United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that agricultural resources are of strategic importance to the United States' future. Calls for Federal cooperation with State and local governments and assistance to persons engaged in agriculture.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission or any administrative law judge from issuing antitrust decisions, findings, or cease-and-desist orders in concentrated market structure or shared monopoly proceedings until Congress establishes and defines the elements of such a violation. Declares that this Act shall apply to any proceeding pending on March 10, 1981. Vacates any decision or order issued in such proceeding before the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for veterans exposed to herbicides during service who suffer from a disease which may be caused by exposure to such herbicides, developed to a ten percent degree of disability. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to determine what diseases and birth defects may be due to exposure to herbicides. Qualifies such birth defects disabling to a degree of ten percent as an aggravation of a preexisting injury suffered in the line of duty in the active military service during a period of war. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year of enactment incorporating such determinations and setting forth the conditions of service during the Vietnam era required to establish exposure.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1981
National Endowment for Soil and Water Conservation Act of 1981 - Establishes a National Endowment for Soil and Water Conservation, managed by a Board of Governors including the Secretary of Agriculture and six Presidential appointees, which shall: (1) encourage, through financial assistance and other means, the adoption and maintenance of soil and water conservation practices and systems on non-public lands; and (2) direct studies and forums aimed at demonstrating the benefits of using newly approved conservation techniques. Directs the Board to make available cost-sharing or loan funds from the Endowment to landowners for up to 90 percent of the cost of adopting or maintaining conservation practices or systems. Authorizes the Board to coordinate Endowment programs with existing Federal programs, other public agency programs, or private groups, using facilities and personnel of the Department of Agriculture. Exempts the Endowment and any contributions to it from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits the use of contributions for general administrative costs. Limits obligations and expenditures. Limits eligibility for financial assistance to natural resource conservation measures recommended by a county Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee or by a soil conservation district board. Requires such measures to meet Federal, State or local government technical standards. Requires the Board to submit biennial reports to Congress. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Child and Family Development Act - Declares that the Congress affirms the right and responsibility of parents to participate in programs involving their children and that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize any public agency or private organization or its representative to intervene in any child-rearing decision of the parents. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a complete study and assessment of child care needs in the United States. Directs the Secretary to take specified factors into consideration and to complete such study and assessment, and transmit the results to the Congress, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to prepare and promulgate a comprehensive plan and program to provide services to meet the Nation's child care needs (including day care, education, health, and nutrition). Sets forth required provisions for the plan and program. Directs the Secretary to promptly transmit the plan and program, with recommendations, to the Congress. Requires that a specified minimum period of time after transmittal to the Congress pass before the plan or program or later modifications by the Secretary become effective. Sets forth priorities in the distribution of child care funds by the plan and program. Prohibits the plan and program from affecting levels or sources of funding for the Head Start program and specified programs under the Social Security Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Requires that such plan and program provide for strengthened developmental programming for children and parent education and required certification of teachers under such Acts. Requires that the plan and program include: (1) provision of additional Federal funds to improve child care programs; and (2) incentives for development of improved child care facilities. Sets forth administrative provisions and requirements for State plans for the administration of child care programs. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report, with recommendations, to the Congress on the administration and operation of this Act and of the plan and program. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Law Enforcement Officers' Protection Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) conduct a study to determine the capacity of handgun bullets to penetrate bulletproof vests and the risk posed to law enforcement officers by the availability of handgun bullets; and (2) report the findings and legislative recommendations to the President and Congress within one year after funds are made available under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Inventory Simplification and Reform Tax Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate 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 to 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 · 4 March 1981
Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability caused by exposure to a phenoxy herbicide (Agent Orange) for veterans who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era. Waives the one-year limitation on claims for compensation for such disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that taxpayers who incur expenses for the care of a dependent child who is mentally or physically handicapped shall be eligible for the child care credit whether or not the taxpayer incurred such expenses to enable him to seek gainful employment or such expenses were incurred outside his household. Increases the amount of expenses which may be considered in determining the amount of the credit. Provides that the earned income limitation shall not apply to taxpayers who provide care for handicapped children. Grants tax-exempt status to a trust established for the care of a physically or mentally handicapped child of the taxpayer. Allows an income tax deduction for contributions to a child care trust. Limits the amount of such deduction for contributions to a child care trust. Limits the amount of such deduction to the lesser of 15 percent of the taxpayer's compensation includable in gross income for the taxable year, or $1,500. Provides that distributions from such a trust shall not be taken into consideration in determining the eligibility of such child for Federal or State assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Expresses the grave concern of the House of Representatives at the repression of the Guatemalan people by the Guatemalan Government. Calls upon the President to: (1) recall the U.S. representative; (2) order continued application to Guatemala of statutes limiting access to bilateral and multilateral aid to gross violators of human rights; (3) prohibit the granting of any Export-Import Bank credits or loan guarantees or the granting of export licenses; (4) instruct U.S. Executive Directors on specified international agencies to vote against grants and loans to Guatemala and to urge other governments to implement similar policies within these institutions; (5) actively work within the Organization of American States and the United Nations to pressure the Guatemalan government to cease its violence against the Guatemalan people; and (6) demand that the regime cease its repression and restore to the police and security forces their proper peacekeeping role.