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United States · Official source
3,634 records where Rep. Porter, John Edward [R-IL-10] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Amends the copyright law to exempt the private, noncommercial recording and use of copyrighted works on a video recorder from copyright infringement.
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 · 21 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits any change in the compensation of Senators and Representatives until an election of Representatives has intervened.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning February 28, 1982, as "National Construction Industry Week."
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise tax on certain chemicals any chromium or chromite used in the production of ferrochrome. Permits the credit or refund of amounts equal to the tax paid on such chromium or chromite.
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
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) proclaim the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Ukrainian Public Group to Promote the Implementation of the Helsinki Accords as a day honoring that Group; and (2) ask the Soviet Union to release the jailed members of the Group and to cease persecuting and jailing Ukrainian citizens seeking their rights.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit 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 exempt them from any general statutory limitation on Federal budget outlays, beginning with fiscal year 1983.
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
Grants a Federal charter to the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II.
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 · 14 October 1981
Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 to repeal the termination date for the exclusion from gross income of a certain amount of interest and dividend income received by a taxpayer. Amends the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 to restore the full dividend and interest exclusion.
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 · 7 October 1981
Directs the Attorney General to conduct a study of the appropriate role of the Federal Government in the enforcement of alimony, child support, and property settlement orders against an absent spouse or parent. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which provide incentives for energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources should not be repealed or amended to reduce such incentives.
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
Voluntary Medicare Option Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an eligible individual to have the right to receive benefits under an Optional Alternative Medicare Program rather than under part A (Hospital Insurance) and part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII. Defines an eligible individual as an individual who is an aged individual or a disabled individual and who is not a Medicaid (title XIX of the Act) eligible individual. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of benefits provided. Provides for the assignment of an eligible individual's benefits to a qualified plan in the case of an individual who elects the Alternative Program and enrolls in a qualified plan. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish actuarial categories of eligible individuals to be used to determine health benefits and premiums. Requires the Secretary to act upon each health plan's application for certification as a qualified plan within 45 days of receiving the application. Requires a plan, in order to be qualified, to provide at least the services covered under parts A and B of title XVIII. Requires a plan to accept all eligible individuals residing in the health care area in which the plan is offered and who apply for membership, subject to certain exceptions. Requires a plan to establish for each health care area in which it is offered an annual premium for members in each actuarial category, without regard to the health status of or extent of utilization of health services by individual members. Requires a plan to report annually to the Secretary. Provides for the preemption of any State or local law or regulation which impedes the operation of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any benefits received under this Act. Eliminates the customary charges in determining the amount paid to providers under part A of title XVIII. Exempts certain institutions which are required under the Public Health Service to provide uncompensated care from such requirements if ten percent of the institution's revenues were from plans qualified under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Commends the cultural laureate program and encourages establishment of the laureate in each of the States and in the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1981
Criminal Forfeiture Amendments Act of 1981- Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and the Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute (CCE) to subject to criminal forfeiture all profits and proceeds acquired indirectly or directly from illegal enterprises or from continuing narcotics enterprises. Authorizes a court to direct the forfeiture of other assets of a defendant to the extent that such proceeds cannot be located or are otherwise beyond Federal jurisdiction. Permits a court to authorize redemption of such assets upon surrender of the original proceeds.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1981
