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United States · Official source
6,804 records where Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Full Recognition of Angola Resolution - Calls upon the President to recognize the present Government of Angola and to establish full diplomatic relations with Angola.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $100,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $20,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Entitles veterans eligible for medical services to chiropractic treatment upon request.
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 · 27 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the House shall not consider any bill, resolution, or conference report thereon reducing social security benefits prior to the opening of the second session of the 97th Congress. Instructs the House conferees on H.R. 3982 to recede and concur in an amendment deleting from the conference report on H.R. 3982 the section which repeals minimum social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1981
Tax Reduction and Reform Act of 1981 - Title I: Individual Income Tax Provisions - Subtitle A - Tax Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual and estate and trust income tax rates in 1982, with further reductions in 1983 and thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations permitting workers to increase or decrease their withholding allowances. Reduces the highest marginal tax rate on all types of income from 70 to 68 percent in 1982 and to 67 percent in 1983. Increases the zero bracket amount for each category of taxpayers. Increases the income levels at which a taxpayer is required to file an income tax return. Increases the personal exemption. Subtitle B - Increase in Earned Income Credit; Deduction for Two-Earner Married Couples; Etc. - Increases the rate of the earned income tax credit from ten to 11 percent of the first $5,000 of earnings beginning in 1982. Increases the maximum amount of such credit. Allows married individuals filing a joint return an income tax deduction from gross income of ten percent of the lesser of $30,000 or the earned income of the lower income spouse, beginning in 1983. Specifies that deduction shall be five percent of such amount in 1982. Increases the amount of the tax credit allowable for expenses for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment, beginning in 1982. Permits the credit for the care of certain dependents outside the taxpayer's home. Extends until January 1, 1983, the time during which a State legislator may qualify for the income tax deduction for living expenses while engaged in legislative business away from his home district. Limits such deduction to 110 percent of the daily amount allowable for Federal employees away from home but serving in the United States. Disallows such deduction for State legislators whose district residence is within 50 miles from the State capital. Title II: Business Provisions - Subtitle A - Depreciation Reform - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the current system of depreciation with a first-year income tax deduction equal to the basis of personal property used in a trade or business or held for the production of income (expense-method property) which is placed in service after 1980. Phases in such expensing method by limiting the income tax deduction to a specified percentage of the basis of such property each year through 1990. Permits the first $25,000 worth of qualified assets to be expensed in the year they are purchased or placed in service without regard to the phase-in period. Excludes from eligibility for expensing: (1) property used predominantly outside of the United States; (2) certain property held by noncorporate lessors; (3) certain property not eligible for the investment tax credit; (4) certain public utility property; (5) property acquired at death; (6) certain livestock; (7) railroad tank cars; (8) oil pipelines; and (9) certain films. Disqualifies expense-method property from eligibility for the investment tax credit after 1985. Exempts accelerated depreciation on leased personal property from classification as an item of tax preference for purposes of computing the minimum tax. Revises the treatment of property depreciated under the retirement-replacement-betterment method to allow a five-year amortization of the existing adjusted basis of such property. Repeals the retirement-replacement-betterment method of depreciation. Repeals the additional first-year depreciation allowance for small business. Allows the depreciation of real property based on a useful life of 20 years. Permits the taxpayer to elect either the straight-line or declining balance method of depreciation for such property. Specifies that the declining balance method shall be at a rate of 200 percent of the straight-line depreciation rate for low- income housing and targeted area property and 150 percent for all other property. Revises component depreciation rules to provide that the taxpayer must utilize the same recovery period and method of depreciation for a building and its structural components. Allows separate depreciation of substantial improvements made after the property has been in service for three