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Declares that the President's decision to commit U.S. military personnel to El Salvador requires the President to submit to Congress a specified report required by the War Powers Resolution in order to preserve the integrity of such Resolution and to ensure the full and cooperative judgment of both Congress and the President with respect to the introduction of U.S. military personnel into El Salvador.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Soil Conservation Act of 1981 - Title I: Special Areas Conservation Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to farm and ranch owners or operators and public entities to identify and correct erosion or irrigation management problems in special areas (as designated under this Act). Prohibits assistance to: (1) public lands unless they are an integral part of a farm or ranch; and (2) nonfarm or nonranch land unless such land has a serious erosion problem which threatens farm or ranch land. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cost-sharing contracts with such persons for: (1) conservation measures as set forth under this Act; and (2) continuing established conservation measures. Requires a recipient to provide the Secretary with a plan that: (1) incorporates practices to prevent land erosion; (2) outlines a schedule for implementing cropping system changes or other conservation methods; (3) considers local, social, economic, and environmental conditions; (4) allows for varying levels of conservation application as appropriate; (5) allows for wildlife and recreation measures; and (6) identifies methods to improve vegetative conditions, reduce erosion, and conserve water on rangeland. Permits financial assistance to cover the loss of income resulting from cultivated crops to permanent vegetative cover adjustments. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prepare a report respecting the designation of an area as a special area; and (2) submit such report to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and to the House Committee on Agriculture. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any contracts (involving such land) until the Committees approve such report. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to evaluate the impact of local and State tax structures on the acceptance and implementation of conservation measures. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by January 1, 1986, and at five-year intervals thereafter. Title II: Matching Grants for Conservation Activities - Directs the Secretary to make annual matching grants to county conservation boards for: (1) soil erosion control; (2) cropland, forest, pasture, or rangeland improvements; (3) water conservation and quality improvement; (4) agricultural land preservation; and (5) demonstration projects. Permits such grants for: (1) fish and wildlife habitat improvement; (2) animal waste management; (3) watershed and flood protection; (4) sediment and stormwater control in urbanizing areas; and (5) natural resources aspects of rural planning. Prohibits a county conservation board from receiving a grant unless it: (1) has a current long-range program; (2) has a current annual work plan; and (3) has arranged for equal matching funds or in kind services. Provides that grants may be given for two years to develop such a program and plan. Requires not more than 25 percent of State or local funds for a component of the work plan determined by the Secretary to have a national objective. Sets forth the composition of such county conservation boards. Authorizes long-term agreements of up to ten years. Requires a recipient board to maintain records as the Secretary prescribes and to provide access to them for audits or examinations. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Prohibits appropriations after fiscal year 1992. Directs the Secretary to report to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and to the House Committee on Agriculture by January 1, 1986, and again by January 1, 1991. Title III: Conservation Loan Program - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to direct the Corporation, beginning October 1, 1981, to make loans (up to ten years) to agricultural producers for conservation measures recommended by the applicable county and State committees. Requires loans in excess of $10,000 to be secured. Limits: (1) loans to any one producer in a fiscal year to $25,000; and (2) the total amount of loans in a fiscal year to $200,000,000. Title IV: Volunteers for Conservation - Directs the Secretary to establish a volunteer program. States that such volunteers shall not be considered Federal employees except for provisions relating to compensation for injury and tort claims. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Title V: Reservoir Sedimentation Reduction Program - Authorizes the Secretary to develop a reservoir sediment reduction program to be implemented on no more than five public reservoirs with surrounding soil erosion problems. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prepare a plan with the assistance of interested State and local entities for each such reservoir; and (2) submit such plan to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and to the House Committee on Agriculture. Prohibits implementation of any such plan without the Committees' approval. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983-1987. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by January 1, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act Amendment - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem an alcoholic beverage misbranded if it consists of more than 24 percent alcohol by volume and does not bear a health warning on its label, labeling, and advertising. Requires such health warning to state that use of such product may cause sickness or death, impair driving ability, create dependence or addiction, and harm the unborn during pregnancy. Requires the label to state that legal age is required for purchase.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1981