Pretrial Detention Act of 1981 - Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize a judicial officer, in making a determination of whether a person charged with a noncapital offense should be released on bail, to consider the safety of any person or the community (in addition to assurance of appearance as currently provided). Permits consideration of a defendant's past conduct in making any such determination. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the detention for up to five days of any person who: (1) is presently on probation, parole, or mandatory release for an offense punishable under State or Federal law; and (2) poses a risk of flight or danger to the safety of any person or the community. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to move for a pretrial order after a determination that a defendant is eligible for release. Requires that such motion be heard as soon as practicable. Entitles a defendant to be represented by counsel, to present witnesses and evidence, and to cross-examination. Makes a defendant's testimony inadmissible in any other proceeding, except for purposes of impeachment. Permits a judicial officer to make such an order upon finding that: (1) there is a substantial probability that the defendant committed the offense; and (2) the defendant poses a danger to the safety of any other person or the community, based on specified findings by clear and convincing evidence, including that the offense is a violent or serious drug crime. Authorizes such officer to order the defendant detained at all or specified hours before trial upon a determination by clear and convincing evidence that the danger cannot be reasonably minimized by advancement of trial or other conditions of release. Requires that any defendant detained be confined to a place other than one designated for convicted persons to the extent practicable. Entitles a defendant who is convicted to credit for time spent in pretial custody.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1981
Criminal Justice Construction Reform Act - Title I: Findings and Definitions - Sets forth definitions and findings. Defines "criminal justice facilities" to include court, law enforcement, juvenile, correctional, and other facilities used for any criminal justice purpose. Title II: Grants for the Construction and Modernization of Criminal Justice Facilities - Authorizes the Administrator of the Criminal Justice Facilities Administration (established under title III) to make grants to States for the construction and modernization of criminal justice facilities during fiscal years 1983 through 1988. Apportions appropriations among States on the basis of population and the volume and expenditure of criminal justice activities. Sets aside another portion of such sums appropriated for demonstration grants to test the applicability of advanced practices on the design, construction, and modernization of facilities. Requires any State desiring to receive such funding to submit a seven-year State plan. Directs the Administrator to operate a criminal justice facilities information clearinghouse. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay State and local governments an interest subsidy for criminal facility construction bonds which reduce the cost of such bonds to not more than five percent interest. Title III: Administration Provisions - Establishes the Criminal Justice Facilities Administration within the Department of Justice, headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Charges the Administrator with carrying out this Act and submitting to the President for transmittal to Congress a report at least once per year. Sets at 75 percent the Federal share of the cost of a State plan approved under this Act. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to donate surplus property to any State for construction and modernization of criminal justice facilities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a refundable income tax credit equal to 15 percent of the purchase and installation price of a security device placed in a building or residence. Allows a maximum credit of $400. Includes as security devices eligible for such credit locks, fire, smoke, temperature, gas, anti-theft, anti-intrusion, and personal health emergency alarms. Excludes bars, screens and other physical barriers.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income national research service awards received from the Public Health Service.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and Secretary of State should: (1) urge foreign governments to take measures to stop the production and exportation of illicit narcotics; (2) solicit recommendations for U.S. assistance; and (3) consider the desirability of imposing sanctions on nations in which illicit narcotics trade continues.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should discuss Soviet human rights issues, particularly immigration rights and religious freedom, with the Soviet Foreign Minister in upcoming meetings at the United Nations General Assembly.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning October 4, 1981, as "National Home Health Care Week."
