United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States Olympic Committee should propose that a plan be developed to fund the construction and maintenance of a permanent site in Greece for the summer Olympics.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $100,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $20,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the House shall not consider any bill, resolution, or conference report thereon reducing social security benefits prior to the opening of the second session of the 97th Congress. Instructs the House conferees on H.R. 3982 to recede and concur in an amendment deleting from the conference report on H.R. 3982 the section which repeals minimum social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Family Farm Antitrust Act of 1981 - Finds that vertical integration within the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore the competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Amends the Clayton Act to provide that no person who is engaged in commerce in a business other than farming and whose nonfarming business assets exceed $5,000,000 shall engage in farming or the production of agricultural products or participate in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational or nonprofit institutions, and farmer-owned and controlled cooperatives. Permits the continuation of farming interests by persons otherwise in violation of this Act if such interests are not increased or expanded for the five-year period following enactment of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which any person is required to divest themself of under the provisions of this Act if the person is otherwise unable to divest themself of such property or interest. Directs the Secretary to engage in specified enforcement activities including the exercise of any general investigatory authority vested in the Secretary, and to report to the Federal Trade Commission the results of such investigations. Authorizes the Secretary to submit recommendations to the Congress for adjustments to the limitation on nonfarming business assets to reflect changes in economic conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Low-Income Fuel and Weatherization Supplementary Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to assist households with incomes below a specified level to meet home energy costs. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 to carry out such program 100 percent of all funds received by the Federal Government from collections and settlements for fuel overcharges, less all identifiable legitimate claims for such overcharges. Grants to the Governor of a State the discretion to allocate such grants as needed. Allocates funds for States, U.S. territories and possessions, and Indian tribes. Requires that a reasonable amount of such funds be reserved by each State for energy crisis intervention. Requires a State to submit to the Secretary an application for each fiscal year. Conditions allotments, after the first fiscal year in which a State receives funds, on the holding of public hearings in such State on the use and distribution of such funds. Requires that an applicant State agree to: (1) use such funds in accordance with this Act; (2) describe the households eligible for home energy assistance and give priority to certain households; (3) conduct outreach activities to inform people of the availability of such assistance; (4) coordinate activities with similar State and Federal programs; (5) describe the amount of assistance to be provided to participating households; (6) give special consideration in designating local administrative agencies to local public or private nonprofit agencies receiving funds under any other low-income energy assistance or weatherization program; (7) establish notification procedures in connection with direct payments by the State to home energy suppliers; (8) treat owners and renters equitably under the program under this Act; (9) use a maximum of ten percent of the State allotment for administrative expenses; (10) provide for fiscal control and fund accounting procedures and prepare an annual audit of expenditures under such program; and (11) cooperate with any Federal investigations pursuant to this Act. Requires the State to repay to the United States any amounts not expended under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to offset such amounts against future grants to such State. Prohibits exclusion from participation in, or denial of benefits from, any program or activity funded under this Act on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. Directs the Secretary to withhold funds from any State which does not use its allotment in accordance with this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding funds from a State for a minor failure to comply with this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct investigations in States to evaluate and insure compliance with this Act. Prohibits the use of grants under this Act for the purchase or improvement of land or for the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement of any building or facility, except under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1981, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over: (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual of an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
California Wilderness Act of 1981 - Designates as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System the following lands in the State of California: (1) the Boundary Peak Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (2) the Caliente Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (3) the Caples Creek Wilderness in the Eldorado National Forest; (4) the Caribou Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (5) the Carson - Iceberg Wilderness in the Stanislaus and Toiyabe National Forests; (6) the Castle Crags Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (7) the Chancelulla Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (8) the Cinder Buttes Wilderness in the Lassen National Forest; (9) the Cucamonga Wilderness Additions in the Angeles National Forest; (10) the Deep Wells Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (11) the Dick Smith Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest; (12) the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness