United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Coastal Barrier Resources Act - Declares the findings and intentions of Congress in regard to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the coastal barriers along the Atlantic and gulf coasts of the United States. Establishes the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System) which shall consist of specified undeveloped coastal barriers on the Atlantic and gulf coasts. Requires that certain coastal barrier maps shall be available for public inspection through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide copies of such maps to the chief executive officer of: (1) each State and political subdivision in which a System unit is located; and (2) each affected Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to make necessary modifications to such maps and to notify specified Congressional committees of same. Limits, to specified projects, Federal expenditures on or financial assistance for purposes within the System. Lists those projects eligible for financial assistance. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify annually to Congress that the Federal agencies concerned have complied with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the contents of reports to be filed by the Secretary with specified Congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Compassionate Drug Availability Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define: (1) "orphan drug" as a drug which is or may be unique or provide an advance in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a human disease or condition of low incidence and has little or no projected commercial value; and (2) "individual compassionate drug treatment" as those treatments primarily intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or prevention for users rather than to assess the risks and effectiveness of the drug product. Exempts orphan drugs and compassionate drug treatments from application and certification requirements under such Act, except that practitioners administering such care shall maintain case records of medical treatment and conform to applicable rules and regulations pertaining to investigational use. Allows orphan drugs to be exported if the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that such drugs are not contrary to public health and safety and are approved by the countries intended for export.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of five airborne warning and control aircraft (AWACS) and conformal fuel tanks and air-to-air missiles for F-15 aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Federal Communications Commission Authorization Act of 1981 - Authorizes appropriations for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for fiscal year 1982. Directs the FCC to impose fees to cover administrative costs of processing license applications, tariffs, construction permits, and other regulatory services. Limits the total amount of fees collected to not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated to the FCC in any fiscal year. Permits the FCC to waive fees for governmental or public telecommunications entities. Directs the FCC to develop fee schedules within 90 days of enactment. Authorizes the FCC to assess a penalty for late payment of such fees. Requires funds received from such fees to be deposited in the Treasury as reimbursement for appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to State educational agencies to fund model programs, designed and operated by local educational agencies, for the improvement and expansion of foreign language study for children aged five through 17 who reside within their school districts. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of such grants based on State population. Sets forth provisions relating to the availability of such funds. Sets forth grant application requirements for State educational agencies. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to cover part of the costs of foreign language instruction for their students. Sets forth formulas to determine whether an institution is eligible for such grants, based on the percentage of its student body enrolled in qualified postsecondary language courses. Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards, including reporting requirements, for programs assisted by such grants. Sets forth formulas for determining the amounts of such grants, based on numbers of students enrolled in such courses. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each institution of higher education which requires at least two years of postsecondary credits in foreign language (or a competency equivalent) for each graduating student. Sets forth formulas for determining the amounts of such grants, based on the number of students enrolled in the institution. Prohibits any grant or contract under this Act except to such extent, or in such amounts, as may be provided in appropriation Acts. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1985 to carry out grant programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Public Broadcasting Amendments Act of 1981 - Authorizes appropriations for the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Permits facilities for which construction grants are being sought to be used for purposes other than the provision of public telecommunications services if such purposes do not interfere with the provision of such services. Limits to 50 percent of cost the amount of funds the Secretary of Commerce may provide for planning such facilities. Authorizes the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to facilitate the development of telecommunications in which programs intended to serve diverse audiences are made available. Limits to 50 percent the amount the Corporation is authorized to provide for the operation of interconnection systems for fiscal year 1984 and subsequent fiscal years. Requires the Corporation to submit its annual report to Congress in May rather than February. Authorizes appropriations to the Public Broadcasting Fund for fiscal years 1984 through 1986. Directs the Corporation to reserve for distribution among the licensees and permittees of public television and radio stations not less than 50 percent of the monies disbursed from the Fund. Permits any person to complain in writing that any licensee or permittee of any public broadcasting station did not hold open meetings with sufficient notice or that any such station did not establish a community advisory board. Prohibits the distribution of funds to offending entities. Permits each noncommercial educational broadcasting station to engage in editorializing. Limits the Federal Communications Commission to the same control over program content or policies with regard to such stations as it holds over any other broadcasting licensee or permittee. Authorizes each public broadcast station to broadcast announcements using any business or institutional logogram at the beginning or end of regular programming. Authorizes any such station to engage in the offering of services, facilities, or products in exchange for remuneration. Prohibits the use of funds distributed by the Corporation for such purpose. Excludes the proceeds from such endeavors from the computation of non-Federal financial support for Corporation distribution purposes. Directs the Corporation to study and submit to Congress within six months the options available to public telecommunications entities, the Public Broadcasting Service, and National Public Radio for the development of alternative sources of revenue.