years. Excludes the following types of property from eligibility for accelerated depreciation: (1) property with a class life of 12 1/2 years or less; (2) mobile homes; and (3) property eligible for amortization. Establishes a method of simplified cost recovery for long-life public utility property. Establishes the following two classes and recovery periods for such property: (1) Class 1 property which has a present class life of more than 18 but less than 25 years, 15 years recovery; and (2) Class 2 property which has a present class life of over 25 years, ten year recovery. Excludes from eligibility for accelerated depreciation public utility property for which the normalization method of accounting is not used and property eligible for amortization. Requires the taxpayer to establish a recovery account for each class of public utility recovery property. Provides special rules for the depreciation of property not eligible for the expense- method of cost recovery. Sets forth guidelines for the determination of the useful life of such property. Provides that, for purposes of computing the earnings and profits of a corporation in any taxable year, the useful life of expense-method property shall be the lower life limit of such property and the useful life of real property shall be 35 years. Subtitle B - Corporate Rate Reductions for Small Businesses - Reduces corporate income tax rates for 1982 through 1984 and thereafter. Subtitle C - Credit for Rehabilitation Expenditures - Increases the investment tax credit percentage for rehabilitation expenditures to 15 percent for 30-year buildings, 20 percent for 40-year buildings, and 25 percent for certified historic structures, effective in 1982. Qualifies for the investment tax credit certain rehabilitated buildings leased to tax-exempt organizations or to governmental units. Subtitle D - Incentives for Research and Experimentation - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit for 25 percent of the qualified research expenses incurred by a taxpayer in carrying on any trade or business to the extent that such expenses exceed the average amount of the taxpayer's expenses in a specified base period. Defines "qualified research expenses" as amounts paid or incurred for in-house and contract research. Allows such credit for basic research contracted out to colleges, universities, and tax-exempt scientific research institutes. Excludes from eligibility for such credit research conducted outside of the United States, research in the social sciences or humanities, exploration for ore or other minerals, and activities performed by the taxpayer for another person. Provides for a carryover and carry back of any unused credit. Terminates such credit after 1985. Title III - Estate and Gift Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified credit against the estate tax from $47,000 to $104,800 by specified annual increments through 1985 for farms and closely held businesses. Repeals the limitations on the estate and gift tax marital deduction. Qualifies certain terminable interests for such deduction. Redefines "qualified joint interest" for purposes of the 50 percent valuation of interests in property held by the decedent and the decedent's spouse. Sets forth special rules for: (1) the estate taxation of certain property for which the marital deduction was previously allowed: (2) the tax treatment of disposition of certain life estates; and (3) recovery rights in the case of certain marital deduction property. Title IV: Tax Reform - Subtitle A - Repeal of Percentage Depletion for Oil and Gas - Repeals the percentage depletion allowance for oil and gas, effective in 1982. Subtitle B - Tax Straddles - Provides that any loss from the holding of one or more positions in certain securities shall be recognized, for income tax deduction purposes, only to the extent that it exceeds the unrealized gain (gain which would be recognized if the position has been sold at its fair market value) from the holding of one or more positions which: (1) were acquired before the disposition resulting in the loss; (2) were offsetting positions; and (3) were not part of a identified straddle as of the end of the taxable year. Defines "offsetting position" to mean that there is a substantial reduction of the taxpayer's risk of loss from holding any position with respect to personal property (personal property of a type which is actively traded) because the taxpayer also holds one or more other positions with respect to personal property (commonly referred to as a "straddle"). Creates a rebuttable presumption that two or more positions are offsetting, for purposes of the definition of a straddle, if: (1) they are in the same personal property, although they may be in a substantially altered form: (2) they are in debt instruments of a similar maturity or certain other debt instruments; (3) they are sold or marketed as such; (4) the aggregate margin requirement for such positions is lower than the sum of the margin requirement for each such position; or (5) there are other factors, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to regulation, which indicate that such positions are offsetting. Imposes a penalty upon a taxpayer who fails to report each position held with respect