United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Hunger Prevention and African Food Security Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to use at least half of the funds available for development assistance to provide assistance for persons living in absolute poverty as defined by specified standards. Requires special emphasis to be placed on alleviating hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa and particularly on facilitating the participation of women in food production in that region. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to specify a minimum aggregate value of all famine relief agreements. Requires famine relief agreements to provide that at least one-fifth of the commodities made available for famine relief or funds generated from the sale of those commodities in participating countries shall be used to strengthen food distribution systems in famine-prone countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa. Requires each such agreement to specify the measures taken to ensure that such commodities and funds benefit primarily the poor.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1981
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of the tax on employment income. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or, if he does, such place of business is not provided, or is not provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes; and (5) the recipient of such individual's services files returns disclosing payments made to such individual. Provides that the criteria established by this Act shall not be applicable to agent-drivers, commission-drivers, full-time life insurance salesmen, home workers, and traveling or city salesmen who are statutorily designated as employees for purposes of social security taxation. Provides that the failure of an individual claiming independent contractor status to meet the criteria established by this Act shall not create an inference that such an individual is an employee or that the recipient of his services is an employer. Limits the applicability of the criteria established by this Act to questions of employment status arising under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, self-employment tax provisions, and withholding requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires recipients of services performed by an independent contractor to file an information return with respect to payments made for such services in excess of $600 for the taxable year. Requires individuals who file such information returns to furnish written statements to persons with respect to whom such information is reported which indicate the amount of payment reported. Provides penalties for failure to furnish information returns or statements. Applies deficiency procedures for the assessment of unpaid taxes due to the reclassification of an individual as an employee who had been treated as an independent contractor. Treats as employees, for purposes of the withholding of income tax, certain traveling or city salesmen.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Contract Services for Drug Dependent Federal Offenders Act Amendment of 1981 - Amends the Contract Services for Drug Dependent Federal Offenders Act of 1978 to extend through fiscal year 1985 the authorization of appropriations for contracts with public or private agencies for the supervision of released drug offenders.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Title I: Amendments to Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Justice Assistance Act of 1981 - Amends title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Justice System Improvement) to eliminate the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration and the Office of Justice Assistance, Research and Statistics. Retains the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Institute of Justice. Establishes a new Office of Justice Assistance. Revises the formula grant program to make the following changes. Eliminates the authority for local governments to receive formula grants. Decreases from 23 to 15 the purposes for which formula grants may be made. Requires States to provide a 50 percent match to receive Federal funding, or 25 percent match for innovative programs addressing critical problems of crime. Requires grant recipients to assume program costs after a four-year period. Revises the application requirements for a State to receive formula grant assistance. Requires States to include assurances that not more than ten percent of assistance will be spent on innovative programs addressing critical crime problems or five percent of assistance on administrative costs. Requires submission of the formula grant application for approval to the State legislature which shall act on the application as it would for State budget requests. Retains the current requirement that 80 percent of total funding be allocated for formula grants. Requires a State to distribute formula grants among local governments in the same proportion that such governments expend State funds for law enforcement purposes. Eliminates the national priority grant program. Retains the discretionary grant program. Revises the general purposes for which such grants may be made. Requires that private nonprofit organizations be the primary recipients of such grants for providing educational, training, and technical assistance and undertaking national projects. Revises the training and manpower development program to eliminate the training programs for prosecuting attorneys and State and local criminal justice personnel by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Retains the Federal Bureau of Investigation training of State and local criminal justice personnel and the criminal justice education program. Permits "construction" under such Act to include renovation, repairs, or remodeling. Decreases from $750,000,000 to $170,000,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated for each of FY 1980 through 1983. Authorizes additional appropriations as are necessary to provide emergency law enforcement assistance to States. Eliminates the current authorization of appropriations for the Office of Community Anti-Crime Programs and the requirement that at least 19.15 percent of total appropriations be maintained for juvenile delinquency programs. Title II: Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance - Authorizes a State or local government to apply for emergency Federal law enforcement assistance in the event that a crime problem of serious and epidemic proportions exits. Requires the Attorney General, in approving or disapproving such application, to consider: (1) the nature and extent of the crime problem; (2) the emergency or extraordinary circumstances; (3) the availability of State and local resources; (4) the cost of increased Federal presence; and (5) the need to avoid unnecessary Federal involvement in local concerns. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Act of 1981 - Title I: United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and United States Claims Court - Establishes the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, composed of all Federal judicial districts and consisting of 12 judges. Grants the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit exclusive jurisdiction over: (1) patent, copyright, and trademark appeals from district courts (except cases involving copyrights or trademarks and no other issues, which shall continue to be appealed to the circuit courts); (2) appeals of claims against the Government (except cases under the Federal Tort Claims Act which shall continue to be appealed to the circuit courts); (3) appeals from the United States Claims Courts; (4) certain other trademark and patent appeals not involving de novo review; (5) appeals from final decisions of the United States Court of International Trade; (6) appeals from final determinations of the United States International Trade Commission relating to unfair practices in import trade; (7) certain findings of the Secretary of Commerce relating to importation of instruments; (8) appeals under the Plant Variety Protection Act and from final orders of the Merit Systems Protection Board; and (9) appeals from final decisions of agency boards of contract appeals pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978. Replaces the Court of Claims with the United States Claims Court, consisting of 16 judges serving 15-year terms. Directs the President to designate the chief judge of the Claims Court. Abolishes the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals. Title II: Conforming Amendments Outside Title 28 - Makes conforming amendments. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Declares that the provisions of this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1982. Provides that the judges of the United States Court of Claims and United States Court of Customs and Patent Appeals in regular active service shall continue in office as judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Provides that commissioners of the United States Court of Claims shall become judges of the United States Claims Court. Declares it the suggestion of Congress that the President select from a broad range of qualified individuals when nominating persons to judgeships on the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Claims Court. Transfers certain pending cases to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Claims Court.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission dealing with the matter of the trade regulation rule relating to the sale of used motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
United States Olympic Development Fund Checkoff Act of 1981 - Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns an election to contribute one dollar of their income tax refunds or one dollar forwarded with returns to support the fund established by this Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a United States Olympic Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund an amount equivalent to the amount designated on tax returns to be available to the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee for use in a program of expansion and improvement of amateur athletics. Sets forth reporting requirements with respect to the expenditure of such funds by the Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Social Security Alien and Foreign Resident Limitations Act of 1981 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national and whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a resident of a foreign country who is entitled to old-age or disability benefits if such individual does not bear a spousal, filial, parental, divorced, or surviving relationship to such resident as of the date such resident reaches age 57. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national on the basis of such individual's own wages and self-employment income. Entitles a non-U.S. citizen or national to a single lump-sum benefit on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income if such individual is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or employment purposes or such individual's status is changed to permit such individual to work in the United States. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a non-U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national who is not a permanent resident of the United States or who has not been admitted to the United States for employment purposes. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Mobile Source Clean Air Act Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Amendments to Title II - Amends title II of the Clean Air Act (Emission Standards for Moving Sources, also known as the "National Emission Standards Act") to provide that where any national ambient air quality standard is established pursuant to such Act for any pollutant, the standard applicable to the emissions of such pollutant shall relate to the achievement of the national ambient air quality standard. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in prescribing any such standard, to consider specified factors, including compliance costs, potential inflationary or recessionary effects, and effects on small business competition, consumer costs, and energy use. Requires that more stringent standards shall not become effective for at least: (1) 48 months after final prescription, in the case of heavy-duty vehicles or engines; and (2) 36 months after final prescription, in the case of all other new motor vehicles or engines. Repeals requirements that standards reflecting the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable through application of available technology be contained in regulations applicable to: (1) emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty vehicles or engines manufactured during model years 1979 through 1982; and (2) emissions of particulate matter from vehicles manufactured during and after model year 1981 (or during any earlier model year, if practicable). Repeals requirements that regulations applicable to vehicles or engines manufactured during and after model year: (1) 1983 require a reduction of at least 90 percent of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions; and (2) 1985 require reduction of at least 75 percent of nitrogen oxides emissions. Provides for notice and opportunity for comment before the Administrator determines that any emission control device, system, or element of design will cause or contribute to an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare, or safety (and therefore may not be used to comply with emission standards). Directs the Administrator to include specified information obtained from manufacturers in making such determination. Excludes methane from any hydrocarbon standard for motor vehicle emissions under such Act. Directs the Administrator to establish an appropriate allowance applicable to the exhaust hydrocarbon standard for those vehicles and engines that emit low levels of evaporative hydrocarbon emissions, except that measurement of such emissions shall not be required in specified new vehicle or motor compliance tests. Revises provisions for regulations applicable to emissions from light-duty vehicles and engines. Eliminates the requirement that regulations applicable to such vehicles manufactured during or after model year 1981 require: (1) reduction of at least 90 percent of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons emissions from those allowable under standards applicable to 1970 models; and (2) limitation of nitrogen oxides emissions to one gram per vehicle mile. Provides also that regulations applicable to such vehicles manufactured during or after model year 1982 shall not contain standards more stringent than 0.39 grams per vehicle mile of non-methane exhaust hydrocarbons (exclusive of allowances for evaporative hydrocarbons), seven grams per vehicle mile of carbon monoxide, and two grams per vehicle mile of nitrogen oxides. Revises provisions relating to waivers of such standards. Replaces, as a precondition for such waivers, a determination of a potential for both long-term air quality benefit and meeting average fuel economy standards with a determination of a potential to conserve energy. Makes 500,000 units the maximum number of vehicles or engines of each model to which such waivers may apply (the current maximum is five percent of the manufacturer's production or 50,000 of such units, whichever is larger). Revises provisions relating to any future prescribed regulations affecting the manufacture, distribution, or sale of motor vehicles or engines for high altitude areas of the United States to require inclusion of exemptions prescribed for model year 1982 and to permit specified performance adjustments. Prohibits more stringent numerical standards in regulation of high altitude vehicles of any model year than those applicable to vehicles certified under non-high altitude conditions. Prohibits any regulation requiring the installation, on motor vehicles or engines intended for principal use in non- high altitude locations, of any emission controls needed to meet the applicable standards under high altitude conditions. Includes among prohibited acts the failure or refusal of any manufacturer to comply with requests by the Administrator for specified information on new light-duty motor vehicles and their use at high altitudes. Revises provisions for compliance testing and conformity certification to direct the Administrator to evaluate or to require evaluation of (but not necessarily to test or require testing of): (1) any new motor vehicle or new motor vehicle engine submitted by a manufacturer; and (2) any emission control system incorporated in a vehicle or engine submitted by any person. Prohibits the revision of any test applicable to 1981 model heavy-duty vehicles or engines until after the 1986 model year. Repeals a one-year maximum limit on the period which a certificate of conformity may cover. Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) methods and procedures for making tests for determining average emissions from vehicles; and (2) an acceptable quality level for all new motor vehicles equivalent to the level applicable to 1981 model year light-duty vehicles. Repeals a requirement that all light-duty vehicles manufactured during and after model year 1984 comply with specified emission standards regardless of the altitude at which they are sold. Revises provisions for compliance by vehicles and engines in actual use. Bases determinations of nonconformity with regulations by any class or category of vehicles and engines manufactured after a specified date upon the average performance in testing a statistically valid and representative sample. Permits manufacturers to elect to take other actions, in lieu of remedying such nonconformity, with respect to those or other vehicles or engines, consistent with the purposes of such title. Directs the Administrator to consider the effects on competition, in approving a manufacturer's plan to remedy or take other actions with respect to such nonconformity. Repeals a requirement that dealers furnish purchasers of new light-duty motor vehicles certificates of conformity with applicable emission standards, including notice of purchaser warranty rights. Repeals a requirement that the manufacturer remedy, at its own cost, any nonconformity, during a specified period, of a motor vehicle with emission standards. Revises provisions relating to: (1) State standards; and (2) high altitude performance adjustments. Provides that the foregoing amendments made by this title shall take effect with respect to vehicles and engines manufactured in model years beginning more than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Requires that the economic impact assessment with respect to any motor vehicle emission or fuel standard or regulation under such title also contain an analysis of the noise, safety, and other factors deemed appropriate by the Administrator associated with application of any technology necessary to comply with the standard or regulation. Directs the Administrator to initiate a study and related proceedings, including appropriate informal public hearings, to: (1) develop alternative and practicable approaches to emission control of any air pollutant, subject to such regulation, from new motor vehicles or engines; and (2) evaluate the existing control program. Sets forth the factors to be considered by the Administrator concerning such new approach. Requires that a report of such study, including public comments, be submitted to the appropriate committees of the Congress within one year. Sets forth criteria for proposed regulations under any such new approach. Title II: Study and Conforming Provisions - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator, upon the request of any national association of motor vehicle dealers with a membership which includes a majority of U. S. retail franchisers selling imported and domestic new light-duty motor vehicles, to compile data relating to the availability and distribution to dealers located at high altitudes of all models of such vehicles manufactured by any specified manufacturer in a specified model year. Authorizes the Administrator to utilize specified information and to require manufacturers to submit relevant information (except information identifying shipments to individual dealers). Directs the Administrator, within six months after such a request is made, to submit to the Congress and publish in the Federal Register a report setting forth the data so compiled, including specified information.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Bail Reform Act of 1981 - Repeals the Bail Reform Act of 1966 and sets forth new bail procedures. Authorizes a judicial officer to consider the safety of any person or the community when making a pretrial release determination. Establishes as a mandatory release condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during release. Authorizes pretrial release upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond. Expands the discretionary release conditions to require that the defendant: (1) maintain employment or an educational program; (2) avoid contact with an alleged victim or potential witness; (3) report to a law enforcement or pretrial service agency; (4) comply with a curfew; (5) refrain from possessing a firearm or using alcohol or narcotic drugs; (6) undergo medical treatment; (7) forfeit designated property upon failure to appear; and (8) return to custody at specified hours. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the detention for up to ten days of a person who is presently on pretrial release for a felony under Federal, State, or local law or on probation or parole or release pending sentencing or appeal for any offense, if no conditions will assure his appearance and the safety of the community and any other person. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the pretrial detention of a person upon finding that: (1) no condition will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the safety of any other person and the community; and (2) there is a substantial probability that the person committed the offense. Requires that a detention hearing be held in any case involving: (1) a crime of violence; (2) any offense punishable by life imprisonment or death; or (3) a narcotics offense punishable by at least ten years imprisonment. Permits the Government or the court to move for a detention hearing in any other case involving: (1) a serious risk of flight or obstruction of justice; or (2) any offense committed after the person has been convicted of two or more offenses for which a hearing is mandated. Enumerates additional factors to be considered by the judicial officer in making a release determination, including the defendant's past conduct, history of drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and the nature and seriousness of the danger to the community or any person. Requires the detention of a person who has appealed his conviction unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) such person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to another person or property; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Requires the detention of a person awaiting sentencing unless the officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to appeal a release order. Establishes mandatory additional penalties for commission of an offense while on pretrial release. Subjects a person who has been conditionally released and violates a condition of release to revocation of release and prosecution for contempt of court. Grants new authority to law enforcement officers to arrest a person who violates certain pretrial release conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Pretrial Services and Bail Reform Act of 1981 - Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to establish, under the supervision of the Judicial Conference of the United States, directly or by contract, a pretrial services agency (PSA) in each judicial district as recommended by the appropriate district court and the circuit judicial council. (Current law authorizes such agencies on a demonstration basis in ten representative districts). Places such agencies under the general authority of the Director and under the supervision of a chief pretrial services officer selected by the chief judge of the district court. (Current law places five agencies under the Office's Division of Probation and five under an independent Board of Trustees). Requires, rather than permits, regulations issued by the Director relating to the confidentiality of information contained in agencies' files to provide for certain exceptions. Continues generally the existing functions and powers of the PSA (including the discretion of the district courts to determine which shall be performed), and adds four new duties: (1) informing the court and the U.S. attorney of any danger the person may pose to another person or the community; (2) developing a system to monitor and evaluate bail activities; (3) preparing, pursuant to agreements, reports for the U.S. Attorneys Offices on information pertaining to pretrial diversion; and (4) making contracts to carry out their functions. Requires the Director to: (1) issue guidelines within 90 days of enactment with respect to the supervision of persons released into the Office's custody; and (2) include in the annual report to the Judicial Conference a report on the operation of each agency and to transmit a copy of such report to Congress. Deletes the requirement that contracts for the operation of facilities for the custody of persons released be approved by the Attorney General. Authorizes appropriations for the PSA's in the amounts of $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 and $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1983. Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize a judicial officer, in making a determination of whether a person charged with a noncapital offense should be released on bail, to consider the safety of any person or the community (in addition to assurance of appearance as currently provided). Permits consideration of a defendant's past conduct in making any such determination. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the detention for up to five days of a person who: (1) is presently on probation, parole, or mandatory release for an offense punishable under State or Federal law; and (2) poses a risk of flight or danger to the safety of any person or the community. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the pretrial detention of any person charged with: (1) a dangerous crime, upon certification by the Government that no conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community; (2) a crime of violence if such person committed such offense while on release from another crime of violence within ten years; or (3) any offense if such person threatens any witness or juror. Requires a pretrial detention hearing to be held before any person is ordered detained. Entitles a defendant to be represented by counsel and present witnesses. Makes a defendant's testimony inadmissible in any other proceeding, except for purposes of impeachment. Conditions an order of detention upon findings: (1) by clear and convincing evidence that detention is authorized; and (2) with respect to a dangerous crime or crime of violence, that there is a substantial probability that the defendant committed the offense and that no conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community or any other person. Authorizes a judicial officer upon motion of the Government attorney to order detained under medical supervision for up to three days a person charged with a crime of violence who may be a drug addict. Authorizes the detention of any such person under medical supervision upon findings that: (1) there is clear and convincing evidence that the person is an addict; (2) no conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community or any other person; and (3) there is substantial probability that the person committed the offense. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to appeal a release order. Requires a person who has appealed his conviction in a capital case to be detained unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) such person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to another person or property; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Requires a person awaiting sentencing in a capital case to be detained unless the officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to person or property. Revises the penalties for failing to appear. Makes any such failure after notice of the appearance date prima facie evidence of willfulness. Requires any term of imprisonment imposed for a failure to appear to be served consecutively to any other term. Establishes mandatory, additional penalties for commission of an offense while on pretrial release. Subjects a person who has been conditionally released and violates a condition of release to revocation of release and prosecution for contempt of court.