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1981 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44 of Title 18, United States Code - Amends the Federal criminal code to direct the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, assembly, importation, sale, or transfer any handgun model which is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, importer, dealer, or collector to manufacture, assemble, sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun (other than a curio or relic) which is not an approved model. Makes it unlawful for any non- licensee to sell or transfer any handgun (other than curio or relic) unless such person knows or has reasonable cause to believe such handgun is an approved model. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for permits to carry and purchase handguns and certify those meeting specified standards. Allows an individual possessing a permit under a certified State law to purchase a handgun if certain requirements are met. Makes it unlawful for a licensed dealer to transfer a handgun to a person not holding a permit under a certified State law unless certain procedures are followed. Requires in any such case that the transferee appear in person at the dealer's business premises. Requires the dealer, before delivery of the handgun, to forward a copy of a sworn statement by the transferee to the chief local law enforcement officer of the transferee's place of residence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an identity and record check. Prohibits delivery until 21 days after submission of the sworn statement. Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to sell to the same person, or for any non-licensee to purchase, three or more handguns during a period of one year, without the prior approval of the Attorney General. Makes it unlawful for any person to fail to report the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his possession to the authorities within 24 hours after discovering such loss. Requires all licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to maintain accurate records of all handgun transfers. Makes whoever negligently transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury of an individual as a result of the use of such handgun by the transferee during commission of an offense. Makes it unlawful for any person to transport any firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce if such transportation violates a State law in a place through which the firearm was shipped or an ordinance at the place of sale, delivery, or other disposition. Increases the license fee for handgun dealers from $10 to $500 and for manufacturers and importers from $50 to $5,000. Makes it unlawful for any illegal alien, dishonorably discharged member of the Armed Forces, or U.S. citizen who has renounced such citizenship to possess, transport, or receive any firearm or ammunition. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970 to revise and increase the mandatory penalties for using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "illegally." Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense to two to ten years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and five to 25 years for a second offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences, unless the court finds the existence of enumerated mitigating circumstances. Adds a term of parole ineligibility as an additional restriction on first offenders (two years) and subsequent offenders (five years). Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to the Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Establishes the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration within the Department of Justice. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, in consultation with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities, to report on the intergovernmental problems involved in controlling illicit handgun traffic and the effectiveness of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for the conduct of an epidemiological study of the long-term health effects in humans from exposure to dioxins produced during manufacture of phenoxy herbicides, including Agent Orange. Requires such study to give particular attention to Vietnam veterans. Directs the Secretary to request the National Academy of Sciences to design and analyze the data from such a study or, if the Academy refuses, another appropriate public or nonprofit entity. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such study. Stipulates that such study shall be conducted in lieu of the study authorized by Public Law 96-151.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with various declarations and international agreements by providing proper medical care to Yuriy Shukhevych, by releasing him from prison, and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; (2) the President should express continuing U.S. opposition to the imprisonment and maltreatment of Yuriy Shukhevych; and (3) the President should reiterate that the United States, in evaluating its relations with other nations, will consider the extent to which other nations honor their international commitments, especially their human rights commitments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1982 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Environmental Protection Agency for specified environmental research, development, and demonstration activities relating to air quality, water quality, water supply, solid and hazardous wastes, pesticides, radiation, interdisciplinary activities, toxic substances, and energy. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development for program management and support. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to utilize funds authorized under this Act for appropriate scientific and professional review of research and development grant, contract, and cooperative agreement applications. Permits transfers of funds of up to ten percent between categories of activities authorized under this Act, as well as transfers of more than ten percent if the Congress is notified and the appropriate committees do not object. Requires that at least 15 percent of funds appropriated for each activity be obligated and expended for long-term environmental research and development programs. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of the use of peer review in research planning by means of a pilot project utilizing peer review projects; and (2) report the results of such study, with recommendations, to the Congress and the Science Advisory Board within one year of the enactment of this Act. Directs the principal research official of the Agency to commission annually several critical reviews of scientific, technical or engineering literature in various fields, using general criteria established and published by the Science Advisory Board. Directs the Administrator, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to develop and promulgate straightforward procedures to assure that Agency research programs are of verifiable accuracy. Requires that reports of such research work state whether or not the work was performed and reported in accordance with such procedures. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study on: (1) coordination of Federal environmental research, development, and demonstration; (2) application of such to environmental problems; and (3) improvement of related information dissemination and data system integration. Directs the Science Advisory Board to develop and manage such study in consultation with Agency program offices and an interagency advisory committee and with oversight and review by the National Academy of Sciences. Requires that such study conclude with a report, with recommendations, to be submitted to the President and the Congress 18 months after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Quiet Communities Act - Amends the Noise Control Act of 1972 to retitle such Act the "Quiet Communities Act." Repeals specified provisions of such Act relating to: (1) noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce; (2) labeling; (3) imports; (4) prohibited acts; (5) enforcement; (6) records, reports, and information; (7) railroad noise emission standards; and (8) motor carrier noise emission standards. Replaces a finding that Federal action is necessary to control major noise sources in commerce with a finding that Federal action must promote and assist effective State and local programs. Eliminates an authorization to establish Federal noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and publish data and information (currently criteria) with respect to noise. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such Act for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Elephant Protection Act of 1981 - Prohibits importing or exporting African elephants or elephant products. Prohibits the acquisition, transportation, or sale in interstate commerce of such products imported in violation of this Act. Permits individuals to: (1) import and export a total of 10,000 pounds of unworked ivory for six months after enactment of this Act; and (2) import worked ivory for 90 days after enactment if there is no intention to sell such ivory in the United States. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants and elephant products if the Secretary finds that: (1) such nation has developed and implemented an elephant conservation program according to specified criteria; (2) the products can be traced as coming from a particular nation; (3) the products are acquired and transported in compliance with laws of the originating nation; (4) the importation or exportation will not be detrimental to the survival of the species; and (5) the permit is applied for in good faith. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants or elephant products to enhance propagation or survival of the species and is consistent with the policy of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress concerning granting of such permits. Sets forth civil or criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for the remittance or mitigation by the Secretary of any civil penalty assessed under this Act. Provides for the forfeiture of elephants, elephant products, or vehicles aiding in the importation, exportation, acquisition, or transportation of such products contrary to the provisions of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Authorizes the payment of rewards to persons furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Requires all imports and exports of elephant products to go through either the Port of New York or the Port of Seattle, Washington. Exempts from this Act: (1) elephants imported or exported for zoological, educational, scientific, or exhibitional purposes; (2) elephant products included in a keyboard for a musical instrument; (3) elephant products taken and imported or exported by a sports hunter; and (4) elephant products taken and transported in compliance with the laws of the originating nation. Supersedes the Endangered Species Act and State laws regarding elephants and elephant products. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a program to assist nations to: (1) protect elephant habitats; (2) conserve living elephants; and (3) develop and implement elephant conservation management programs. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of the Interior and State for fiscal years 1983, 1984, and 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the: (1) U.S. representative to the World Health Assembly should vote for the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes; (2) American infant formula industry should abide by such code; (3) President should encourage other governments to call upon their infant formula industries to comply with this code; and (4) President should cooperate with governments of developing countries to develop health standards and programs to implement this code.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the medical expenses of handicapped individuals and individuals who have attained age 65 shall be deductible without regard to the requirement that medical care expenses exceed three percent of the adjusted gross income and that the cost of medicine and drugs exceed one percent of the adjusted gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1981
Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations to the Attorney General, from the proceeds of the forfeited property, to purchase evidence and other information in connection with investigations of violations under such Act. Directs the Attorney General to report to the Congress, not later than four months after the end of each fiscal year, on such purchases.