to which there is unrealized gain. Disallows as a deduction, and makes chargeable to capital account, interest and carrying charges with respect to personal property which is part of a straddle. Treats as sold at its fair market value any regulated futures contract held by the taxpayer at the close of the taxable year. Treats gain or loss with respect to such a contract as: (1) short-term capital gain or loss, to the extent of 50 percent of the gain or loss; and (2) long-term capital gain or loss, to the extent of 50 percent of the gain or loss. Exempts from the loss recognition provisions of this title any straddle consisting entirely of offsetting positions which are regulated futures contracts. Defines "regulated futures contracts" as contracts: (1) which require delivery of personal property; (2) with respect to which amounts deposited and withdrawn depend on a system of marking to market; and (3) which is traded on or subject to the rules of certain boards of trade. Permits an election to: (1) apply the regulated futures contract rules to all positions of all mixed straddles (straddles at least one, but not all, of the positions of which are regulated futures contracts and with respect to which each position is identified as being part of straddle); or (2) not apply such rules to all regulated futures contracts which are part of all mixed straddles. Exempts from the application of such sales any hedging transaction. Defines "hedging transaction" as any transaction: (1) which is entered into in the course of the trade or business primarily to reduce certain types of risk with respect to property or borrowing; (2) the gain or loss on which is treated as ordinary income or loss; and (3) which is clearly identified as such. Limits the three-year carryback of losses from regulated futures contracts to an amount which: (1) does not exceed the lesser of the capital gain net income from regulated futures contracts or all of the capital gain net income; and (2) does not increase or produce a net operating loss. Provides that obligations of the United States, a State or local government, or a U.S. possession issued on a discount basis and payable without interest in less than one year shall be treated as capital assets in determining tax consequences of gain or loss with respect to such obligations. Treates as ordinary income any gain realized from the sale or exchange of short-term government obligations which does not exceed an amount equal to the ratable share of the excess of the stated redemption price at maturity over the taxpayer's basis. Excludes from capital gains tax treatment gains by a securities dealer from the sale or exchange of any security, unless the security was clearly identified in the dealer's records before the close of the day on which it was acquired as a security held for investment (currently, before the end of the date of acquisition). Extends capital gains treatment to gains or losses attributable to the termination of a right or obligation with respect to personal property of a type which is actively traded and which is or would be a capital asset in the hands of the taxpayer. Subtitle C - Treatment of Foreign Oil and Gas Income - Foreign Oil and Gas Tax Act of 1981 - Excludes from gross income any foreign oil and gas extraction income of a taxpayer. Disallows any tax credits or deductions attributable to such income or for the amount expended for oil and gas exploration outside of the United States. Disallows the foreign tax credit for excess foreign oil related payments by domestic corporations. Provides that the oil- and gas-related income of a foreign Corporation controlled by a U.S. company shall be presently taxed (instead of deferred as under present law). Subtitle D - Cash Management - Increases from 60 to 80 percent the amount in total tax liability which certain large corporations must pay in estimated taxes. Title V: Financing of Railroad Retirement System - Increases the rate of the employer and employee railroad retirement taxes. Allows the Railroad Retirement Account to borrow funds from the Treasury if the balance of such Account is insufficient to pay annuity amounts due.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Family Farm Antitrust Act of 1981 - Finds that vertical integration within the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore the competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Amends the Clayton Act to provide that no person who is engaged in commerce in a business other than farming and whose nonfarming business assets exceed $5,000,000 shall engage in farming or the production of agricultural products or participate in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational or nonprofit institutions, and farmer-owned and controlled cooperatives. Permits the continuation of farming interests by persons otherwise in violation of this Act if such interests are not increased or expanded for the five-year period following enactment of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which any person is required to divest themself of under the provisions of this Act if the person is otherwise unable to divest themself of such property or interest. Directs the Secretary to engage in specified enforcement activities including