United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to redefine the term "ocean freight forwarder" to mean any person in the United States who for others: (1) dispatches shipments via ocean common carriers; and (2) processes the documentation or performs related activities incident to such shipments. Directs every common carrier by water to file with the Federal Maritime Commission copies of agreements that limit or regulate the membership of ocean carrier conferences. Denies Commission approval to conference agreements that fail to admit to membership at least one carrier operating United States-flag vessel willing to serve the particular trade or route involved. Sets time limits on proceedings to disapprove, cancel, or modify certain agreements. Places the burden of proof on the Commission or such other department or agency that opposes the agreement. Describes procedures for holding Commission hearings to resolve complaints by common carriers by water, shippers, ports, or others subject to this Act. Repeals civil penalty provisions concerning agreement violations. Allows shippers' councils, pursuant to an agreement approved by the Federal Trade Commission, to meet, confer, and: (1) consult and agree in regard to rate levels, practices, and terms and conditions of service; (2) exchange specified information with ocean common carriers or conferences; (3) analyze and distribute such information. Declares that the above shall not restrict the powers of an association organized under the Export Trade Act. Requires shippers' councils to file such agreements with the Federal Trade Commission. Exempts such agreements from the antitrust laws of the United States. Sets forth provisions to be included in such agreements before Commission approval. Repeals provisions concerning the sale of certain Panama Canal bonds. Changes certain criminal penalties for violations of the Shipping Act, 1916, to civil penalties. Revises procedures for assessing such civil penalties. Repeals license requirements for ocean freight forwarders. Requires that forwarders and non-vessel- operating common carriers shall furnish a bond approved by the Federal Maritime Commission.
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
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should seek the support of specified nations for its naval presence in the Indian Ocean and that Japanese support could include civil aircraft and sealift assets; (2) the Japanese Self-Defense Force should increase its capacity to defend sealanes important to Japan's security; (3) the United States and Japan should take further steps to implement their 1978 defense guidelines on the standardization and integration of their defense capabilities; (4) Japan should continue to increase its share of the cost of the U.S. military presence in Japan; (5) the United States and other specified nations should continue to support the ASEAN nations which represent an important element in the stability of Southeast Asia and occupy an important position on the sealanes in and between the Indian and Pacific Oceans; and (6) the United States should participate in naval exercises with specified nations in order to assure the security of those sealanes.
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 · 22 July 1981
Coal Pipeline Act of 1981 - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to authorize a person to apply to the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) for a certificate of public convenience to construct, operate, or maintain a coal pipeline or to extend an existing coal pipeline. Directs the Commission to approve the application if the public convenience will be enhanced. Permits any person holding such a certificate to acquire rights-of-way on private lands by exercise of the power of eminent domain. Limits the scope of such exercise regarding rights to water or to certain historic or significant lands. Requires coal pipeline certificate holders to fulfill relevant common carrier transportation and service obligations. Requires the line pipe of all pipelines to be located underground, to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with environmental protection, safety, and good engineering and technological practices. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant or renew to a certificate holder rights-of-way on Federal lands for the construction, operation, maintenance, or extension of coal pipelines. Requires the Secretgary to first consult with the heads of other agencies which may administer such Federal lands. Requires a right-of-way to be granted or renewed in accordance with specified provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe additional terms and conditions. Exempts existing coal pipeline rights-of-way and law suits commenced prior to enactment of this Act from certain provisions of this Act. Prohibits the United States or its agents from using or claiming water within any State for a coal pipeline unless pursuant to State substantive and procedural law. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations establishing uniform Federal standards applicable to certain aspects of coal pipeline facilities. Exempts existing coal pipelines from certain such standards. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of Transportation, to institute a civil action to enforce any such regulation. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of the Interior, to institute a civil action to enforce any provision of this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for any person failing to comply with any provision or regulation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. officials should recognize the traditional commitment of the United States to the right of all peoples to independence and autonomy as it applies to Afghanistan.
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
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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 23 June 1981
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to lower the column one tariff on fish netting and fishing nets of textile materials other than cotton or vegetable fibers from 25 cents per pound plus 32.5 percent ad valorem to 17 percent.
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 · 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 · 11 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify for the investment tax credit any specially defined energy property installed in connection with any building which is depreciable residential real property. Revises the definition of "specially defined energy property," for purposes of such credit, to: (1) include specified additional equipment and devices; and (2) include among uses qualifying such property for the credit any building or facility at least 50 percent of which was constructed before or any process or activity carried on as of January 1, 1981. Increase the energy percentage, for purposes of the credit, in the case of specially defined energy property and provides a further increase in the case of property installed in connection with residential buildings which is qualified for the credit under this Act.
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 · 2 June 1981
Amends the Uniformed Survivors Benefits Amendments of 1980 to entitle certain individuals who were widowed on or before September 21, 1972, and who are not covered by the Military Survivor Benefit Plan to an annuity.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for diplomatic efforts to resolve the current crisis in Lebanon. Sets forth as principles to guide U.S. policy in Lebanon: (1) establishment of a ceasefire; (2) removal of all Syrian and Libyan missiles deployed in Lebanon; (3) preservation of free and secure Christian, Moslem, Druze, Armenian, and Jewish communities in Lebanon; (4) reaffirmation of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship and strengthening of the U.S. commitment to the integrity of Lebanon; (5) generous international support for assistance for Lebanon; and (6) restoration and respect for the authority of a Lebanese Government based on national elections.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission from investigating or taking any action concerning any State regulated profession until Congress enacts legislation which expressly provides that the Commission has authority over professions and that the Commission's authority preempts State authority. Vacates any such action taken during the period beginning on May 28, 1981, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses, without regard to any community property laws.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Declares it the sense of the Congress that no legislation that would change the operations of the Guaranteed Student Loan Program before October 1, 1981, should or will be enacted. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from promulgating any rule which changes the operations of the Guaranteed Student Loan Program before October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) should cease efforts to regulate news content and to formulate rules and regulations for the operation of the world press. Expresses the opposition of the House to efforts by some countries to control access to and dissemination of news.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Export Administration Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Export Administration Amendments Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to carry out such Act. Prohibits any department or agency from withholding confidential information necessary for enforcement of such Act from any enforcement department or agency. Exempts census information from such prohibition. Increases the maximum criminal fine: (1) for violations of such Act; and (2) for failure to report that goods exported under a validated license are being used by the importing country for military or intelligence gathering purposes contrary to the license conditions. Makes such fines less for individuals than in other cases. Limits the civil fine for violations of such Act to $10,000 for individuals and to $100,000 in all other cases. Prohibits the imposition of export controls on food if it is determined such controls would cause measurable malnutrition in the countries against whom the controls are proposed, unless the President determines that the controls are necessary to protect U.S. security or that arrangements are insufficient to ensure that food will reach those most in need. Amends the International Investment Survey Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1981 - Title I: Military and Related Assistance and Sales - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to set the trigger price that would require the President to submit a certification to Congress before consenting to transfers of defense equipment, articles, and services. Exempts such transfers from the 30-day waiting period between submission of certification and effectiveness of consent if the recipient is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), any NATO member, Japan, Australia or New Zealand. Requires the President to submit the certification before consenting to such a transfer, unless an emergency exists. Prohibits the President from consenting to a transfer of defense articles or services valued at such trigger price, from one foreign country or international organization to another, unless the President submits a certification to Congress before consenting. Requires all such certifications to be submitted 30 days before the President consents, unless the transfer is to NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Deletes the provision which exempted transfers to such countries from the certification requirement. Extends the time within which the President must report the price and availability estimates of such defense articles, services, and major equipment. Retains the current trigger price that would make it