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that bonds issued by a volunteer fire department to finance the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or improvement of firefighting property shall be treated as obligations of a local government and the interest on such bonds shall be excluded from gross income. Provides that a volunteer fire department qualifies for such tax treatment of its bonds if it: (1) is organized and operated to provide firefighting services in an area which does not have any other firefighting services; (2) is required by a local government to furnish firefighting services; (3) receives over half of its funding from local government; and (4) makes no charge for its services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Proclaims Raoul Wallenberg an honorary citizen of the United States. Requests the President to ascertain his whereabouts from the Soviet Union and to secure his freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Establishes a Special Joint Committee on the Centennial of the Birth of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Directs that such committee shall be composed of sixteen Members of the Congress. Directs that such committee shall prepare an overall program for nationwide observances and make comprehensive plans for commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, including a joint session of Congress to be held on January 29, 1982. Provides that the expenses of such committee shall not exceed a specified amount to be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives. Directs that upon termination of the committee one-half of its expenses shall be paid by transfer from the contingent fund of the Senate to the contingent fund of the House of Representatives. Provides that such committee shall terminate not later than April 30, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide, through demonstration projects payments to eligible individuals who do not require 24-hour nursing care and who desire to establish a medical, noninstitutional living arrangement: (1) post-hospital extended care services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; or (2) intermediate care facility services or skilled nursing facility services under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act. Requires payments received to be used to finance appropriate medical, noninstitutional living arrangements. Provides that such payments shall not be includable in gross income under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary to design the demonstration projects to determine: (1) the feasibility of transferring inpatients of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities to noninstitutional living arrangements; (2) the types and percentage of such inpatients who could live effectively in a noninstitutional living arrangement; and (3) the types and percentages of such inpatients who would benefit economically and qualitatively from a noninstitutional living arrangement. Directs that funds for such payments be made from the Federal Hospital Insurance Fund established under the Social Security Act and from funds appropriated for Medicaid.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) express to the Soviet Union the United States' deep concern about the Soviet Union's depriving the Vashchenko and Chmykhalov families of religious freedom and refusing them permission to emigrate; (2) ensure that such families may reside in the U.S. embassy in Moscow until the Soviet Union authorizes their emigration; and (3) ensure provision of assistance for such families during their residence in the embassy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Atmospheric, Climatic, and Ocean Pollution Act of l982- Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce for atmospheric, climatic, and ocean pollution programs for fiscal year l982. Permits the transfer of funds between categories. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to notify the Congress of the nature of, and reasons for, any transfers in excess of ten percent. Authorizes appropriations for use by the National Climate Program Office for fiscal year l982. Requires the Administrator to report to the appropriate committees of Congress on all aspects of the atmospheric, climatic, and ocean pollution activities for such Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize specified appropriations through fiscal year 1985 for: (1) family planning services, including training, research, and information and education; and (2) genetic disease (including sudden infant death syndrome) testing, counseling, and information and education programs. Authorizes specified appropriations through fiscal year 1985 for adolescent pregnancy programs. Eliminates specified reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1982 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Environmental Protection Agency (Agency) for specified environmental research, development, and demonstration activities relating to air and water quality, water supply, solid and hazardous wastes, pesticides, radiation, interdisciplinary activities, toxic substances, and energy. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Agency's Office of Research and Development for program management and support. Authorizes the Administrator of the Agency to utilize funds authorized under this Act for appropriate scientific and professional review of research and development grant, contract, and cooperative agreement applications. Permits transfers of funds of up to ten percent between categories of activities authorized under this Act, as well as transfers of more than ten percent if the Congress is notified and the appropriate committees do not object. Requires that at least 15 percent of funds appropriated for each activity be obligated and expended for long-term environmental research and development programs. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of the use of peer review in research planning by means of a pilot project utilizing peer review projects; and (2) report the results of such study, with recommendations, to the Congress and the Science Advisory Board within one year of the enactment of this Act. Directs the principal research official of the Agency to commission annually several critical reviews of scientific, technical or engineering literature in various fields, using general criteria established and published by the Science Advisory Board. Directs the Administrator, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to develop and promulgate straightforward procedures to assure that Agency research programs are of verifiable accuracy. Requires that reports of such research work state whether or not the work was performed and reported in accordance with such procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1981 - Title I: Improved Identification for Motor Vehicle Parts and Components - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle security standard applicable to parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles after the effective date of such standard or manufactured as new replacement parts after such date. Directs the Secretary to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before promulgating such standard, which includes the effect on domestic motor vehicle production and sales. Stipulates that the standard shall not: (1) impose additional costs upon manufacturers in excess of $10 per motor vehicle; or (2) require the identification of more than 14 parts for any motor vehicle, nine parts for any truck, and four parts for any motorcycle. Declares that a Federal motor vehicle standard supercedes any State or local standard. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies on the development of security devices and systems. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on such devices and systems within one year of enactment. Provides for repeal of this title on a specified date. Title II: Antifencing Measures - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for removing or altering any identification number for any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulation. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or part which has had such number removed, with specified exceptions. Applies to the seizure and forfeiture of motor vehicles and parts those provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels and merchandise under the customs laws. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title III: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any self-propelled vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or part knowing it to have been stolen, or any self-propelled vehicle or vehicle part knowing that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used self-propelled vehicle to present to the appropriate customs officers the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Title IV: Reporting Requirements - Directs the Attorney General to establish a task force to study problems relating to the theft of off-highway vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a task force to study problems relating to motor vehicle titling and controls over motor vehicle salvage which may affect the motor vehicle theft problem. Directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Treasury and Transportation and the Postmaster General, to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1981
Ride-Sharing Tax Incentives Act of 1981 - Title I: Individual Income Tax Credits for Purchase of Commuter Highway Vehicles - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers an income tax credit equal to 15 percent of the cost of acquiring a qualified commuter highway vehicle. Specifies that such vehicle must seat at least eight adults (excluding the driver) and must be usable for at least 176 days during certain periods of time for transporting individuals from their homes to work. Requires a minimum three-year use of such vehicle under penalty of recapture of credit amounts in the year of any cessation of such use or other disposition of the vehicle. Terminates the credit for vehicles acquired after 1985. Title II: Payments for Public Transportation Excluded from Gross Income - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee amounts paid or reimbursed by the employer for the cost of commuting to and from work on public transportation. Excludes from gross income any services provided or amounts contributed by an employer in connection with a ride-sharing program that assists employees in locating and starting car pools. Excludes from the gross income of the car pool driver any compensation received by the riders in the car pool. Title III: Amendments Relating to Investment Tax Credit for Commuter Highway Vehicles - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 20 percent investment tax credit for commuter highway vehicles. Revises the use requirements for such vehicles for purposes of qualifying for the investment tax credit. Title IV: Income Tax Credit for Employers Who Have Qualified Ride-Sharing Programs - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a nonrefundable income tax credit for administrative expenses incurred in connection with the operation of a ride-sharing commuter program for employees. Determines the amount of such credit by multiplying the average number of such employees during the taxable year by a specified amount keyed to the percentage of participating employees. Terminates such credit after 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that agricultural resources are of strategic importance to the United States' future. Calls for Federal cooperation with State and local governments and assistance to persons engaged in agriculture.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require that any social security account number assigned shall be issued on a card in a form designed to prevent unauthorized alteration or duplication. Requires, in the case of cards issued to aliens who are not in the United States under conditions which make it lawful for them to engage in employment, that such card be marked to indicate that such individual may not be legally employed. Authorizes the reissuance of such card without such mark at such time as it is determined that the alien may lawfully engage in employment in the United States. Prohibits any employer from hiring any individual unless the employer has examined the card and determined that the individual may be lawfully employed. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed so as to require any individual to carry on his or her person any such card. Establishes criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly employ alien holders of cards which indicate that they may not lawfully engage in employment in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission or any administrative law judge from issuing antitrust decisions, findings, or cease-and-desist orders in concentrated market structure or shared monopoly proceedings until Congress establishes and defines the elements of such a violation. Declares that this Act shall apply to any proceeding pending on March 10, 1981. Vacates any decision or order issued in such proceeding before the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Preempts State or local laws which the Administrator determines are inconsistent with this Act. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the rate of reuse and recycling of beverage containers. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress at specified intervals on the impact of this Act on: (1) conservation of energy and material resources; (2) resource recovery and the reduction of solid waste and litter; and (3) the economy. Directs the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Labor on assisting individuals whose employment may be adversely affected by this Act. Sets forth effective dates for various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers who maintain a household which includes a dependent who has attained age 65 an income tax credit for the expenses of maintaining such household. Requires that such household constitute the principal residence of the aged dependent for more than three quarters of the taxable year. Limits the amount of the credit to $1,000 for each aged dependent. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Congress on the administrative problems and revenue cost of the credit enacted by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for veterans exposed to herbicides during service who suffer from a disease which may be caused by exposure to such herbicides, developed to a ten percent degree of disability. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to determine what diseases and birth defects may be due to exposure to herbicides. Qualifies such birth defects disabling to a degree of ten percent as an aggravation of a preexisting injury suffered in the line of duty in the active military service during a period of war. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year of enactment incorporating such determinations and setting forth the conditions of service during the Vietnam era required to establish exposure.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1981
