delegate to the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to insure loans for home improvements and mortgages in nonmetropolitan areas. Directs the Secretary of HUD to transfer to the Secretary of Agriculture for use in rural areas and small towns 25 percent of the total authority of the HUD Secretary to contract for: (1) mortgage assistance payments for low income homeowners; and (2) mortgage interest reduction payments on behalf of owners of rental housing projects for lower income families. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Napier, John L. [R-SC-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/n000005_200.jpg)