the exercise of any general investigatory authority vested in the Secretary, and to report to the Federal Trade Commission the results of such investigations. Authorizes the Secretary to submit recommendations to the Congress for adjustments to the limitation on nonfarming business assets to reflect changes in economic conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Expresses Congressional disapproval of the proposed transfer by the Republic of Korea to Uruguay of howitzers, six vulcan guns, and ammunition produced from technical data packages acquired from the United States under the foreign military sales program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Airline Deregulation Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to modify the definition of "ticket agent" as used in such Act. Directs air carriers to file with the Civil Aeronautics Board until December 31, 1982, individual and joint fares and charges, classifications, rules, and services for or in connection with interstate and overseas passenger air transportation. Requires that such filings shall be made with the Secretary of Transportation between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 1984. Prohibits air carriers and ticket agents from charging or collecting greater or less or different compensation than that specified in such filings. Transfers the authority of the Board relating to foreign air transportation to the Department of Transportation. Accelerates to January 1, 1983, the transfer of specified authority of the Board. Allows the Board to approve any contract or agreement that reduces or eliminates competition if it finds that the contract or agreement is necessary to secure important public benefits, including the marketing and sale of transportation through ticket agents. Sets forth the expiration dates for specified authority of the Secretary relating to contract approvals. Revises the expiration date and contents of the Secretary's (currently the Board's) report to Congress concerning the implementation of such Act. Prohibits the Board from issuing any final order or rule in regard to agreements among air carriers and agreements among foreign air carriers insofar as those agreements provide for the accreditation and supervision of travel agents. Directs the Board to forward the recommendations and analyses concerning such proceedings to the Secretary for final disposition. Prohibits the Board and the Department from attaching an expiration date on any certificate of public convenience and necessity. Deletes provisions concerning the issuance of such certificates for temporary authority to provide air transportation. Requires that each air carrier or foreign air carrier shall keep on file with the Board after January 1, 1983, the established divisions of all joint rates, fares, and charges for air transportation in which such carrier participates.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Prohibits the inclusion of the receipts and disbursements of the social security trust funds (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) in the totals of the Federal budget, and exempts them from any general statutory limitation on Federal budget outlays. Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit the Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to make loans to the other Funds, prior to fiscal year 1991, whenever one of the Funds falls below 20 percent of its disbursements for the 12 months preceding the borrowing. Provides for the repayment of such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an income tax exclusion for employees for benefits received from, or contributions of an employer to, an adoption expense plan. Defines "adoption expense plan" as a written plan of an employer to reimburse employees for adoption expenses. Allows an income tax deduction for adoption expenses incurred by a taxpayer, including legal fees, medical expenses, and transportation costs related to the adoption process. Permits nonitemizing taxpayers to claim such deduction for adoption expenses. Treats employer contributions to an adoption expense plan as a deductible business expense.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1981, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over: (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual of an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1981
Senior Citizens Olympic Athletic Programs Act - Authorizes the U.S. Olympic Committee to encourage and assist amateur athletic programs for senior citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the percentage depletion allowance for any geothermal energy source (currently, such energy must be in "deposits"). Qualifies for the residential energy credit and the investment tax credit all of the equipment of a system using both geothermal energy and a source not eligible for a credit if geothermal energy provides more than 80 percent of the energy for which the system was designed. Allows such credits for portions of such systems which produce, distribute, or use a source of energy which is at least 50 percent geothermal energy.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
Requests the President to designate February 11, 1982, as "National Inventors' Day."
