United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Condemns South Africa's military invasion of Angola. Recognizes that Cuban and Soviet military personnel have contributed to instability in southern Africa. Urges all parties to the Namibian conflict to cooperate in implementing a specified United Nations Security Council Resolution which embodies the Western plan for Namibian independence.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Amends the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act to declare that the United States shall assume exclusive fishery management authority over all fish within a specified fishery conservation zone (currently excludes highly migratory species).
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Energy Conservation Daylight Saving Act of 1981 - Amends the Uniform Time Act of 1966 to expand daylight saving time by starting it the first Sunday of March rather than the last Sunday of April. Permits States and the Federal Communications Commission to make adjustments because of such change.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Secretary of Commerce dealing with the Federal consistency provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Full Recognition of Angola Resolution - Calls upon the President to recognize the present Government of Angola and to establish full diplomatic relations with Angola.
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 · 23 July 1981
Expresses Congressional disapproval of the proposed transfer by the Republic of Korea to Uruguay of howitzers, six vulcan guns, and ammunition produced from technical data packages acquired from the United States under the foreign military sales program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House that the President should: (1) implement a U.S. nuclear nonproliferation strategy which strengthens the barriers to the spread of nuclear weapons and prescribes methods for achieving restraint by all nuclear suppliers; (2) encourage nations to ratify the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and strengthen the safeguards operations of the International Atomic Energy Agency, (IAEA); (3) work with other nuclear suppliers and with the IAEA to develop credible sanctions against nations which divert nuclear materials, technologies, or equipment to other than peaceful uses; and (4) implement the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the percentage depletion allowance for any geothermal energy source (currently, such energy must be in "deposits"). Qualifies for the residential energy credit and the investment tax credit all of the equipment of a system using both geothermal energy and a source not eligible for a credit if geothermal energy provides more than 80 percent of the energy for which the system was designed. Allows such credits for portions of such systems which produce, distribute, or use a source of energy which is at least 50 percent geothermal energy.
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 · 25 June 1981
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to state that a food intended for human consumption shall be deemed misbranded unless it is labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium it contains when in excess of a certain amount of milligrams. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food from such requirement by requiring the information to be prominently displayed in close proximity to the place of display or sale of such food. Exempts from such labeling requirements any manufacturer of such foods whose total annual sale are less than a specified amount.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to lower the column one tariff on fish netting and fishing nets of textile materials other than cotton or vegetable fibers from 25 cents per pound plus 32.5 percent ad valorem to 17 percent.
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 · 17 June 1981
Amends the copyright law to eliminate the pre- July 1, 1982, restriction on the application of the manufacturing requirements to nondramatic literary material.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Energy Conservation Daylight Saving Act of 1981 - Amends the Uniform Time Act of 1966 to provide that the daylight savings time period shall start on the first Sunday of March each year (currently daylight savings time commences on the last Sunday of April).
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify for the investment tax credit any specially defined energy property installed in connection with any building which is depreciable residential real property. Revises the definition of "specially defined energy property," for purposes of such credit, to: (1) include specified additional equipment and devices; and (2) include among uses qualifying such property for the credit any building or facility at least 50 percent of which was constructed before or any process or activity carried on as of January 1, 1981. Increase the energy percentage, for purposes of the credit, in the case of specially defined energy property and provides a further increase in the case of property installed in connection with residential buildings which is qualified for the credit under this Act.