necessary for the President to include in such report a request by a foreign country for a letter of offer to sell defense equipment, articles, or services. Increases, with respect to letters of offers to sell, the trigger price of defense equipment, articles, or services that would require the President to submit a specified certification to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires all such certifications to be submitted 30 days before a letter of offer is issued, unless an emergency exists or the recipient of the letter is NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Requires certifications for such countries before the letters are issued, unless an emergency exists. Increases the trigger price, with respect to applications for export licenses of defense equipment, articles, or services, that would require the President to submit a specified certification to Congress. Eliminates the 30 day waiting period between certification by the President and issuance of such an export license for NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Requires such certification to be submitted before an export license is issued to such countries, unless an emergency exists. Authorizes the President to reduce or waive certain charges and costs involved in producing defense articles and equipment that would advance standardization of U.S. armed forces with the armed forces of Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the foreign military sales credit and guarantee program. Sets the ceiling for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 on: (1) the total amount of military sales credits; and (2) the total principal amount of loan guarantees for foreign military sales. Allots a specified amount of such credits and guaranteed loans for Israel. Allots a specified amount of such loan guarantees for Greece. Authorizes funds for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to finance procurement by Israel of defense articles and services. Sets forth the terms of repayment by specified countries of such loan guarantees. Directs the President to review periodically the items on the U.S. Munitions List. Includes extraordinary expenses in charges for administrative expenses for foreign military sales. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a Special Defense Acquisition Fund to finance the acquisition of defense articles and services in anticipation of their transfer to eligible foreign countries and international organizations. Requires acquisitions of short supply items to be emphasized when compatible with security assistance requirements. Authorizes appropriations for such Fund for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Prohibits the transfer of any defense articles or services acquired by such Fund to any foreign country or international organization unless authorized by law. Authorizes the temporary use of such defense articles and services by U.S. armed forces prior to their transfer. Authorizes the use of such Fund to pay for the costs related to the acquisition and transfer of such defense articles and services. Directs the President to report to Congress annually on such acquisitions of defense articles and services. Authorizes the President to lease in-stock defense articles to an eligible foreign country or international organization if: (1) the President determines there are compelling foreign policy and national security reasons for leasing rather than selling such articles; (2) the President determines the articles are not presently needed for public use; and (3) the foreign country or international organization has agreed to pay all costs incurred in leasing such articles. Limits each lease agreement to five years duration. Requires each lease to provide that the President may terminate the lease and require immediate return of the leased articles. Authorizes loans for leases of such defense articles. Directs the President to submit a certification to Congress before entering into or renewing such a lease or loan. Authorizes the waiver of such certification if the Presidents reports to Congress that an emergency exists. Prohibits any lease or loan of defense equipment or articles valued at or above specified amounts if Congress objects to the proposed lease or loan by adopting a concurrent resolution. Exempts such loans or leases to NATO, any NATO member, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand from such legislative review. Applies laws restricting the countries or organizations to which arms sales may be made to leases of defense articles under this Act. Makes the Secretary of State responsible for the supervision and general direction of such leases. Requires such leases to meet the same prerequisites for consent by the President as sales of such articles or services. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require loan agreements covering defense articles to provide for restoration or replacement of loaned defense articles which are damaged, lost, or destroyed. Amends the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1980 to repeal the provision relating to leasing defense property. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to eliminate the requirement that the President report to Congress on certain leases of military property to foreign governments. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for military assistance. Allots a specified amount of the military assistance funds available for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to provide grants to finance procurements of defense articles and services for certain countries for which military sales credits were requested but not made available. Repeals the provision that terminated the authority to furnish military assistance to any country unless Congress specifically authorized such assistance. Sets dollar amount limitations on additions to stockpiles of defense articles for foreign countries for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Eliminates the requirement of specific congressional authorization for the operation of a military assistance advisory group, military mission, or organization of U.S. military personnel in a foreign country. Authorizes the President to assign U.S. military personnel to a foreign country to perform specified functions. Limits advisory and training assistance conducted by such personnel. Expresses the sense of Congress that advising and training assistance in countries to which such personnel are assigned shall be provided by other personnel who are detailed for limited periods to perform specific tasks. Limits to six the number of such military personnel assigned to a foreign country unless specifically authorized by Congress. Authorizes the President to waive this limitation upon reporting to Congress that U.S. interests require more than six be assigned to carry out international security assistance programs. Authorizes specified countries to have U.S. military personnel strengths larger than six for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Prohibits the total number of such military personnel assigned to a foreign country from exceeding the number justified to Congress, unless the appropriate Congressional committees are notified before the introduction of the additional military personnel. Specifies the funds to be charged with the costs of overseas management of international security assistance programs. Retains provisions that: (1) make the Chief of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission responsible for supervising such military personnel; and (2) restrict encouragement by U.S. diplomatic and military personnel of military equipment purchases by foreign countries. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) international military education and training; and (2) peacekeeping operations. Prohibits using the authority for peacekeeping operations to finance the establishment of a peacekeeping force in the Sinai or to position U.S. military units in the Sinai without express Congressional approval. Increases the amount of funds that may be transferred in any fiscal year from economic support funds for peacekeeping operations. Expresses support for holding free elections in El Salvador. Authorizes the obligation of funds for military and economic assistance under specified Federal laws for El Salvador only if, prior to each such grant of assistance, the President certifies to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that El Salvador's Government: (1) is not engaged in consistently violating internationally recognized human rights; (2) has achieved substantial control over its armed forces; (3) is making progress in implementing essential economic and political reforms; (4) is committed to holding free elections; and (5) has demonstrated its willingness to negotiate a political resolution of the conflict. Directs the President, if such certification is not made, to: (1) suspend specified military assistance and military education and training for El Salvador; (2) withhold approvals for use of certain credits and guarantees for El Salvador; (3) suspend deliveries of certain defense articles, defense services, and design and construction services; and (4) withdraw from El Salvador all U.S. armed forces performing specified functions. Prohibits the President from making such certification until the President also certifies that El Salvador's government has made good faith efforts to investigate the murders of six U.S. citizens in El Salvador and to bring those responsible for the murders to justice. Title II: Economic Support Fund - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the Economic Support Fund. Deletes provisions relating to: (1) the use of fiscal year 1981 funds; and (2) Central American economic support. Allots a minimum amount of the authorized economic support funds for such years for Israel and Egypt on a grant basis. Authorizes making such funds available to Israel as a cash transfer. Replaces funds authorized and appropriated for Egypt and Israel in fiscal year 1981 which were reprogrammed to aid other countries. Authorizes obligating economic support funds for Egypt to finance activities relating to the reclamation of desert lands (new lands development). Authorizes the use of a specified amount of such funds, under the famine prevention and freedom from hunger programs, to build agricultural extension services in Egypt for the small farmer. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of such funds for such years for special requirements in the Middle East, if the President makes a specified report to Congress. Requires the President to report to Congress at the end of each of fiscal years 1981 through 1983 on the use of such funds. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should finance and participate in cooperative scientific and technological projects involving Israel, Egypt, and other Middle East countries. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of economic support funds for such projects. Deobligates all economic support funds appropriated in prior fiscal years for Syria, except specified earmarked funds. Authorizes using such deobligated funds to reimburse U.S. companies or persons that meet specified criteria. Requires a minimum of two-thirds of the economic support funds available for Turkey for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to be provided on a grant basis. Allots a specified amount of the authorized economic support funds for each of fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for Cyprus. Prohibits use of economic support funds available for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to finance any foreign nuclear facility, unless the President certifies to Congress that it is indispensable to achievement of nonproliferation objectives. Earmarks a specified amount of economic support funds for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for emergency use when U.S. national interests require economic support to promote stability. Title III: Development Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) agricultural development programs; (2) participation in the International Fund for Agricultural Development; (3) assistance for voluntary population planning and health programs; (4) education and human resources development, with a minimum amount earmarked to finance scholarships for disadvantaged South African students; (5) energy development and production, including an earmarked amount for facilitating geological and geophysical survey work; and (6) private voluntary organizations and selected development activities, including programs of disaster preparedness. Retains references to a target figure and fiscal year for promotion of human rights. Authorizes the President to assist developing countries in strengthening their capacity to protect and manage their environment and natural resources. Directs the President to take into account the environmental impact of development programs on developing countries. Requires agencies responsible for such programs to take into account: (1) an environmental impact statement for any development program significantly affecting the environment of the United States or of areas outside the jurisdiction of any country; and (2) an environmental assessment of any proposed program significantly affecting a foreign country's environment. Expresses the concern of the Congress about the continuing loss of tropical forests in developing countries. Directs the President to consider such concerns and the recommendations of the U.S. Interagency Task Force on Tropical Forests: (1) in carrying out programs with respect to developing countries; and (2) in seeking opportunities to coordinate development and investment activities which affect such forests. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct U.S. representatives to international organizations to urge that: (1) higher priority be given to the problems of tropical forest alteration and loss; and (2) there be improved cooperation among these organizations with respect to tropical forest activities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for implementation of the Sahel development program. Conditions disbursement of such funds upon a finding that the foreign government will maintain an accounting system that adequately provides identification of and control over the receipt and expenditure of those funds. Increases and extends through fiscal year 1983 the authorization of appropriations for worldwide housing guaranty programs. Sets up a revolving fund in the Treasury for all fees derived from certain guaranty programs. Authorizes investment of such funds in U.S. obligations. Authorizes U.S. participation in the International Food Policy Research Institute. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) participation in international organizations and programs; (2) trade and development programs; and (3) the African Development Foundation. Title IV: Food for Peace Programs - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to: (1) authorize the President to agree to sell agricultural commodities for foreign currencies on credit terms and on terms which permit conversion to dollars at the exchange rate applicable to the sales agreement; (2) eliminate the provision for the progressive transition from sales for foreign currencies to sales for dollars;(3) repeal the provision which excluded from the definition of friendly country any country or area dominated by a communist government; (4) repeal the requirement that purchasing countries identify food commodities sold for foreign currencies as being provided through U.S. generosity; (5) authorize the President to use for specified purposes the foreign currencies that accrue from such sales entered into before a specified date; and (6) require payments by friendly countries for commodities purchased for foreign currencies to be upon terms no less favorable to the United States than those for development loans. Repeals provisions which: (1) authorize financing ocean transportation costs for such sales; and (2) require a minimum allocation of foreign currencies for self-help measures. Increases the maximum amount of such foreign currencies that may be used for emergency relief requirements other than food commodities. Directs the President to consider, before agreeing to sell U.S. agricultural commodities, to what extent a recipient country is using self-help measures to reduce illiteracy among farmers and to improve farmers' health. Requires each such agreement to describe the economic development and self-help measures extensively and in a manner which ensures that the country's needy people will be the major beneficiaries of the self-help measures. Directs the President to ensure that the self-help provisions are additional to measures that would otherwise be undertaken and to determine whether such provisions are being fully carried out. Limits the amount of financing from sales of agricultural commodities for foreign currencies which can be made available for any one country beginning in fiscal year 1983. Decreases the minimum quantity of agricultural commodities which must be distributed through nonprofit voluntary agencies and the World Food Program for famine relief in fiscal year 1982. Title V: Other Assistance Programs - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) American schools and hospitals abroad; (2) international narcotics control; (3) international disaster assistance; and (4) assistance for displaced persons in Central America. Repeals the provision which prohibits the use of aid funds to pay for herbicide spraying to eradicate marihuana. Authorizes the use of funds appropriated before enactment of this Act to pay for such herbicide spraying. Authorizes the use, without limitations, of narcotics control funds appropriated for fiscal year 1980 that were obligated for Columbia. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance for displaced persons in Central America. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for fiscal year 1982 and 1983. Title VI: Peace Corps - Requires the Peace Corps to be an independent agency within the executive branch. Amends the Peace Corps Act to delete certain provisions relating to readjustment allowance payments to Peace Corps volunteers. Transfers to the Director of the Peace Corps all functions relating to the Peace Corps that were vested in the Director of the ACTION agency. Provides for the transfer of personnel, contracts, property, records, and funds used primarily by the Peace Corps to the Peace Corps. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General to submit reports to the appropriate congressional committees on the implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the Peace Corps. Requires the Peace Corps to give particular attention to programs that tend to integrate disabled people into developing countries' national economies. Authorizes the Director of the Peace Corps to procure legal services under certain conditions. Applies the malpractice protection currently covering State Department personnel to Peace Corps volunteers and personnel. Removes present malpractice protection for Peace Corps volunteers. Removes the applicability of the Mutual Defense Control Act of 1951 to the functions of the Peace Corps. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require property already owned by a Federal agency to be used in furnishing international development assistance in lieu of or supplementary to purchasing new items. Makes permanent the exemption from limitations for U.S. assistance to construction of productive enterprises in Egypt. Provides for compensation of Federal agency employees assigned to work outside the United States. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the operating expenses of administering the international development program. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to establish in the Agency for International Development (AID) an office of Inspector General. Directs the Inspector General of AID to supervise: (1) all security activities relating to AID operations; and (2) all audit, investigative, and security activities relating to operations within the U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency, to the extent requested by the Director of such Agency. Directs the Inspector General of AID to appoint an Assistant Inspector General for security. Authorizes the Inspector General of AID to assign members of the Foreign Service as employees of the Inspector General. Exempts AID from specified overseas personnel ceilings. Repeals the provision requiring the appointment of an Auditor General for the international development program. Requires the President to use the currencies or credits received from Poland from the sale of surplus dairy products to serve U.S. interests in Poland. Declares that eliminating hunger shall be a primary objective of U.S. relations with developing countries. Directs the President to: (1) encourage other grain exporting countries to establish food security reserves; and (2) report to Congress on the actions taken by the President and the response of other countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that up to $15,000,000 of international development funds should be made available for development assistance for Haiti. Authorizes additional appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for agricultural research. States that development assistance for Haiti for such fiscal year should be provided through private and voluntary organizations to the maximum extent possible. Authorizes funding for development assistance, military assistance, military education and training, and arms credits and guarantees for fiscal year year 1982 for Haiti only if the President determines that Haiti's government: (1) has cooperated in halting and has not supported illegal emigration from Haiti; (2) has provided assurances that it will cooperated in implementing U.S. development assistance programs in Haiti; and (3) is not engaged in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. Directs the President to report to Congress every six months on the extent to which Haiti's actions are consistent with such determinations. Exempts assistance for halting significant illegal emigration to the United States from the prohibition on aid for police training in foreign countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take into account whether elections will be held and whether political groups in Nicaragua will be allowed to promote specific candidates in considering any aid for Nicaragua. Reaffirms congressional support for human rights provisions. Directs the President to report to the Speaker of the House and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on prevailing economic conditions in Egypt, Israel, and Turkey that may affect their ability to meet international debt obligations and to stabilize their economies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should continue diplomatic efforts to implement a policy with respect to Lebanon that provides for: (1) an immediate cease fire; (2) reaffirmation of the U.S.-Lebanon relationship and commitment to restoring the freedom, sovereignty, and integrity of Lebanon; (3) restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty; and (4) support for a free and open national election. Repeals the prohibition against assistance and arms sales to Argentina. Authorizes the provision of military assistance, economic assistance, arms sales credits, and export licenses only if the President certifies to the Speaker of the House and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Argentina has made significant progress in complying with internationally recognized human rights principles and that the provision of such assistance is in the interest of the United States. Expresses the sense of Congress that assistance furnished to El Salvador should be used and all other fundamental to encourage: (1) observance of internationally recognized human rights; (2) continued progress in implementing essential economic and political reforms; (3) an investigation of the deaths in El Salvador of U.S. citizens; (4) an end to extremist violence; (5) free elections; and (6) increased professional capability of the Salvadoran military to establish a peaceful and secure environment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Presidential Regional Primaries Act - Prohibits any State from conducting a presidential primary election not in accordance with this Act. Establishes five regional primaries to be held in each presidential election year. Establishes the dates for such primaries. Requires the Federal Election Commission to prepare the list of candidates for each primary. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) voter qualifications; (2) convention delegates; (3) balloting; (4) State reimbursement; and (5) Federal Elections Commission duties, including a reporting requirement.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Title I: Department of State - Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the Department of State to be used for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations and conferences; (3) international commissions; and (4) migration and refugee assistance. Limits the amount of any U.S. payment to the United Nations budget to the amount assessed as the U.S. contribution less: (1) 25 percent of the budget for the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People; and (2) 25 percent of the budget for the Special Unit on Palestinian Rights. Makes a specified amount available for an ex gratia payment to Yugoslavia as an expression of U.S. concern for the injuries suffered by a Yugoslav national who was attacked in New York City. Makes available specified amounts for aid in resettling refugees from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in Israel. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for payment of the U.S. share of expenses of the science and technology agreements between the United States and Yugoslavia and the United States and Poland. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948, and the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for, respectively, the State Department, the International Communication Agency (ICA), and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Incorporated, to offset fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates occurring after November 30 of the calendar year preceding the enactment of the authorization authorization legislation for such fiscal year (current laws offset fluctuations occurring after November 30 of the preceding preceding fiscal year). Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary of State to transfer from accounts under the heading of administration of foreign affairs to the account set up to offset such fluctuations any amount which exceeds the needs of the approval level of operations because of such fluctuations. Amends the passport provisions to authorize the Secretary of State to set the amount of the fees for issuance of a passport and for executing passport applications. Extends the duration of a passport's validity from five to ten years. Authorizes the Secretary to limit a passport's validity to a shorter period in an individual case or on a general basis pursuant to regulation. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to allow as proof of U.S. citizenship: (1) a passport during its period of validity if such period is the maximum authorized by law; and (2) a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. Deletes the limitations under current Federal laws on the authorized appropriations for payment of the U.S. share of the expenses of the: (1) Pan American Institute of Geography and History; (2) Hague Conference on Private International Law and of the International (Rome) Institute for the Unification of Private Law; and (3) Pan American Railway Congress. Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to direct the President to appoint a U.S. representative to the Vienna office of the United Nations. Provides for living quarters for certain U.S. representatives to the United Nations rather than only for the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Credits any payments made by U.S. personnel for such living quarters to the fund used by the Secretary to rent the premises. Provides that the Federal criminal provisions relating to compensation, activities, disqualification, and acts affecting personal financial interests of Federal employees shall not apply to certain private sector representatives on U.S. delegations to international telecommunications conferences. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to limit the duration of any procurement contract for the Department of State or the Foreign Service to five years when: (1) appropriations are available for the first fiscal year and for potential cancellation costs; and (2) the Secretary makes specified determinations. Provides for cancellation of the contract if funds are not available for its continuation. Makes the provisions of the Defense Base Act relating to the compensation for disability or death for persons employed at military bases outside the United States inapplicable with respect to contracts with persons employed by the State Department or the Foreign Service on an intermittent basis. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent Office of Foreign Missions within the Department of State. Authorizes the Director of such Office to: (1) assist Federal, State, and municipal agencies to ascertain the benefits due a foreign mission; (2) provide benefits for or on behalf of a foreign mission; and (3) perform such other functions as the Secretary determines necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to require a foreign mission to obtain benefits from the Director on terms approved by the Secretary or to comply with certain terms, including paying the Director a fee and waiving any recourse against any governmental authority or employee, as a condition to the performance in the United States of any contract, the acquisition of any real property, or the application for or acceptance of any benefit, if the Secretary determines such actions are necessary to: (1) facilitate relations between the U.S. and a sending state (a state represented by such mission); (2) protect U.S. interests; (3) adjust for costs and procedures of obtaining benefits for U.S. missions abroad; or (4) assist in resolving a dispute affecting U.S. interests. Authorizes the Secretary to require any foreign mission to: (1) notify the Director before such mission acquires or disposes of any real property; and (2) divest itself of or forgo the use of any real property acquired without notice to the Director or exceeding the limits placed on real property available to a U.S. mission in the sending state. Authorizes the Secretary to protect and dispose of any property of a foreign mission which has ceased conducting governmental activities and has not designated a protecting power. Makes the location and dimensions of any foreign mission's real property in the District of Columbia subject to the approval of the National Capital Planning Commission. Sets forth the criteria for the Commission's determinations about such real property. Provides for the administration and management of the Office of Foreign Missions. Makes the provisions of this Act applicable to public international organizations. Prohibits compliance with this Act by a foreign mission from being deemed a waiver of any immunity. Prohibits making benefits available to foreign missions contrary to this Act. Extends the privileges and immunities of the Vienna Convention to missions of nonparties to the Convention. Authorizes the President to extend to such missions treatment that is more favorable or less favorable than that provided under the Vienna Convention. Title II: International Communication Agency - International Communication Agency Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for the ICA for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to carry out certain international communication, educational, cultural, and exchange programs. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to permit any Federal employee who has special scientific, technical, or professional qualifications to be assigned to a foreign government (presently only U.S. citizens can be so assigned). Authorizes the making of procurement contracts for periods which do not exceed five years if: (1) appropriations are adequate for the first fiscal year; (2) Government need is reasonably firm and continuing; (3) such contract will encourage effective competition or promote economics in performance and operation; and (4) such method will not inhibit small business participation. Requires such contracts to be cancelled if funds are not available for continuation into subsequent fiscal years. Authorizes the Director of the ICA to purchase security vehicles without regard to any maximum price limitation. Provides for the principal assistant of an ICA Associate Director to perform the duties of any Associate Director who dies, resigns, is sick, or absent. Excludes employees of certain exhibits of U.S. economic or cultural accomplishments from the provisions of the Defense Base Act relating to compensation for disability or death. Makes the limitation on obligations or expenditures of appropriations to carry the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 inapplicable with respect to any appropriations for liquidating notes which were assumed in the operation of the informational media guaranty program and were outstanding on a specified date. Directs the ICA Director to make available for distribution within the United States the film "Reflections: Samuel Elliott Morison." Title III: Board for International Broadcasting - Board for International Broadcasting Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to increase the authorized appropriations for fiscal year 1981 and to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969 to authorize appropriations for the Inter-American Foundation for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Changes the method for reimbursing travel expenses of the Foundation's Board members.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Title I: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Requires a principal who enters into a contract with a sales representative for the solicitation of orders for merchandise of the principal to furnish specified information to the representative, including monthly commission statements. Enumerates items to be included in any written contract between a principal and sales representative in order to conform with this Act. Title II: Indemnification - Exempts principals who have entered into a written contract in conformity with title I from the indemnification requirements of this title. Requires any principal to indemnify a sales representative in accordance with this title if such principal: (1) without good cause terminates a representative's assignment or reduces the geographical territory assigned to a representative; (2) reduces the rate of commission paid to a representative; or (3) reduces the number of accounts assigned within a geographical territory. Sets forth a formula for the indemnification of such representatives. Title III: Miscellaneous - Permits actions to be brought in Federal district court to enforce the rights or liabilities of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest earned on certificates of deposit issued by banks, certain savings institutions, or credit unions. Requires such certificates to be issued between June 30, 1981 and July 31, 1982, to have a one year maturity, and to bear interest at a rate not greater than 70 percent of the average yield of U.S. Treasury bills. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns).