in the Sierra National Forest; (13) the Domeland Wilderness Additions in the Sequoia National Forest; (14) the Emigrant Wilderness Additions in the Stanislaus National Forest; (15) the Excelsior Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (16) the Fish Canyon Wilderness in the Angeles National Forest; (17) the Granite Chief Wilderness in the Tahoe National Forest; (18) the Granite Peak Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (19) the Hauser Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (20) the Hoover Wilderness Additions in the Toiyabe National Forest; (21) the Ishi Wilderness in and adjacent to the Lassen National Forest; (22) the John Muir Wilderness Additions in the Inyo and Sierra National Forests; (23) the Lassen Volcanic Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (24) the Marble Mountain Wilderness Additions in the Klamath National Forest; (25) the Minarets Wilderness Additions in the Sierra and Inyo National Forests; (26) the Mokelumne Wilderness Additions in the Eldorado, Stanislaus, and Toiyabe National Forests; (27) the Monarch Wilderness in the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests; (28) the Mt. Shasta Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (29) the North Fork Wilderness in the Six Rivers National Forest; (30) the Pattison Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (31) the Pine Creek Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (32) the Pyramid Peak Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (33) the Red Buttes Wilderness in the Klamath and Rogue River National Forests; (34) the Russian Peak Wilderness in the Klamath National Forest; (35) the San Gorgonio Wilderness Additions in the San Bernardino National Forest; (36) the San Jacinto Wilderness Additions in the San Bernardino National Forest; (37) the San Joaquin Wilderness in the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and the Devils Postpile National Monument; (38) the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (39) the San Rafael Wilderness Additions in the Los Padres National Forest; (40) the Santa Rosa Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (41) the Scodies Wilderness in and adjacent to the Sequoia National Forest; (42) the Sheep Mountain Wilderness in the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests; (43) the Sill Hill Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (44) the Siskiyou Wilderness in the Six Rivers, Klamath, and Siskiyou National Forests; (45) the Snow Mountain Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest; (46) the South Sierra Wilderness in the Sequoia and Inyo National Forests; (47) the South Warner Wilderness Additions in the Modoc National Forest; (48) the Thousand Lakes Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (49) the Timbered Crater Wilderness in and adjacent to the Lassen National Forest; (50) the Trinity Alps Wilderness in and adjacent to the Klamath, Shasta Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests; (51) the Ventana Wilderness Additions in the Los Padres National Forest; and (52) the Yolla - Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness Additions in and adjacent to the Six Rivers and Mendocino National Forests. Abolishes the previous classifications of the High Sierra Primitive Area, the Emigrant Basin Primitive Area, and the Salmon - Trinity Alps Primitive Area. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review and report to the President on the suitability for preservation as wilderness of the Monache Wilderness Study Area in the Sequoia National Forest and the North Mountain Planning Area in the Stanislaus National Forest. Requires the Secretary to maintain their presently existing wilderness character. Requires that timber volumes within the North Mountain Planning Area be included in the base used to determine potential yield for the Stanislaus National Forest. Directs the Secretary to acquire any privately owned lands within the Trinity Alps, Granite Chief, Castle Crags, and Mount Shasta Wilderness areas designated by this Act. Adds the following lands to the National Park System: (1) the North Mountain Addition in the Stanislaus National Forest (to be incorporated into Yosemite National Park); (2) the Mt. Raymond Addition in the Sierra National Forest (to be incorporated into Yosemite National Park); and (3) the Jennie Lakes Addition in the Sequoia National Forest (to be incorporated into Kings Canyon National Park). Requires the Secretary of the Interior to study, and make recommendations to the Congress on, the possible designation of such lands as national park wilderness. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior specified land in the Stanislaus National Forest for administration as part of Yosemite National Park. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture specified land in the Sierra National Forest. Designates the following lands as wilderness: (1) the Yosemite Wilderness in Yosemite National Park; and (2) the Sequoia - Kings Canyon Wilderness in the Sequoia - Kings Canyon National Park. Requires the lands which have been added to the National Park System by this Act and which represent potential wilderness additions to be designated wilderness upon notice that all uses thereon prohibited by the Wilderness Act have ceased. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review and report to the President on the suitability for preservation as wilderness of the Eightmile and Blue Creek Planning Areas in the Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests and the Orleans Mountain Planning Area in the Six Rivers National Forest. Requires the Secretary to conduct a special study on the suitability of the Ski Study Area in the Orleans Mountain Planning Area for an alpine ski facility. Directs the Secretary to maintain the presently existing wilderness character of such planning areas. Requires that timber volumes within such planning areas be included in the base used to determine potential yield for the national forests concerned. Subjects certain mining activities within the North Fork Smith roadless area only to Federal laws and regulations for national forest lands designated as nonwilderness. Requires that the Dillon Creek Further Planning Area in the Klamath National Forest be considered for all uses during the preparation of a forest plan for such forest. Prohibits activities which may reduce the wilderness potential of such land during such time. Requires the designation of such planning area for the use recommended to Congress unless Congress enacts legislation to the contrary within a specified time.