United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1981
Comprehensive AFDC Improvements Act of 1981-Part I - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to permit a State to implement a standard or limitation relating to the State's plan which: (1) is more severe or more restrictive upon recipients than is presently provided; or (2) reduces a State's expenditures or the number of eligible individuals. Decreases the amount of income and resources which may be excluded for purposes of determining AFDC eligibility. Eliminates optional State aid for pregnant women. Excludes from the term AFDC any amount paid certain relatives of a dependent child. Eliminates provisions providing for the proration of shelter allowance in certain cases where a child lives with a relative not legally responsible for the child's support. Requires AFDC recipients in addition to registering for the Work Incentive Program (WIN) in order to receive aid to also register with the State employment service. States that an individual may not be excused from registering because of the necessity of providing child care if adequate child care facilities are available. Requires the imposition of a lien on the residence in which any dependent child and relative are living if the residence is owned by the child, relative, or any individual whose needs are taken into account in determining eligibility. States that the lien shall not be enforced unless and until the residence is sold to someone other than the child, relative, or individual.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1981
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) current interest rates are needlessly and destructively high; (2) high interest rates are wreaking extensive damage on the economy; (3) the Federal Reserve has been a failure as a tool of monetary policy; (4) interest rates must be brought down; (5) balancing the budget and reducing Federal loans and loan guarantees will only solve part of the problem; and (6) the only long-term solution to economic recovery is a return to the gold standard and the discipline it brings. Urges the adoption of a gold standard by Congress to restore stability and to strength the economy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Condemns the treatment of Yuli Kosharovsky and his family by the Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express U.S. opposition to the refusal of the Soviet Union to permit Kosharovsky and his family to emigrate to Israel; (2) the Soviet Union should comply with international agreements and with its constitution by permitting the Kosharovsky's to emigrate; and (3) the Soviet Union should end its persecution of persons seeking to emigrate and its denial of basic religious, civil, and human rights to Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that policies of Jewish emigration discrimination and anti-Semitism are morally reprehensible. Urges the President to tell the Soviet Union that the United States opposes these policies and wants emigration restrictions on Soviet Jews removed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the collection of taxes, to provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regarding communication and harassment in connection with debt collection. Prohibits the publication of any deficiency which has not been adjudged to be payable by a competent court. Permits individual taxpayers to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages resulting from collection practices prohibited by this Act. Requires a Federal court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax. Specifies that a showing of fraud or malfeasance or a misrepresentation, for purposes of modifying or reconsidering a closing agreement between an individual taxpayer and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken into account only if such a showing or misrepresentation is determined by a competent court. Prohibits the Secretary from consenting to extend for more than one year the period for assessment of the income tax liability of any individual taxpayer. Requires the Secretary to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Makes binding on the Secretary : (1) a tax return prepared for the taxpayer by an officer or employee of the IRS acting in his official capacity to provide such assistance; and (2) written information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. Places the burden of proof, in administrative and judicial proceedings involving the IRS and a taxpayer, upon the IRS. Directs that all property of taxpayers, for purposes of the estate and gift tax, be valued at historical cost (original cost to the taxpayer or the basis of the property if it was not purchased). Prohibits the use in IRS personnel evaluations of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations. Precludes the Secretary from exercising any enforcement authority over churches or certain other organizations. Prohibits the audit of any group of taxpayers unless the Secretary has first met certain notice requirements or permitted members of the group to file an amended return. Sets forth conditions which must be met by the IRS before any action is taken to interfere with the property rights of a taxpayer. Requires the IRS, before securing the records of, or personal data concerning, any taxpayer, to: (1) notify the taxpayer in writing of the demand, the material sought, and the need for the material; (2) have commenced an action in a competent court against the taxpayer; and (3) have justified its need before the court consistent with the discovery rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. States that the IRS shall have no authority, in enforcing the tax obligations of any person, which is in conflict with the rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Requires any Member, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives who authorizes foreign travel by any other such person to submit an advance report and a postreturn report to the Clerk of the House. Directs that such reports be available for public inspection and published in the Congressional Record.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to commemorate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Provides that such postage stamp shall be of such denomination and design, and shall be sold for such period, as the United States Postal Service shall determine.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax exclusion for interest earned on national home ownership bonds. Defines "national home ownership bonds" as certificates of deposits issued before 1985 which are used to provide owner-financing of single family residences. Requires that such bonds have a maturity rate of five years and an investment yield not exceeding ten percent and be issued in denominations of at least $1,000. Prescribes percentage tables for determining the interest rate on such financing.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1981
Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to identify Medicare patients and other individuals entitled to benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act who have died in order to eliminate improper OASDI benefit payments to deceased individuals. Directs the Inspector General to report to Congress annually on the progress being made pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1981
Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish, within the Department, an Office of Housing for the Elderly. Lists the responsibilities of the Office which include coordinating housing programs for the elderly and representing the Assistant Secretary for Housing on matters concerning housing for the elderly. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee on Housing for the Elderly. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Act to submit to Congress an annual report on housing for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Amends the Federal Reserve Act to declare that the enforceability in any State of any due-on-sale clause contained in any fixed-rate real estate loan made or purchased by any national banking association shall be determined under the law of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Fred Waring, Louis L'Amour, and the widow of Joe Louis. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of each medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1981
Criminal Justice Construction Reform Act - Title I: Findings and Definitions - Sets forth definitions and findings. Defines "criminal justice facilities" to include court, law enforcement, juvenile, correctional, and other facilities used for any criminal justice purpose. Title II: Grants for the Construction and Modernization of Criminal Justice Facilities - Authorizes the Administrator of the Criminal Justice Facilities Administration (established under title III) to make grants to States for the construction and modernization of criminal justice facilities during fiscal years 1983 through 1988. Apportions appropriations among States on the basis of population and the volume and expenditure of criminal justice activities. Sets aside another portion of such sums appropriated for demonstration grants to test the applicability of advanced practices on the design, construction, and modernization of facilities. Requires any State desiring to receive such funding to submit a seven-year State plan. Directs the Administrator to operate a criminal justice facilities information clearinghouse. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay State and local governments an interest subsidy for criminal facility construction bonds which reduce the cost of such bonds to not more than five percent interest. Title III: Administration Provisions - Establishes the Criminal Justice Facilities Administration within the Department of Justice, headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Charges the Administrator with carrying out this Act and submitting to the President for transmittal to Congress a report at least once per year. Sets at 75 percent the Federal share of the cost of a State plan approved under this Act. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to donate surplus property to any State for construction and modernization of criminal justice facilities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1981
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office for the Supply of Internationally Controlled Drugs, to be responsible for regulating the domestic production of marihuana and the distribution of marihuana for medical, scientific, and research purposes. Establishes procedures for the production of medicinal marihuana. Permits the distribution of medicinal marihuana only to hospitals and pharmacies registered to dispense schedule II controlled substances for the purposes of treating glaucoma or the nausea of cancer patients or research approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to designate 21 consecutive calendar days (within seven days of the commencement of the second session of the Ninety-seventh Congress) during which standing committees shall study and review laws and programs within their jurisdiction. Requires the committees to determine whether such programs: (1) are being implemented according to the intent of Congress; and (2) whether they should be continued, curtailed, or eliminated. Exempts the following committees from such oversight: the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on the Budget, the Committee on Rules, and the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Prohibits, during such 21 day period, any consideration of legislation unless the Speaker, in consultation with the minority leader, permits exceptions for good cause.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