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Noninstitutional Long-Term Care Services for the Elderly and Disabled Act - Amends the Social Security Act by adding a new title, title XXI (Noninstitutional Acute and Long-Term Care Services for the Elderly and the Disabled), to provide a comprehensive system of noninstitutional health, developmental, and social services for individuals with chronic disabilities. Entitles an eligible individual to the following benefits: (1) home health services; (2) homemaker-home health aide services; (3) adult day services; (4) respite care services for up to 14 days, or 336 hours, in any year; (5) service coordination; (6) home help services; and (7) other services, provided on a demonstration basis, which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines may be of value. Sets forth definitions of such benefits. Provides benefits to every individual who: (1) has attained age 65; (2) is disabled and eligible for benefits under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income), XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid) of the Act; (3) was eligible for such benefits and ceased to be so eligible, but only if loss of benefits would seriously jeopardize such individual's ability to continue to live in a noninstitutional community residence and such individual's income is not sufficient to allow such individual to provide a reasonable equivalent of the services available under this Act; or (4) has been certified as eligible by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. States that no eligible individual shall be eligible to receive any benefits under title XXI or any long-term care benefits under titles XVIII, XIX, or XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Act unless such individual has a plan of care, as specified in this Act, and has been screened and assessed by a preadmission assessment and screening team (PAT) in order to determine the types and frequency of services required by such individual and in order to assure the maximum level of independence for such individual. Requires the Governor of each State to designate the State agency or agencies which shall administer or supervise the administration of the States' PAT program. Directs such agency or agencies to designate the PAT. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any PAT, and any State, for the reasonable costs incurred under this Act. Requires beneficiaries under title XXI to make copayments. Sets limits based on income for such copayments. Exempts those below the poverty line from copayments. Directs the Secretary to pay amounts for benefits incurred by an eligible individual in accordance with specified guidelines. Creates the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund into which specified funds will be deposited in order to make the payments required by this Act. Coordinates the provisions of this Act with titles XVIII, XIX, and XX of the Act by providing that no payment shall be made under such titles to or on behalf of an individual who is eligible under title XXI for services available under title XXI, unless the individual seeking coverage first undergoes a preadmission screening and assessment as provided in title XXI. States that this Act shall be effective between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 1987. Directs the Secretary to monitor the effects of this Act and report to Congress. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct an ongoing evaluation of the effects of this Act and to report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Tax Rate Reduction Act of 1981 - Title I: Individual Tax Rates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual income tax rates for calendar years 1982 through 1986 and permanently thereafter. Title II: Inflation Adjustments for Taxable Years Beginning After 1986 - Requires annual cost of living adjustments to income levels in each income tax bracket, beginning in calendar year 1986. Requires similar cost of living adjustments to the $1,000 personal tax exemption. Increases the minimum income levels at which a taxpayer is required to file an income tax return by providing that such levels shall be equal to the taxpayer's income tax exemption and zero bracket amount, adjusted for inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Comprehensive Older Americans Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to add to the declaration of objectives: (1) full supportive (as well as restorative) services, including assistance in avoiding institutionalization, with maximum independence for those who do require institutional care; (2) maximum opportunity to select full-time, part-time, flexible, or other appropriate employment; (3) specified education and training opportunities, including ones relating to legal, financial, and health needs; and (4) freedom from domestic violence and other violence and crime. Revises provisions relating to the Administration on Aging to specify that: (1) the Commissioner on Aging shall be directly responsible to the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and (2) certain functions of the Commissioner may not be delegated. Includes the Grants to States for Services programs (title XX) of the Social Security Act among those programs with an impact on older persons which the Commissioner must continually evaluate. Specifies that the other agencies with which the Commissioner coordinates a national plan for training personnel in the field of agencies must be Federal and State agencies. Requires consultation between the Commissioner and the head of the Federal agency administering: (1) continuing postsecondary education programs and planning under the Higher Education Act of 1965; (2) the Adult Education Act; and (3) the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Requires that dissemination of information by the National Information and Resource Clearing House for the Aging be carried out quickly. Requires that the Clearing House: (1) make available through a national toll-free telephone line information concerning federally administered programs, services, and benefits for which older persons may be eligible; and (2) cooperate with other Federal, State, and local information and referral services to ensure that information concerning non-federally administered public and private benefits is available. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Clearing House through fiscal year 1984. Requires that at least one member of the Federal Council on Aging be an official of a designated State agency and that at least one other member be an official of a designated area agency. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Council through fiscal year 1984. Specifies that sums authorized to be appropriated to carry out certain authorized activities of the Commissioner are to go directly to the Commissioner. Authorizes the Commissioner to request the technical assistance and cooperation of the Department of Education in carrying out the program of grants to State and community programs on aging. Defines "education and training services" for purposes of such program and includes such services among those for which current information and referrals are to be kept. Includes services designed to prevent domestic violence under the definition of legal services for purposes of such program. Extends through fiscal year 1984 the authorizations of appropriations for grants for State and community programs on aging (relating to social services and to congregate and home delivered nutrition services). Provides that formulas for allotments to States apply to any fiscal year in which specified sums are appropriated for such programs. Continues through fiscal year 1984 formulas to determine the Federal share of costs of such programs. Includes legal services among the social services for which area plans for older persons must provide. Eliminates the requirement that area plans provide that: (1) 50 percent of social service grant funds will be expended for access to services, in-home services, and legal services; and (2) area agencies on aging will develop and publish methods by which priority of such services is determined. Adds a requirement that area plans provide that such agencies, where possible, enter into arrangements with local legal service providers to use services mandated for older individuals under the Legal Services Corporation Act. Raises to $50,000 (from $20,000) the minimum amount which State agencies on aging must expend for long-term care ombudsman programs. Revises provisions for the availability of funds for social services and nutrition services. Eliminates the requirement that State transfers of funds between the congregate and home delivered nutrition services programs "meet the needs of the area served." Prohibits States from transferring more than 20 percent of appropriated funds for any fiscal year between social services and nutrition services programs. Requires that home delivered nutrition services projects give priority to the provision of meals during weekend periods. Adds to training programs for personnel in the field of aging programs to assist persons involved in the provision of home delivered nutrition services in also providing related social and human services, including regular individual needs assessments. Revises provisions for training, research, and discretionary projects and programs to provide for grants and contracts for special projects in mental health care. Revises provisions for special demonstration projects on legal services for older Americans to permit the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for such projects to and with the designated State agencies on aging (currently, to and with public and private nonprofit agencies or organizations). Requires that there be a reservation from appropriated funds of specified or necessary amounts for such projects in fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Authorizes appropriations in specified or necessary amounts for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 to carry out training, research, and discretionary projects and programs on aging. Authorizes appropriations in specified or necessary amounts for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 to carry out programs for multipurpose senior centers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Coastal Barrier Resources Act - Declares the findings and intentions of Congress in regard to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the coastal barriers along the Atlantic and gulf coasts of the United States. Establishes the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System) which shall consist of specified undeveloped coastal barriers on the Atlantic and gulf coasts. Requires that certain coastal barrier maps shall be available for public inspection through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide copies of such maps to the chief executive officer of: (1) each State and political subdivision in which a System unit is located; and (2) each affected Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to make necessary modifications to such maps and to notify specified Congressional committees of same. Limits, to specified projects, Federal expenditures on or financial assistance for purposes within the System. Lists those projects eligible for financial assistance. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify annually to Congress that the Federal agencies concerned have complied with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the contents of reports to be filed by the Secretary with specified Congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to State educational agencies to fund model programs, designed and operated by local educational agencies, for the improvement and expansion of foreign language study for children aged five through 17 who reside within their school districts. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of such grants based on State population. Sets forth provisions relating to the availability of such funds. Sets forth grant application requirements for State educational agencies. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to cover part of the costs of foreign language instruction for their students. Sets forth formulas to determine whether an institution is eligible for such grants, based on the percentage of its student body enrolled in qualified postsecondary language courses. Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards, including reporting requirements, for programs assisted by such grants. Sets forth formulas for determining the amounts of such grants, based on numbers of students enrolled in such courses. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each institution of higher education which requires at least two years of postsecondary credits in foreign language (or a competency equivalent) for each graduating student. Sets forth formulas for determining the amounts of such grants, based on the number of students enrolled in the institution. Prohibits any grant or contract under this Act except to such extent, or in such amounts, as may be provided in appropriation Acts. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1985 to carry out grant programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
National Export Policy Act of 1981 - Title I: General Findings and Purposes - Sets forth Congressional findings and the purposes of this Act. Title II: Export Financing - Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that the Export-Import Bank of the United States should facilitate, particularly in the presence of foreign officially-supported export credit competition, exports to countries: (1) having insufficient access to international credit facilities; (2) demonstrating reasonable economic progress; and (3) offering adequate formal assurances of repayment (currently, must offer sufficient likelihood of repayment). Increases the aggregate amount of loans and contractual liability of guarantees and insurance which may be outstanding at any one time. Requires such activities to be carried out through the Export Expansion Facility. Provides for the capitalization of such Facility. Amends the Export- Import Bank Act of 1945 to establish staggered, ten-year terms of office for the Bank directors. Declares that the House and Senate Appropriations Committees should consider limitations on Bank activities when considering appropriations for international trade activities rather than when considering foreign assistance activities. Title III: Export - Related Tax Policy - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the earned income exclusion for citizens working abroad, who are bona fide residents of a foreign country, from an annual rate of $20,000 to $50,000 plus 50 percent of any compensation which exceeds $50,000. Allows separate exclusions to married individuals who are both working overseas, although one's excess exclusion cannot be used against income earned by the other. Provides a tax exclusion for such individuals for the amount by which their housing expenses exceed 16 percent of a GS-14, step 1 salary level for a Federal employee. Permits such individuals to include in the computation of housing expenses the costs of a second foreign household if such an individual's family resides outside the United States but not with the individual because of adverse living conditions where the individual resides. Repeals similar deductions for cost-of-living differential, schooling expenses, home leave travel expenses, and residence in a hardship area. Excludes from an employee's gross income any lodging furnished the employee by an employer in a camp which meets specified requirements. Repeals the current provisions relating to deductions for certain expenses of living abroad. Provides that the foreign bad debt loss deduction shall not exceed the greater of 15 percent of the taxpayer's taxable income from exports, or two percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding at the close of the taxable year. Provides that the amount of bad debt losses that may be added to a bad debt reserve shall not exceed five percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding as of the close of the taxable year. Permits the amortization, based on a period of 60 months, of: (1) foreign market studies; (2) foreign marketing expenses; and (3) foreign patents. Permits an income tax deduction for currency fluctuation losses on export credit which have not been repaid by the end of the taxable year. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the six-month deadline for exempting exports from the manufacturers excise tax for an additional 12 months if it is determined, after consultation with the Secretary of State, that exports were delayed because of war, civil unrest, or similar adverse conditions in a foreign nation. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to approve the duty-free entry of machinery, materials, and fuels to be used for the production of goods in a foreign trade zone if such goods are not subsequently entered into U.S. customs territory. Sets forth requirements before applications for such treatment will be approved. Makes such approval valid for six years. Requires the Foreign Trade Zones Board to include in its annual report to Congress a summary of activities and proposals to increase the use of foreign trade zones to expand U.S. exports. Makes banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes as qualified export receipts the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Makes export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment. Title IV: Antitrust - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Permits automatic certification for existing associations. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish certification guidelines. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an Office of Export Trade. Requires such Office to report annually to the appropriate Congressional committees on all East-West trade transactions requiring validated licenses and on the role of U.S. export trading companies in such trade. Grants a temporary exemption from the Sherman Act antitrust provisions for existing associations. Requires, with specified exceptions, that all applications for certification be kept confidential. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force, seven years after enactment, to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Directs the Attorney General to study whether: (1) U.S. business conduct to expand exports conflicts with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws. Requires the Attorney General to identify conduct which would not warrant prosecution under the antitrust laws. Sets forth the procedures for describing such permissible conduct and disclosing such descriptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to intervene in such suits and to provide legal assistance to exporters. Prohibits prosecution under the antitrust laws of exporters who: (1) have notified the Attorney General of their intention to engage in such designated conduct; or (2) receive an approval, or no objection, from the Attorney General concerning proposed transactions. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress concerning implementation of this section. Authorizes appropriations for the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce for carrying out the simplification of antitrust procedures. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws That Hinder Exports - Changes the name of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA) to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require securities issuers to maintain an internal accounting system that provides reasonable assurance that specified accountability and accuracy goals are met. Changes the criterion for finding liability for violations of accounting standards. Makes persons who intentionally violate the accounting standards liable for such violations (currently persons who know or have reason to know of violations of the accounting standards are liable for such violations). Requires only good faith efforts at ensuring compliance by issuers who hold 50 percent or less of the equity of domestic or foreign firms. Transfers from the Security and Exchange Commission to the Department of Justice jurisdiction to enforce the antibribery prohibitions of the FCPA with respect to issuers. Replaces the current "knowing or reason to know" standard for liability for illegal payments to intermediaries with a standard that makes a firm liable if the firm intends to direct or authorize an illegal payment. Exempts from such prohibition any payment to a foreign official including items of value given in return for hospitality or in token of regard and esteem, and marketing or demonstration expenses pertaining to the business presentation. Makes the provision in the Business Practices and Records Act the exclusive Federal law authorizing Federal proceedings against a domestic concern for using the mails or any instrumentality of interstate commerce to violate such Act. Requires an interagency task force to issue guidelines specifying permissible conduct and arrangements associated with common types of export sales arrangements and business contracts and precautionary procedures creating a rebuttable presumption of compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Business Practices and Records Act Review Procedure to answer specific inquiries concerning enforcement of such Act. Requires the Attorney General to issue opinions regarding compliance. Makes such opinions final and binding on all parties if the conduct does not involve a violation. Requires annual reports to Congress by: (1) the Attorney General concerning actions taken pursuant to such Act; and (2) the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate agreements establishing standards of conduct for international business practices, a resolution procedure, and rates of commissions. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Requires Congress to review the Business Practices and Records Act after receiving the President's report. Directs the President to report to Congress on the legal and practical consequences of specific action that the United States could take under existing law to: (1) promote international cooperation to prevent bribery of foreign officials, candidates, or parties in third countries; and (2) encourage persons or businesses operating in foreign countries to refrain from bribing foreign officials, candidates, or parties to the disadvantage of U.S. industry. Requires the report to contain recommendations for new legislation and an analysis of the potential effect on U.S. interests of the corruption of foreign officials and political leaders. Requires an export competitiveness impact statement from any issuing authority taking significant action which could affect adversely U.S. exports or the international competitive position of the United States and its exporters. Expresses the sense of Congress that export paperwork must be reduced to encourage export sales. Requires all agencies to minimize paperwork and reporting requirements. Title VI: Export Awareness and Export Promotion Programs - Export Trading Company Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies by providing information and by facilitating contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate Congressional committees with their recommendations concerning implementation of this Act, related changes in U.S. law, and effects of ownership of U.S. banks by foreign banking organizations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1986 for such initial investments and operating expenses. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees for expansion to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available. Directs the Bank Board of Directors to try to insure that a major share of such guarantees promotes exports from small, medium-size, and minority businesses or agricultural concerns. Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration to extend credit to finance export assistance. Sets a maximum of $750,000 which may be committed to any borrower from the business loan and investment revolving fund. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into cooperative agreements with industrial corporations to develop foreign markets for their products. Requires the Secretary to direct specific market research for the products involved in foreign markets upon entering such agreements. Permits interested industrial corporations to submit a proposal incorporating specific marketing actions to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a marketing agreement after approving any such proposal. Requires repayment of the Federal share of the costs by the entity entering into such an agreement. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such agreements. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. representative to any international organization to: (1) identify programs affecting the export of U.S. firms' services; (2) make available information concerning such programs; (3) establish programs to publicize export-related programs for services; and (4) modify those programs with an adverse effect on the export of services. Makes the Secretary of Commerce responsible for coordinating such programs. Directs the Department of Treasury to report to Congress concerning the feasibility of extending DISC treatment to the export of services. Title VII: Agricultural Exports - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to establish the Agricultural Export Credit Revolving Fund to be available for: (1) the export of, or aid in the development of foreign markets for, agricultural commodities; and (2) loans for the acquisition of facilities in foreign countries to improve the countries' capacities to handle agri- commodities exported from the United States. Authorizes appropriations for such fund for fiscal years 1982-1984. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress annually concerning the export credit sales program. Abolishes such fund effective October 1, 1984. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the ratio of credit extended by the Export-Import Bank for agricultural exports in comparison with the total amount extended to be at least equivalent to the value of agricultural exports in comparison with total value of exports. Specifies exceptions to this requirement. Title VIII: International Agreements - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the multilateral trade agreement be strongly implemented; and (2) the efforts must continue to secure a freer world trading environment. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a special export subsidy program for agricultural commodities to neutralize the effects of foreign export subsidy programs. Specifies the circumstances required before such program may be implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should enter negotiations for international codes of: (1) official export financing; (2) business conduct; (3) reciprocity of antitrust enforcement; and (4) fair trade in services. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Title IX: Government Support of Export Goals - Overseas Private Investment Corporation Act of 1981 - Establishes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) as an independent agency. Sets forth the duties of OPIC. Provides for the capital of OPIC to be paid through the appropriation process and through transfer from OPIC's earned income. Sets forth the structure of OPIC with a Board of Directors, a President of the Corporation, an Executive Vice President of the Corporation, other officers and staff, and consultants. Authorizes OPIC to issue insurance to eligible investors covering new or existing investments protecting against specified risks. Authorizes OPIC to make arrangements with foreign governments or multilateral organizations for sharing liabilities. Limits the insurance that may be issued to a single investor. Authorizes OPIC to issue guarantees of loans and other investments. Sets forth limitations on such guarantees. Authorizes OPIC to make direct loans to privately owned or mixed publicly and privately owned firms for projects sponsored by or significantly involving small businesses or cooperatives. Limits the circumstances under which OPIC may acquire stock in any other corporation. Authorizes OPIC to initiate and support the identification, assessment, and promotion of private investment opportunities, with specified exceptions. Authorizes OPIC to administer special projects to provide private technical, professional, or managerial assistance in the development of human resources, skills, technology, capital savings, and intermediate financial institutions and cooperatives. Authorizes OPIC to engage in other insurance, reinsurance, and risk sharing activities with other insurance companies, financial institutions, persons, or groups. Limits the amount of reinsurance of liabilities which OPIC may issue. Limits the amount of maximum contingent liability pursuant to insurance or guarantees issued under this Act which may be outstanding at any one time. Establishes the: (1) Direct Investment Fund as a revolving fund to be available for direct investments; and (2) Insurance Reserve and Guaranty Reserve to be available for discharging liabilities. Authorizes appropriations to the investment and guaranty fund in specified circumstances. Authorizes OPIC to issue obligations in specified circumstances in order to discharge liabilities. Requires that all revenues and income transferred to or earned by OPIC be available to carry out OPIC's purposes. Directs OPIC to determine that suitable arrangements exist for protecting OPIC's interests in connection with any insurance, guaranty, or reinsurance issued under this Act. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States for the full payment and performance of previous obligations. Sets forth conditions with respect to insurance, guaranty, and reinsurance coverage under this Act concerning fees, time limits, fraud, and settlement of disputes. Sets forth administrative provisions and duties applicable to OPIC. Requires OPIC to undertake to broaden the participation of U.S. small businesses, cooperatives, and other small investors in the development of small private enterprise in less developed friendly countries or areas. Directs OPIC to report annually to Congress concerning its operations. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to redefine "eligible investor" with respect to housing guarantees. Repeals provisions: (1) prohibiting the transfer of OPIC funds between accounts; (2) authorizing the President to deny assistance to any less developed country which fails to enter into an agreement to institute the investment guaranty program; and (3) establishing OPIC. Stipulates that nothing in this part shall be construed as terminating any of OPIC's statutory authority. Requires the President of OPIC to submit to the appropriate Congressional committees any necessary technical or conforming amendments. Declares that the potential for U.S. exports shall be a primary decisionmaking factor in considering which projects to include in U.S. foreign aid programs. Declares that the Office of Management and Budget should assure that adequate budget allocations are made available to carry out the programs prescribed in this Act. Declares that the Department of Justice should do what it can to facilitate procedures for exporters. Declares that the Small Business Administration should: (1) be aware of the benefits of export to small business development; and (2) use every opportunity to provide information and assistance to potential exporters. Declares that the U.S. ability to export coal, nuclear power fuels, and other energy materials in a reliable manner should be a key consideration. Directs Congressional committees to include in their reports the effect of the bill or resolution on the international competitiveness of the United States. Creates a National Export Council to: (1) serve as a national advisory body on matters relating to U.S. export trade; (2) act as a liaison among the communities represented by its membership; and (3) provide advice on Federal plans and actions that affect export promotion and development policies which have an impact on those communities represented by its membership. Requires the Council to make an annual report to the President and the Congress on its activities. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to appoint commercial ministers, counselors, and attaches with the rank and privileges of other ministers, counselors, and attaches in U.S. embassies and consulates, to: (1) provide trade and commercial services; (2) engage in the promotion of U.S. exports; (3) file semiannual reports to the Secretary on market, industrial, and commodity conditions in their districts and on the implementation of multilateral and bilateral trade agreements; and (4) maintain current data on the commercial standing and capacity of foreign firms within their districts. Provides for domestic assignment, office logistics, allowances and benefits of such ministers, counselors, and attaches. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress with any recommendations concerning: (1) the organization of international trading and financing programs in the United States; (2) the effectiveness of foreign export promotion programs; and (3) the trade activities of specified Federal agencies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the appropriate Congressional committees should review periodically the trade organization of the U.S. Government.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Small Business Tax Incentives Act of 1981 - Title I: Amendment of Small Business Act - Amends the Small Business Act to define "small business," for Internal Revenue Code purposes, as an independently owned and operated business the gross revenue of which does not exceed $20,000,000 annually and the number of employees of which does not exceed 500. Title II: Corporate Tax Rate Reduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce corporate income tax rates. Title III: Small Business Direct Expensing of Capital Items of Up to $25,000 Per Year - Allows a taxpayer to elect to treat expenditures paid or incurred by him during the taxable year (not to exceed an aggregate of $25,000, or $12,500 in the case of a married person filing a separate return) for depreciable tangible property as expenses not chargeable to capital account (thus deductible as current business expenses). Qualifies property with respect to which an election is made for the investment tax credit. Disqualifies property acquired from a related person or another component member of the same controlled group of companies. Title IV: Increase in Amount of Used Property Eligible for Investment Tax Credit - Increases from $100,000 to $300,000 the allowable cost of used property eligible for the investment tax credit. Title V: Allowable Subchapter S Corporation Shareholders Increased to 25 - Increases from 15 to 25 the permissible number of shareholders in a subchapter S corporation. Title VI: Incentives for Investing in Small Business - Allows a deduction for cash amounts transferred to a small business solely in exchange for equity interest in the small business. Increases the capital gains deduction. Reduces the alternative tax on capital gains on equity interests held for five years or more. Title VII: Exclusion from Estate Tax for Small Business Property and Equity Investments - Permits the exclusion of small business property which comprises 60 percent or more of the adjusted value of the gross estate from the gross estate of a decedent who at the time of death was a U.S. citizen. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $2,000,000. Imposes an additional estate tax in the event any interest in such property is disposed of or the property ceases to qualify for such treatment. Title VIII: Interest and Dividend Exclusion Increased to $2,000 - Increases from $200 to $2,000 (or from $400 to $4,000 in the case of married individuals filing jointly) the exclusion of interest and dividends from gross income. Makes such exclusion permanent. Title IX: Inventory Simplification and Reform - Eliminates the qualification requirement for the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting that a taxpayer use no inventory method for financial reporting or credit purposes other than the LIFO method. Allows a taxpayer who adopts the LIFO method to spread increases in taxable income attributable to such change over a ten-year period. Allows an election by small businesses which use the dollar method of pricing inventories under the LIFO method and which have average annual receipts of $5,000,000 or less for the three taxable years ending with the year of election to use one inventory pool for any trade or business. Permits a wholesaler or retailer who uses such method to elect the use of inventory pools based on the applicable Government price index categories for all items of inventory. Allows the use of such index categories in the pricing of inventories under such dollar-value methods. Allows an election to use a link chain or index method or compute the LIFO value of dollar-value pool without regard to suitability or practicality of any other method. Repeals the requirement, with respect to liquidation plans adopted after December 31, 1981, that a corporation inventorying goods under the LIFO method treat the LIFO recapture amount with respect to distributed inventory assets as gain from the sale of such assets. Allows an election by small businesses which are at least half-owned by active participants in the trade or business and which have average annual gross receipts of $1,500,000 or less for the three taxable years ending with the year of election to use the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting without regard to any inventory requirements. Permits a taxpayer to reduce the value of a portion of excess inventory items held for more than 12 months. Sets forth a schedule for such reductions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Overseas Private Investment Corporation Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to support developmental projects having trade benefits for the United States. Increases the maximum per capita income which qualifies a less developed country for preferential consideration for investment projects. Removes the restriction on OPIC with respect to investment projects in less developed countries that have per capita incomes below a specified amount. Increases the number of members of OPIC's Board of Directors. Authorizes OPIC to insure approved projects against the risks of civil strife. Limits OPIC's share of insurance liability for multilateral investments to the proportionate participation of eligible investors in the projects. Limits the amount of investment insurance and guaranties issued to a single investor to a certain percentage of the maximum contingent liability of such insurance and guaranties which OPIC is permitted to have outstanding. Deletes the prohibition against OPIC entering certain direct insurance underwriting agreements with other insurance companies. Deletes the limitation on the amount of OPIC's annual reinsurance liabilities. Extends the authority of OPIC to issue investment insurance and guaranties until September 1985. Authorizes loans from the Direct Investment Fund to the extent amounts are appropriated. Authorizes computation of a claim of loss under equity investment insurance on the basis of net book value attributable to such equity investment on the date of loss. Abolishes the provision which permits a State to prohibit OPIC from requiring an investor to be insured for ten percent of an investment otherwise insured by OPIC. Authorizes OPIC to collect or compromise any obligations assigned to or held by it. Authorizes the Inspector General of the Agency for International Development to review, investigate, and inspect OPIC's activities. Abolishes: (1) OPIC's Advisory Council; (2) certain limitations on OPIC's financial support for new or expanded copper exploration or extraction projects; and (3) the prohibitions on OPIC financial support for projects involving production or processing of palm oil, sugar, or citrus crops for export. Removes the requirement that OPIC report to Congress by a specified date on certain investment insurance programs and reinsurance arrangements.
![Official portrait of Rep. Pritchard, Joel [R-WA-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000546_200.jpg)