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1981
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office for the Supply of Internationally Controlled Drugs, to be responsible for regulating the domestic production of marihuana and the distribution of marihuana for medical, scientific, and research purposes. Establishes procedures for the production of medicinal marihuana. Permits the distribution of medicinal marihuana only to hospitals and pharmacies registered to dispense schedule II controlled substances for the purposes of treating glaucoma or the nausea of cancer patients or research approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Title I: Amendments to Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Justice Assistance Act of 1981 - Amends title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Justice System Improvement) to eliminate the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration and the Office of Justice Assistance, Research and Statistics. Retains the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Institute of Justice. Establishes a new Office of Justice Assistance. Revises the formula grant program to make the following changes. Eliminates the authority for local governments to receive formula grants. Decreases from 23 to 15 the purposes for which formula grants may be made. Requires States to provide a 50 percent match to receive Federal funding, or 25 percent match for innovative programs addressing critical problems of crime. Requires grant recipients to assume program costs after a four-year period. Revises the application requirements for a State to receive formula grant assistance. Requires States to include assurances that not more than ten percent of assistance will be spent on innovative programs addressing critical crime problems or five percent of assistance on administrative costs. Requires submission of the formula grant application for approval to the State legislature which shall act on the application as it would for State budget requests. Retains the current requirement that 80 percent of total funding be allocated for formula grants. Requires a State to distribute formula grants among local governments in the same proportion that such governments expend State funds for law enforcement purposes. Eliminates the national priority grant program. Retains the discretionary grant program. Revises the general purposes for which such grants may be made. Requires that private nonprofit organizations be the primary recipients of such grants for providing educational, training, and technical assistance and undertaking national projects. Revises the training and manpower development program to eliminate the training programs for prosecuting attorneys and State and local criminal justice personnel by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Retains the Federal Bureau of Investigation training of State and local criminal justice personnel and the criminal justice education program. Permits "construction" under such Act to include renovation, repairs, or remodeling. Decreases from $750,000,000 to $170,000,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated for each of FY 1980 through 1983. Authorizes additional appropriations as are necessary to provide emergency law enforcement assistance to States. Eliminates the current authorization of appropriations for the Office of Community Anti-Crime Programs and the requirement that at least 19.15 percent of total appropriations be maintained for juvenile delinquency programs. Title II: Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance - Authorizes a State or local government to apply for emergency Federal law enforcement assistance in the event that a crime problem of serious and epidemic proportions exits. Requires the Attorney General, in approving or disapproving such application, to consider: (1) the nature and extent of the crime problem; (2) the emergency or extraordinary circumstances; (3) the availability of State and local resources; (4) the cost of increased Federal presence; and (5) the need to avoid unnecessary Federal involvement in local concerns. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1981
Requests the President to designate October 7, 1981, as "National Guard Day."
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 Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to direct the Administrator of the General Services Administration, upon recommendation of the Attorney General, to donate surplus Federal property to any State or municipality for the construction and modernization of criminal justice facilities, including correctional facilities.
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
Requests the President to designate the week of October 19 through October 25, 1981, as "National High School Activities Week."
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of October 4 through October 10, 1981, as "National Respect Life Week."
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
States that the House of Representatives commends the Navy fliers involved in the incident with Libyan warplanes above the Gulf of Sidra on August 19, 1981. Urges the continuation of the American policy of responding with necessary force to unprovoked attack in international waters and airspace.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Small Business Innovation Research 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) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (3) report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 in fiscal year 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 in excess of $20,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding agreements for research or research and development to small businesses with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with a SBIR program to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 in amount 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 · 4 August 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of April 19 through April 25, 1982, as "National Nurse-Midwifery Week."