United States Olympic Development Fund Checkoff Act of 1981 - Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns an election to contribute one dollar of their income tax refunds or one dollar forwarded with returns to support the fund established by this Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a United States Olympic Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund an amount equivalent to the amount designated on tax returns to be available to the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee for use in a program of expansion and improvement of amateur athletics. Sets forth reporting requirements with respect to the expenditure of such funds by the Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives of the District of Columbia Council's approval of the District of Columbia Sexual Assault Reform Act of 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Mobile Source Clean Air Act Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Amendments to Title II - Amends title II of the Clean Air Act (Emission Standards for Moving Sources, also known as the "National Emission Standards Act") to provide that where any national ambient air quality standard is established pursuant to such Act for any pollutant, the standard applicable to the emissions of such pollutant shall relate to the achievement of the national ambient air quality standard. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in prescribing any such standard, to consider specified factors, including compliance costs, potential inflationary or recessionary effects, and effects on small business competition, consumer costs, and energy use. Requires that more stringent standards shall not become effective for at least: (1) 48 months after final prescription, in the case of heavy-duty vehicles or engines; and (2) 36 months after final prescription, in the case of all other new motor vehicles or engines. Repeals requirements that standards reflecting the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable through application of available technology be contained in regulations applicable to: (1) emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty vehicles or engines manufactured during model years 1979 through 1982; and (2) emissions of particulate matter from vehicles manufactured during and after model year 1981 (or during any earlier model year, if practicable). Repeals requirements that regulations applicable to vehicles or engines manufactured during and after model year: (1) 1983 require a reduction of at least 90 percent of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions; and (2) 1985 require reduction of at least 75 percent of nitrogen oxides emissions. Provides for notice and opportunity for comment before the Administrator determines that any emission control device, system, or element of design will cause or contribute to an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare, or safety (and therefore may not be used to comply with emission standards). Directs the Administrator to include specified information obtained from manufacturers in making such determination. Excludes methane from any hydrocarbon standard for motor vehicle emissions under such Act. Directs the Administrator to establish an appropriate allowance applicable to the exhaust hydrocarbon standard for those vehicles and engines that emit low levels of evaporative hydrocarbon emissions, except that measurement of such emissions shall not be required in specified new vehicle or motor compliance tests. Revises provisions for regulations applicable to emissions from light-duty vehicles and engines. Eliminates the requirement that regulations applicable to such vehicles manufactured during or after model year 1981 require: (1) reduction of at least 90 percent of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons emissions from those allowable under standards applicable to 1970 models; and (2) limitation of nitrogen oxides emissions to one gram per vehicle mile. Provides also that regulations applicable to such vehicles manufactured during or after model year 1982 shall not contain standards more stringent than 0.39 grams per vehicle mile of non-methane exhaust hydrocarbons (exclusive of allowances for evaporative hydrocarbons), seven grams per vehicle mile of carbon monoxide, and two grams per vehicle mile of nitrogen oxides. Revises provisions relating to waivers of such standards. Replaces, as a precondition for such waivers, a determination of a potential for both long-term air quality benefit and meeting average fuel economy standards with a determination of a potential to conserve energy. Makes 500,000 units the maximum number of vehicles or engines of each model to which such waivers may apply (the current maximum is five percent of the manufacturer's production or 50,000 of such units, whichever is larger). Revises provisions relating to any future prescribed regulations affecting the manufacture, distribution, or sale of motor vehicles or engines for high altitude areas of the United States to require inclusion of exemptions prescribed for model year 1982 and to permit specified performance adjustments. Prohibits more stringent numerical standards in regulation of high altitude vehicles of any model year than those applicable to vehicles certified under non-high altitude conditions. Prohibits any regulation requiring the installation, on motor vehicles or engines intended for principal use in non- high altitude locations, of any emission controls needed to meet the applicable standards under high altitude conditions. Includes among prohibited acts the failure or refusal of any manufacturer to comply with requests by the Administrator for specified information on new light-duty motor vehicles and their use at high altitudes. Revises provisions for compliance testing and conformity certification to direct the Administrator to evaluate or to require evaluation of (but not necessarily to test or require testing of): (1) any new motor vehicle or new motor vehicle engine submitted by a manufacturer; and (2) any emission control system incorporated in a vehicle or engine submitted by any person. Prohibits the revision of any test applicable to 1981 model heavy-duty vehicles or engines until after the 1986 model year. Repeals a one-year maximum limit on the period which a certificate of conformity may cover. Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) methods and procedures for making tests for determining average emissions from vehicles; and (2) an acceptable quality level for all new motor vehicles equivalent to the level applicable to 1981 model year light-duty vehicles. Repeals a requirement that all light-duty vehicles manufactured during and after model year 1984 comply with specified emission standards regardless of the altitude at which they are sold. Revises provisions for compliance by vehicles and engines in actual use. Bases determinations of nonconformity with regulations by any class or category of vehicles and engines manufactured after a specified date upon the average performance in testing a statistically valid and representative sample. Permits manufacturers to elect to take other actions, in lieu of remedying such nonconformity, with respect to those or other vehicles or engines, consistent with the purposes of such title. Directs the Administrator to consider the effects on competition, in approving a manufacturer's plan to remedy or take other actions with respect to such nonconformity. Repeals a requirement that dealers furnish purchasers of new light-duty motor vehicles certificates of conformity with applicable emission standards, including notice of purchaser warranty rights. Repeals a requirement that the manufacturer remedy, at its own cost, any nonconformity, during a specified period, of a motor vehicle with emission standards. Revises provisions relating to: (1) State standards; and (2) high altitude performance adjustments. Provides that the foregoing amendments made by this title shall take effect with respect to vehicles and engines manufactured in model years beginning more than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Requires that the economic impact assessment with respect to any motor vehicle emission or fuel standard or regulation under such title also contain an analysis of the noise, safety, and other factors deemed appropriate by the Administrator associated with application of any technology necessary to comply with the standard or regulation. Directs the Administrator to initiate a study and related proceedings, including appropriate informal public hearings, to: (1) develop alternative and practicable approaches to emission control of any air pollutant, subject to such regulation, from new motor vehicles or engines; and (2) evaluate the existing control program. Sets forth the factors to be considered by the Administrator concerning such new approach. Requires that a report of such study, including public comments, be submitted to the appropriate committees of the Congress within one year. Sets forth criteria for proposed regulations under any such new approach. Title II: Study and Conforming Provisions - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator, upon the request of any national association of motor vehicle dealers with a membership which includes a majority of U. S. retail franchisers selling imported and domestic new light-duty motor vehicles, to compile data relating to the availability and distribution to dealers located at high altitudes of all models of such vehicles manufactured by any specified manufacturer in a specified model year. Authorizes the Administrator to utilize specified information and to require manufacturers to submit relevant information (except information identifying shipments to individual dealers). Directs the Administrator, within six months after such a request is made, to submit to the Congress and publish in the Federal Register a report setting forth the data so compiled, including specified information.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 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) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (3) 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 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding agreements for research or research and development to small businesses with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with a 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 · 4 August 1981
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of one representative of employers, one representative of employees, one representative of beneficiaries, and one individual highly qualified in the management of investment funds. Requires the Board to make investments securing the maximum possible interest yield with the portion of the Trust Funds not required to meet current withdrawals. Fixes the interest rates for public-debt obligations issued for purchase by the Trust Funds at the average market yield on all marketable interest bearing U.S. obligations forming part of the public debt, all marketable interest bearing obligations which are not U.S. obligations but which are guaranteed by the United States, and all marketable federally sponsored agency interest bearing obligations which are lawful investments for fiduciary and trust funds under Federal control. Authorizes the Managing Trustee to use the equipment and experts necessary to assure the maximum possible interest yield on Trust Fund investments.
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 · 21 July 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) prohibit U.S. participation in the Yamal natural gas pipeline project in the Soviet Union; (2) urge Western European nations and Japan not to participate in such project; (3) propose and enlist the cooperation of Western European nations and Japan in an alternative energy diversification project; and (4) promote this alternative energy diversification project.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the purchase of United States Capitol Historical Society calendars for Members of the House of Representatives beginning with calendar year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to require that in the issuance of any standard dealing with toxic materials or harmful physical agents the determination with respect to feasibility shall include a finding by the Secretary of Labor that the costs of compliance with the standard bear a reasonable relationship to the benefits of compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an additional personal tax exemption of $1,000 for each child born to, or adopted by, a taxpayer during the taxable year. Provides a $3,000 tax exemption in the case of: (1) a child who is born with a handicap; or (2) the adoption of a child (a) whose natural parents were not members of the same race or (b) who has attained the age of 6 or (c) who is handicapped. Allows an income tax deduction for adoption expenses of more than $500 paid or incurred by a taxpayer. Limits such deduction to $3,500 ($4,500 in the case of an international adoption).
