United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study to determine whether there is a relationship between the exposure of members of the U.S. armed forces to nuclear radiation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and any abnormal health symptoms currently exhibited by such individuals. Requires a report to Congress within two years of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1981
Condemns the trial and conviction of Dr. Viktor Brailovsky by the Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express to the Soviet Union U.S. concern and opposition to the internal exile of Dr. Brailovsky and to the Soviet Union's refusal to permit Dr. Brailovsky and his family to emigrate; (2) the Soviet Union should comply with various international agreements by reversing Dr. Brailovsky's conviction and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; and (3) the Soviet Union should cease persecuting individuals seeking to emigrate and should cease denying basic rights to Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Department of Justice should continue to provide the sums required to insure the operation and success of the seven regional criminal intelligence projects assisted through the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration.
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 · 23 June 1981
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, for placement in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Postal Service Amendments of 1981 - Authorizes the United States Postal Service to issue written demands requiring access to books, records, documents, or other objects believed to relate to any postal offense or civil matter under investigation by the Postal Service. Provides for the enforcement of such a demand by the appropriate district court. Authorizes the Postal Service to issue an order requiring any person to cease and desist from conducting a lottery or scheme for obtaining money or property by false representations through the mail. Declares that the resumption of such an activity through the use of any instrumentality of interstate commerce shall be considered to be a failure to comply with such order. Permits the Postal Service, in investigating whether a person is conducting such an activity, to tender the price of any article or service that such person has offered for sale. Declares that failure by such person to provide such article or service, or failure to comply with a written demand of the Postal Service for access to materials, shall constitute probable cause to believe such person is engaged in such activities, warranting the detention of such person's incoming mail. Establishes a civil penalty to be assessed by the Postal Service, after an opportunity for an agency hearing, against any person who: (1) attempts to evade an order directing the postmaster to return mail addressed to such person; (2) fails to comply with a cease and desist; or (3) assists another person in evading such an order.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Directs the Comptroller General to assign employees of the General Accounting Office to serve as ombudsmen for patients in Veterans' Administration facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to report at least annually to Congress on the activities and investigations carried out by such ombudsmen.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that nuclear war represents a great hazard and should be prevented. Urges the President to propose: (1) that the United States and the Soviet Union begin negotiations to reduce substantially their nuclear arsenals; and (2) that conferences should be held among all nuclear nations to propose annual reductions and gradual elimination of all nuclear weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) urge France and Italy not to sell sensitive nuclear technology or material to Iraq to replace the reactor and equipment destroyed by Israel; (2) strengthen the U. S. nuclear nonproliferation policy and improve restrictions on the export of nuclear technology or material which can be used to make atomic weapons; (3) veto any United Nations condemnation of Israel for the raid in Iraq; and (4) determine the adequacy of the international system of safeguards. Declares that Congress should impose no economic or military sanctions against Israel for the raid on Iraq's reactor.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare ) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage of "personal emergency response services" provided by a "personal emergency monitoring agency." Defines "personal emergency response services" as the maintenance of digital electronic communication equipment in the home which signals a "personal emergency monitoring agency" for help.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Condemns the violence in Northern Ireland. Urges the exploration of all possible steps to avoid further deaths in the hunger strike and to achieve an immediate and humanitarian resolution of the strike issues. Urges Great Britain to exercise greater flexibility in administering prison rules in Northern Ireland and to invite the European Commission on Human Rights or other appropriate independent parties to participate in settling the strike. Urges the political leaders in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland to seek the earliest possible settlement in Northern Ireland through a negotiated agreement. Requests the President to express to the Prime Minister of Great Britain American concern for an immediate hunger strike settlement and a lasting settlement of the conflict in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives over the hunger strike in Northern Ireland. Calls upon the British government to exercise greater urgency and flexibility in finding a resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1981