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide for a process for State consideration of a proposal to locate a long-term storage or disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste, transuranic waste, or spent nuclear fuel in such State. Requires the Secretary of Energy to publish notice of a site identification for such a facility in the Federal Register and notify the Governor of the State in which the site is located. Requires such notice to include: (1) an analysis of the anticipated environmental, health, safety, and economic impact of such proposal; (2) a plan for the transport of the high-level radioactive waste, transuranic waste, or spent nuclear fuel to the site; and (3) plans for impact assistance to State or local governments or Indian tribes. Directs the Secretary to establish within 15 days after publication of such a notice a Federal-State Radioactive Waste Management Commission, composed of specified Federal agency representatives, the Governor of the affected State, and individuals designated by the Governor, to examine the proposal for a facility site with the objective of achieving substantial concurrence between the State and the Secretary on such proposal. Provides that if a majority of the Commission does not concur with such proposal, the Governor may, within 18 months from the date of the Commission's appointment, file with the President, the Secretary, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a report stating the basis for such nonconcurrence and identifying acceptable alternatives. Permits the State legislature of any affected State to notify the Commission of the legislature's concurrence or nonconcurrence with such proposal. Terminates the Commission at the end of the 18-month period. Prohibits site designation or facility development or construction: (1) during the 18-month period after a Commission has been appointed; or (2) if the Commission does not concur with such proposal, unless Congress passes a concurrent resolution approving the site identification.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Campaign Finance Reform Amendments of 1981 -- Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to increase the limitations on contributions to campaigns for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Raises the ceiling from $1,000 to $2,500 for an individual's total contribution to any candidate for the House of Representatives and his or her authorized political committees. Imposes a limit on the total amount such a candidate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees of $75,000 for a general or special election (with an extra $25,000 in the case of a run-off). Imposes a ceiling on the total amount a candidate for the Senate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees. Sets such ceiling at: (1) the greater of $25,000, or the product of $12,500 times the number of State Representatives, in the case of a run-off election; or (2) the greater of $75,000, or the product of $37,500 times the number of State Representatives (not to exceed $500,000), for a general or special election (including conventions and primaries). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for political contributions from $50 to $100 ($100 to $200 for joint returns). Allows two separate tax credits, up to such amounts, for contributions: (1) to individual candidates and political committees; and (2) to national, State, and local committees of a national political party.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
California Wilderness Act of 1981 - Designates as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System the following lands in the State of California: (1) the Boundary Peak Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (2) the Caliente Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (3) the Caples Creek Wilderness in the Eldorado National Forest; (4) the Caribou Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (5) the Carson - Iceberg Wilderness in the Stanislaus and Toiyabe National Forests; (6) the Castle Crags Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (7) the Chancelulla Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (8) the Cinder Buttes Wilderness in the Lassen National Forest; (9) the Cucamonga Wilderness Additions in the Angeles National Forest; (10) the Deep Wells Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (11) the Dick Smith Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest; (12) the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness in the Sierra National Forest; (13) the Domeland Wilderness Additions in the Sequoia National Forest; (14) the Emigrant Wilderness Additions in the Stanislaus National Forest; (15) the Excelsior Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (16) the Fish Canyon Wilderness in the Angeles National Forest; (17) the Granite Chief Wilderness in the Tahoe National Forest; (18) the Granite Peak Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (19) the Hauser Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (20) the Hoover Wilderness Additions in the Toiyabe National Forest; (21) the Ishi Wilderness in and adjacent to the Lassen National Forest; (22) the John Muir Wilderness Additions in the Inyo and Sierra National Forests; (23) the Lassen Volcanic Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (24) the Marble Mountain Wilderness Additions in the Klamath National Forest; (25) the Minarets Wilderness Additions in the Sierra and Inyo National Forests; (26) the Mokelumne Wilderness Additions in the Eldorado, Stanislaus, and Toiyabe National Forests; (27) the Monarch Wilderness in the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests; (28) the Mt. Shasta Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (29) the North Fork Wilderness in the Six Rivers National Forest; (30) the Pattison Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (31) the Pine Creek Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (32) the Pyramid Peak Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (33) the Red Buttes Wilderness in the Klamath and Rogue River National Forests; (34) the Russian Peak Wilderness in the Klamath National Forest; (35) the San Gorgonio