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Maritime Act of 1981 - Transfers all of the functions, powers, duties, assets, and liabilities of the Maritime Administration of the Department of Commerce to the Department of Transportation. Establishes the office of the Maritime Administrator to head the Maritime Administration. Transfers personnel employed in connection with the functions transferred by this Act. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to make such incidental dispositions of personnel, assets, liabilities, records, and appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Makes conforming amendments to specified Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Campaign Finance Reform Amendments of 1981 -- Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to increase the limitations on contributions to campaigns for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Raises the ceiling from $1,000 to $2,500 for an individual's total contribution to any candidate for the House of Representatives and his or her authorized political committees. Imposes a limit on the total amount such a candidate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees of $75,000 for a general or special election (with an extra $25,000 in the case of a run-off). Imposes a ceiling on the total amount a candidate for the Senate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees. Sets such ceiling at: (1) the greater of $25,000, or the product of $12,500 times the number of State Representatives, in the case of a run-off election; or (2) the greater of $75,000, or the product of $37,500 times the number of State Representatives (not to exceed $500,000), for a general or special election (including conventions and primaries). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for political contributions from $50 to $100 ($100 to $200 for joint returns). Allows two separate tax credits, up to such amounts, for contributions: (1) to individual candidates and political committees; and (2) to national, State, and local committees of a national political party.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Prohibits a State, or any of its political subdivisions, from imposing a tax with respect to natural gas which discriminates against any out-of-State producers, transporters, consumers, distributors, or users of natural gas or which applies only to gas produced outside the territory of such State. Deems any tax as discriminatory if it results in a greater tax burden on interstate natural gas than on intrastate gas.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Amends the Public Health Service Act to eliminate age restrictions on appointment and mandatory retirement for the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning October 4, 1981, as "National Port Week."
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to state that a food intended for human consumption shall be deemed misbranded unless it is labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium it contains when in excess of a certain amount of milligrams. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food from such requirement by requiring the information to be prominently displayed in close proximity to the place of display or sale of such food. Exempts from such labeling requirements any manufacturer of such foods whose total annual sale are less than a specified amount.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study to determine whether there is a relationship between the exposure of members of the U.S. armed forces to nuclear radiation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and any abnormal health symptoms currently exhibited by such individuals. Requires a report to Congress within two years of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the nonconventional source fuel production income tax credit to any solid fuel in pellet form produced from biomass (other than wood or wood products) which has a Btu content per unit of volume or weight, determined without regard to any nonbiomass elements, which is at least 40 percent greater per unit of volume or weight than the Btu content of the biomass from which it is produced. Requires the taxpayer to elect whether to determine Btu content by volume or by weight. Limits application of such credit to pellets: (1) produced in a facility placed in service between January 1, 1980, and September 30, 1983, or for the construction of which the taxpayer was obligated under a binding contract on September 30, 1983; and (2) sold before January 1, 1990. Extends the time for start up of wood fuel facilities until October 1, 1983, for purposes of the nonconventional source fuel tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1981
Condemns the trial and conviction of Dr. Viktor Brailovsky by the Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express to the Soviet Union U.S. concern and opposition to the internal exile of Dr. Brailovsky and to the Soviet Union's refusal to permit Dr. Brailovsky and his family to emigrate; (2) the Soviet Union should comply with various international agreements by reversing Dr. Brailovsky's conviction and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; and (3) the Soviet Union should cease persecuting individuals seeking to emigrate and should cease denying basic rights to Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, for placement in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Canada and the United States should create the North American Air Quality Commission (NAAQC); (2) the NAAQC should be the primary means for coordinating U.S. and Canadian enforcement efforts to reduce acid precipitation pollution; (3) the NAAQC should recommend to Canada and the United States policies and legislation to reduce acid precipitation pollution; and (4) the NAAQC should report twice annually to the Canadian Parliament and the U. S. Congress on both countries' progress toward reduction of such pollution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Postal Service Amendments of 1981 - Authorizes the United States Postal Service to issue written demands requiring access to books, records, documents, or other objects believed to relate to any postal offense or civil matter under investigation by the Postal Service. Provides for the enforcement of such a demand by the appropriate district court. Authorizes the Postal Service to issue an order requiring any person to cease and desist from conducting a lottery or scheme for obtaining money or property by false representations through the mail. Declares that the resumption of such an activity through the use of any instrumentality of interstate commerce shall be considered to be a failure to comply with such order. Permits the Postal Service, in investigating whether a person is conducting such an activity, to tender the price of any article or service that such person has offered for sale. Declares that failure by such person to provide such article or service, or failure to comply with a written demand of the Postal Service for access to materials, shall constitute probable cause to believe such person is engaged in such activities, warranting the detention of such person's incoming mail. Establishes a civil penalty to be assessed by the Postal Service, after an opportunity for an agency hearing, against any person who: (1) attempts to evade an order directing the postmaster to return mail addressed to such person; (2) fails to comply with a cease and desist; or (3) assists another person in evading such an order.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Requests the President to designate March 19, 1982, as "National Energy Education Day."