National Infant Screening Act of 1981 - Amends title XI (Genetic Diseases, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) of the Public Health Service Act to provide grants for infant screening programs to detect metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for home health care and nursing home expenses paid by families on behalf of their relatives.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary insurance program to provide insurance benefits for aged and disabled individuals and individuals medically determined to have end stage renal disease to be financed from premium payments by enrollees and excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products. Provides for coverage of the following under the program: (1) routine physical checkups, not exceeding one in any two-year period; (2) routine eye care, including the dispensing of eyeglasses no more than once a year; (3) dental care, including teeth cleaning, extractions, and crowns and bridges (as authorized); (4) hearing care, including examinations and hearing aids; and (5) prescription drugs and biologicals. Directs the Secretary to provide for a program certifying hearing aids. Creates a Trust Fund from which benefits will be paid to enrolled individuals, after payment of an annual $60 deductible. States that the Fund shall consist of gifts and bequests as provided in title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Act and 100 percent of a special tax on alcohol and tobacco established under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish such tax. Creates a Board of Trustees for the Fund and sets forth the reporting requirements. Sets forth provisions detailing the procedure for payment of claims of providers of services and the use of carriers for administration of benefits. Declares that every individual who: (1) is entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII; or (2) has attained age 65, is eligible to enroll. Sets forth provisions relating to enrollment and the enrollment period. Provides that the monthly premium shall be equal to the monthly premium under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, at the request of a State, to enter into an agreement with a State pursuant to which individuals receiving money payments under the following titles of the Act will be enrolled under the program: (1) individuals receiving money payments under a plan approved under title I (Old Age and Medical Assistance for the Aged) or XVI (Supplemental Security Income); or (2) individuals receiving money payments under all of the State plans approved under titles I, X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), XVI, and IV, part A (Aid to families with Dependent Children). Permits the Secretary to enter into a modification of an agreement with a State under which individuals who are entitled to benefits under title II of the Act or who are eligible under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act may be included within the coverage group covered under such a State agreement. Directs the Secretary to provide for a project demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of providing services and appliances, as a benefit under the program established by this Act, to assist or compensate for visual impairment in low-vision individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income medicare payments for physicians' services which exceed $10,000. Limits the aggregate amount excluded from gross income and which is attributable to services performed by any one physician to $15,000.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Severe Storms Advisory Committee Act of 1981 - Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a Severe Storms Advisory Committee which shall submit annual reports to the President and Congress assessing and making recommendations concerning the current objectives, milestones, and technological developments of the severe storms forecasting program. Sets forth the terms and conditions of membership on such Committee, including representation from specified agencies, State and local civil defense systems, and weather forecasters. Terminates such Committee after five years.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the week commencing on June 7, 1981, should be designated as "National Italian-American Heritage Week."
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1981
Consumer Product Safety Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and the Flammable Fabrics Act to revise the procedures governing the promulgation of consumer product safety standards. Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make a preliminary determination, with notice, that a standard is necessary. Eliminates the Commission's authority to develop a standard without making an invitation to interested persons. Requires the Commission to invite the development of a voluntary standard if, as a result of the preliminary notice, either no standard is submitted or the Commission determines that a standard which has been submitted would not reduce risk of injury or result in compliance. Requires the Commission to terminate a rulemaking proceeding upon a determination that a voluntary standard submitted as the result of such invitation is likely to eliminate or adequately reduce risk of injury. Authorizes the Commission to develop a proposed consumer product safety rule only if the voluntary standard would not reduce risk of injury or result in compliance. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and the Flammable Fabrics Act to require the Commission to prepare a regulatory impact analysis containing specified information, including cost-benefit analysis, before publishing or promulgating a consumer product safety rule. Requires the Commission to find that compliance with a voluntary standard is unlikely to result in elimination of risk or that substantial compliance with such a standard is unlikely, before promulgating a regulation with respect to which persons have adopted a voluntary standard. Stipulates that the Commission shall assist public and private organizations in the development of safety standards and test methods "to the extent feasible." Requires that orders issued by the Commission to persons to submit reports and answers to Commission questions be designed to place the least burden on such person as is practicable taking into account the order's purpose. Eliminates the Product Safety Advisory Council, the National Advisory Committee for the Flammable Fabrics Act, and the technical advisory committee authorized under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970. Establishes a Congressional veto of consumer product safety rules or regulations promulgated under the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and the Flammable Fabrics Act. Provides that any regulation shall not take effect if: (1) both Houses of Congress adopt a concurrent resolution of disapproval within 90 days of its promulgation; or (2) one House adopts such a resolution within 60 days and the other House does not