Wilderness Additions in the San Bernardino National Forest; (36) the San Jacinto Wilderness Additions in the San Bernardino National Forest; (37) the San Joaquin Wilderness in the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and the Devils Postpile National Monument; (38) the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (39) the San Rafael Wilderness Additions in the Los Padres National Forest; (40) the Santa Rosa Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (41) the Scodies Wilderness in and adjacent to the Sequoia National Forest; (42) the Sheep Mountain Wilderness in the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests; (43) the Sill Hill Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (44) the Siskiyou Wilderness in the Six Rivers, Klamath, and Siskiyou National Forests; (45) the Snow Mountain Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest; (46) the South Sierra Wilderness in the Sequoia and Inyo National Forests; (47) the South Warner Wilderness Additions in the Modoc National Forest; (48) the Thousand Lakes Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (49) the Timbered Crater Wilderness in and adjacent to the Lassen National Forest; (50) the Trinity Alps Wilderness in and adjacent to the Klamath, Shasta Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests; (51) the Ventana Wilderness Additions in the Los Padres National Forest; and (52) the Yolla - Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness Additions in and adjacent to the Six Rivers and Mendocino National Forests. Abolishes the previous classifications of the High Sierra Primitive Area, the Emigrant Basin Primitive Area, and the Salmon - Trinity Alps Primitive Area. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review and report to the President on the suitability for preservation as wilderness of the Monache Wilderness Study Area in the Sequoia National Forest and the North Mountain Planning Area in the Stanislaus National Forest. Requires the Secretary to maintain their presently existing wilderness character. Requires that timber volumes within the North Mountain Planning Area be included in the base used to determine potential yield for the Stanislaus National Forest. Directs the Secretary to acquire any privately owned lands within the Trinity Alps, Granite Chief, Castle Crags, and Mount Shasta Wilderness areas designated by this Act. Adds the following lands to the National Park System: (1) the North Mountain Addition in the Stanislaus National Forest (to be incorporated in Yosemite National Park); (2) the Mt. Raymond Addition in the Sierra National Forest (to be incorporated in Yosemite National Park); and (3) the Jennie Lakes Addition in the Sequoia National Forest (to be incorporated in Kings Canyon National Park). Requires the Secretary of the Interior to study, and make recommendations to the Congress on, the possible designation of such lands as national park wilderness. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior specified land in the Stanislaus National Forest for administration as part of Yosemite National Park. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture specified land in the Sierra National Forest. Designates the following lands as wilderness: (1) the Yosemite Wilderness in Yosemite National Park; and (2) the Sequoia - Kings Canyon Wilderness in the Sequoia - Kings Canyon National Park. Requires the lands which have been added to the National Park System by this Act and which represent potential wilderness additions to be designated wilderness upon notice that all uses thereon prohibited by the Wilderness Act have ceased. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review and report to the President on the suitability for preservation as wilderness of the Eightmile and Blue Creek Planning Areas in the Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests and the Orleans Mountain Planning Area in the Six Rivers National Forest. Requires the Secretary to conduct a special study on the suitability of the Ski Study Area in the Orleans Mountain Planning Area for an alpine ski facility. Directs the Secretary to maintain the presently existing wilderness character of such planning areas. Requires that timber volumes within such planning areas be included in the base used to determine potential yield for the national forests concerned. Subjects certain mining activities within the North Fork Smith roadless area only to Federal laws and regulations for national forest lands designated as nonwilderness. Exempts the second roadless area review and evaluation program (RARE II) final environmental statement from judicial review with respect to national forest system lands in California. Provides that, upon enactment of this Act, the injunction issued in State of California versus Bergland shall no longer be in force. States that the RARE II is, for purposes of the initial land management plans required by Federal law for national forest lands, an adequate consideration of the suitability of such lands for wilderness designation, and the wilderness option need not be reviewed prior to revision of the initial plans or to the completion date of the initial planning cycle. Provides that areas reviewed in the RARE II and not designated as wilderness by this Act or remaining in further planning need not be protected for wilderness designation pending such revision. Prohibits any further roadless area review and evaluation of national forest system lands in California without express Congressional authorization. Requires that the Dillon Creek Further Planning Area in the Klamath National Forest be considered for all uses during the preparation of a forest plan for such forest. Prohibits activities which may reduce the wilderness potential of such land during such time. Requires the designation of such planning area for the use recommended to Congress unless Congress enacts legislation to the contrary within a specified time.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Prohibits a State, or any of its political subdivisions, from imposing a tax with respect to natural gas which discriminates against any out-of-State producers, transporters, consumers, distributors, or users of natural gas or which applies only to gas produced outside the territory of such State. Deems any tax as discriminatory if it results in a greater tax burden on interstate natural gas than on intrastate gas.