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that nuclear war represents a great hazard and should be prevented. Urges the President to propose: (1) that the United States and the Soviet Union begin negotiations to reduce substantially their nuclear arsenals; and (2) that conferences should be held among all nuclear nations to propose annual reductions and gradual elimination of all nuclear weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) urge France and Italy not to sell sensitive nuclear technology or material to Iraq to replace the reactor and equipment destroyed by Israel; (2) strengthen the U. S. nuclear nonproliferation policy and improve restrictions on the export of nuclear technology or material which can be used to make atomic weapons; (3) veto any United Nations condemnation of Israel for the raid in Iraq; and (4) determine the adequacy of the international system of safeguards. Declares that Congress should impose no economic or military sanctions against Israel for the raid on Iraq's reactor.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Judicial Survivors' Annuities Reform Act of 1981 - Amends the Judicial Survivors' Annuities Reform Act to revise the annuity program for survivors of Federal Justices, judges, and judicial officers. Makes the benefits conferred by this Act immediately available to any eligible individual. Permits a judicial officer who has participated in such annuity program to withdraw, in writing, according to specified procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Airline Subsidy Reduction Act of 1981 - Prohibits the Civil Aeronautics Board from paying any compensation under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to an air carrier for the transportation of mail: (1) to or from specified airports; and (2) between points within the State of Alaska. Directs that rates of compensation paid for such transportation shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of a specified local service class subsidy rate. Alters the date after which an air carrier may file an application with the Board to have such compensation terminated. Directs the Board and the Secretary of Transportation, by January 1, 1982, to report to Congress on the possibility of limiting subsidy payments for small community air service.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Expresses the dismay of the Congress at the U.S. vote against the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Urges the administration to notify the World Health Organization that the United States will cooperate in implementing the Code. Urges the U.S. infant formula industry to abide by the Code's guidelines. Reaffirms U.S. dedication to protect the lives of all children and to support efforts to improve world health.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of October 5 through October 11, 1981, as "National Productivity Improvement Week."
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States should pursue negotiations to limit deployment of nuclear weapons in Europe; (2) the United States should commit itself to a timetable for completing such negotiations; (3) development and deployment of such weapons should be deferred until the negotiations are concluded and ratified; and (4) the negotiations should be part of a comprehensive international effort to limit nuclear weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for home health care and nursing home expenses paid by families on behalf of their relatives.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate inpatient hospital coinsurance payments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary insurance program to provide insurance benefits for aged and disabled individuals and individuals medically determined to have end stage renal disease to be financed from premium payments by enrollees and excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products. Provides for coverage of the following under the program: (1) routine physical checkups, not exceeding one in any two-year period; (2) routine eye care, including the dispensing of eyeglasses no more than once a year; (3) dental care, including teeth cleaning, extractions, and crowns and bridges (as authorized); (4) hearing care, including examinations and hearing aids; and (5) prescription drugs and biologicals. Directs the Secretary to provide for a program certifying hearing aids. Creates a Trust Fund from which benefits will be paid to enrolled individuals, after payment of an annual $60 deductible. States that the Fund shall consist of gifts and bequests as provided in title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Act and 100 percent of a special tax on alcohol and tobacco established under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish such tax. Creates a Board of Trustees for the Fund and sets forth the reporting requirements. Sets forth provisions detailing the procedure for payment of claims of providers of services and the use of carriers for administration of benefits. Declares that every individual who: (1) is entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII; or (2) has attained age 65, is eligible to enroll. Sets forth provisions relating to enrollment and the enrollment period. Provides that the monthly premium shall be equal to the monthly premium under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, at the request of a State, to enter into an agreement with a State pursuant to which individuals receiving money payments under the following titles of the Act will be enrolled under the program: (1) individuals receiving money payments under a plan approved under title I (Old Age and Medical Assistance for the Aged) or XVI (Supplemental Security Income); or (2) individuals receiving money payments under all of the State plans approved under titles I, X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), XVI, and IV, part A (Aid to families with Dependent Children). Permits the Secretary to enter into a modification of an agreement with a State under which individuals who are entitled to benefits under title II of the Act or who are eligible under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act may be included within the coverage group covered under such a State agreement. Directs the Secretary to provide for a project demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of providing services and appliances, as a benefit under the program established by this Act, to assist or compensate for visual impairment in low-vision individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income medicare payments for physicians' services which exceed $10,000. Limits the aggregate amount excluded from gross income and which is attributable to services performed by any one physician to $15,000.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Indian Tribal Governmental Tax Status Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat an Indian tribal government as a State for purposes of: (1) determining the deductibility of a charitable contribution made to such tribe; (2) certain excise taxes; (3) deductions for State and local taxes; (4) the unrelated business income tax applicable to colleges and universities; (5) the credits for public retirement system income and contributions to candidates for public office; (6) the exclusion from gross income of certain scholarships and fellowship grants and contributions of certain employers for employee annuities; (7) the tax on excess lobbying expenditures by public charities; and (8) the tax treatment of activities of private foundations. Excludes from gross income, under specified circumstances, interest on industrial development bonds issued by an Indian tribal government. Defines "Indian tribal government" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of April 4 through April 10, 1982, as National Medic Alert Week.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the week commencing on June 7, 1981, should be designated as "National Italian-American Heritage Week."
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1981
Prohibits through May 31, 1983, the issuance of any regulations by the Internal Revenue Service on employee fringe benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Requests the President to designate October 23, 1981, as "Hungarian Freedom Fighters Day."
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1981
Directs the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress a plan to deal with the problem of terrorist sabotage of electric power facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to redefine the term "common carrier by water in foreign commerce" to include persons engaged as common carriers in specified ocean transportation of property who: (1) advertise, solicit, or arrange, within the United States, for such transportation; or (2) issue or deliver ocean or through intermodal bills of lading or other contracts of affreightment for such transportation. Directs such common carriers by water to file with the Federal Maritime Commission within 90 days of enactment of this Act: (1) their tariffs; and (2) a designation of agent and principal place of business within the United States. Sets forth the effective dates of such tariffs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Requests the President to designate May 6, 1982, as "National Recognition Day for Nurses."
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Terminated Employee Pension Restoration Act of 1981 - Authorizes payment of a Federal annuity to persons (or spouses of such persons) who: (1) were participants in a private employee pension plan which was terminated before July 1, 1974; (2) had, immediately before termination, a nonforfeitable benefit under the plan; and (3) have not received payment in full of such benefit because of the plan's termination. Sets forth the method of computing the annuity. Directs the Secretary of Labor to approve a claim for such an annuity if the claim meets the Secretary's regulations and includes evidence establishing that the claimant is a qualified participant or a qualified spouse. Sets forth the procedure for review of denial of such an annuity claim. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make annuity payments to entitled individuals after receipt of specified information from the Secretary of Labor. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to work with other Federal agencies to avoid unnecessary expense and duplication of functions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require disclosure of tax return information to Labor Department employees for comparison of specified records in order to establish the validity of an annuity claim. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Department of Labor to carry out its functions under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury to make annuity payments under this Act beginning with fiscal year 1982 and continuing until the last such payment is made.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to prohibit assistance to any public agency unless there is in effect with respect to such agency a law enforcement officers' bill of rights which includes, at a minimum, the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any policy complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; and (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.