disapprove such resolution within 30 days. Deems as confidential and prohibits the disclosure of information obtained by the Commission which is not in the public domain or which the Commission in good faith has obligated itself not to disclose. Repeals the provision authorizing interested persons to petition the Commission for issuance, amendment, or revocation of a consumer product safety rule. Requires the Commission to obtain a search warrant before entering a facility for inspection purposes. Establishes a Chronic Hazards Advisory Panel to advise the Commission respecting the chronic hazards of cancer, birth defects, and gene mutations presented by consumer products. Prohibits the Commission from issuing any notice of proposed rulemaking relating to risk of cancer, birth defects, or gene mutations unless the Panel has reported that a product contains a carcinogen, mutagen, or teratogen. Directs the Commission to: (1) amend its consumer product safety standard for walk-behind lawn mowers to provide that manually started rotary mowers which have specified characteristics shall be considered in compliance; and (2) report on the effect of such amendment within 24 months after the standard becomes effective. Prohibits the Commission from amending the standard as changed before such date. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to exclude as "consumer products" for the purposes of such Act amusement park rides which are permanently fixed to a site. Provides that voluntary standards adopted by the Commission shall preempt any State or local regulation as to the performance, design, or labeling of the product. Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to review the current provision requiring that a hazardous substance sold by a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer be repurchased. Authorizes the Commission to order a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer to give public or private notice of the hazardous substance, or to repair, replace, or refund the price of such substance. Requires an adjudicative hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act for the issuance of any order to repair, replace, or refund a hazardous substance. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Consumer Products Safety Commission in the reduced amounts of $33,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1983, and $37,000,000 for fiscal year 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an estate tax deduction for any interest in property which passes from a decedent with no surviving spouse to a disabled child of the decedent who is left parentless. Limits the amount of such deduction to $250,000.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Requires Federal Reserve notes of certain denominations to be trimmed in a specified manner which will enable an individual who is blind to determine the denomination of each such note.
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 · 18 May 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require a blind person to have at least six quarters of coverage in order to be eligible for disability benefits. Specifies the method of computing the average indexed monthly earnings of a blind individual for purposes of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that the benefits of a blind person shall not be reduced because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Requires recomputation of the disability insurance benefit of a blind individual who applies for a recomputation if such recomputation would result in a higher primary insurance amount.
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 · 13 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Syria should cease and desist off-limits placement of surface-to-air missiles and firing at Israeli patrol jets.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Conrail Private Sector Ownership Act of 1981 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress with regard to freight and commuter rail service in the Midwest and Northeast United States. Title II: Conrail - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to direct that any investment by the United States Railway Association in the securities of the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) after October 1, 1981, shall be by purchase of preferred stock. Requires that the Association determine the timing and amount of such purchases. Directs that any request by Conrail for the purchase of such stock shall be filed with the Association within a specified time period. Lists conditions that must be met by Conrail before the Association may purchase such stock. Permits the Association to modify such conditions and to cease purchasing such stock. Sets forth procedures by which Conrail may appeal the decision of the Association to cease stock purchases. Provides for benefits to be paid by employees of Conrail subsidiaries. Directs Conrail to issue annually stock to such employees and personnel in amounts equal to the amount of such benefits provided. Requires State and local governments in States that have more than 100 route miles of the Conrail system to provide specified benefits to Conrail. Directs the Association to allocate such benefits among the States and to notify Governors of the required contribution of such States. Authorizes appropriations for the Association to carry out the purposes of this Act. Revises: (1) the membership of the Association's Board of Directors; and (2) the functions of the Association. Requires that uncommitted funds of the Association be kept on hand, on deposit, or lawfully invested. Exempts the Association from all taxation, except real property taxation. Directs the Association to report to Congress concerning stock purchases and the recapitalization of Conrail. Directs the Association to recapitalize Conrail under certain circumstances. Abolishes the Association and transfers its assets and liabilities to the Office of Management and Budget after Conrail is recapitalized. Directs Conrail to make necessary information available to the Association so that it may carry out its functions under this Act. Transfers the responsibility for representing the United States in any civil action brought by the estate of a railroad in reorganization against the United States to the Attorney General who may, in turn, establish an independent office within the Department of Justice with responsibility for defending against such actions. Reorganizes