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
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 · 11 June 1981
Former Presidents Facilities and Services Reform Act of 1981 - Title I: Presidential Libraries - Prohibits the Administrator of General Services from establishing any Presidential archival depository after January 20, 1983. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress a prospectus for establishing a central Presidential library for the deposit and preservation of the records and papers of former Presidents, and historical materials related to the former Presidents. Requires the prospectus to provide: (1) for the establishment of the library in a phased manner allowing for expansion; (2) that the first phase of the library shall provide for the deposit and preservation of the records, papers, and materials concerning two former Presidents; (3) that the archival and research space for each former President in the library shall equal the average space provided per President in all Presidential archival depositories; and (4) that a specified area be established for museum displays concerning each former President. Authorizes the Administrator to lend any item stored in the library for display in a private Presidential museum or library. Directs the Administrator to duplicate and make available upon request the more historically significant documents. Requires the President, while holding office, to dispose of his or her Presidential records which have no administrative, historical, informational, or evidentiary value after obtaining the views of the Archivist of the United States concerning such disposal, unless the Archivist notifies the President that the Archivist intends to request advice from certain congressional committees. Declares that the provisions of this title apply only to: (1) the records of those Presidents taking office after January 20, 1969, for whom a Presidential archival depository is not established before January 20, 1983; and (2) all Presidential records to which the Government has title. Title II: Former Presidents - Changes the amount of the annual allowance to which the spouse of a deceased former President is entitled from $20,000 to two-thirds of the allowance to which a former President is entitled. Repeals the requirement that the spouse must waive the right to any other Government annuity or pension to qualify for such allowance. Authorizes the Administrator to provide to each former President, upon request: (1) one office; (2) compensation, without an aggregate ceiling, for members of an office staff who shall be subject to certain provisions of civil service laws; (3) payment for the travel and subsistence allowances for specified office employees; (4) communications services; and (5) printing and binding expenses. Allows any Federal employee to be detailed to the office staff of a former President with the consent of the employee's agency head. Authorizes the Administrator to provide a former Vice President with necessary services and facilities for winding up his or her office affairs which are similar to the services and facilities provided to a former President under this title. Prohibits the use of funds provided for necessary services and facilities of a former President or Vice President for partisan political activities or income generating activities. Permits a former President to use such funds to prepare his or her memoirs if the former President signs an agreement providing that the Public Printer will print and distribute such memoirs. Prohibits the expenditure of such funds for a former President any time beyond 90 days after the former President dies. Requires each former President to submit to Congress an annual report concerning activities carried out with the assistance of such funds. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this title concerning the services and facilities to be provided for former Presidents and Vice Presidents. Repeals specified provisions of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. Title III: Protection of Former Presidents, Former Vice Presidents, and Their Families - Prohibits the United States Secret Service from protecting a former President, former Vice President, or the spouse, widow, widower, or minor child of a former President except as authorized under this title. Authorizes the Secret Service to protect: (1) a former President for eight years after the individual becomes a former President; and (2) the spouse of a former President to the extent that such protection is incidental to the protection of the former President. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to reinstate for six months the Secret Service protection of a former President or the spouse, widow, widower, or minor child of a former President after the original protection has been terminated upon finding that a serious threat warranting such protection exists. Allows the Secretary to extend for six-month periods the Secret Service protection provided to such an individual upon the individual's written request and upon the approval of an existing advisory committee established to determine whether protection should be furnished to certain Presidential or Vice Presidential candidates. Establishes the Advisory Panel on Secret Service Protection to review requests for extended protection and to make recommendations on such requests to such advisory committee. Permits the Secretary, upon a former Vice President's written request and upon finding that a threat exists which warrants protection, to authorize Secret Service protection for a former Vice President for a period beginning on the last day of the individual's Vice Presidential term and ending on the last day of the fiscal year in which the term expires. Declares that this title shall take effect on October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for charitable contributions of any agricultural product to tax-exempt organizations. Limits the credit to ten percent of the wholesale market price or the most recent sales price. Requires that the donated agricultural product be unsalable at a price which would enable the taxpayer to recover his costs and that it be fit for human consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs income tax credit through 1984. Restricts the applicability of retroactive certifications of individuals as members of targeted groups for purposes of such credit.
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
National Technology Foundation Act of 1981 - Establishes the National Technology Foundation as an independent agency to: (1) foster communication between scientific and technological agencies of the Federal Government and the small business community; (2) collect, analyze and publish information concerning grants and contracts awarded to small business concerns by such agencies; (3) operate programs of grants and contracts for the development of high-technology small businesses; and (4) operate the programs transferred to it by this Act. Transfers to the Foundation; (1) the Patent and Trademark Office; (2) the National Bureau of Standards; (3) the National Technical Information Service; (4) the Office of Small Business Research and Development of the National Science Foundation; (5) the directorate for Engineering and Applied Science of the National Science Foundation; and (6) any authorities of the Secretary of Commerce and the National Science Foundation under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. Establishes specified offices within the Foundation to perform the functions of such organizations and other functions of the Foundation. Requires the Foundation to: (1) collect and analyze information on the availability of, and the current and projected need for, engineering, technical, and technology managerial resources in the United States; (2) support engineering, technical, and technological managerial training through grants, loans, or