Title I: Surplus School Conversion Grants - Surplus School Conversion Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to local educational agencies to provide up to 80 percent of the costs of renovating underutilized school buildings. Directs the Secretary to give priority to grant applications to renovate buildings for educational or social service purposes. Prohibits grants for renovation of buildings which will be used for storage purposes only. Permits the inclusion of planning costs among the expenses which such grants cover. Directs the Secretary to make available planning and technical assistance to agencies utilizing such funds. Sets forth grant application requirements. Directs the Secretary to consider certain factors in approving applications. Provides for the recapture of such payments by the United States. Sets forth reporting requirements. Title II: Amendment to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to include among guidelines which the Secretary of Energy must prescribe for State plans for the implementation of energy conservation projects in schools and hospitals a requirement that State energy agencies in making grants for such projects for school facilities give priority to facilities in local educational agency jurisdictions with a student enrollment during the school year in which the application is submitted is not more than 90 percent of the enrollment for the second preceding school year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell commemorative medals honoring Maggie Lena Walker in recognition of her contributions to the banking industry of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1981
United States Revitalization Act - Establishes the United States Revitalization Bank as an instrumentality of the United States with a board of directors appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the powers of the Bank. Directs the Bank to submit an annual report to the President, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Congress. Sets the capital stock of the Bank at $5,000,000,000 subscribed by the Treasury from funds appropriated for such purpose. Grants the Bank the power to issue tax-exempt obligations in an outstanding aggregate principal amount not to exceed five times the paid-in-capital of the Bank at such time. Grants the Bank power to enter into agreements respecting its obligations. Permits the Bank, taking into account the market conditions for its obligations, to request that the Secretary guarantee its obligations with the full faith and credit of the United States. Specifies the tax status of the Bank, its real property and its employees. Authorizes the Bank to provide financial assistance to a business enterprise upon written request. Requires such request to be accompanied by a plan in accordance with the terms of this Act. Provides for assistance: (1) in cases of financial distress; or (2) for modernization or expansion that would have a significant beneficial impact on employment opportunities and productivity in the Nation. Sets forth general eligibility standards and conditions for financial assistance under this Act. Authorizes the Bank to provide financial assistance, under specified terms and conditions, to a local governmental unit which satisfies certain eligibility criteria. Directs the Bank, in providing such financial assistance, to give priority to those projects which: (1) involve facilities in urgent need of restoration; (2) result in the largest savings in annual operating costs or other costs; (3) significantly contribute to the economic development or reduce the economic decline of the area; and (4) will, upon completion, serve or benefit the largest number of persons. Authorizes the Bank to make loans, and to guarantee the payment of principal and interest on loans, to a local governmental unit or to a business enterprise on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate. Sets forth the general requirements of such terms and conditions. Authorizes the Bank, in any case in which it is determined that other available forms of financial assistance are inappropriate, to purchase capital stock of an applicant business enterprise. Prohibits the aggregate amount of financial assistance to any one local governmental unit or business enterprise from exceeding, at any one time, ten percent of the paid-in capital stock of the Bank plus the aggregate amount of obligations of the Bank authorized to be outstanding under this Act. Authorizes the Board, at any time a request for financial assistance is pending or outstanding, to inspect and copy all documents of the applicant relating to its financial affairs and to have access to all facilities and properties of the applicant. Terminates the existence of the Bank 30 years after the effective date of this Act. Prohibits the Bank from making any commitments to provide new or increased financial assistance later than six years after the effective date of this Act. Transfers to the Secretary the duty of completing the winding up and liquidation of the Bank, if upon termination the Bank has not completed such activities. Applies to the Bank the financial disclosure provisions of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978. Sets forth conflict of interest prohibitions which shall govern directors, officers, and staff members. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1981
World War I Veterans Service Pension Act of 1981 - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150: (1) to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements; (2) to the surviving spouse of each such veteran; or (3) when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1981
Amends title VII (Equal Employment Opportunity) of the Civil Rights Act to 1964 to make it an unlawful employment practice to discriminate against any individual who is physically or mentally handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Commercial Use of Sound Recordings Amendment- Amends the copyright law to give the owner of a sound recording copyright the exclusive right to perform or authorize the performance of the copyrighted work publicly. Exempts specified educational, religious, literary, and governmental performances of sound recordings from copyright infringement liability. Limits further the exclusive right of the owner of copyrights in sound recordings of specified kinds of works to the right to perform publicly all or any part of the actual sounds fixed in such recordings. Stipulates that the exclusive right to perform publicly, by means of a phonorecord, a copyrighted literary, musical, or dramatic work, and to perform publicly a copyrighted sound recording are separate and independent rights under this Act. Subjects the exclusive performance right in a sound recording to compulsory licensing if phonorecords of such recording have been distributed to the public under the authority of the copyright owner. Sets forth the requirements for obtaining such license. Establishes the royalty rates or payments for broadcast stations based on gross receipts of advertising sponsors, and gives the compulsory licensee the option of computing such royalty fees on either a prorated or blanket basis. Directs that royalty fees shall be deposited by the Register of Copyrights in the United States Treasury and invested by the Secretary of the Treasury in interest-bearing United States securities. Establishes the procedure for the distribution of royalties to persons claiming entitlement to compulsory license fees. Exempts certain broadcast stations and transmitters which publicly perform a copyrighted sound recording from liability for infringement and compulsory licensing requirements if the gross receipts of such stations are less than specified amounts. Provides that if an owner of a copyright authorizes the public distribution of material objects that reproduce such copyrighted sounds but do not include any accompanying motion picture, a compulsory licensee shall be freed from further liability for infringement for the public performance of such sounds. Directs the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to retain the services of one or more private, nongovernmental entities to monitor and value sound recording performances, distribute royalty funds to recipients, and perform other functions deemed necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for whoever, with intent to interfere with any person freely exercising his religion, damages or destroys a religious house of worship, any religious object contained in such house, a cemetery, or religious school.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