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect either an income tax credit of $250 or an income tax deduction of $1,000 for maintaining a household which includes as a member a dependent age 65 or over. Provides an income tax deduction for the amount contributed to a trust established to provide care to a handicapped relative or parent who has attained the age of 65. Limits the deduction to $3,000 for each beneficiary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Education Savings Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction from gross income for contributions of cash, stocks, bonds, or other securities to a savings account for the purpose of paying the educational expenses of the taxpayer or his dependent. Limits such deduction to $2,500 per calendar year adjusted for inflation. Prohibits the establishment of an account for the benefit of more than one individual. Prohibits an individual from being a beneficiary of more than one account. Excludes distributions from such accounts from the gross income of the contributors so long as they are used exclusively for the payment of tuition, fees and other expenses required for enrollment or attendance at an institution of higher education, a vocational school, a secondary school, or an elementary school. Specifies sanctions for the use of account funds for other than educational expenses. Treats qualified distributions as income to the beneficiary for the taxable year in which the amounts were paid. Allows the beneficiary to elect to include such amounts in gross income in the taxable year in which the beneficiary attains age 25 and for each of the following nine years, in successive apportionments equal to ten percent of the total amount of such distributions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Veterans' Disability Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' compensation for: (1) wartime disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for dependents; and (3) clothing allowances paid to certain disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation for: (1) a surviving spouse; (2) surviving children; and (3) supplemental children's benefits. Provides for the adjustment of such benefits when the entitlement of a child is established retroactively or a child reaches age 18. Title III: Life Insurance Program Amendments - Increases the maximum amount of insurance coverage under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance Program. Permits a member of the Retired Reserve of a uniformed service to obtain increased coverage as specified. Increases the maximum amount of insurance coverage under the Veterans' Group Life Insurance Program. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations for the administration of the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance Program by the Secretaries of the military departments. Permits the first beneficiary under a National Service Life Insurance policy to elect to receive payment in a lump sum. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to notify each individual insured under such policy or a United States Government Life Insurance policy of such changes and to provide forms for the election of a mode of payment. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that a funded personnel ceiling shall be provided to the Veterans' Administration. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify to the appropriate committees of Congress and to the Comptroller General that such ceiling has been provided. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the appropriate committees of Congress as to whether the Director has complied with such requirement. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, before reorganizing or redistributing the functions of the bureaus, agencies, offices, or activities within the Veterans' Administration, to submit to Congress for 60 days a plan describing proposed changes. Makes such plan effective if neither House of Congress adopts a resolution of disapproval. Requires a veteran to have completed at least 24 months of an obligated period of service before such veteran is eligible for benefits administered by the Veterans' Administration, including disability benefits, hospital and medical care, and burial benefits. Preserves the right of certain blind veterans being furnished hospital or nursing home care in a Veterans' Administration blind rehabilitation center or clinic to continue to receive full pensions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Amends the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 to require the bankruptcy court, in the case of a bankruptcy petition filed by a person engaged in the business of operating a farm produce storage facility, within specified time limits, to: (1) identify those farm producers who have produce in storage, and those parties which have secured interests in farm produce, within such facility; (2) audit the assets of the farm produce storage facility for the purpose of determining the extent of farm produce available for distribution to such producers and secured creditors; and (3) direct the abandonment of such farm produce according to procedures set forth by this Act. Declares that such procedures shall be applied by the court solely for the purpose of effectuating abandonment of farm produce which is not property of the estate, or is of inconsequential value to the estate, and shall not be construed to limit the right of any party to seek abandonment of any other property. Prohibits distribution of farm produce ordered abandoned by the court from being delayed due to the pendency of any appeal from the orders of abandonment, except that a stay of orders may be entered under specified conditions. Makes any such stay of orders appealable as of right by any aggrieved party. Grants to any farmer who, having delivered agricultural products to a licensed warehouseman upon a contract for sale and who has not received the agreed upon payment, a lien against products of like products in the licensed facility in excess of that required to satisfy receipted or other storage obligations, title to which may be then vested in such warehouseman, to the extent of the payment agreed upon for the purchase of the product sold. Attaches such lien at the time of the formation of the contract for sale and continues it until the obligations of the warehouseman to the seller of the products are satisfied.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Declares that it is the general policy of the Federal Government to rely on competitive private industry to supply the products and services it needs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, to administer such policy.