the structure of Conrail, including the Board of Directors. Prohibits Conrail from requiring permission from the Secretary of Transportation to substitute manual block signal systems for automatic systems on certain main lines. Directs the Secretary and the representatives of the various classes of Conrail employees to enter into agreements providing protection for such employees. Declares that any eligible Conrail employee who is transferred to the Conrail Commuter Corporation or the Amtrak Commuter Services Corporation shall remain eligible for such benefits. Sets forth procedures for employee terminations and the payment of termination allowances. Describes hiring procedures to be followed by rail carriers regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Directs the Railroad Retirement Board to maintain a register of persons separated from railroad employment who are available for employment in the railroad industry. Directs Conrail to provide the Board names of former employees who elect to appear on such register. Terminates such register and employee placement assistance three years after the effective date of this Act. Provides for the election and treatment of benefits by protected employees. Grants Conrail the right to assign, reassign, and consolidate work, formerly performed on the rail properties acquired from a railroad in reorganization, to any location or position on its system if it does not remove such work from a collective bargaining agreement. Limits such authority to the period during which benefits are provided under this Act. Requires that a new collective-bargaining agreement be negotiated between Conrail and representatives of the employees of a railroad in reorganization. Authorizes Conrail and other employers with protected employees to transfer such employees, in inverse seniority order, to a vacancy on any part of the rail system. Sets forth conditions and limitations on such transfers. Directs Conrail, Amtrak, or an acquiring carrier to process and pay employee and personal injury claims. Provides for direct reimbursement by the Association for such claims. Limits Federal and Conrail liability under such collective bargaining agreements. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for such activities. Prohibits a State from enforcing any law, rule, or standard that requires a specified number of employees to perform a particular task or to pay protective benefits to employees. Repeals Title V (Employee Protection) of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Authorizes Conrail to file for: (1) a certificate of abandonment; or (2) a notice of insufficient revenues for any line that is a part of the Conrail system. Makes any employee adversely affected by such an abandonment eligible for employee protection under this Act. Declares that any cost reductions resulting from the provisions of this Act shall not be used to limit: (1) the maximum level of any rate charged by Conrail for rail services; (2) the amount of any increase in any such rate (including joint rates); or (3) an otherwise lawful surcharge or cancellation. Title III: Commuter Rail Passenger Service - Creates a timetable in regard to the transfer of commuter service from Conrail to the Conrail Commuter Corporation and the Amtrak Commuter Services Corporation. Establishes the Conrail Commuter Corporation under the laws of a State as a Conrail subsidiary. Specifies the applicability of certain laws to the Corporation. Exempts the Corporation from payment of all taxes imposed by a State or other taxing authority. Sets forth the corporate and financial structure of the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to issue common stock to Conrail. Sets forth procedures for the transfer of Conrail employees to the Corporation. Provides such employees with protection and benefits equal to those provided by Conrail. Requires that collective-bargaining agreements be in effect among the Corporation, Conrail, and such transferred employees within 240 days after the effective date of this Act. Specifies benefits to be included in such agreements. Directs the Corporation, 210 days after the effective date of this Act, to assume responsibility for the management and operation of all commuter services being operated by Conrail. Grants full trackage rights to the Corporation so that such commuter services may be operated. Transfers the necessary rail properties from Conrail to the Corporation. Relieves Conrail of obligations to operate commuter services except those under agreement with Amtrak. Requires that commuter agencies providing rail service continuation payments to the Corporation notify Amtrak Commuter whether such agency intends: (1) to offer similar payments to Amtrak Commuter; and (2) for Amtrak Commuter to assume its commuter service operations. Describes procedures for the transfer of Corporation employees to Amtrak Commuter. Provides such employees with protection and benefits equal to those provided by the Corporation. Requires that collective bargaining agreements be in effect among the Corporation, Amtrak Commuter, and such transferred employees within 540 days after the effective date of this Act. Specifies benefits to be included in such agreements. Dissolves the Corporation 540 days after the effective date of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for commencing and terminating Corporation operations under this Act. Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to establish, as a goal of Amtrak, the operation of commuter service, through the Amtrak Commuter Services Corporation, on an equal priority with intercity service. Declares that Amtrak Commuter shall not be an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government but a contract operator of commuter service. States the applicability of specified laws to Amtrak Commuter. Exempts Amtrak Commuter from payment of certain taxes. Sets forth the corporate and financial structure of Amtrak Commuter. Authorizes Amtrak Commuter to issue common stock to Amtrak. Authorizes Amtrak Commuter to: (1) own, operate, or contract for the operation of commuter service; (2) conduct research and development; and (3) acquire by purchase, gift, or by contracting for the use of physical facilities and equipment necessary to commuter service operations. Authorizes Amtrak Commuter to operate commuter service under agreements with commuter agencies. Directs Amtrak Commuter to operate commuter service which Conrail was obligated to provide on the effective date of this Act. Allows Amtrak Commuter to discontinue commuter service to such agencies under certain conditions. Directs Amtrak and the Corporation to transfer to Amtrak Commuter such rail properties as may be necessary for the operation of commuter service. Requires the Board of Directors of Amtrak Commuter to develop and recommend to Amtrak equitable policies for access to and maintenance of the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes appropriations to establish a working capital revolving fund to be used by Amtrak Commuter. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission, within 120 days of the date of enactment of this Act, to determine costing methodology for compensation to Amtrak for the right-of-way related costs for the operation of commuter rail passenger service over the Northeast corridor and other properties owned by Amtrak. Prohibits judicial review of such determination by the Commission. Title IV: Amtrak - Prescribes goals for Amtrak, including: (1) improvement by at least 30 percent over two years of the number of passenger miles generated systemwide per dollar of Federal investment; (2) elimination of the food and beverage service deficit; and (3) operation of Amtrak trains at higher speeds and on reliable schedules. Reduces the membership of the Amtrak board of directors to 11. Revises the selection and structure of the Board. Exempts Amtrak from the costs levied by any Federal agency for customs inspection or immigration procedures. Directs Amtrak to implement policies that will eliminate the deficit in its onboard food and beverage operations by October 1, 1982. Exempts Amtrak from specified State and local taxes. Eliminates certain reports to Congress and the President concerning rail operations. Revises procedures for route additions, discontinuances, and rail fare increases. Directs Amtrak to review annually each route in the basic system (formerly long distance routes only) to determine if such route meets specified criteria. Discontinues those lines that fail to meet such criteria. Requires that Amtrak reduce the long-term avoidable loss of operating service on long-distance routes by specified amounts. Describes actions to be taken to achieve such reduction. Directs Amtrak to submit amendments to the route and service criteria to Congress. States that such amendments shall take effect in 120 days unless either House of Congress adopts a resolution disapproving such amendments. Repeals provisions concerning long distance quadrant routes, including the Inter-American train to the Mexican border. Declares that any change in the basic system made by Amtrak shall be subject to review under this Act but shall not be reviewable in any court. Directs Amtrak to continue high-frequency intercity rail passenger service under agreements with States or transportation agencies if such service meets certain criteria. Extends the availability of free or reduced rate rail transportation for specified employees. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the purposes of such Act. Limits Amtrak's expenditures for food and beverage operations to a specified amount. Eliminates the loan guaranty fee formerly collected by the Secretary on purchase and rehabilitation loans. Declares that any deferral by Amtrak of interest payments to the Federal Financing Bank during fiscal years 1982 and 1983 shall not constitute default. Directs Amtrak to develop service on specified rail passenger corridors. Requires that a State or private party benefitting from such corridor service contribute annually at least ten percent of the operating cost of such service. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress, by April 1, 1982, a plan for the disposition of the assets of Conrail. Describes the contents of such plan and allows an extension to such deadline. Requires any such plan to be approved within 90 days of submission by a concurrent resolution in both Houses of Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to submit to Congress, after April 1, 1982, a plan for the sale of Conrail's assets, including a description of benefits from such sale to the Northeast region. Requires Conrail to notify the Secretary and Congress, before April 1, 1983, if it is unable to continue operations within the requirements of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Authorizes the Secretary to sell Conrail's assets and vote its stock after such notification. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to repeal provisions concerning financial assistance to States for rail freight assistance programs. Reduces the Federal share of other rail service assistance programs. Revises State rail service assistance entitlements and eligibility therefor. Directs each State to retain a contingent interest for the Federal share of funds in any line receiving rail freight assistance under this Act if an application for abandonment is filed or such line is sold or disposed of in any way after it has received Federal assistance. Directs the Secretary, within 45 days of the effective date of this Act, to petition the special court for an order to transfer all Conrail properties in Connecticut and Rhode Island to another railroad in the region. Makes any employee deprived of employment as a result of such transfer eligible for specified benefits. Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to enable Conrail to obtain a loan in an amount required for the cost of employee insurance coverage and benefits. Describes procedures for obtaining such loan and for administering such medical and life insurance. Amends the Railway Labor Act to establish procedures for handling disputes between a publicly funded and operated carrier providing rail commuter service and its employees. Sets forth the process by which appeals of this Act may be made.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp to honor Roberto Clemente. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination used for first-class mail up to one ounce in weight and shall be placed on sale during the month of August.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to permit the National Committee of American Airmen Rescued by General Mihailovich to construct and maintain a monument to General Draza Mihailovich in recognition of the role he played in saving the lives of approximately 500 United States airmen in Yugoslavia during World War II. Provides that such monument shall be located on Federal public land within the District of Columbia. Directs that private funds shall be the sole source for the construction and maintenance of such monument.