other assistance; (3) assist the establishment of Centers form Industrial Technological Innovation through specified means; (4) conduct technology assessments; (5) determine the relationships of technological developments and international technology transfers to the productivity, employment, and world trade performance of the United States and foreign industrial sectors; (6) develop improved indicators of the state of technology; (7) determine the influence of economic conditions and government policies on industrial innovation and the development of technology; (8) promote technology transfer from the Federal Government and private enterprise to State and local governments; (9) support applied research in engineering and other disciplines as necessary in the national interest; (10) promote United States interests in international voluntary standardization activities; and (11) promote technology transfer from the Federal Government to private enterprise. Establishes within the Foundation a National Technology Board to supervise and control the policy of the Foundation. Requires the Director of the Foundation to coordinate the programs of the Foundation with other programs of the Federal, State, and local governments and the private sector. Sets forth the powers of the Director, including the exercise of authority over the transferred Federal divisions, the establishment and alteration of regional or field offices, and the transfer of funds within the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Critical Industry Reindustrialization Tax Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs income tax credit to the training of skilled labor in labor-shortage business or industry. Defines "labor-shortage business or industry" as any business or industry which either the Secretary of Defense or Labor has certified as having more available skilled jobs than available skilled workers and trainees. Provides for a credit of 50 percent of first year wages and 30 percent of second year wages paid to skilled labor workers. Makes inapplicable to skilled labor workers the restriction that only $6,000 of first and second year wages paid to new employees be taken into account for purposes of the targeted jobs credit. Makes permanent the jobs credit for skilled labor employees.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
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 · 21 May 1981
Title I: Examination, Inspection, and Labeling Requirements for Imported Meat - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the labeling of any carcass, part of a carcass, meat, or meat food product which is imported into the United States and capable of consumption as human food. Requires that such meat food products be examined and inspected at the port of entry to determine whether or not they are adulterated. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe regulations for the disposition of adulterated foods and for the labeling of non-adulterated foods. Requires the Secretary to prescribe such assessments and fees on imported meat food products to cover examination, inspection, and labeling costs as determined necessary. Authorizes the holding of any meat food product in customs custody until the foreign plant exporting such product pays such assessments or fees. Title II: Requirement That Eating Establishments Inform Customers That Imported Meat or Meat Food Products are Served in Such Establishments - Requires any eating establishment serving imported meat to inform its customers of such fact. Sets forth penalties for any owner, employee, or agent who knowingly violates such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Title I: Guam - Amends the Organic Act of Guam to authorize initiatives and referenda in Guam. Sets forth the referendum procedure. Subjects the Lieutenant Governor and the members of the legislature to recall. Authorizes appropriations for grants to Guam for fiscal years 1983-1986 for rehabilitation and construction of public facilities. Title II: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands - Amends the date for transferring certain U.S. property located in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands to the governments of such islands. Makes such date the termination date of the trusteeship agreement governing the administration of the Trust Territory instead of October 1, 1982. Title III: Virgin Islands - Authorizes appropriations for each of fiscal years 1982 through 1985 for grants to the Virgin Islands for construction of water and power generation and distribution facilities pursuant to a plan which meets specified requirements. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Transfers the duty to prepare a comprehensive energy plan for specified insular areas of the United States from the Secretary of Energy to the Secretary of the Interior. Deems the governments of specified U.S. territories to have met the matching assistance requirements for certain authorized capital improvement projects. Authorizes appropriations for grants to American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands for fiscal years 1982 through 1985 for rehabilitation and construction of public facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $100,000 to $300,000 the allowable cost of used property eligible for the investment tax credit. Provides for a three-year carryback and a seven-year carryover of amounts which exceed such limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Terminated Employee Pension Restoration Act of 1981 - Authorizes payment of a Federal annuity to persons (or spouses of such persons) who: (1) were participants in a private employee pension plan which was terminated before July 1, 1974; (2) had, immediately before termination, a nonforfeitable benefit under the plan; and (3) have not received payment in full of such benefit because of the plan's termination. Sets forth the method of computing the annuity. Directs the Secretary of Labor to approve a claim for such an annuity if the claim meets the Secretary's regulations and includes evidence establishing that the claimant is a qualified participant or a qualified spouse. Sets forth the procedure for review of denial of such an annuity claim. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make annuity payments to entitled individuals after receipt of specified information from the Secretary of Labor. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to work with other Federal agencies to avoid unnecessary expense and duplication of functions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require disclosure of tax return information to Labor Department employees for comparison of specified records in order to establish the validity of an annuity claim. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Department of Labor to carry out its functions under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury to make annuity payments under this Act beginning with fiscal year 1982 and continuing until the last such payment is made.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses, without regard to any community property laws.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Declares it the sense of the Congress that no legislation that would change the operations of the Guaranteed Student Loan Program before October 1, 1981, should or will be enacted. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from promulgating any rule which changes the operations of the Guaranteed Student Loan Program before October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) should cease efforts to regulate news content and to formulate rules and regulations for the operation of the world press. Expresses the opposition of the House to efforts by some countries to control access to and dissemination of news.