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Veterans' Disability Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' compensation for: (1) wartime disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for dependents; and (3) clothing allowances paid to certain disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation for: (1) a surviving spouse; (2) surviving children; and (3) supplemental children's benefits. Provides for the adjustment of such benefits when the entitlement of a child is established retroactively or a child reaches age 18. Title III: Life Insurance Program Amendments - Increases the maximum amount of insurance coverage under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance Program. Permits a member of the Retired Reserve of a uniformed service to obtain increased coverage as specified. Increases the maximum amount of insurance coverage under the Veterans' Group Life Insurance Program. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations for the administration of the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance Program by the Secretaries of the military departments. Permits the first beneficiary under a National Service Life Insurance policy to elect to receive payment in a lump sum. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to notify each individual insured under such policy or a United States Government Life Insurance policy of such changes and to provide forms for the election of a mode of payment. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that a funded personnel ceiling shall be provided to the Veterans' Administration. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify to the appropriate committees of Congress and to the Comptroller General that such ceiling has been provided. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the appropriate committees of Congress as to whether the Director has complied with such requirement. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, before reorganizing or redistributing the functions of the bureaus, agencies, offices, or activities within the Veterans' Administration, to submit to Congress for 60 days a plan describing proposed changes. Makes such plan effective if neither House of Congress adopts a resolution of disapproval. Requires a veteran to have completed at least 24 months of an obligated period of service before such veteran is eligible for benefits administered by the Veterans' Administration, including disability benefits, hospital and medical care, and burial benefits. Preserves the right of certain blind veterans being furnished hospital or nursing home care in a Veterans' Administration blind rehabilitation center or clinic to continue to receive full pensions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Tobacco Deregulation Act of 1981 - Title I: Repeal of Programs Concerning Price Support For and the Marketing of Tobacco - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal specified programs concerning tobacco, including: (1) price supports; (2) parity payments; (3) review and adjustment of quotas; and (4) marketing quotas. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 and the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to prohibit agricultural commodity assistance for tobacco. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from issuing any orders that regulate the handling of tobacco. Makes such provisions applicable to the 1982 and subsequent crops of tobacco. Title II: Withdrawal of Consent Relating to Compacts Among States for Regulating Tobacco Production and Commerce - Repeals provisions relating to compacts among States providing for the control or production of, or commerce in, tobacco within such States. Withdraws congressional consent of such compacts. Title III: Tobacco Inspection and Related Services - Amends the Tobacco Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to collect fees from specified persons for the inspection, certification, and other services concerning tobacco at designated auction markets. Requires that such fees cover the cost of such services. Makes such provisions effective July 1, 1981. Title IV: Warehouse Examination, Inspection, and Licensing - Amends the United States Warehouse Act to direct the Secretary to collect a fee for examinations and inspections of agricultural product warehouses that covers the costs of providing such services. Authorizes appropriations. Makes the above provisions effective October 1, 1982. Title V: Increased Tax on Cigars and Cigarettes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigars and cigarettes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1981
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 - Title I: House Committee on Agriculture - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to set forth limitations on spending for the food stamp program through fiscal year 1985. Reduces the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for: (1) dairy and beekeeper indemnity programs; (2) payments to States and possessions for marketing activities; (3) rural water and waste disposal grants; (4) rural community fire protection grants; (5) rural development planning grants and rural development grants; (6) agricultural conservation programs; (7) forestry incentives program; (8) the water bank program; (9) the emergency conservation program; (10) the Soil Conservation Service; (11) the Rural Clean Water Program; (12) expenses under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (Public Law 480 - Food for Peace); (13) forest research by the Forest Service; (14) State and private forestry; (15) the National Forest System; and (16) construction and land acquisition by the Forest Service. Reduces authorizations for salaries and expenses of other programs of specified agencies, offices and functions of the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set forth the procedure for the determination of the milk price support (between 75 percent and 90 percent of parity) at the beginning of each of the 1982 through 1985 marketing years. Provides for semiannual adjustments in such supports for marketing years 1983 through 1985. Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to require the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service to charge and collect reasonable inspection fees to cover the estimated cost of official inspection, except under certain circumstances (such costs are now shared or borne totally by the Federal Government). Prohibits the total administrative and supervisory costs for inspection and weighing, for each of the fiscal years 1982 through 1985, from exceeding 35 percent of the total costs for such activities. Authorizes appropriations as necessary for final years 1981 through 1985 for other specified activities related to grain inspection. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an advisory committee to advise the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service with respect to the efficient and economical implementation of the United States Grain Standards Act of 1976. Amends the United States Cotton Standards Act, the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act, the Tobacco Inspection Act, and the United States Warehouse Act to require the collection of such fees and charges as will cover, as nearly as practicable, the costs of: (1) licensing cotton classifiers, establishing cotton standards and making classification services available to cotton producers; (2) performing tobacco inspections; and (3) inspecting warehouses and licensing inspectors and warehousemen. Repeals the Naval Stores Act with respect to the marketing of spirits of turpentine and resin. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to set interest rates on Farmers Home Administration loans for water and waste disposal and for community facilities as high as the current market yield for outstanding municipal obligations. Provides for up to a five percent interest rate for such projects in low-income communities. Limits the authorized insurable amount for such loans for fiscal year 1982. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate the existing waiver of interest on loans made on the 1980 and 1981 crops of wheat and feed grains placed in the farmer-held reserve. Limits, for fiscal year 1982, the amount of Commodity Credit Corporation funds which can be made available for administrative expenses of such Corporation. Title II: House Committee on Armed Services - Authorizes the President to dispose of specified quantities of certain materials currently held in the National Defense Stockpile. Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to require, before any funds may be obligated or expended for acquisition of any material, transmittal of a complete statement of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate congressional committees, which then must approve or disapprove within 30 days. Provides for annual, instead of semiannual, cost-of-living increases for military retirees contingent upon a similar change in law with respect to the civil service retirement system. Provides military retirees with an open enrollment period for opting to participate in the survivor benefit plan. Title III: House Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs - Subtitle A: Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 - Reduces the authorization of appropriations in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 for community development grants, Urban Development Action Grants, and loan guarantees through fiscal year 1983. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 and the Neighborhood Self-Help Development Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the rehabilitation loan program and the Neighborhood Self-Help Development program. Terminates the existing authorization for planning grants. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 with respect to the authorization of other specified community development programs for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to reduce the amount of budget authority in fiscal year 1982 for assisted housing programs and subsidized housing programs. Increases the maximum percentage of income a tenant in subsidized housing would be required to contribute, and allows the Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine what adjustments to income may be allowed in determining a tenant's contribution. Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from committing more than 48 percent of low-income rental housing funds for existing housing, or more than 52 percent of such funds for newly constructed and substantially rehabilitated units. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to limit the aggregate amount of guarantee commitments the Government National Mortgage Association may make during fiscal year 1982. Requires the Association to sell a specified amount of tandem mortgages during fiscal year 1982. Extends the authorization of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank through fiscal year 1984. Directs the Government National Mortgage Association, in entering into commitments to purchase below-market, tandem plan mortgages (during the period beginning June 15, 1981, and ending October 1, 1982), to limit such commitments to multifamily projects with firm commitments for mortgage insurance under the National Housing Act. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the flood insurance program through fiscal year 1982. Prohibits provision of new flood insurance coverage for any new construction or substantial improvements of structures located on designated undeveloped coastal barriers. Amends the National Housing Act to extend the crime and riot insurance program through fiscal year 1985. Amends the National Housing Act of 1949 to extend the rural housing program through fiscal year 1982. Reduces the authorization for rental assistance. Extends the mutual and self-help housing program. Subtitle B: International Development Banks - Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to authorize the United States Governor of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to increase the authorized capital stock of such Bank and to subscribe on behalf of the United States to a specified number of shares. African Development Bank Act - Authorizes the President to accept membership for the United States in the African Development Bank. Directs the President to appoint a Governor and an Alternate Governor of such Bank. Provides for subscription of stock. Exempts securities issued by such Bank from the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Amends the Inter-American Development Bank Act and the Asian Development Bank Act to reduce contributions to such Banks. Directs the United States Executive Directors of the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank to oppose any new extensions of assistance by those respective institutions to Afghanistan, Vietnam, or Cuba, unless specified conditions are met. Directs the United States Executive Directors of such Banks, along with the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund, to oppose any new extensions of assistance to any member country which imposes economic sanctions against the United States. Requires the establishment of guidelines for the annual lending by such Banks so that priority is given to sound, efficient, productive, self-sustaining projects designed to benefit needy people in developing countries. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to reduce the principal amount of direct loans made by the Export-Import Bank in fiscal year 1982. Subtitle C: Banking and Related Programs Authorization Adjustment Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to the Department of the Treasury for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit a report to Congress regarding the status of negotiations within the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development on improving the International Arrangement on Guidelines for Officially Supported Export Credits and on the status of any other multilateral or bilateral negotiations or discussions. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for the expenses and salaries of the Bureau of Government Financial Operations. Extends the authorizations for administrative expenses under the New York City Loan Guarantee Act of 1978 and the Chrysler Corporation Loan Guarantee Act of 1979 through fiscal year 1984. Amends the National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act to extend, with reduced authorizations, the National Consumer Cooperative Bank through fiscal year 1984. Title IV: House Committee on the District of Columbia - Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to limit, through fiscal year 1984, the authorized levels of capital project loans to the District of Columbia. Title V: House Committee on Education and Labor - Omnibus Education and Labor Reconciliation Act of 1981 - Reduces the amount of federal impact aid to school districts with high concentrations of federal employees (including military) for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Prescribes formulae for the allocation of such aid. Terminates or limits the authorization for other specified aid to education programs for such fiscal years. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to eliminate funding for the public service employment program for such fiscal years. Authorizes other specified programs for fiscal year 1982. Prescribes fund allocation formulae. Terminates or reduces the authorizations for other specified Acts under the jurisdiction of the Education and Labor Committee. Economic Opportunity Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to permit the Director of the Community Services Administration to provide financial assistance through grants or contracts for research, demonstration, or pilot projects for urban and rural community development. Requires the Director to develop and carry out pilot projects which are designed to: (1) aid low-income elderly persons to achieve greater self-sufficiency; (2) focus upon the problems of rural poverty; (3) develop new techniques community-based efforts to prevent narcotics addiction or to rehabilitate narcotics addicts; (4) encourage the participation of private organizations other than nonprofit organizations, in programs under such Act; or (5) strengthen and maintain the family unit. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such programs through fiscal year 1984. Establishes the National Center for Appropriate Technology, as a part of the Emergency Energy Conservation Services program, as a private, nonprofit organization to perform functions designed to further the adoption, extension, and use of appropriate energy technology to meet the needs of low-income individuals and community groups. Makes the Northern Mariana Islands eligible for assistance under such Act for the development and implementation of community action programs. Terminates research for the development of new approaches to the problems of rural poverty. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out rural community action programs and to provide assistance for migrant and other seasonally employed farmworkers and their families. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1986 to carry out the Head Start and Follow Through programs. Terminates the authorization of funds for the National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for administration and coordination of programs. Prohibits the release of any funds to any agency for work training, programs to combat poverty in rural areas, employment and investment incentives, administration and coordination, or community economic development, until it has submitted to the Director a statement certifying that it has established an accounting system with internal controls. Requires the Director, within three months after the effective date of a grant or contract of assistance with an organization, to provide for a preliminary audit review of the adequacy of such accounting system and internal controls. Requires subsequent audits biennially. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out community economic development programs. Requires the National Advisory Community Investment Board to advise the Director regarding the development of management capability standards for use in community development corporations. Prohibits financial assistance for any community economic development program unless the Director determines that: (1) the applicant has demonstrated management capabilities sufficient to create a probability that the program will operate in a manner which minimizes the prospect of financial failure; and (2) the applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that adequate restraints on excessive administrative or expense accounts are in place. Prohibits any financial assistance for community economic development programs if the Director determines that the proposed activities of such a program are similar to, or duplicative of, existing private sector businesses in the same area. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out Native American programs. Older Americans Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to eliminate the National Information and Resource Clearing House for the Aged. Extends through fiscal year 1984 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) grants for State and community programs on aging (relating to social services and to congregate and home delivered nutrition services); and (2) the Federal Council on Aging. Requires State plans to make each nutrition service project available, not only to individuals aged 60 or older, but also to handicapped or disabled individuals under 60 years of age residing in senior citizen centers where congregate nutrition services are provided. Allows area agencies to award funds to organizations for home nutrition services without requiring that such organizations also provide congregate services. Extends through fiscal year 1984 the authorization of appropriations for certain training, research, and discretionary projects and programs in the field of aging. Eliminates specified other projects and programs. Provides for special projects in mental health care. Includes the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in provisions for distribution of assistance under such Act. Extends through fiscal year 1984 the authorization of appropriations for grants for Indian tribes for elderly services, other than multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, designated State agencies to provide home maintenance and repair services to older individuals. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 to carry out such program. Amends the Domestic Volunteer Services Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for National Older Americans Volunteer programs (the Retired Senior Volunteer program, the Foster Grandparent program, and the Older American Community Service programs). Alcohol and Drug Abuse Education Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Education Act to authorize specified sums for alcohol and drug abuse education projects for fiscal years 1982-1985. Authorizes up to five percent (currently, three percent) of annual appropriations for project evaluation. Makes Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian centers eligible for assistance under such Act. Domestic Volunteer Service Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to carry out national volunteer antipoverty programs for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Requires that at least 83 percent of such funds must be earmarked for the VISTA program. Eliminates provisions earmarking portions of such funds for other programs. Authorizes the Director of the ACTION Agency to make grants and contracts for projects and programs which encourage and enable students in secondary, vocational, and postsecondary schools to participate in service-learning programs on an in-school or out-of-school basis in specified assignments. Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to extend through fiscal year 1986 the authorization of appropriations for the child abuse prevention and treatment program. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 to extend through fiscal year 1986 the authorization of appropriations for the adoption reform program. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide specified types of assistance in locating missing children. Provides protection under such Act from adverse job actions for persons reporting instances of child abuse and neglect occurring in public or private residential institutions. Sets forth provisions concerning the use of appropriated funds under the Education of the Handicapped Act. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, with respect to the guaranteed student loan program, to: (1) count Social Security and Veterans' benefits as student aid instead of income for eligibility purposes; (2) reduce the maximum amount available for independent student loans from $3,000 to $2,500; (3) increase from nine percent to 14 percent the interest rate on parent loans; (4) eliminate grace periods after repayment deferrals; (5) raise the minimum annual repayment from $360 to $600; (6) authorize assessment of a four percent origination fee on all guaranteed student loans made after July 1, 1981; and (7) eliminate administrative allowances. Child Nutrition Amendments of 1981 - Amends the National School Lunch Act for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 to: (1) reduce the general reimbursement to State agencies; (2) reduce the reduced price lunch subsidy (thereby increasing the price) with provision for annual adjustments in payment rates; (3) reduce commodity assistance for lunches; (4) lower the income eligibility guidelines; (5) revise state revenue matching requirements; (6) limit private school participation; (7) limit the summer food service program to lunches only; and (8) revise the child care food program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 to: (1) reduce breakfast subsidies; (2) end the special milk program; and (3) reduce the authorization of appropriations contained in such Act for nutrition education and training. Amends the Black Lung Benefits Act to impose a temporary (through fiscal year 1984) user fee on coal sold by a producer. Revises the eligibility requirements for black lung benefits and payments from the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. Delays retroactive payment of black lung benefits until after a claim has been completely adjudicated. Changes from six percent to the adjusted prime rate the interest rate paid by coal operators on reimbursement to the Trust Fund for paid-out benefits later determined to be the responsibility of such operators. Title VI: House Committee on Energy and Commerce - Sets forth changes in laws within the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce sufficient to reduce appropriations for programs authorized by such committee so as to achieve specified savings in budget authority and outlays. Title VII: House Committee on Foreign Affairs - Sets forth limitations on the following programs under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in order to meet specified savings in budget authority and outlays: (1) the American schools and hospitals abroad for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (2) international organizations and programs for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (3) international narcotics control for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (4) international disaster assistance for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (5) the African Development Foundation for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (6) the Inter-American Foundation for fiscal year 1982; (7) the Peace Corps for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (8) international organizations and conferences - assessed contributions for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (9) the Board for International Broadcasting for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (10) the International Communication Agency - salaries and expenses for fiscal year 1982; (11) the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency for fiscal years 1982 and 1983; and (12) expenses not otherwise recoverable and unrecovered prior years' costs for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984, under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Title VIII: House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs - Sets forth limitations on authorizations through fiscal year 1984 for the following: (1) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (2) the Forest Service; (3) special recreation user fees programs of the Corps of Engineers; (4) programs of the Department of Energy which are wholly or partially within the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs; (5) Indian Health Service; (6) programs of the Department of the Interior which are wholly or partially within the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs; (7) the National Board on Water Resources; (8) the Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation Commission; (9) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (10) the Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System; (11) the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation; and (12) the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. States that, effective October 1, 1981, all offers for noncompetitive oil and gas leases shall be accompanied by a specified filing fee. Sets forth a pricing policy for federal uranium enrichment services. Title IX: House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries - Subtitle A: Maritime Programs - Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for certain Department of Commerce maritime programs including: (1) ship construction, acquisition, and construction differential subsidies; (2) operating-differential subsidy payments; (3) research and development; (4) operations and training; (5) fleet expenses; and (6) maritime education. Authorizes supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for employee benefits. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to allow the Secretary of Commerce to reduce the construction differential subsidy rate by five percent under specified circumstances. Authorizes an operator receiving operating differential subsidy funds to suspend its subsidy contract under certain conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to establish alternate trade routes, via a range of different ports, during the seasonal closure of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Redefines the terms "foreign commerce," "foreign trade," and "vessel" to include the employment of certain methanol (methyl alcohol) producing barges. Redefines the term "noncontiguous domestic trade" as used in such Act to include the carriage from the United States to offshore burn sites of chemical wastes for incineration at sea. Prohibits a vessel from receiving a construction or operating differential subsidy if it is not offered for enrollment in an approved sealift readiness program. Reduces the sums available for obligation pertaining to commercial demonstration ocean thermal energy conversion facilities or plantships. Authorizes the Secretary, during fiscal year 1982, to waive certain minimum spending obligations for fishing vessels and facilities if such reserved obligations will not be utilized for such purposes during fiscal year 1982. Revises membership of the Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to prohibit an ocean freight forwarder from receiving compensation from a common carrier in regard to any shipment in which the forwarder or certain others have a beneficial interest. Directs the Secretary to compare repair and outfitting costs for the training vessel Bay State with reactivation and conversion costs for the steamship Tulare in order to determine the appropriate vessel for use as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy training ship. Requires such study to be submitted to Congress within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to authorize the Secretary, until September 30, 1983, to permit an operator receiving or applying for an operating differential subsidy under such Act to construct or acquire its vessels in a foreign shipyard under certain circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to make construction differential subsidies available to United States-built or documented vessels for replacement or upgrading of such vessels' existing propulsion machinery in order to improve energy efficiency. Establishes guidelines for the approval of such subsidies. Sets forth procedures for the negotiation, acceptance, and payment of such subsidies by the Secretary. Requires replacement propulsion equipment to be of United States origin except under specified circumstances. Classifies such upgraded vessel as "new" or "reconstructed" for specified purposes of such Act. Reduces the age of such vessel by ten years for purposes of the obligation to replace it under any operating differential subsidy and capital construction fund program or contract. Subtitle B: Merchant Seamen Entitlement to Medical Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to eliminate free health care for merchant seamen provided by the Public Health Service. Subtitle C: Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Establishes the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund in the Treasury of the United States, to be administered by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Treasury, to pay specified removal costs arising out of an oil pollution incident. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to collect from each refinery owner, and from the owner of each terminal receiving oil for export or entry into the United States, a specified fee. Permits claims for damages for economic loss which are incurred within a specified time to be asserted in certain circumstances. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary shall designate and advertise pollution sources. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the Fund. Subrogates any person or Government entity paying compensation, including the Fund, to all claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Declares that the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund shall assume all liability incurred by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund. Subtitle D: Ocean Dumping Fees - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to require the establishment of a system for the imposition of ocean dumping fees at an amount not greater than five dollars per wet ton of materials dumped. Title X: House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service - Sets forth the following Federal employee pay comparability adjustments: (1) 5.8 percent during fiscal year 1982; (2) 7.4 percent during fiscal year 1983; and (3) 7.0 percent during fiscal year 1984. Prohibits the President, beginning in fiscal year 1985, from submitting any pay adjustment pay not based on full comparability except during times of national emergency or of general mandatory wage and price controls. Amends Federal law to reduce civil service pay for military retirees by the full amount of their military retirement pay. Prohibits federal employees who are reservists in the armed forces or members of the National Guard from receiving both civilian and military pay during their annual two-week period of active duty. Reduces such civilian pay by the amount received in military pay. Requires adjustments to federal personnel ceilings based on the extent to which federal operations are contracted out. Requires such contracting out to be based on cost-effectiveness criteria. Authorizes cash awards to federal employees who disclose waste, fraud, and mismanagement in the government. Entitles a member of the Senior Executive Service in the Federal Government whose position is eliminated to be reassigned to another Senior Executive Service position for which such career appointee is qualified. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to withhold State income tax from the monthly annuity payment of any annuitant who requests such withholding. Reduces, and eliminates as of fiscal year 1984, the public service payment to the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the costs of providing unprofitable services. Requires the continuation of six-day mail delivery through fiscal year 1984. Requires the Postal Service to provide for consolidation and closing of post offices so as to achieve specified savings. Reduces the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for the revenue foregone payment subsidies for USPS. Defers, until fiscal year 1985, the federal payment to the Postal Service Fund for unfunded liabilities of the old Post Office Department. Prohibits funds for the Postal Service or any executive agency to implement a nine-digit zip code. Title XI: House Committee on Public Works and Transportation - Subtitle A: Transportation Programs - Requires the Civil Aeronautics Board to fix and determine rates of compensation under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 and to establish rates of compensation under such Act so that the total amount of compensation payable by such Board for service performed during fiscal year 1982 does not exceed a specified amount. Limits the total of all obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for fiscal year 1982. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to reduce, for fiscal year 1982, the authorization of appropriations for the Urban Mass Transit Grant program. Subtitle B: Water Resources Development Programs - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reduce the authorization of appropriations in fiscal year 1982 for sewage construction grants. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out the State construction grant management program. Limits the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, for construction of river and harbor, flood control, shore protection, and related authorized projects (other than the project for the Mississippi River and tributaries). Eliminates the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Tennessee Valley Authority to carry out the North Alabama Coal Gasification Project at Murphy Hill, Alabama. Prohibits any fees from being charged by any officer of the Federal Government for the transportation for the purpose of dumping, or the dumping, of any material into the oceans. Subtitle C: Economic Development Programs - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to reduce funding for certain programs under the Economic Development Administration. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to reduce the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the Appalachian Regional Commission. Subtitle D: Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Establishes the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund in the Treasury of the United States, to be administered by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Treasury, to pay specified removal costs arising out of an oil pollution incident. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to collect from each refinery owner, and from the owner of each terminal receiving oil for export or entry into the United States, a specified fee. Permits claims for damages for economic loss which are incurred within a specified time to be asserted in certain circumstances. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary shall designate and advertise pollution sources. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the Fund. Subrogates any person or Government entity paying compensation, including the Fund, to all claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Declares that the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund shall assume all liability incurred by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund. Title XII: House Committee on Science and Technology - Subtitle A: Department of Energy Civilian Research and Development Programs and Projects 1982 Authorization Act - Authorizes funds for operating expenses for research and development programs of the Department of Energy for fiscal year 1982. Sets forth percentages of fiscal year 1981 funds that are provided for fiscal year 1982 programs. Authorizes appropriations for plant and capital equipment for certain projects and new construction at specified project sites. Provides for the termination of the Clinch River Breeder Project and makes appropriations for refined conceptual design activities for a liquid metal fast breeder Large Development Plant. Sets forth administrative provisions for funding of construction projects. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Research and Development Construction and Facilities Office to provide technical and management facility design and construction services for the Department. Prohibits the use of any funds under this title for the purpose of releasing any radioactive contaminated water into the Susquehanna River. Subtitle B: Department of Energy Civilian Programs Authorization - Authorizes the appropriation of funds for: (1) conservation activities; (2) regulatory and related functions; (3) power marketing programs; (4) nuclear assessment, interim spent nuclear fuel management, and commercial waste remedial action; (5) other renewable resources and conservation activities; (6) uranium enrichment, other commercial waste management activities, and West Valley demonstration project activities; and (7) departmental administration. Sets forth energy projections to the year 2000. Subtitle C: National Science Foundation Authorization - National Science Foundation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1982 - Authorizes appropriations for programs and operations of the National Science Foundation. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to authorize the National Science Board (formerly the Foundation) to establish special commissions, consisting of such members as the Board considers appropriate, to make recommendations to the Foundation on issues relating to research and education in science and engineering. Amends the National Science Foundation Act, Fiscal Year 1978, to disestablish the Resource Center for Science and Engineering. Subtitle D: Atmospheric, Climatic, and Ocean Pollution Authorization - Atmospheric, Climatic, and Ocean Pollution Act of 1982 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce for atmospheric, climatic, and ocean pollution programs for fiscal year 1982. Authorizes the NOAA to plan for, develop, and operate a civilian land observing system. Requires the Administrator of NOAA to report to the President and Congress by January 15, 1982, on the activities undertaken pursuant to such system. Subtitle E: Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1982 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specified activities and research programs for fiscal year 1982. Directs the Administrator of EPA to: (1) conduct a pilot project on the use of peer review in research planning; and (2) conduct a study on the Federal government's efforts in the integration of research and dissemination of information and report to the President and Congress on such study within 18 months of enactment of this Act. Subtitle F: Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, Development, and Demonstration Authorization - Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for certain research, engineering and development, and demonstration projects and activities. Authorizes the Administration to use such funds for any other such activity upon approval from the appropriate congressional committees. Subtitle G: Federal Emergency Management Agency Authorization - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 and the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for fiscal year 1982 for specified programs and activities. Title XIII: House Committee on Small Business - Small Business Budget Reconciliation and Loan Consolidation/ Improvement Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to set forth methods, procedures, and criteria for the Small Business Administration in making loans to eligible small businesses. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of this title. Title XIV: House Committee on Veterans' Affairs - Terminates the Veterans' Administration authority to provide educational assistance to veterans for flight training and to veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses for correspondence training. Eliminates dental benefits for veterans whose dental conditions existed during military duty, but who did not seek or receive treatment. Limits the payment of burial allowances for veterans dying during fiscal year 1982, 1983, and 1984. Title XV: House Committee on Ways and Means - Subtitle A: Adjustment Assistance - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise eligibility requirements for adjustment assistance to require that imports be a "substantial cause of" (currently, "contributed importantly to") a firm's decline. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide full information to workers about the benefits available under the Act. Revises trade readjustment allowance qualifying requirements, weekly amounts, and limitations on allowances. Authorizes the Secretary, within certain limitations, to require adversely affected workers to accept job training or to actively search for work outside their former employment area if the Secretary determines with respect to the labor market area that: (1) a high level of unemployment exists; (2) suitable employment opportunities are not available; and (3) there are facilities available to provide training in new or related job classifications. Requires the Secretary to develop, in cooperation with an adversely affected worker covered by a certification who is unemployed or underemployed and with others, an appropriate employability plan. Authorizes the Secretary, with certain restrictions, to defray reasonable transportation and subsistence expenses when training facilities are not within commuting distances. Increases individual job search allowances and relocation allowances. Waives the requirement that any overpayment must be repaid if: (1) the overpayment was made without fault on the part of an individual; and (2) requiring repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience. Abolishes the Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Sets forth provisions relating to definitions, conforming amendments, and effective dates and transitional provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance (including grants) to firms. Prohibits a direct loan to a firm if the loan can be obtained from private sources at a rate no higher than the maximum interest per annum that a participating financial institution may establish on guaranteed loans made pursuant to the Small Business Act. Revises conditions for financial assistance to a firm. Provides that direct loans made or guaranteed for the acquisition or development of real property or other capital assets shall ordinarily be secured by a first lien on the assets and shall be fully amortized. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance, up to a specified sum per industry, for the establishment of industry wide programs for new development or other uses consistent with the purposes of the Act. Repeals the Adjustment Assistance Program for Communities. Extends the termination date of adjustment assistance programs for workers and firms from September 30, 1982, to September 30, 1983. Subtitle B: Federal Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Social Security Spending Reduction Amendments of 1981 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide for the phased elimination of a child's insurance benefits to an individual on the basis of full-time postsecondary school student status. Terminates a nondisabled's entitlement to child's insurance benefits when such child reaches age 16 (currently such entitlement ceases when a child reaches age 18). Eliminates prospectively the minimum benefit amount used in computing the primary insurance amount. Authorizes reimbursement of the cost of providing information to assist specified parties with respect to the administration of an employee benefit plan. Provides that at each stage in the benefit computation, the amount derived is rounded down (presently rounded up) to the next higher 10 cents. Delays part of the payment of the cost-of-living increase to October 1982 presently scheduled to be paid in July 1982. Authorizes reimbursement from the trust fund to a State for vocational rehabilitation services only where the services have resulted in a beneficiary's performance of substantial gainful activity for a continuous nine month period. Retains the earnings limitations test for persons under age 72 until 1983 (presently scheduled to be lowered to age 70 in 1982). Limits the payment of lump-sum death benefits to a widow or widower entitled to widow's, widower's, or mother's benefits on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of a deceased individual or in equal shares to each person entitled to child's insurance benefits on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of such individual (currently such benefits may be paid to cover burial expenses of the insured individual). Provides that in the case of workers retiring at age 62 entitlement to benefits begins with the first month throughout all of which the individual is entitled. Subtitle C: Unemployment Compensation, Public Assistance, and Low-Income Energy Assistance - Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to eliminate the "national trigger" under the extended benefits program. Excludes extended benefit claimants from the calculation of the insured unemployment rate for extended benefits trigger purposes. Increases from 365 to 730 days the length of continuous military service needed to qualify as employment for unemployment compensation purposes. Delays an ex-serviceman's entitlement until the fifth week after discharge or release from Federal Service. Limits an ex-service member's total entitlement to no more than 13 weeks of benefits. Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise eligibility and benefits standards by requiring States to disregard specified amounts of monthly earnings. Allows States to terminate, or phase-out gradually, the $50 disregard and the one-third work incentive disregard for families with earned income above the poverty level or, at State option, 200 percent of the State standard of need, after the family has had earned income and claimed one-third disregard for 12 consecutive months. Permits individuals who lose eligibility for AFDC payments because of the termination of the disregards to remain eligible for Medicaid for 12 months after payment stops. Requires that in calculating a child's need for AFDC a State shall consider a specified portion of stepparent's income as available to such child. Provides that AFDC eligibility for a month shall be determined on the basis of the family's income during such month; that family resources shall be determined as they existed on the last day of the previous month; and that the benefit amount shall be determined on the basis of the income of the previous month. Requires AFDC families to report their income, and other information, on a monthly basis. Requires that whenever a determination is made to terminate, suspend, or adjust AFDC payments to a family, such family shall be mailed a written notice concerning such action at least ten days prior to the effective date of the action. Allows States to require, under certain conditions, AFDC recipients to participate in a qualified State work experience program in which they would perform work in return for the regular AFDC benefits. Limits eligibility for certain AFDC payments to two-parent families to such families in which the "principal earner" parent is unemployed (currently payments may be made if either one is unemployed). Requires a State to promptly correct any AFDC overpayment or underpayment. Permits States paying benefits to dependent children over 18 who are students to limit AFDC eligibility at any age between 18 and 21. Provides that any family is ineligible for AFDC if the combined value of its resources exceeds $1,500 or a lower amount at the State's option. Permits a State to exclude from resources: (1) a home and a car; (2) household goods and personal effects; (3) tools and equipment; and (4) life and burial insurance policies. Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require a State plan to make provisions for enforcing spousal support obligations (alimony) in addition to child support. Requires a State to retain ten percent of the support collected on behalf of a non-AFDC recipient, in order to defray the costs of such collection service. Requires that the incentive payments to States collecting child support payments on behalf of another jurisdiction be made from the total amount of such collections, rather than from the Federal assistance share. Prohibits the discharge in bankruptcy of a child support obligation assigned to a State as a condition of AFDC eligibility. Requires child support enforcement agencies to determine on a periodic basis whether any individuals receiving unemployment compensation owe child support obligations being enforced by such agency and if so, to require the agency to withhold such child support payments from the unemployment compensation. Amends title III (Unemployment Compensation) of the Act to require State unemployment compensation agencies to require unemployment compensation applicants to disclose whether or not the applicant owes child support obligations and to notify the appropriate child support enforcement agency if child support is owed. Permits the Internal Revenue Service to collect delinquent alimony as well as child support payments. Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Act to provide that an individual's monthly eligibility for benefits for a month shall be determined on the basis of the individual's income, resources, and other relevant characteristics in such month, and the amount of monthly benefits on the basis of income and other characteristics in the preceding month, such month, or on the basis of income and other characteristics in the second month preceding such month. Authorizes the Secretary to redetermine eligibility for and the amount of benefits at other times. Allows States to continue to pay out cash, in lieu of food stamps, to SSI recipients under specified conditions. Limits the negotiability of SSI checks to 180 days from the date of issuance. Requires future cost-of-living adjustments in SSI to conform to cost-of-living adjustments under title II. Adds a new title to the Social Security Act, title XXI (Energy Assistance to Low-Income Households). Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to provide low-income energy assistance in order to offset excessive home energy costs. Makes such funds available to States which have plans for low-income energy assistance approved by the Secretary. Sets forth State plan requirements. Directs the Secretary to pay up to a formulated amount 80 percent of a State's expenses in carrying out the plan for fiscal year 1983 and 100 percent of the expenses for fiscal year 1982. Prohibits payments with respect to any household unless the household has at least one individual eligible for AFDC, SSI, Food Stamps, certain veterans benefits, or the household's income falls below a specified level. Amends title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to limit Federal funding for fiscal year 1982 for training costs. Subtitle D: Medicare Program - Medicare Spending Reduction Amendments of 1981 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate coverage of alcohol detoxification facilities, under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII. Provides payment for nutritional therapy for individuals with end-stage renal disease when used as a means of delaying or substituting for the provision of kidney dialysis. Requires a one dollar a day copayment under Medicare for each of the first 60 days of inpatient hospital care. Provides that Part A coinsurance will be based on the current years deductible, rather than the deductible effective when the illness began. Revises the part A, inpatient hospital deductible by adding five dollars to the base figure of $40 used in the formula to determine such deductible. Eliminates the carryover from the last three months of the previous year of incurred expenses used to determine whether the part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) deductible has been met. Increases the part B deductible from $60 to $70, and indexes it to cost-of-living increases under title II. Offsets interest earnings on funded depreciation accounts of providers against interest expenses to determine reimbursement. Revises an exemption to a provision requiring the reduction of reimbursements to hospitals in specified situations, by adding a requirement that a hospital derive less than 30 percent of its income from non-governmental sources to qualify for such exemption. Exempts hospitals from such reductions if there is no excess of hospital beds in the area in which the hospital is located. Directs the Secretary to provide for a method of determining prospectively the amounts of payments to be made for dialysis services furnished by providers and renal dialysis facilities to furnished individuals in a facility and at home. Prohibits the Secretary, in determining the amount of reimbursements for home health services, from recognizing as reasonable costs for such services to the extent such costs exceed the 75th percentile of such costs per visit for home health agencies; or, in the judgment of the Secretary, such lower percentile as the Secretary may determine. Prohibits the Secretary, in determining reimbursements with respect to routine operating costs for inpatient hospital services, from recognizing as reasonable costs to the extent that they exceed 108 percent of the mean of such routine operating costs per diem; or, in the judgment of the Secretary, such lower percentage as the Secretary may determine. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title X of the Social Security Act to provide civil penalties for any person who presents or causes to be presented an improper claim for a medical or other item or service under the Medicare or Medicaid (title XIX) programs. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Act to direct the Secretary to establish utilization guidelines for the provision of home health care. Repeals the requirement that skilled nursing facility agreements be renewed annually. Amends the Medicare and Medicaid Amendments of 1980 to direct the Secretary to establish guidelines by October 1, 1981, to assure that agreements with States already authorized, for demonstration projects for the training of AFDC recipients as homemakers and home health aides are entered into by January 1, 1982. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress relating to such projects. Amends part B (Professional Standards Review) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary by September 30, 1981, to identify and specify requirements which will be used in assessing a PSRO's performance. States that such requirements shall include requirements relating to the effectiveness of a PSRO in: (1) monitoring the quality of patient care; (2) reducing unnecessary utilization; and (3) managing its activities efficiently. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate the less effective PSRO's during fiscal year 1982. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress relative to PSRO performance assessments. Makes 100 percent financing under part B of title XI applicable only to the Medicare program and provides States the option of contracting for Medicaid review at a 75 percent Federal matching rate. Repeals the PSRO program effective October 1, 1983. Repeals the requirement for utilization review under the Medicare program with respect to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and rural health clinics. Prohibits payments under the Medicare program with respect to an item or service for an individual aged 65 or older to the extent that payment has been made, or can reasonably be expected to be made under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
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