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for grants to State programs and for other provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to enter into cooperative agreements with States, local or regional government agencies, or private, nonprofit entities for the establishment of regional training centers for training State and local personnel who: (1) respond to hazardous materials transportation accidents; and (2) enforce State and local hazardous materials transportation requirements. Sets forth information to be supplied by a State, government agency, or private nonprofit entity on its application to enter into such an agreement. Grants the Secretary discretionary power to approve or deny such applications. Specifies criteria to be considered by the Secretary in making such decision. Requires that such approval or denial be granted within 60 days of the date of the application. Limits the duration of such agreements to three years. Directs that the cost of constructing any facilities for use as a training center shall be borne by the party to the agreement with the Secretary. Permits training of private industry personnel on a reimbursable basis. Allows the Secretary to enter into a contract with a private entity for use of a supplemental reporting system and data center operated and maintained by such entity. Authorizes appropriations, with specified limitations, for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Independent Safety Board Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the purposes of such Act for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983. States that such sums shall remain available until expended. States that certain investigations conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board shall have priority over all other investigations conducted by Federal agencies. Includes aviation incidents under requirements binding on persons reporting such incidents subject to the Board's investigatory jurisdiction. States that any properly credentialed employee of the Board, in investigating a transportation accident, may examine and test any materials determined to be required for the purpose of the investigation. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to report annually to Congress with regard to transportation safety recommendations made by the Board during the preceding year.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise provisions relating to payments to and contractual arrangements with health maintenance organizations (HMO) on behalf of individuals eligible for Medicare. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine annually a per capita rate of payment for each class of individuals: (1) enrolled with an HMO pursuant to this Act and who are entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII and enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII; and (2) enrolled with an HMO and enrolled under part B only. Provides a rate for each class equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost for that class. Defines the term "adjusted average per capita cost" to mean the average per capita amount that the Secretary estimates would be payable for services furnished under the Medicare program, if the services were to be furnished by other than an HMO. Directs the Secretary in establishing classes of individuals to take in consideration such factors as age, sex, institutional status, disability status and place of residence. Redefines an HMO. Requires an HMO to meet certain requirements, including limits on premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Provides that individuals enrolled in the Medicare program shall be eligible under this Act with any HMO with which the Secretary has contracted. Prohibits premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments of an HMO for services in addition to those available to Medicare enrollees from exceeding, for such individuals, the adjusted community rate for such services. Defines the adjusted community rate. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse an HMO on the basis of reasonable cost if the Secretary is satisfied that the HMO is able to perform its contractual obligations effectively and efficiently and if: (1) the Secretary is not satisfied that an HMO has the capacity to bear the risk of potential losses under a risk-sharing contract under this Act; or (2) the HMO so elects. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to prohibit a capital expenditure made by or on behalf of a health care facility from being subject to review pursuant to the limitation on Federal participation for capital expenditures of part A if the obligation of the capital expenditure by the facility would not be reviewed under the Public Health Service Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to Congress concerning additional benefits selected by HMO's. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act to revise the definition of an HMO. Requires an HMO meet the requirements of an HMO as defined in title XVIII, and to meet certain additional requirements. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to Congress concerning the extent of, and reasons for, the termination by Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries of their membership in HMO's.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Older Worker Employment Incentives Act of 1981 - Title I: Pension Accruals for Older Workers - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the prohibition against participation in a pension plan by employees who begin employment five years or less before the normal retirement age. Prohibits suspension or reduction, solely because of age, of an employee's benefit accrual, in the case of a defined benefit plan, or of employer contributions to the employee's account, in the case of a defined contribution plan. Provides that the amendments made by this title shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after December 31, 1982. Title II: Amendments to the Social Security Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Disability and Survivors Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) a graduated increase in delayed retirement credit; and (2) a liberalization of the earnings test, for taxable years ending after the date of enactment of this