National Service Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish a program under which all citizens of the United States between the ages of 18 and 30 are requested to perform one or two years of either military or civilian service, but in which no one is required to serve except to the extent that the needs of the military require that some persons be inducted for military training and service. Title I: National Service System - Declares that it is the obligation of each citizen to perform some service for the United States and that to fulfill this obligation each citizen between the ages of 17 and 24 shall perform suitable civilian service, enlist in the armed forces, or be subject to induction into the armed forces. Establishes within the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the National Service System to be headed by a Director appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that such System shall include at least one placement center in each county or comparable political subdivision in each State and there shall be at least one appeals board in each State. Requires each citizen within ten days after becoming 17 years of age to register at his or her local placement center. Requires citizens who are between the ages of 17 and 21 on the effective date of this Act and who are not already registered under the Military Selective Service Act to register within six months of the effective date of this Act. Requires registrants at least ten days before reaching the age of 18 to notify their local placement center of their election to enlist in the armed forces, to participate in the military lottery, or to participate in the civilian service program as well as what age the registrant will begin such service. States that the age for beginning such service shall be not less than 18 years nor more than 23 years of age. Stipulates that individuals who fail to begin their service at such time shall be placed in a lottery pool and shall be liable for a period of six years induction into the armed forces. Stipulates that individuals who elect to enlist in the armed forces but who are not accepted by the age of 25 solely because the manpower needs of the armed forces have already been met will be considered to have discharged their obligation to perform service under this Act. Sets forth the conditions under which an individual may be exempted from the provisions of this Act. Sets forth legal proof requirements for conscientious objectors. Sets forth conditions for deferring participation in the military lottery and the civilian service program. Sets forth registrant classification and reclassification procedures. Sets forth procedures for appeal of a classification or the denial of a request for a change in classification. Sets forth active training and service requirements for individuals who enlist or are inducted into the armed forces or who elect to participate in civilian service pursuant to this Act. Establishes procedures for conducting the military lottery. Specifies the order for induction for training and service in the armed forces in the event of war. Sets forth the rates of monthly basic pay for members of the uniformed services. Transfers the personnel and funds of the Selective Service System to the National Service System. Provides criminal penalties for individuals who refuse to register in the National Service System as required or who fail to report for induction when ordered to do so. Title II: National Youth Service Foundation - Creates the National Youth Service Corps for those registrants in the National Service System electing to perform civilian service. Establishes within the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the National Youth Service Foundation. Empowers such Foundation to administer the National Youth Service Corps and to make grants to units of State and local government in order to provide employment opportunities for civilian service registrants in the Corps. Provides for a Board of Trustees of the Foundation to be appointed by the President. Provides for the appointment of a Director of the Foundation by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the duties of registrants who have elected to perform civilian service. Requires each registrant who has located a position in which to perform civilian service to perform satisfactory service for a period of one year. Designates as "sponsors" those persons and units of State, local, and regional government that have positions available in which civilian service registrants may perform service. Requires each sponsor to provide supervision and training to civilian service registrants in accordance with minimum standards to be prescribed by the Board. Stipulates that civilian service registrants shall be paid a subsistence stipend determined by the Board based upon the local cost-of-living of the geographic area. Requires any civilian service registrant who withdraws or is dismissed from a civilian service position to report to the local placement center nearest to the registrant's current place of residence for reassignment within ten days of a Board's determination that the registrant is to continue in the civilian service. Requires that any civilian service registrant who is not able to find a position in a qualified service category or who fails to complete satisfactorily a year of service shall perform such service, or complete such year of service, in the Young Adult Conservation Corps or shall be placed in the military lottery pool. Authorizes the Board to promulgate regulations designating specific service categories as qualified service categories in which civilian service registrants may serve for the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the conditions under which an activity shall be deemed to be a qualified service category pursuant to this Act. Delineates suitable service categories to include positions in: (1) the Foundation and State, local, and regional government agencies; (2) schools; (3) nonprofit hospitals; (4) law enforcement agencies; (5) penal and probation systems; (6) private, nonprofit organizations whose principal purpose is social service; and (7) certain seasonal farm labor on commercial farms. Stipulates that suitable service categories may not include positions in: (1) profitmaking business organizations; (2) labor unions; (3) partisan political organizations; (4) organizations engaged in religious functions, unless the position itself does not