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to require all presidential polling places to close no later than eleven o'clock p.m. eastern standard time on election day. Establishes penalties for early release of such election results by any election official or other person having election-related responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Virgin Islands Nonimmigrant Alien Adjustment Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Attorney General to adjust to permanent resident status alien workers and their dependents who have resided continuously in the Virgin Islands since June 30, 1975, if: (1) application for such adjustment is made within one year of enactment of this Act; (2) such persons were physically present in the Virgin Islands at the time of such filing; and (3) the worker is otherwise admissible as an immigrant. States that such status adjustments shall not reduce the number of available total or national immigrant visas. Authorizes the Secretary of State, after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of the Virgin Islands, to limit the number of second preference immigrant visas issued to spouses or unmarried sons or daughters of aliens adjusted under this Act. Prohibits the filing of fourth (married sons or daughters) or fifth (brothers or sisters) preference immigrant petitions by aliens adjusted under this Act unless: (1) at the time of filing such person is physically present and has resided continuously in the United States for at least two years; or (2) a case of extreme hardship exists. Prohibits the admission of alien workers to perform temporary labor in the Virgin Islands. Establishes the Interagency Task Force on Virgin Islands Immigration to analyze the impact, including the possible need for Federal assistance, on the Virgin Islands of providing health, housing, education and other social services to persons admitted under this Act. Requires a report to be submitted to the President and the Congress within one year after enactment of this Act. Disbands the Task Force 60 days after transmittal of such report. Authorizes specified appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend the date for compliance with emission limitation requirements by owners or operators of a stationary source in an iron- and steel-producing operation if: (1) the compliance date extension is necessary to allow the applicant to make capital investments in its operations to improve efficiency and productivity; (2) the funds freed by such extension will be used within two years for additional capital investments in the applicant's operations; (3) the Administrator and the applicant agree to a phased compliance program for each of the applicant's stationary sources; (4) the applicant has sufficient funds to comply with such program; (5) the applicant is in compliance with any existing Federal decrees applicable to its operations; and (6) the compliance date extension will not result in the degradation of air quality during the extension term. Prohibits the imposition of a noncompliance penalty under the Clean Air Act upon an owner or operator with a compliance date extension provided their stationary source remains in compliance with all the requirements of such extensions. Makes available to the public all information obtained by the Administrator under this Act, subject to a specified exception. Directs the Administrator to publish notice of receipt of an application for extension of time in the Federal Register and to notify the appropriate State and local officials. Directs the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register notice of any finding made or other action taken, or failure or refusal to take action, by the Administrator in connection with consent decrees. Provides that such findings, actions, refusals, or failures shall be reviewable only by a court in which a specified civil action under such Act is brought against the stationary source owner or operator. States that revision of a State implementation plan is not required because a compliance date extension has been granted if such plan would have met Clean Air Act requirements prior to the granting of such extension.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Title I: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Requires a principal who enters into a contract with a sales representative for the solicitation of orders for merchandise of the principal to furnish specified information to the representative, including monthly commission statements. Enumerates items to be included in any written contract between a principal and sales representative in order to conform with this Act. Title II: Indemnification - Exempts principals who have entered into a written contract in conformity with title I from the indemnification requirements of this title. Requires any principal to indemnify a sales representative in accordance with this title if such principal: (1) without good cause terminates a representative's assignment or reduces the geographical territory assigned to a representative; (2) reduces the rate of commission paid to a representative; or (3) reduces the number of accounts assigned within a geographical territory. Sets forth a formula for the indemnification of such representatives. Title III: Miscellaneous - Permits actions to be brought in Federal district court to enforce the rights or liabilities of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981
Congressional Campaign Financing Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to place limits and reporting requirements on Congressional primary and general election expenditures for candidates receiving public financing. Sets forth penalty provisions for knowing violations of such requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new chapter, the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Entitles to campaign payments Congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and certify that: (1) they and their authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations; and (2) they have received contributions in excess of a specified sum. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment by a candidate of excess payments and unexpended payments. Establishes criminal penalties for use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct an audit of the qualified campaign expenses of every candidate who receives matching payments; and (2) report to Congress with respect to such expenses and payments, such report to be made readily available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
National Automotive Research Act of 1981 - Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to require the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to plan, direct, and conduct automotive research and technology development activities, utilizing to the extent possible the capabilities of other Government laboratories, private industry, and institutions of higher learning. Gives contract or grant priorities to American industrial concerns with production activities in the United States. Requires NASA to establish and implement a program to solicit and evaluate ideas from inventors and to stimulate the further development of specified ideas. Transfers to NASA within two years of enactment all automotive research and technology development activities currently being conducted by other Federal departments and agencies and as many of the positions, personnel, property, and funds of such departments and agencies as the Administrator of NASA shall recommend. Authorizes and directs the Administrator to prepare a comprehensive management program for the conduct of research and technology development activities under this Act, including a progress report on the transfer to NASA of the automotive research and development activities of other departments and agencies. Requires the Administrator to transmit such program to the appropriate committees of Congress. Requires the Administrator to detail modifications in such program in the annual budget submission. Authorizes specified amounts through fiscal year 1982 and amounts to be set in annual authorization Acts for subsequent fiscal years to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Sports Antitrust Reform Act of 1981 - Applies the antitrust laws to any organized professional sport, including baseball. Prohibits any exclusive territorial right to conduct or exhibit professional football, baseball, hockey, or soccer games except in a team's home territory if such territory has fewer than 2,000,000 residents.