Act. Title III: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the amount of credit for new employees to provide for an income tax credit for the employment of lower-income older workers. Makes such credit applicable to amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 1980, in taxable years ending after such date. Title IV: Age Discrimination in Employment - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to eliminate provisions permitting age discrimination in employment where age is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business. Removes the existing 70-year upper age limit to which the discrimination prohibitions apply, thus extending coverage to all individuals who are at least 40 years of age. Eliminates provisions permitting mandatory retirement at age 65 for bona fide executives or high policymakers entitled to specified benefits. Amends specified laws relating to Government organization and employees to eliminate provisions which permitted maximum-age entrance requirements for Federal employees. Eliminates provisions relating to automatic separations or mandatory separations based on a prescribed retirement age for Federal employees or employees of the government of the District of Columbia. Sets forth conforming amendments to the District of Columbia Public Education Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate a mandatory retirement at age 70 requirement for tax court judges and to permit such judges who have attained age 70 to retire at any time after serving for ten years or more. Amends specified law relating to the Federal Judicial Center to eliminate a mandatory retirement at age 70 requirement for the Director of the Center and to permit retirement at age 70 upon the request of the Director. Amends a specified law relating to the appointment and tenure of U.S. magistrates to eliminate a mandatory retirement at age 70 requirement for such magistrates. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to repeal mandatory retirement provisions for participants in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Provides that specified annuities under such System commence at age 60, or at separation for participants who separate after reaching age 60. Amends a specified law relating to Lighthouse Service officers and employees to eliminate compulsory retirement at age 70 for such officers and employees. Amends the Coast and Geodetic Survey Commissioned Officers' Act of 1948 to eliminate provisions relating to: (1) transfer of officers to the retired list; (2) separation from service; (3) effective date of retirements and separations; (4) lump-sum payment upon separation from service; and (5) retirement of officers for age. Eliminates the duty of a personnel board to make selections and recommendations for retirement of officers. Amends the Public Health Service Act to eliminate mandatory retirement at age 64 for commissioned officers of the Service and to permit such officers to be retired at such age upon their own request. Removes the authority of the Secretary to retire such officers after completion of specified periods of active service (retains the officers' right to be retired after such periods upon their own application). Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to eliminate mandatory retirement at age 70 for the Comptroller General and the Deputy Comptroller General and to permit such officials to retire at such age upon their own request. Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to eliminate the requirement that the Chief Judge of the District Court of the Virgin Islands be under 70 years of age. Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement Act of 1964 for Certain Employees to repeal provisions for mandatory retirement of participants in the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System. Declares that the provisions of, and amendments made by, this title shall apply only to individuals employed on the effective date of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1984 for health maintenance organization (HMO) planning and initial development. Limits eligibility to HMOs receiving specified funds during fiscal year 1981. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1984 for: (1) technical assistance and training (including the National Health Maintenance Organization Intern Program); and (2) the loan fund. Extends loan guarantees for planning and initial development through fiscal year 1984. Revises HMO requirements to: (1) eliminate the prohibition on direct service contracts with private physicians; (2) permit nonmetropolitan HMOs to provide certain basic health services outside their service areas if such services are not otherwise available; (3) eliminate open enrollment periods and certain policymaking body membership and advisory body requirements. Eliminates certain mental health, alcohol, and drug abuse services from the definition of "basic health services". Requires an HMO to provide such services in its plan if so requested by the employer. Revises the definition of "supplemental health services". Permits pay rates to be alternatively determined on a per-class basis under the "community rating system" definition. Makes private HMOs that are not nonprofit eligible for initial operation cost loans and loan guarantees. Increases the aggregate and 12-month amounts of such loans and guarantees and extends their availability through fiscal year 1986. Repeals the provision prohibiting cumulative loan guarantees to a private HMO to exceed fund obligations in any fiscal year. Revises current loan authority for ambulatory care facility construction and acquisition. Requires an HMO to have: (1) revenues which exceed its costs; and (2) independent loan sources if necessary. Permits interest rates to be adjusted for HMO loans. Requires an employer subject to this Act who includes certain commercial insurance or nonprofit carrier-owned HMOs in his employee health benefits plan to include an additional HMO (if one exists) which has at least 25 employees (of such employer) residing in its service area. Eliminates loan and grant priorities for nonmetropolitan areas and medically underserved populations. Modifies certain financial disclosure requirements. Repeals the provision requiring certain evaluation reports from the Comptroller General. Eliminates State certificate of need requirements for all HMOs providing institutional health services (currently required of HMOs with less than 50,000 members).