involve any religious functions; and (5) domestic or personal service companies or organizations. Requires the Board to solicit information from sponsors who are authorized to participate in the civilian service program with regard to the types and impact of positions available for civilian service registrants. Provides for Board certification of specific positions as qualified for civilian service. Sets forth limited appeal procedures for sponsors or registrants who are adversely affected by decisions of the Board relating to the suitability of a specific position for civilian service pursuant to this Act. Requires that sponsors provide civilian service registrants with the same hours of work and leave as they afford their new employees. Directs the Board to contract for health care plans for registrants and to prescribe how the costs of such health care shall be borne by registrants and by sponsors. Stipulates that registrants shall not be considered Federal employees except for purposes of specified laws. Requires sponsors to submit annual reports to the Board regarding the number of, and reason for, registrants leaving service with such sponsor. Sets forth the conditions under which an individual may be dismissed from civilian service by a sponsor. Stipulates that registrants who are dismissed for cause shall be deemed to have elected to participate in the next military lottery. Authorizes the Board to make grants to units of State and local government for: (1) paying stipends to registrants; (2) encouraging local private persons and other governmental entities to become sponsors in the civilian service program; and (3) such other purposes as the Board may authorize to carry out the provisions of this title. Establishes the National Advisory Council on Youth Service to advise the Board on policy matters relating to the administration of this title. Title III: Veterans Benefits - Entitles individuals who volunteer or who are inducted into the armed forces pursuant to this Act to specified educational benefits. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals the Military Selective Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during which such individual has such illness.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases, to: (1) conduct a clinical investigation of the safety and efficacy of dimethyl sulfoxide as a drug to be used by persons with arthritis; and (2) report to Congress within one year of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit married individuals filing separate income tax returns an election to be taxed at rates applicable to unmarried individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of May 10 to May 16, 1981, as "CARE Week" in observance of the thirty-fifth anniversary of CARE (the Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc.).
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1981
Private Pension Reform Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow to a married individual whose compensation is less than that of his or her spouse the same deduction for retirement savings. Includes as compensation, for purposes of calculating such deduction, alimony and separate maintenance payments. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require pension plans which pay benefits in the form of an annuity to provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of a participant who dies before the annuity starting date. Specifies that such annuity shall not be less than the payment to which the surviving spouse would be entitled if the participant had died after the annuity starting date. Requires, for the election by a participant not to take a joint and survivor annuity, the written consent of the participant's spouse. Allows the assignment of pension plan benefits pursuant to a specific court order relating to child support, alimony, or marital property rights. Lowers from 25 to 21 the minimum age of participation by employees in a pension plan. Includes approved maternity or paternity leave in the determination of an employee's years of service with an employer, calculated according to a formula which grants 20 hours of service for each week of such leave.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1981
Establishes within the National Institutes of Health the Office of Drugs of Limited Commercial Value under the direction of the Director of the National Institutes of Health. Establishes within the Office an advisory council to advise the Director and make recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services respecting the time required for drug approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance to entities for the development of drugs of limited commercial value, defined as a drug for a condition or disease of low incidence, to undertake the development of such drugs, undertake studies to determine the potential and need for specific drugs, and coordinate the efforts of public and private entities engaged in the development of such drugs. Requires the submission and approval of an application containing the scientific basis for the development and the proposed therapeutic use of the drug and other specified information before financial assistance is provided. Requires each entity receiving funds to keep specified records. Requires the Director to report to Congress within two years on the effectiveness of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1981
Educational Testing Act of 1981 - Requires each postsecondary education admissions testing agency to provide to a test subject information concerning: (1) the purposes of the test; (2) the subject matters and the areas of skill or knowledge being tested; (3) interpretation of test results; (4) various effects upon, and uses of, test scores; (5) the form in which the scores will be reported; (6) any promises made by a testing agency with regard to accuracy, forwarding, and privacy of information of such scores; (7) the property interest of a test subject in such scores, and their storage, disposal, or future use; (8) the time period for mailing such scores to a test subject and designated recipients; (9) special services to accommodate handicapped test subjects; and (10) notice of the information rights and review procedure available to a test subject. Requires a testing agency to notify a test subject and designated recipients if the scores will be delayed ten days or more. Requires a testing agency to provide the Secretary of Education with information concerning any study or statistical report pertaining to a test which it prepares or for which it provides data. Declares that such information shall be considered records for public information purposes. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such information within one year of enactment of this Act. Requires a testing agency (with regard to any tests administered to 5,000 or more subjects nationally over a testing year) to file with the Secretary: (1) a copy of all test questions used in determining such test's raw score; (2) the corresponding correct answers; and (3) all rules for transferring raw scores into the scores as reported to a test subject and designated recipients. Declares that such information shall be considered records for public information purposes. Requires a testing agency, upon request, to send to a test subject: (1) a copy of the test questions used to determine the raw score; (2) such test subject's answer sheet, along with the corresponding correct answers; and (3) a statement of the raw score, if such request is made within 90 days of the release of the test score to the subject. Authorizes a fee to be charged to cover the costs of providing a test subject with such information. Prohibits test scores from being disclosed by a testing agency to any person, institution, or governmental agency unless specifically designated as a recipient by a test subject. Authorizes previous scores to be released to any currently designated recipient. Requires a testing agency to report specified cost-related information to the Secretary to ensure that such tests are being offered at a reasonable cost. Requires additional cost-related information to be submitted if a separate fee is charged for admissions data assembly or score reporting services (as defined by this Act). Provides a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for each violation of this Act by a test agency. Defines "standardized test" to mean a test affecting, or distributed through, interstate commerce (exclusive of one used by an individual institution for its own purposes or one used for non-admission or credit-examination purposes) and used for: (1) postsecondary admissions; or (2) preliminary separation for such postsecondary admissions tests.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1981
Title I: Export Trading Companies - 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 up to 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 up to $20,000,000 to be appropriated for initial investments and operating expenses for each of the fiscal years 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters, to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories, when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Directs the 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. Title II: Export Trade Associations - Export Trade Association Act of 1981 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the 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 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 guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. 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 to promote export trade associations and trading companies. 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 East-West trade. Grants a temporary exemption from the Sherman Act antitrust provisions for existing associations. Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. 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.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1981
Youth Employment Act - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act(CETA) to revise the statement of purpose and definitions of title IV (Youth Programs). Changes the heading of title IV, Part A to "Youth Employment and Training" (formerly, 'Youth Employment Demonstration Programs"). Revises the purpose of such part to include the provision of employment experience, skill training, and remedial programs designed to improve the long-term employability of disadvantaged and hard-to-employ youth, emphasizing collaborative agreements, where feasible, among local institutions capable of providing needed services. Requires that each CETA Youth Employment and Training fund: (1) develop achievement standards, based on recommendations of various groups, to serve as performance indicators, accepted in the community, of youth achievements needed to obtain and retain unsubsidized jobs in the private sector; (2) establish and maintain an individual achievement record for each participating youth; and (3) formulate a personalized employability plan and periodically assess, with educational officials, the appropriateness for each youth of employment, training, and services assisted under Youth Employment and Training. Defines an eligible youth, for Youth Employment and Training purposes, as one who is economically disadvantaged and aged 16 to 19, inclusive, or aged 20 or 21 if enrolled in high school or in a program leading to a certificate of high school equivalency. Extends eligibility, only for purposes of counseling and related services, to economically disadvantaged youth aged 14 or 15. Permits 20 percent of the funds available for Basic Grants for Youth Employment and Training Programs to be used for youths: (1) who are not economically disadvantaged but have encountered special barriers to employment; or (2) who are participants in a program under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974; or (3) who are of migrant or seasonal farmworker families. Provides that any participant in specified programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds under the Higher Education Act of 1965 shall be eligible for purposes of CETA Title IV Part A Youth Employment and Training programs. Defines eligible applicants, for Part A purposes, as prime sponsors and (under special regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Labor) sponsors of Native American or migrant and seasonal farmworker programs. Establishes a new CETA program of Basic Grants for Youth Employment and Training Programs, designed to make a significant long-term impact on structural youth unemployment problems and to enhance job and career prospects through interrelated employment, training, and education. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to provide assistance to eligible applicants to provide to eligible youth a range of employability development opportunities and supportive and follow-up services to promote the transition to unsubsidized employment. Sets forth formulas for the allocation of program funds and conditions for receipt of financial assistance. Establishes a new CETA program of Youth Incentive and Supplemental Work Projects. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program providing economically disadvantaged youth in selected poverty areas with part-time employment, full-time employment, or other appropriate compensated activity by allowing eligible applicants to pay one-half of the program cost with funds provided under the Basic Grants program and the other half with funds provided under the Youth Incentive program. Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with prime sponsors to provide: (1) part-time entitlement activities (full-time during the summer months) during the school year for eligible youth from selected poverty areas who resume or maintain secondary school attendance to acquire a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; and (2) otherwise unavailable full-time employment for economically disadvantaged youth aged 16 to 21, inclusive, from selected poverty areas who have a high school diploma or certificate. Directs the Secretary to make tentative advance allocations to eligible applicants for such purposes. Sets forth the extent of entitlement activities. Sets forth procedures for applications and Secretarial review. Prohibits the use of funds for employment under the Youth Incentive program to provide public services previously provided by a political subdivision or local education agency in the area served by the project. Sets forth formulas for the allocation of program funds. Authorizes the Secretary to use discretionary funds to provide: (1) supplemental funds for Basic Grants and Youth Incentive applicants to promote specially worthy programs and programs for youths with special employment barriers or from specified categories and to provide additional allocations to areas experiencing significant increases in unemployment; (2) innovative and experimental programs; (3) outreach and public information programs for juvenile offenders; and (4) projects which will employ eligible youth, particularly economically disadvantaged youth aged 16 to 21, in solar energy and other forms of energy conservation and development. Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to establish new employment services for youth program. Requires that each State desiring to receive funds under such program submit to the Secretary of Labor a supplement to required plans. Authorizes the Secretary to operate such programs in States which do not submit such a supplement. Requires that such supplements provide for specified general employment services for youth and for specified in school services to assist youth in making a successful transition from school to working life. Requires that such services include the provision of information concerning military and civilian volunteer services opportunities. Limits the Federal share to 80 percent of the cost of such programs. Sets forth formulas for the allocation of funds for such programs. Authorizes appropriations for such program for fiscal year 1981 and fiscal years thereafter. Directs the Secretary of Labor to include in the annual CETA report a statement of findings on the progress made in the implementation of CETA provisions relating to the elimination of artificial barriers to employment. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1985 to carry out CETA Youth Employment and Training. Authorizes such appropriations to be included in the appropriation Act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which such appropriations are available for obligation. Sets forth transition provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1981
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States and Indian tribes for projects designed to prevent domestic violence and provide immediate shelter and other assistance for victims of domestic violence and their dependents. Sets forth conditions for receiving such grants, including that the State: (1) distribute funds to local public agencies and private nonprofit organizations; (2) distribute at least 70 percent of such funds to private, nonprofit organizations and give special emphasis to community-based projects; (3) designate a State agency to administer the programs; (4) set forth procedures to assure active citizen participation within the State; (5) assure that any project funded will coordinate its activities with other State programs and be administered by trained personnel; (6) provide technical assistance; and (7) comply with reporting requirements. Limits the total amount of grants to any local program to $150,000 for not more than a three-year period. Limits the grant for any fiscal year to $50,000. Stipulates that funds may not be used for direct payment to victims or dependents and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed. Requires local public agencies and private organizations to provide the following shares of Federal funding: 25 percent in the first year, 33.33 percent the second year, and 50 percent the third year. Requires that at least 75 percent of grants be distributed to entities providing immediate shelter and related assistance to victims. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental grants to States for: (1) administrative costs; (2) developing and implementing programs; (3) assuring active citizen participation; and (4) developing a media campaign. Provides that each State will be allotted at least $45,000 in formula grants and $7,500 in supplemental grants. Requires each State receiving assistance to submit detailed annual reports to the Secretary on the implementation of programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate a director of programs carried out under this title; (2) establish a national information clearinghouse on domestic violence, in coordination with the child abuse clearinghouse; (3) make recommendations to Congress regarding domestic violence programs; and (4) obtain information on research relating to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the programs no later than two years after funds are obligated. Sets forth confidentiality requirements with respect to records of persons assisted under this title. Establishes the Federal Interagency Council on Domestic Violence to assist the Secretary in coordinating Federal programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 to carry out this title. Provides for repeal of this title at the end of either fiscal year 1985 or the third fiscal year after appropriations are first made. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the President and Congress within 18 months of enactment on the nature and incidence of abuse of elderly persons.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Air Traffic Controller Act of 1981 - Redefines the terms "air traffic controller" and "controller," for purposes of civil service provisions, to mean any air traffic control specialist of the GS-2152 series. Establishes a salary classification system for air traffic controllers. Requires: (1) semiannual salary cost of living adjustments of one and one half percent for each one percent increase in the the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage and Clerical Workers (CPI); (2) an additional ten percent increase annually; and (3) automatic annual step increases within and between pay grades. Establishes differential payments for hours worked during a night shift, midnight shift, weekend, or assignment as an on-the-job training instructor. Exempts the salary of an air traffic controller from provisions limiting the pay of Federal employees. Establishes a work week of four consecutive eight-hour days for controllers. Entitles controllers to form labor organizations and bargain collectively for wages, hours, leave, and other terms of employment. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to issue regulations providing that: (1) a controller shall be eligible for retirement with a reduced pension after fifteen years of service, or full retirement with an income equal to 75 percent of the controller's highest salary after 20 years of service, regardless of age; and (2) retired controllers shall receive a semiannual cost of living increase of seven percent or the percentage increase in the CPI, whichever is larger.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Elementary School Guidance and Counseling Incentive Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations: (1) in fiscal years 1983 through 1987 for comprehensive elementary school guidance and counseling programs, supplemental grants to States for such programs and research and demonstration programs; (2) through fiscal year 1988 for employment of one new and/or additional elementary guidance counselor per school district, evaluation of programs, and in-service counselor training; and (3) for teacher and counselor centers. Provides formulas, based on the population of elementary school children, for determining allotments to States for such programs. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Elementary/Secondary Education to administer State allotments and State plans through the Office of Guidance and Counseling of the Department of Education. Requires that each State, to be eligible for such allotments, submit to the Assistant Secretary a State plan for providing comprehensive elementary school guidance and counseling programs for a five-year period, with necessary annual revisions, which meets such criteria as the Assistant Secretary may by regulation prescribe. Sets forth required provisions of such plans and programs. Provides for appeal by a State of a final action of the Assistant Secretary to a circuit court of appeals. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary, through the Office of Guidance and Counseling, to make supplemental grants to States with approved plans for distribution to local educational agencies and for support of States with approved plans for distribution to local educational agencies and for support of State agency leadership activities on the basis of statewide needs and priorities in elementary school guidance and counseling. Sets forth approved uses of such grants. Directs the Assistant Secretary to carry out a research and demonstration program relating to elementary and secondary school guidance and counseling. Directs the Assistant Secretary to make an annual evaluation report to the appropriate Congressional committees. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include training for counselors under the teacher centers program. Provides for a program of in-service training for elementary school guidance counselors. Requires the designation of professionally trained counselors: (1) at the Federal level, to provide information on, and to administer, such programs; and (2) at the State, local school district and intermediate administrative unit levels, to supervise such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Presidential Nomination Commission Resolution - Establishes the Commission of Presidential Nominations to make an investigation regarding the presidential nominating process. Directs the Commission to report to the President and Congress respecting such investigation including recommendations for the 1984 presidential elections. Terminates the commission 60 days after submission of such report. Sets forth the powers of such Commission, and related administrative provisions. Authorizes necessary appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Anti-Arson Act of 1981 - Establishes an Interagency Committee on Arson Prevention and Control to coordinate Federal anti-arson programs and to provide assistance to State and local governments for the prevention, detection, and control of arson. Directs the Committee to report to Congress on the success of its activities within 18 months of enactment. Terminates the Committee two years from the date of enactment. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to: (1) classify arson as a major crime in the Uniform Crime Reports; and (2) develop a special statistical report for arson in cooperation with the National Fire Data Center. Directs the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration to: (1) conduct a research program for the development of techniques and equipment for use by State and local fire fighting and law enforcement personnel for arson prediction, prevention, and control; (2) establish anti-arson educational and training programs for State and local government; (3) develop materials for community awareness programs; and (4) provide information relative to the prevention, prediction, occurrence, and control of arson. Authorizes appropriations for the Administration for such purpose. Amends the National Housing Act to require that FAIR (fair access to insurance requirements) plans be issued only after insurers obtain information from a prospective policyholder with respect to arson.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the furnishing of certain military aid under such Act to El Salvador. Prohibits extending credits, guaranteeing loans, making sales, and issuing export licenses to El Salvador under the Arms Export Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
Veterans' Educational Assistance Act of 1981 - Establishes a new educational assistance program for the all-volunteer force. Entitles veterans who are graduates of a secondary school and who have served in the armed forces on continuous active duty for at least three years to basic educational assistance. Entitles veterans of the Selected Reserve and the National Guard who are graduates of secondary school and who have served at least two years of continuous active duty in the armed forces and at least four years of continuous duty in the Selected Reserve to basic educational assistance. Sets forth the formula for determining the length of such assistance based on the length of time served. Entitles such veterans to a monthly assistance allowance of $250 for a full-time approved program of education. Permits enrollment, if eligible, in a program of education while an individual continues to perform his duties. Entitles veterans who have served three or more consecutive years of active duty in addition to those required for basic educational assistance to supplemental educational assistance. Entitles veterans of the Selected Reserve who have served two or more consecutive years of active duty and four or more consecutive years of duty in the reserves in addition to that required for basic educational assistance to supplemental educational assistance. Entitles such veterans to a monthly supplemental assistance allowance of $300 a month. Permits the provision of such assistance to an individual entitled to basic educational assistance who has a skill or specialty in which there is a critical shortage of personnel. Permits the Secretary of Defense to authorize such an individual to transfer to a dependent part or all of such individual's entitlement to educational assistance. Sets forth the conditions under which transferred benefits may be provided. Permits the Secretary of a military branch to enter into preservice educational assistance agreements to encourage enlistment in the active-duty and reserve components. Sets forth the terms and conditions for such assistance. Establishes a ten year delimiting period for educational assistance. Excludes time spent as a prisoner of war subsequent to discharge and time spent physically or mentally disabled. Limits educational assistance to individuals being furnished subsistence to the amount an institution would charge similarly circumstanced nonveterans. Prohibits participation in more than one program of educational assistance. Allocates the administration and costs of such programs to the Veterans' Administration and the Department of Defense. Requires predischarge counseling which includes a discussion of educational benefit entitlements. Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator to submit to Congress a biennial report on the operations of such programs. Amends the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Act of 1977 to terminate the right to enroll in the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program after December 31, 1981. Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1981, to extend the pilot Department of Defense educational loan repayment program.