Judicial Survivors' Annuities Reform Act of 1981 - Amends the Judicial Survivors' Annuities Reform Act to revise the annuity program for survivors of Federal Justices, judges, and judicial officers. Makes the benefits conferred by this Act immediately available to any eligible individual. Permits a judicial officer who has participated in such annuity program to withdraw, in writing, according to specified procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limitation to $5,000 ($7,000 for married individuals) on the income tax deduction for individual retirement savings. Allows individuals covered by employer plans to qualify for the deduction for retirement savings.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Family Enterprise Estate and Gift Tax Equity and Reduction Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the estate and gift tax rates. Increases the unified credit against the estate and gift taxes from $47,000 to $103,500 by specified annual increments through 1985. Increases from $175,000 to $600,000, by specified annual increments through 1985, the minimum gross estate requirement for filing of a return. Repeals the existing limitations on the marital deduction for gift and estate taxes. Permits an election by an executor to take into account a life estate which passes to a surviving spouse for purposes of determining the marital deduction. Includes amounts equal to the value of such interests in the estate of the surviving spouse for purposes of imposition of the estate tax. Increases from $3,000 to $10,000 the annual gift tax exclusion. Revises the definition of "qualified real property," for purposes of the special use valuation, to include: (1) real property which is put to a qualified use by a member of the decedent's family; (2) certain future interests; and (3) timber. Qualifies estates of decedents who were disabled or retired for the special use valuation if such decedents materially participated in the operation of the farm or business for five out of eight years preceding the year in which they became disabled or eligible for disability benefits, under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Permits the spouse of a decedent to use such valuation if the spouse has managed the farm or business for ten years preceding the decedent's death or takes over active management upon the decedent's death. Qualifies the owner of a woodland for the special use valuation if the owner or a member of the owner's family actively managed the property for ten years prior to the owner's death. Includes as property qualified for the valuation certain future and partial interests. Reduces from 15 to ten years the length of time a qualified property must be held and put to a qualified use following the decedent's death before it can be disposed of without incurring a recapture of estate tax benefits. Permits active management rather than material participation as a test for qualification of the estate for spouses, children under 21, students, and disabled individuals who receive property from a decedent who qualified for special use valuation. Modifies the formula for recapture upon partial disposition of qualified property to include in the calculation of the additional tax imposed the adjusted tax difference attributable to the property disposed of or ceased to be used for a qualified use. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the aggregate decrease in the value of property to which the special use valuation is applied. Allows the like kind exchange of property without loss of special use valuation eligibility. Permits, for purposes of calculating the five-year period required for qualification of real property, the aggregation of periods with respect to exchange property with those with respect to property included in the gross estate. Repeals the requirement that an heir elect special treatment for involuntary conversions of qualified real property, thus making such treatment automatic upon such conversion. Applies the special use valuation provisions to: (1) property which passes to a trust all of the beneficiaries of which are members of the decedent's family without regard to whether any beneficiary has a present interest in the trust; and (2) property held by a trust in which the decedent has an interest which is includible in the decedent's estate and which passes to a qualified heir as though the decedent had a direct interest in the property. Alters the method of valuing farms and woodlands and provides an alternate discount method of valuation. Expands the definition of "member of the family," for purposes of determining special use valuation eligibility, to include members of a spouse's family. Permits a parent or fiduciary of a person under a legal disability to sign an agreement to the application of recapture provisions on behalf of such person. Specifies that the estate tax deduction for certain indebtedness of an estate shall not be reduced if the value of the property is determined by applying the special use valuation. States that gifts made within three years of a decedent's death shall be valued as of the time of transfer rather than as of the date of death. Allows an individual to elect to pay a gift tax rather than use the unified tax credit. Modifies the alternate extension of time for payment of the estate tax where the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business to: (1) allow an installment payment election if the value of the interest in the closely held business is either 25 percent of the value of the gross estate or 35 percent of the taxable estate; (2) alter the definition of "interest in a closely held business"; (3) increase to 50 percent the value of an interest disposed of which will accelerate the payment of tax; and (4) permit payment, but with a penalty, of an installment within six months after the due date. Revises rules for determining whether property qualifies as an interest in a closely held business with respect to property included in the gross estate which is transferred prior to death and ownership of assets leased to or used by a family-owned business. Revises rules regarding the qualification of corporate distributions of property in redemption of stock which is included in a decedent's gross estate. Removes the limitation on substantially disproportionate redemptions of stock of a corporation which is a closely held business. Revises the formula for determining whether such redemptions are substantially disproportionate and the rule for determining whether a shareholder's interest in a corporation is terminated. Applies the four percent rate of interest on estate tax payments extended under the alternate extension of time provisions to the entire amount of the tax to be paid. Permits an election to value at 50 percent of its value an interest in a closely held business the net equity of which is less than $50,000,000. Imposes an additional estate tax if such interest is disposed of within ten years after the decedent's death. Allows a disclaimer of an interest in property for estate tax purposes in specified circumstances where such disclaimer does not result in the passing of the interest concerned under the applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to require a judicial officer, in setting conditions for pretrial release for any person charged with certain narcotics offenses, to consider which conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community, the personal safety of persons in the community, and the prevention of similar offenses by such person. Requires a judicial officer to deny release to any person charged with a narcotics offense who: (1) has previously been convicted of a felony narcotics offense under Federal, State, or foreign law; (2) is on parole, probation, or other conditional release for a felony offense under Federal or State law; (3) is an illegal alien; (4) was arrested in possession of a false passport; or (5) has been convicted of being a fugitive from justice. Requires the Government to provide clear and convincing evidence that the person charged falls within any such category and to establish that there is substantial probability that the person committed the offense . Permits the judicial officer to grant release to a person who has not been previously convicted of a felony narcotics offense upon a finding of special mitigating factors. Requires that the case of a person who is denied release be placed on an expedited calendar.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the limitations on the amount of the estate and gift tax marital deduction. Allows an election to value gifts of certain real property by using the estate tax valuation provisions applicable to certain farm and business real property.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Requires that the rate of imputed interest with respect to loans between related organizations, trades, or businesses (for purposes of allocation of income and deductions among taxpayers) and deferred payments in the case of certain sales of property not exceed rates applicable for such purposes to transactions entered into on August 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for charitable contributions of any agricultural product to tax-exempt organizations. Limits the credit to ten percent of the wholesale market price or the most recent sales price. Requires that the donated agricultural product be unsalable at a price which would enable the taxpayer to recover his costs and that it be fit for human consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Urban Jobs and Enterprise Zone Act of 1981 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones, for a period ending December 31, 2001, and subject to the approval of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, by local governments or by State governments on behalf of local governments for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by titles II and III of this Act. Specifies that the Secretary may approve the designation of such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the designating local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous and includes accessible vacant or underutilized properties; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area with a population of at least 50,000 or 2,500 otherwise or is an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires designating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's approval, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, or receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate enterprise zones on December 31, 1996. Sets forth minimum and maximum numbers of such designations. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to set forth the duties of the Secretary under this Act. Requires any property tax reduction effected by a local government under an agreed to program to be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) local governments should attempt to facilitate to the greatest extent possible the employment of poor and unemployed residents of their enterprise zones and should consider the effects of a designation upon area employment practices and patterns; and (2) whenever possible, foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones and that in the case of any application for designation of a foreign-trade zone within an enterprise zone: (A) the Foreign-Trade Zone Board should expedite the application process; (B) the Board, in evaluating such application, should consider future development to be expected as a result of the incentives provided by this Act; and (C) the Board should provide technical assistance to the applicants. Title II: Taxation - Subtitle A: Refundable Credits for Employers and Employees - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a refundable income tax credit for five percent of the wages paid to unemployed or economically disadvantaged individuals who are certified as eligible under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and who perform at least 50 percent of their services within an enterprise zone. Disallows a deduction for the portion of the wages or salaries equal to the amount of such credit. Allows individuals who are employees of qualified businesses and at least 50 percent of whose services during the taxable year are performed in an enterprise zone a refundable tax credit for five percent of the earned income attributable to services performed in an enterprise zone during a 36-month period. Limits such credit to $1,500 for any taxable year. Defines "qualified business" as a person: (1) at least 50 percent of whose gross receipts are attributable to the active conduct of a trade or business within an enterprise zone; and (2) at least 40 percent of whose employees are individuals whose employment qualifies for the employers' credit allowed under this subtitle and who are hired after the later of the date on which the conduct of a business in an enterprise zone is begun or the area is designated as such a zone. Subtitle B: Reduction in Capital Gain Tax Rates - Reduces the alternative tax on capital gains and increases the capital gains deduction. Qualifies certain low-income rental housing located in an enterprise zone for such treatment. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of an enterprise zone has terminated. Exempts gain from the sale or exchange of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Removes as an item of tax preference accelerated depreciation on real property used in such a business. Subtitle C: Reduction in Gross Income of Trades or Businesses Operating in Zone - Excludes from taxable income a specified percentage of the sum of any amount received by a qualified business from the active conduct of a trade or business within an enterprise zone and any interest on financing provided by a taxpayer to a qualified business in connection with the conduct of such business. Subtitle D: Other Incentives - Permits any qualified business to elect to use the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting without regard to any inventory requirements if its gross receipts do not exceed $2,000,000 in any prior taxable year. Allows a 20-year carryover of net operating losses for qualified businesses. Qualifies for the investment tax credit low-income rental housing with respect to which the capital gains tax reduction is granted under subtitle B of this title. Subtitle E: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this title. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity," for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions, to include qualified businesses (as defined in title II of this Act), designating governments, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1981
Missing Children Act - Directs the Attorney General to collect and preserve information which would assist in: (1) the identification of any deceased individual who has not been identified within 30 days of his or her death; and (2) the location of any missing child who is under the age of 17, does not have a history of running away, and has been missing for at least 48 hours.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Critical Industry Reindustrialization Tax Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs income tax credit to the training of skilled labor in labor-shortage business or industry. Defines "labor-shortage business or industry" as any business or industry which either the Secretary of Defense or Labor has certified as having more available skilled jobs than available skilled workers and trainees. Provides for a credit of 50 percent of first year wages and 30 percent of second year wages paid to skilled labor workers. Makes inapplicable to skilled labor workers the restriction that only $6,000 of first and second year wages paid to new employees be taken into account for purposes of the targeted jobs credit. Makes permanent the jobs credit for skilled labor employees.