Research and Experimentation Equipment Donations Tax Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an unrestricted income tax deduction for qualified research or education contributions by a corporation to a governmental unit or tax-exempt organization if: (1) the property donated is constructed by the taxpayer; (2) the contribution is made not later than two years after construction is complete; (3) the property is not exchanged for value; (4) the property is to be used by the donee solely for research or educational purposes; and (5) the taxpayer receives a written statement from the donee and certifying compliance with the use requirements of this Act. Provides that the amount of the charitable contribution shall not be reduced for such qualified research or education contributions. Provides special rules for inventory placed in service by the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals or married couples age 65 or over a $7,500 exclusion from gross income for any amount received as an annuity, pension or other retirement benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Community Home Health Services Act of 1981 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make loans to proprietary entities (in addition to the home health grants now available) for home health programs to meet the initial cost of establishing and operating such programs. Authorizes appropriations for home health programs through fiscal year 1984. Directs the Secretary to submit a report concerning home health programs to the appropriate committees. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide that home health services may be furnished by a nonprofit hospital; (2) provide coverage for homemakers services when required; (3) provide coverage for transportation related to home health items and services; and (4) include as a home health service any service furnished as an alternative to institutional care. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act to require a State plan to include home health services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of employer-paid group-term life insurance premiums excluded from the gross income of employees.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to allow an automobile manufacturer to include alternative-fuel-powered vehicles in its calculation of average fuel economy. Sets forth adjustments to be made in such calculations. Defines "alternative-fuel-powered vehicle" and "alternative fuel" for purposes of such Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe, within 90 days after the date of this Act, regulations pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretaries of Energy and Agriculture in prescribing such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Corrupt Horseracing Practices Act of 1981 - Prohibits the following conduct with respect to horseracing: (1) the entering of a horse in a race by its owner or trainer who knows or should know that the horse is drugged or numbed; (2) the drugging of a horse with reason to believe that it will compete in a race; and (3) the willful failure by the operator of a horseracing facility to disqualify or prohibit a horse from racing if such individual has been notified in accordance with this Act that such horse is drugged or numbed, was not available for testing, or has been suspended from racing. Sets forth the penalties for such acts, and provides increased penalties for second offenses, use of a dangerous weapon in committing such offenses, and the interference with duties or the falsification of records required by this Act. Provides for the disqualification of offenders from horseracing activities and the suspension of a drugged or numbed horse from racing, in accordance with specified procedures. Grants the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration certain investigatory and other powers with respect to such offenses. Requires operators of horseracing facilities to comply with recordkeeping requirements established by the Administrator and to furnish testing space and facilities. Directs the Administrator to: (1) exempt from this Act any State which has enacted a comparable program; and (2) submit biennial reports to Congress on matters covered by this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act. Permits the Administrator thereafter to assess fees upon operators of horseracing facilities to meet the costs of this Act. Amends the Federal criminal code to include the offenses of this Act in the existing prohibition against interstate and foreign commerce in aid of racketeering enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Law Enforcement Officers' Protection Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) conduct a study to determine the capacity of handgun bullets to penetrate bulletproof vests and the risk posed to law enforcement officers by the availability of handgun bullets; and (2) report the findings and legislative recommendations to the President and Congress within one year after funds are made available under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability caused by exposure to a phenoxy herbicide (Agent Orange) for veterans who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era. Waives the one-year limitation on claims for compensation for such disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that taxpayers who incur expenses for the care of a dependent child who is mentally or physically handicapped shall be eligible for the child care credit whether or not the taxpayer incurred such expenses to enable him to seek gainful employment or such expenses were incurred outside his household. Increases the amount of expenses which may be considered in determining the amount of the credit. Provides that the earned income limitation shall not apply to taxpayers who provide care for handicapped children. Grants tax-exempt status to a trust established for the care of a physically or mentally handicapped child of the taxpayer. Allows an income tax deduction for contributions to a child care trust. Limits the amount of such deduction for contributions to a child care trust. Limits the amount of such deduction to the lesser of 15 percent of the taxpayer's compensation includable in gross income for the taxable year, or $1,500. Provides that distributions from such a trust shall not be taken into consideration in determining the eligibility of such child for Federal or State assistance.
![Official portrait of Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/7e670fd18b46ab357b2266777634a548_200.jpg)