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Title I: Short Title, Findings, and Purposes - National Minerals Security Act of 1981 - Sets forth findings and purposes. Title II: Mineral and Material Planning and Availability - Establishes the Council on Materials and Minerals to develop and implement a national minerals and materials policy. Title III: Domestic Mineral Resource Potential - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) review land use plans developed under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976; (2) consider the suitability of such public lands for mineral location and leasing; and (3) revise such plans accordingly. Requires any land use plan prepared under such Act and any review and any review conducted under this Act to: (1) contain an estimate of potential mineral resources; and (2) consider the development and extraction of any significant mineral deposit as a dominant use. Directs the Secretary to determine the number of acres of Federal lands withdrawn, classified, restricted, or closed to mineral location or leasing and the number of acres of land made available for mineral location and leasing under this title and to report the results to Congress. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice in the Federal Register at least once every two years requesting the nomination of lands withdrawn, classified, restricted, or closed to be reviewed. Requires the Secretary to review lands nominated by any person to determine the suitability of such lands for mineral location or leasing. Extends the December 31, 1983, mining expiration date in the Wilderness Act to December 31, 1993. Title IV: Mineral and Material Data Acquisition and Analysis - Directs the Secretary to transfer the State Mining and Mineral Resources and Research Institutes to the administrative jurisdiction of the Bureau of Mines. Makes the Bureau the principal Federal agency for mineral data collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination. Requires the Bureau and the U.S. Geological Survey to undertake stated activities directed towards ensuring an adequate supply of minerals and materials. Title V: Capital Formation and Taxation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) define air or water pollution control facilities for purposes of the exclusion of interest on industrial development bonds; and (2) permit a deduction for the amortization of the amortizable basis of a pollution control facility, based on any amortization period of from one to 60 months. Title VI: Regulatory Reform - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require that notice of a proposed rule published in the Federal Register include: (1) a statement of the need for and objectives of the proposed rule; and (2) a description of all reasonable alternative public or private means for achieving the objectives of the proposed rule, together with an explanation of how the proposed rule achieves the objectives at lower cost or with fewer adverse effects than the alternatives. Requires an agency, after giving notice and giving interested persons the opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process, to conduct additional proceedings if the comments received from those interested reveal that there are disputed factual issues. Requires such proceedings to include informal public hearings, meetings or conferences, mediation, presentation of witnesses for direct and cross-examination, and additional opportunity for preparation of written rebuttals to any materials required in the notice of proposed rulemaking. Title VII: National Defense Stockpile - Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to require that all moneys received from the sale of materials in the National Defense Stockpile be transferred to the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund and be available only to acquire strategic and critical materials. Title VIII: Antitrust Restrictions - Directs the Attorney General to review antitrust laws, rules, and regulations to determine the extent to which they are consistent with the policy of this Act. Title IX: Foreign Policy - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) conduct an analysis of the foreign mineral and materials information requirements and resources of all executive branch departments and agencies; (2) direct the centralization of responsibility for the maintenance of a coordinated repository of foreign mineral, material, and related information in the Bureau of Mines; and (3) ensure that the Bureau maintains its foreign mineral, material, related information repository to be responsive to the information needs of all Federal agencies. Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 to require the Secretary of State to report annually to the Secretary of the Interior concerning foreign policy as it relates to the availability of minerals for domestic use.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) should initiate implementing procedures to carry out the Helsinki Final Act of the CSCE by holding review meetings regularly on the implementation of such Act. States that the appropriate Congressional committees should: (1) hold hearings to assess the results of the Madrid review meetings of the CSCE; (2) based on such assessment, determine what additional measures the United States should undertake to assure Soviet compliance with the Final Act and whether it is in the U.S. interest for another review meeting to be held; and (3) report such assessment to Congress, the President, and the Secretary of State. Expresses the sense of the Congress that members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other Western ally signatories to the Final Act should conduct similar reviews to assess the most effective procedures for assuring compliance with the Final Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that because of the importance to human rights objectives of implementation of the Final Act the Congress should consult with the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe in monitoring such implementation. Recommends bipartisan Congressional support for assuring compliance with such Act to maximize pressure on the Soviet Union to comply with such Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/7e670fd18b46ab357b2266777634a548_200.jpg)