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 · 20 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $100,000 to $300,000 the allowable cost of used property eligible for the investment tax credit. Provides for a three-year carryback and a seven-year carryover of amounts which exceed such limitation.
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the exclusion of interest on mortgage subsidy bonds. Repeals provisions which allow tax-exempt status for such bonds if 95 percent of the mortgages financed by such issues are in compliance with stated requirements. Provides that a showing that the issuing authority has tried in good faith to satisfy all requirements will cure a failure to meet any particular requirement if such failure is corrected within a reasonable time after its discovery. Allows bondholders to rely upon an issuer's good faith covenant as to a compliance. Revises the new homeowner requirements to allow eligibility for bond-financed mortgages for persons who are residing in substandard housing or who have lost their homes because of natural disasters or governmental action. Changes the method of determining the average area purchase price for purposes of the purchase price requirements for bond-financed mortgages. Specifies that the average area purchase price shall not include residences which are not typically financed through normal real estate mortgage loans and that such price may be determined separately for new and previously occupied homes. Revises the arbitrage requirements to increase the amount by which interest rates on tax-exempt mortgage subsidy bonds may exceed the interest rates on mortgages financed with such bonds. Changes the method of determining the yield on an issue. Specifies that issuers are not required to dispose of any investment and realize a loss in order to satisfy arbitrage restrictions. Allows two or more qualified mortgage bond issues of a single issuer to be combined for purposes of determining compliance with arbitrage requirements. Permits issuers to maintain a reasonable reserve against investment losses and to allocate credits or payments between eligible mortgagors. Exempts mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration from certain mortgage assumption requirements. Includes energy impacted areas within the definition of targeted areas for purposes of the special treatment of targeted area residences. Repeals the requirement that the designation of areas of chronic economic distress be approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Limits the designation of areas of chronic economic distress to 25 percent of the geographic area within a State. Redefines statistical areas to include two or more statistical areas combined. Repeals the registration requirements for bond issues.
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 · 14 May 1981
Great Lakes Protection Act of 1981 - Amends the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978 to redesignate specified provisions and to revise definitions under such Act. Establishes a Great Lakes Protection program under such Act. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish within NOAA a Great Lakes Research Office, to be directed by an Executive Director appointed by the Administrator. Requires the Executive Director to compile, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, an inventory of all major actions of the Federal, State, and local governments since 1977 which have significantly affected (or may so affect) the Great Lakes. Requires that such inventory be submitted to the Congress and the President and be updated at least once every three months. Requires the Executive Director, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) current state of Federal efforts to improve the Great Lakes' environmental quality; and (2) the degree of coordination among the States to preserve and protect such quality. Sets forth other responsibilities of the Executive Director. Requires that all Federal agencies include Great Lakes environmental impact analyses in their recommendations or reports for major Federal actions significantly affecting the Great Lakes. Sets forth provisions relating to such analyses, including a requirement that copies be available to the President and to the public. Directs that, to the fullest extent practicable: (1) U.S. policies, regulations, and public laws be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies of protection for the Great Lakes set forth in this Act; and (2) any major Federal action significantly affecting the Great Lakes be modified to accommodate such policies and include all possible planning to minimize harm to the Great Lakes. Revises provisions relating to interagency cooperation, dissemination of information, and effect on other laws. Extends through fiscal years 1984 the authorization of appropriations to carry out the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978. Reserves a specified amount of such appropriations to be obligated and expended on the Great Lakes Research Office in each fiscal year ending after September 30, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Piracy and Counterfeiting Amendments Act of 1982 - Increases the criminal penalties for the transportation, sale, or receipt of phonograph records bearing forged or counterfeit labels. Increases criminal penalties for the willful infringement of a copyright for commercial advantage or private financial gain involving a specified number of phonorecords, motion pictures or audiovisual works, or sound recordings.
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 · 7 May 1981
Pretrial Services Act of 1981 - Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to establish, under the supervision of the Judicial Conference of the United States, directly or by contract, a pretrial services agency (PSA) in each judicial district as recommended by the appropriate district court and circuit judicial council. (Current law authorizes such agencies on a demonstration basis in ten representative districts). Places such agencies under the general authority of the Director and under the supervision of a chief pretrial services officer selected by the chief judge of the district court. (Current law places five agencies under the Office's Division of Probation and five under an independent Board of Trustees.) Requires, rather than permits, regulations issued by the Director relating to the confidentiality of information contained in agencies files to provide for certain exceptions. Continues generally the existing functions and powers of the PSA (including the discretion of the district courts to determine which shall be performed), and adds four new duties: (1) informing the court and the U.S. attorney of any danger the person may pose to another person or the community; (2) developing a system to monitor and evaluate bail activities; (3) preparing pursuant to agreements, reports for the U.S. Attorney's Office on information pertaining to pretrial diversion; and (4) making contracts to carry out their functions. Requires the Director to: (1) issue guidelines within 90 days of enactment with respect to the supervision of persons released into the Office's custody; and (2) include in the annual report to the Judicial Conference a report on the operation of each agency and to transmit a copy of such report to Congress. Deletes the requirement that contracts for the operation of facilities for the custody of persons released be approved by the Attorney General. Authorizes appropriations for the PSAs for FY 1982 and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Veterans' Administration and Department of Defense Medical Sharing Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to direct the Chief Medical Director of the Veterans' Administration and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs to form an interagency committee to oversee opportunities for sharing the medical resources of the Veterans' Administration and the Department of Defense. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary to jointly establish guidelines for the sharing of medical resources by health care facilities of the Administration and the Department. Requires such guidelines to include provisions for cooperative sharing agreements with such health care facilities explicitly defining the care to be provided on a reimbursable basis. Directs the Administration and the Secretary to submit an annual joint report to Congress setting forth the guidelines prescribed, the opportunities for interagency sharing agreements, and the progress of interagency activities to share medical resources. Permits the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, upon authorization by the President, to give a higher priority to the furnishing of medical care and services to members of the armed forces on active duty during a period of war or national emergency than to all veterans but those with service-connected disabilities. Permits the Administrator to contract with private facilities for the provision of priority care. Requires the Department of Defense to reimburse the Veterans Administration for the provision of such care. Directs the Administrator, whenever priority care is authorized, to submit to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs a report of the plan for the allocation of facilities and personnel to provide such care. Directs the Administrator to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense to pursue planning activities and establish procedures and guidelines for the sharing of Veterans' Administration and armed forces facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Veterans' Health Care Act of 1981 - Extends from December 31, 1981, to September 30, 1982, the authority of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to contract for hospital care or medical services in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands without reference to patient loads or incidence of provision of medical services for veterans treated by the Veterans' Administration in the contiguous 48 states. Authorizes the Administrator to furnish hospital care or nursing home care to a veteran of the Vietnam-era determined to be in need of such care for the treatment of a condition that may be associated with exposure to Agent Orange. Extends through September 30, 1984 (three additional years) the period during which Vietnam-era veterans may initially request psychological readjustment counseling. Permits the Administrator to provide medical care for survivors and dependents of certain veterans in Veterans' Administration medical facilities not being utilized for the care of eligible veterans. Extends through September 30, 1986 the period during which, the President may authorize the Administrator to provide for payments for hospital care and medical services in the Veterans' Memorial Medical Center, Philippines for eligible U.S. veterans. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 to make grants to such Center for the replacement and upgrading of equipment and the rehabilitation of the facilities. Entitles the United States to recover the costs of certain medical care and services furnished to a veteran for a non-service connected disability when such disability is covered by another form of insurance or compensation. Sets forth the formula and procedure for the United States' recovery against the insurer or other entity. Subrogates the United States to the rights of such veteran. Reduces the minimum number of hospital and nursing home beds the Administrator must establish in medical facilities of the Veterans' Administration. Requires the Administrator to maintain a contingency capacity to assist the Department of Defense in time of war or national emergency. Requires the Chief Medical Director to analyze annually, rather than periodically, agencywide admissions policies and the records of eligible veterans who apply for care but are rejected or not given immediate attention. Requires the Director to review the adequacy and geographic distribution of operating beds and the demographic characteristics of the veteran population. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the appropriate Congressional committees. Amends the Veterans Health Programs Extension and Improvement Act of 1979 to permit the expansion of the scope of the epidemiological study of the health effects of agent orange to include an evaluation of the long term adverse health effects in humans serving in the armed forces of the United States in Vietnam during the Vietnamese conflict or other factors involved in such service, including exposure to other herbicides, chemicals, medications, or environmental hazards or conditions. Permits the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to expand the scope of the literature analysis and review to include an analysis and review of the literature covering other studies relating to the effects of such factors.
![Official portrait of Rep. Sawyer, Harold S. [R-MI-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000087_200.jpg)