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States Olympic Committee should propose that a plan be developed to fund the construction and maintenance of a permanent site in Greece for the summer Olympics.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Title I: Recommended Executive Actions - Urges the President to seek institutional ways to ensure more adequate consultation by the United States with Japan and to encourage U.S. Cabinet officers to consult with their Japanese counterparts regularly. Urges the President to discuss arranging with Japan medium-term supply, purchase, and storage commitments for farm produce. Title II: Discussions and Studies Regarding United States-Japan Relations - Establishes the Japan-United States Interparliamentary Group to meet annually to discuss common problems in the interest of relations between the United States and Japan. Requires the U.S. members of the Group to report annually to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to grant funds for fiscal years 1983-1986 to the Japan-United States Trade Study Group, a voluntary group of businessmen and government officials formed to resolve trade problems and misunderstandings between the two countries. Authorizes the Secretary to grant funds to similar trade study groups for the United States, and other countries. Directs the U.S. Comptroller General to submit to Congress a study on recent and current trends in Japanese productivity in selected basic and high technology industries. Directs the Secretary of Energy to report annually to Congress on the comparative energy efficiency between the United States and Japan for at least 20 significant industrial processes during a specified five year period. Title III: Amendments to, and Actions under, Existing Law for Purposes of Improving Japan-United States Relations - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to authorize the President to export oil to Japan during the effective period of a bilateral agreement: (1) which provides for the sale to or exchange with the United States by Japan of an equal amount of crude oil; and (2) between the United States and Japan which coordinates nonpetroleum energy research and development projects. Makes the Export Administration Act of 1979 not applicable to coal specified in bilateral coal agreements which guaranteed access to foreign markets and guaranteed supply by the United States. Urges the President to negotiate a trade agreement with Japan, the European Economic Community, and other countries providing for: (1) a mutual substantial reduction in, or elimination of, duties on semi-conductors and integrated circuits; and (2) the mutual reduction or elimination of nontariff barriers to trade in semi-conductors, integrated circuits, and related high technology electronic products. Amends the Federal provisions for developing the Senior Executive Service to encourage sabbaticals for personnel to study foreign countries and foreign languages. Amends the Federal provisions for training government employees to require the heads of agencies to regularly review the need for foreign language training.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Secretary of Commerce dealing with the Federal consistency provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
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
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) express to the Soviet Union the U.S. opposition to the Soviet's imprisonment of Benedict Scott (Vytautas Skuodis); and (2) take every appropriate action to secure his release from prison and the emigration of him and his family.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to honor all American servicemen and civilians still unaccounted for as a result of the conflict in Indochina. Provides that such postage stamp shall be of such denomination, and shall be sold for such a time, as the United States Postal Service shall determine.
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 · 21 July 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) prohibit U.S. participation in the Yamal natural gas pipeline project in the Soviet Union; (2) urge Western European nations and Japan not to participate in such project; (3) propose and enlist the cooperation of Western European nations and Japan in an alternative energy diversification project; and (4) promote this alternative energy diversification project.
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 · 15 July 1981
State Energy Block Grant Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide financial assistance (block grants) to States and local government units for energy conservation and weatherization assistance programs. Sets forth the allocation formula for annual financial assistance to States and U.S. territories and possessions. Requires a State receiving assistance under this Act to provide matching funds from non-Federal sources. Sets forth the types of energy conservation and supply activities for which the grant money received by a State may be used. Prohibits the use of such funds for: (1) administrative expenses in excess of 20 percent of the total costs of the State programs funded under this Act; (2) the costs of applying for a grant under this Act; (3) promoting energy conservation or supply development through mass media; or (4) satisfying any requirement for the expenditure of non-Federal funds as a condition for the receipt of Federal funds. Directs the Secretary to allocate 20 percent of the funds available to each State under this Act to the following categories of communities within a State: (1) metropolitan cities and urban counties in metropolitan areas; (2) local government units within metropolitan areas (other than metropolitan cities and urban counties); and (3) nonmetropolitan areas. Entitles metropolitan cities and urban counties to annual grants, the amounts of which shall be determined by the Secretary according to a specified formula. Provides for grants to other local government units and nonmetropolitan areas to be made by the Governor of the State on the basis of applications submitted by such units. Requires a local government unit receiving assistance under this Act to provide matching funds from non-Federal sources. Requires a report and necessary revisions by the chief executive officer of a State on the intended use of grant money prior to expenditure. Directs the Secretary to review each report and revision and disapprove any not in compliance with this Act or not equitably distributing funds or services within the State. Requires a State to revise a disapproved report or revision. Requires a State to make activity reports available for public inspection in the State and to Congress, the Department of Energy, the Comptroller General, and any interested public agencies. Requires periodic State audits. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to carry out this Act. Provides for the payment to the States of a specified amount of Federal home energy assistance funds for low-income residential weatherization and energy conservation activities. Terminates the provisions of this Act on October 1, 1984. Repeals provisions relating to energy conservation and weatherization assistance in the Energy Security Act, the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, the National Energy Extension Service Act, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, the Energy Conservation and Production Act, and the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970.
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
Expresses the resolve of the House of Representatives that the Congress should authorize appropriations for the Head Start program for a specified sum for fiscal year 1982 and for such sums as necessary for fiscal years 1983 and 1984.