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Coastal Barrier Resources Act - Declares the findings and intentions of Congress in regard to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the coastal barriers along the Atlantic and gulf coasts of the United States. Establishes the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System) which shall consist of specified undeveloped coastal barriers on the Atlantic and gulf coasts. Requires that certain coastal barrier maps shall be available for public inspection through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide copies of such maps to the chief executive officer of: (1) each State and political subdivision in which a System unit is located; and (2) each affected Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to make necessary modifications to such maps and to notify specified Congressional committees of same. Limits, to specified projects, Federal expenditures on or financial assistance for purposes within the System. Lists those projects eligible for financial assistance. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify annually to Congress that the Federal agencies concerned have complied with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the contents of reports to be filed by the Secretary with specified Congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to State educational agencies to fund model programs, designed and operated by local educational agencies, for the improvement and expansion of foreign language study for children aged five through 17 who reside within their school districts. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of such grants based on State population. Sets forth provisions relating to the availability of such funds. Sets forth grant application requirements for State educational agencies. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to cover part of the costs of foreign language instruction for their students. Sets forth formulas to determine whether an institution is eligible for such grants, based on the percentage of its student body enrolled in qualified postsecondary language courses. Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards, including reporting requirements, for programs assisted by such grants. Sets forth formulas for determining the amounts of such grants, based on numbers of students enrolled in such courses. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each institution of higher education which requires at least two years of postsecondary credits in foreign language (or a competency equivalent) for each graduating student. Sets forth formulas for determining the amounts of such grants, based on the number of students enrolled in the institution. Prohibits any grant or contract under this Act except to such extent, or in such amounts, as may be provided in appropriation Acts. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1985 to carry out grant programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
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 · 7 April 1981
Title I - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to extend from August 6, 1982, to August 6, 1992: (1) the time period during which jurisdictions covered by the triggering mechanism must not have used a test or device to deny the right to vote on account of race in order to be released from coverage; and (2) the time period during which changes in voting laws must be precleared with the Federal Government. Title II - Restates the prohibition against denying the right to vote based on race to prohibit any State from imposing voting practices "in a manner which results in a denial or abridgement" of the right to vote (thus permitting use of indirect proof in proving discrimination). Title III - Extends the bilingual election requirements from August 6, 1985, to August 6, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of agency SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with an SBIR program to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 in amount made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 7 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of State should recommend to the Attorney General that aliens who are nationals of El Salvador be granted extended voluntary departure status until they can reside safely in El Salvador.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1981
Military Spouse Retirement Equity Act - Entitles a former spouse of a member of the uniformed services who was married to such member for at least ten years to an annuity based upon a percentage of such member's retired or retainer pay. Allows annuities to be paid to former spouses covered by spousal agreements or court orders which are not inconsistent with provisions of this Act. Provides that the ten-year requirement for the marriage of a former spouse to a member of the uniformed services should not be construed to affect the rights of any such person under applicable State laws. Amends the Survivor Benefit Plan to make such former spouses eligible to receive annuities under such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1981
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to: (1) provide for consumer participation in the administration of agricultural marketing orders; and (2) set forth an agency procedure for the issuance of marketing order rules and regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
El Salvador Assistance Act of 1981 - Authorizes the obligation of funds for military and economic assistance under specified Federal laws for El Salvador only if prior to each such grant of assistance the President certifies to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that El Salvador's Government: (1) is not engaged in consistently violating internationally recognized human rights; (2) has achieved substantial control over its armed forces; (3) is making progress in implementing essential economic and political reforms; (4) is committed to holding free elections; and (5) has demonstrated its willingness to negotiate a political resolution of the conflict. Directs the President, if such certification is not made or if such certification is made but does not take effect, to: (1) suspend specified military assistance and military education and training for El Salvador; (2) withhold approvals for use of certain credits and guarantees for El Salvador; (3) suspend deliveries of certain defense articles, defense services, and design and construction services; and (4) withdraw from El Salvador all U.S. armed forces performing specified functions. Prohibits such certification from taking effect until 30 days after Congress receives the certification. Requires it to take effect only if Congress does not adopt a concurrent resolution objecting to the provision of military assistance to El Salvador. Prohibits the President from making such certification until the President certifies that El Salvador's Government has made good faith efforts to investigate the murders of six U.S. citizens in El Salvador and to bring those responsible for the murders to justice. Includes the drawdown of defense articles or services in an unforeseen military emergency within the obligation of funds for military assistance which can be made only after such certification. Prohibits the waiver of such certification requirement.
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.