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 · 17 June 1981
Family Protection Act - States as the purposes of this Act the strengthening of the American family and the elimination of governmental policies which diminish its strength and prosperity. Title I: Family Preservation - Establishes a legal presumption in favor of an expansive interpretation of the parents' role in supervising and determining the religious or moral formation of their child. Requires the notification of parents or guardians before a federally-funded program, project, or entity may provide contraceptive or abortion services to an unmarried minor. Prohibits Federal preemption of State laws relating to child or spousal abuse, or juvenile delinquency. Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds for child abuse programs in any State unless the legislature of such State has specifically authorized such programs. Defines "child abuse and neglect" as physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment. Excludes from such definition discipline or corporal punishment applied by a parent or an individual authorized to act in the place of such parent. Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to prohibit the provision of legal assistance for any proceeding or litigation: (1) to compel an abortion or State or Federal funding for an abortion; (2) to obtain a divorce; or (3) to adjudicate the issue of homosexual rights. Directs the Secretary of the branch of the Armed Forces concerned to deduct from the monthly pay and allowances of a member of such Armed Forces who is living separate from his or her dependents an amount sufficient to provide for the support of such dependents. Prohibits the use of Federal funds by any organization which advocates, promotes, or suggests male or female homosexuality as a life style. Title II: Taxation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer an income tax deduction for contributions to a savings account established to pay his expenses or those of a dependent at an educational institution (pre-school through college). Limits the amount of such deduction to $2,500 for a taxable year and permits only one account to be established on behalf of any individual. Provides for an inflation adjustment of such amount, based on the Consumer Price Index. Exempts from income taxation any distributions from such accounts which are used exclusively to meet the educational expenses of the dependent child. Treats qualified distributions as income to the beneficiary for the taxable year in which the beneficiary attains age 25, and for each of the following nine years, in successive installments equal to ten percent of the total amount of such distributions. Grants tax-exempt status to certain private educational institutions. Provides for the termination of the tax exemption of a school which is found to discriminate in the hiring of teachers or the admission of students on the basis of race, nationality, or ethnic background. Allows individuals who maintain a household which includes a dependent who has reached age 65 a nonrefundable income tax credit not in excess of $250 for the taxable year. Allows such individuals to take an income tax deduction in lieu of the credit. Limits the amount of such deduction to $1,000 for the taxable year. Allows an income tax deduction for contributions to a trust established by a taxpayer to provide care to such taxpayer's parents or handicapped relatives. Limits the amount of such deduction to $3,000 for a taxable year. Provides for the tax exemption of such trusts. Permits married individuals to compute on a separate basis the maximum retirement savings deduction to which each individual is entitled. Permits a maximum deduction of $3,000 for a spouse who is handicapped. Grants tax-exempt status to organizations providing day care for children. Allows contributors to a tax-exempt day care center to claim a business expense deduction for contributions not deductible as a charitable contribution. Allows an additional personal tax exemption of $1,000 for each child born to or adopted by a taxpayer during the taxable year. Permits an exemption of $3,000 for the adoption of a handicapped child over the age of three whose parents are not of the same race or for a child born to the taxpayer who is handicapped. Permits an income tax deduction from gross income for fees, court costs, attorney's fees, and other necessary expenses incurred in the adoption of a child. Limits the amount of such deduction to a maximum of $3,500 ($4,500 for an international adoption), with a $500 deductible. Title III: Education - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit payments under such Act to Federal, State, or local educational agencies or institutions which: (1) prohibit the involvement of parents and representatives of the community in decisions relating to the establishment or continuation of religious studies; (2) limit parental visits to public schools or classes or the right of parents to inspect their children's school records; (3) require the payment of dues or fees as a condition of employment for teachers; or (4) prohibit parental review of textbooks prior to their use in the classroom. States that no Federal funds may be made available for textbooks which do not reflect a balance between the status role of men and women and do not contribute to the American way of life. Guarantees the right of any State or local educational agency to set qualifications for teachers, set attendance requirements for students, and to limit or prohibit the intermingling of sexes in sports or other school-related activities. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude from the definition of "employer" any corporation or association operating a school. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for the payment of allotments to States for the financing of elementary and secondary school programs. Directs the Secretary of Education to terminate the payment of such allotments if the programs for which funds are paid no longer comply with specified requirements. Permits judicial review of any finding of the Secretary with respect to applications for funding or termination of payments to a State. Prohibits the exercise of Federal control over the curriculum, administration, or personnel of any State or local school system. Repeals certain titles of such Act providing: (1) financial assistance to meet special educational needs of children; (2) basic skills improvement; (3) special projects; (4) educational improvement, resources, and support; (5) bilingual education programs; and (6) additional special programs. States that nothing in this Act or in other Federal law shall prohibit release time for parenthood education to be conducted by churches or parents. Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to prohibit the provision of legal assistance in any proceeding or litigation relating to racial quotas or the desegregation of elementary or secondary schools. Title IV: Voluntary Prayer and Religious Meditation - Voluntary Prayer and Religious Meditation Act of 1981 - States that each individual shall have the right to participate in voluntary prayer or religious meditation in any public building or other building supported by Federal funds. Prohibits Federal, State, or political subdivisions from abridging the free exercise of such prayer or meditation. Authorizes civil actions for violations of this title. Title V: Rights of Religious Institutions and Educational Affiliates - Prohibits the Federal Government from imposing legal requirements upon the operation of a church organization which sponsors a child care center, orphanage, foster home, social action training program, emergency shelter for abused children or spouses, school, or juvenile delinquency or drug abuse treatment center or home. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Grants jurisdiction to U.S. district courts to hear any cases arising under this Act. Provides for a six-year statute of limitations on actions brought under this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the administration of this Act and the progress of the States in effectuating its provisions. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Urban Jobs and Enterprise Zone Act of 1981 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones, for a period ending December 31, 2001, and subject to the approval of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, by local governments or by State governments on behalf of local governments for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by titles II and III of this Act. Specifies that the Secretary may approve the designation of such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the designating local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous and includes accessible vacant or underutilized properties; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area with a population of at least 50,000 or 2,500 otherwise or is an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires designating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's approval, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, or receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate enterprise zones on December 31, 1996. Sets forth minimum and maximum numbers of such designations. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to set forth the duties of the Secretary under this Act. Requires any property tax reduction effected by a local government under an agreed to program to be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) local governments should attempt to facilitate to the greatest extent possible the employment of poor and unemployed residents of their enterprise zones and should consider the effects of a designation upon area employment practices and patterns; and (2) whenever possible, foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones and that in the case of any application for designation of a foreign-trade zone within an enterprise zone: (A) the Foreign-Trade Zone Board should expedite the application process; (B) the Board, in evaluating such application, should consider future development to be expected as a result of the incentives provided by this Act; and (C) the Board should provide technical assistance to the applicants. Title II: Taxation - Subtitle A: Refundable Credits for Employers and Employees - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a refundable income tax credit for five percent of the wages paid to unemployed or economically disadvantaged individuals who are certified as eligible under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and who perform at least 50 percent of their services within an enterprise zone. Disallows a deduction for the portion of the wages or salaries equal to the amount of such credit. Allows individuals who are employees of qualified businesses and at least 50 percent of whose services during the taxable year are performed in an enterprise zone a refundable tax credit for five percent of the earned income attributable to services performed in an enterprise zone during a 36-month period. Limits such credit to $1,500 for any taxable year. Defines "qualified business" as a person: (1) at least 50 percent of whose gross receipts are attributable to the active conduct of a trade or business within an enterprise zone; and (2) at least 40 percent of whose employees are individuals whose employment qualifies for the employers' credit allowed under this subtitle and who are hired after the later of the date on which the conduct of a business in an enterprise zone is begun or the area is designated as such a zone. Subtitle B: Reduction in Capital Gain Tax Rates - Reduces the alternative tax on capital gains and increases the capital gains deduction. Qualifies certain low-income rental housing located in an enterprise zone for such treatment. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of an enterprise zone has terminated. Exempts gain from the sale or exchange of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Removes as an item of tax preference accelerated depreciation on real property used in such a business. Subtitle C: Reduction in Gross Income of Trades or Businesses Operating in Zone - Excludes from taxable income a specified percentage of the sum of any amount received by a qualified business from the active conduct of a trade or business within an enterprise zone and any interest on financing provided by a taxpayer to a qualified business in connection with the conduct of such business. Subtitle D: Other Incentives - Permits any qualified business to elect to use the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting without regard to any inventory requirements if its gross receipts do not exceed $2,000,000 in any prior taxable year. Allows a 20-year carryover of net operating losses for qualified businesses. Qualifies for the investment tax credit low-income rental housing with respect to which the capital gains tax reduction is granted under subtitle B of this title. Subtitle E: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this title. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity," for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions, to include qualified businesses (as defined in title II of this Act), designating governments, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Free Market Gold Coinage Act - Declares that it is the policy of the United States to promote the free coinage of gold at a free market price. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to offer the gold bullion reserves of the United States for public sale in the form of gold coins minted in accordance with this Act. Sets forth specifications for four types of gold coins. Permits any State or local government or any person to mint gold coins. Directs the Secretary to establish a formula for determining on an hourly basis the competitive market price of gold. Prohibits the United States or any State from: (1) imposing an excise or transaction tax upon the use of gold or upon banking services that involve the promise to pay with gold; or (2) restricting the convenient transfer of any ownership interest in gold. Directs the Secretary to encourage the public to recognize and use the gold coins minted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1981
Amends Federal law to permit bankruptcy courts to grant relief from stays of acts against agricultural products held as property of estates in bankruptcy.
![Official portrait of Rep. Siljander, Mark D. [R-MI-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000409_200.jpg)