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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 4 May 1981
Amends the Freedom of Information Act to prohibit the Attorney General from defending any Federal agency against a Freedom of Information action unless the Attorney General determines that: (1) there is an important public interest in the withholding of the information; and (2) disclosure of the information is demonstrably harmful.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Comprehensive Social Security Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to finance the hospital insurance program partially through general revenues and provide a corresponding decrease in the hospital insurance tax rates on employees, employers, and self-employment income. Increases the old age, survivors and disability insurance tax rates on employees, employers, and self-employment income. Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit the Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to make loans to the other Funds, prior to fiscal year 1991, whenever one of the funds falls below 25 percent of the amount of its disbursements for the 12 months preceding the borrowing. Provides for the repayment of such loans. Amends title II to revise the time periods which constitute base quarters and cost-of-living computation quarters for purposes of cost-of-living adjustments in title II benefits. Increases the minimum primary insurance amount and the number of years of coverage which may be counted in computing the primary insurance amount of an individual. Permits an individual to include as years of coverage, for purposes of computing the primary insurance amount, any calendar years, not to exceed ten, during which such individual was living with and caring for a child under the age of seven and such individual's wages or self-employment income was insufficient for credit with a year of coverage. Increases from $255 to $600 the amount of the lump-sum death payment in cases of deaths occurring on and after the enactment of this Act. Provides for a graduated increase in old age insurance benefits for individuals who delay retirement until after they reach or exceed age 65. Increases the amount of outside income which an individual receiving title II benefits may earn without a deduction from such benefits. Revises the method for computing an individual's average indexed monthly earnings for purposes of determining the amount of benefits to which such individual's survivors are or may become entitled. Increases the maximum benefit amounts for beneficiaries entitled to old age and survivors or disability insurance benefits. Eliminates the payment of child's insurance benefits on the basis of student status. Directs the Secretary of Education to make interest-free educational loans to individuals who demonstrate entitlement to child's insurance benefits on the basis of student status but for this Act. Specifies the terms and conditions of such loans. Requires that loan repayments be transferred to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for deposit in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Education for such loans. Increases the reduction in old age and survivors benefits for individuals who are entitled to such benefits before they reach retirement age.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Coastal Barrier Resources Act - Declares the findings and intentions of Congress in regard to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the coastal barriers along the Atlantic and gulf coasts of the United States. Establishes the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System) which shall consist of specified undeveloped coastal barriers on the Atlantic and gulf coasts. Requires that certain coastal barrier maps shall be available for public inspection through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide copies of such maps to the chief executive officer of: (1) each State and political subdivision in which a System unit is located; and (2) each affected Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to make necessary modifications to such maps and to notify specified Congressional committees of same. Limits, to specified projects, Federal expenditures on or financial assistance for purposes within the System. Lists those projects eligible for financial assistance. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify annually to Congress that the Federal agencies concerned have complied with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the contents of reports to be filed by the Secretary with specified Congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of five airborne warning and control aircraft (AWACS) and conformal fuel tanks and air-to-air missiles for F-15 aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Economic Opportunity Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands within the definition of 'State' for the purposes of such Act. Title I: Research and Demonstrations - Permits the Director of the Community Services Administration to provide financial assistance through grants or contracts for research, demonstration, or pilot projects for urban and rural community development. Requires the Director, as a part of the annual report to the Congress on the activities of such office, to submit a description for each fiscal year of the current plan of activities, together with a statement indicating the time and, to the extent feasible, the manner in which the benefits of such activities and findings are expected to be realized. Requires the Director to develop and carry out pilot projects which are designed to: (1) aid low-income elderly persons to achieve greater self-sufficiency; (2) focus upon the problems of rural poverty; (3) develop new techniques and community-based efforts to prevent narcotics addiction or to rehabilitate narcotics addicts; (4) encourage the participation of private organizations other than nonprofit organizations, in programs under such Act; or (5) strengthen and maintain the family unit. Requires the Director to conduct research and pilot projects designed to: (1) assure a more effective use of the human and natural resources of rural America and to slow the migration from rural areas due to lack of economic opportunity; and (2) suggest new programs and policies to achieve economic development of urban and rural low-income areas in such ways as to provide opportunities for employment, ownership, and a better quality of life for low-income community residents. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such programs through fiscal year 1984. Title II: Urban and Rural Community Action Programs - Makes the strengthening and support of the low-income family unit a purpose of such Act. Terminates the "Summer Youth Recreation" program under such Act. Establishes the "Youth and family development" program which shall be designed to strengthen and maintain low-income families and assist economically disadvantaged children and youth. Makes the Northern Mariana Islands eligible for assistance under such Act for the development and implementation of community action programs. Requires the Director to reserve not more than five percent of the sums which are appropriated or allocated for assistance under such Act for allotment in accordance with such criteria and procedures as the Director may prescribe. Directs the Director to utilize the criteria of poverty used by the Bureau of the Census in compiling the 1980 decennial census for the allotment of funds under such Act. Reserves a specified amount of appropriated funds to carry out the national youth sports program. Terminates research for the development of new approaches to the problems of rural poverty. Permits financial assistance under such Act to include funds to provide reimbursement of actual expenses for attendance at meetings of any community action governing board, neighborhood council, or committee meeting. Increases, to $22,275, the amount of financial assistance that an employee engaged in carrying out community action program activities under such Act may receive per year. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out rural community action programs. Title III: Special Programs to Combat Poverty in Rural Areas - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out special programs to combat poverty in rural areas. Title IV: Assistance for Migrant and Other Seasonally Employed Farmworkers and Their Families - Requires the Director of the Community Service Administration to coordinate programs with the Office of Economic Development to assist or serve migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to provide assistance for migrant and other seasonally employed farmworkers and their families. Title V: Head Start and Follow Through - Authorizes appropriations though fiscal year 1986 to carry out the Head Start and Follow Through programs. Extends such program through June 30, 1986. Title VI: Administration and Coordination - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for the National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity and for programs for the elderly poor. Eliminates the transfer of funds from one program or activity under such Act to any other program or activity. Prohibits the release of any funds to any agency receiving financial assistance for work training, programs to combat poverty in rural areas, employment and investment incentives, administration and coordination, or community economic development until it has submitted to the Director a statement certifying that the assisted agency and its delegate agencies have established an accounting system with internal controls. Requires the Director, within three months after the effective date of a grant to or contract of assistance with an organization, to provide for a preliminary audit survey to review and evaluate the adequacy of such accounting system and internal controls. Requires the Director, not less than every two years, to provide for an audit of each organization receiving grants or contracts of assistance under such Act. Title VII: Community Economic Development - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out community economic development programs. Terminates the requirement of a plan of action for the establishment of a Model Community Economic Development Finance Corporation. Terminates the research and demonstration projects designed to suggest new programs to achieve the purposes of such Act in such ways as to provide opportunities for employment, ownership, and a better quality of life for low-income residents. Title VIII: Native American Programs - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out Native American programs. Title IX: Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for program and project evaluation. Title X: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Older Americans Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands under the definition of "State" for purposes of the Act. Includes among the functions of the Administration on Aging the coordination of Federal activities with respect to the collection, preparation, and dissemination of information relevant to older individuals. Eliminates the National Information and Resource Clearinghouse for the Aged. Sets March 31, 1982, as the deadline for a study by the Federal Council on Aging evaluating programs for older Americans. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Council through fiscal year 1983. Eliminates outdated provisions relating to a report on legal services programs. Repeals a provision that a Congressional declaration of policy respecting "Insular Areas" not apply to the administration of programs for older Americans. Extends through fiscal year 1983 the authorization of appropriations for grants for State and community programs on aging (relating to social services and to congregate and home delivered nutrition services). Continues through fiscal year 1983 formulas for allotments to States and determination of the Federal share of costs of such programs. Changes (from a minimum of 50 percent) to "an adequate proportion" that portion of the amount of social service grant funds which area plans must assure will be expended for access to services, in-home services, and legal services. Requires that State plans provide that each nutrition service project will be available not only to individuals aged 60 or older and their spouses but also to handicapped or disabled individuals under 60 years of age residing in senior citizen centers where congregate nutrition services are provided. Requires that such plans give primary consideration to congregate nutrition services, but allows area agencies to award funds to organizations for home nutrition services without requiring that such organizations also provide congregate services. Permits charges for access to meals for the elderly where appropriate. Repeals a limitation on the use of nutrition services funds for supportive services. Extends through fiscal year 1983: (1) the 30 cents per meal minimum level of assistance under the program of donation of surplus agricultural commodities to nutrition services for the elderly grant or contract recipients; and (2) the requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture purchase high protein foods, meat, and meat alternates for such purpose. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to consult with minority aging organizations and include the status of meeting the manpower needs of the minority elderly in reports on existing and future personnel needs. Includes weatherization improvement and energy efficiency among the special housing needs of older individuals for which special consideration will be given in awarding project grants and contracts. Provides that a report on special projects in comprehensive long-term care be included in the annual report on programs for older Americans. Extends through fiscal year 1983 the authorization of appropriations for training, research, and discretionary projects and programs in the field of aging. Includes the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in: (1) provisions for distribution of assistance under such Act; and (2) in the definition of "State" for purposes of the Older American Community Service Employment Programs. Includes weatherization activities among community services for purposes of such programs. Extends through fiscal year 1983 the authorization of appropriations for such programs. Extends through fiscal year 1983 the authorization of appropriations for grants for Indian tribes for elderly services, including multipurpose senior centers. Sets forth technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Omnibus Tax Reform and Industry Tax Assistance Act of 1981 - Title I: Amendments Related to Business - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer engaged in a trade or business a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the cash contributions made by such taxpayer to a reserve fund established to finance basic research in the scientific or engineering fields. Limits the total amount of such credit to five percent of the taxable business income of the taxpayer for the taxable year. Exempts such reserve fund from income taxation. Allows an income tax deduction for the basic research expenses paid out of the reserve fund during the taxable year. Specifies that research financed pursuant to this Act shall be performed by an institution of higher education. Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit of 25 percent of the qualified research and experimental expenditures paid or incurred by a taxpayer in carrying on a trade or business. Defines "qualified research and experimental expenditures" as those business-related expenditures which are currently deductible under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Limits the scope of such expenditures, for purposes of both the credit and the income tax deduction, to technological research designed to develop or improve products or services. Excludes expenditures for research in the social sciences or humanities or for government-funded research. Limits the amount of expenditures eligible for the credit to those which exceed the annual average of such expenditures for the immediately preceding three years. Requires taxpayers under common control to aggregate such expenditures for purposes of computing the credit. Sets forth rules for adjusting such expenditure amounts when there is a change in business ownership. Provides for a three-year carryback and seven-year carryover of unused credits. Provides for a system of simplified cost recovery as an alternative method of computing depreciation on all tangible personal property, except public utility property. Assigns the depreciable basis of all such property to one of four recovery periods, representing either two, four, seven or ten years. Specifies that such property shall be placed in a recovery period which is at least 40 percent shorter than its comparable useful life under the Asset Depreciation Range system (ADR) presently utilized under current Treasury Regulations, except that no recovery period shall be shorter than two years. Permits a taxpayer, under the simplified cost recovery system, to elect one of three declining balance methods (200 percent, 150 percent, or 100 percent) in computing allowable depreciation deductions. Excludes from eligibility for recovery cost depreciation treatment the following types of property: (1) livestock; (2) amortization property; (3) property depreciable under certain alternative methods of depreciation; (4) public utility property; (5) oil or gas fired boilers; and (6) property used predominantly outside the United States. Provides for the deferral of gain or loss realized on the disposition of recovery cost property. Increases the permissible variance for assigned useful lives of public utility property under the Asset Depreciation Range system from 20 to 30 percent for utility property. Increases the rate of investment tax credit for depreciable property which has a useful life of between two and seven years. Permits a taxpayer to elect to expense (i.e. currently deduct) up to $25,000 of the costs of new or used tangible personal property used in the taxpayer's business during a taxable year in lieu of current provisions permitting additional first year depreciation. Revises the treatment of progress expenditure property with respect to the investment tax credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of gain from the sale or exchange of qualified new business stock, but only to the extent that such gain does not exceed the cost of qualified new business stock purchased by the taxpayer within one year of the date of the original sale. Defines "qualified new business stock" for the purposes of this Act. Reduces the basis of such stock by the amount of gain which is not recognized. Reduces the alternative tax on the capital gains of corporations from 28 to 20 percent. Title II: Amendments Related to Individuals - Revises requirements for the tax exclusion of earned income of Americans working abroad. Permits such exclusion for individuals working in specified developing countries and in other foreign countries if such individuals perform charitable, export-related, or natural resource-related services. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the residency requirement in a foreign country for such tax exclusion. Waives such requirement if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that the taxpayer would otherwise have met the 11 month residency requirement but for the occurrence of civil unrest, war, or other adverse conditions precluding the normal conduct of business. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the residency requirement with respect to the tax treatment of housing costs of such taxpayers. Allows married couples filing a joint tax return an income tax deduction from gross income equal to ten percent of the lesser of $30,000 or the earned income of the spouse with the lower income. Increases to $500 ($1,000 in the case of a joint return) the amount of interest and dividend income which may be excluded from gross income. Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 to repeal the termination date for such exclusion. Allows individuals who are saving for their first home an income tax deduction for cash contributions made during the taxable year to an individual housing account. Limits the amount of such deduction to $3,000 for any taxable year and $15,000 during a lifetime. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of an individual housing account. Imposes penalties for distributions made from an individual housing account which are not used in connection with the purchase of a principal residence. Exempts interest earned on an individual housing account from income taxation. Requires the trustee of an individual housing account to make such reports regarding the maintenance of an individual housing account as the Secretary of the Treasury may require. Prohibits contributions to an individual housing account in excess of prescribed limits and imposes a tax on such excess contributions. Increases the capital gains deduction from 60 to 70 percent. Reduces the rate of the minimum tax for taxpayers other than corporations. Title III: Incentive Stock Options - Exempts from income taxation any income resulting from the transfer of stock to an individual exercising a stock option under an incentive stock option plan. Specifies that the optionee may not dispose of stock within two years after an option is granted nor within one year after the transfer of shares. Requires that the optionee be an employee of the corporation granting such option at all times during the period after an option is granted and for three months after such option is exercised. Defines "incentive stock option" as an option granted to an individual in connection with employment by a corporation to purchase stock of such corporation. Sets forth the following conditions for the granting of such options: (1) approval of a plan for granting options by the shareholders of the corporation; (2) the granting of options within ten years of either the adoption or approval of the plan; (3) the termination of the option after ten years; (4) an option price which is not less than the fair market value of the stock subject to such option; (5) the nontransferability of the option; and (6) the optionee may not hold more than ten percent of the stock of the corporation, unless the option price is at least 110 percent of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option and such option is terminable five years after it is granted. Title IV: Development of Legislation for Reducing Inflation Through Tax Incentives - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Committee on Ways and Means should study and consider legislation to control inflation by providing certain tax benefits. Title V: Study of Foreign Capital Formation Approaches Used by Business - Directs the Joint Committee on Taxation to study and report to specified Congressional committees the approaches used by foreign businesses to acquire capital.
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 · 7 April 1981
Commends the peaceful attempts to resolve differences between Poland's workers and government officials and expresses the hope that they will continue to resolve their differences through peaceful negotiations. Welcomes to the United States Poland's First Deputy Prime Minister. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States could not remain indifferent to external aggression or internal repression against Poland and that such developments would have serious consequences for East-West relations. Supports efforts to work with other nations to ease Poland's economic difficulties and the U.S. decision to sell surplus food to Poland at concessionary prices and in Polish currency provided neither external aggression nor internal repression occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the: (1) U.S. representative to the World Health Assembly should vote for the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes; (2) American infant formula industry should abide by such code; (3) President should encourage other governments to call upon their infant formula industries to comply with this code; and (4) President should cooperate with governments of developing countries to develop health standards and programs to implement this code.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Proclaims Raoul Wallenberg an honorary citizen of the United States. Requests the President to ascertain his whereabouts from the Soviet Union and to secure his freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Hunger and Global Security Act - Title I: Public Law 480 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to require the President to consider the extent to which a developing country is using self-help measures to reduce illiteracy among young farmers and to improve the health of farmers and their families before the President can enter an agreement for the sale of agricultural commodities for foreign currencies and long-term-dollar credit with such country. Requires that the economic development and self-help measures the recipient country agrees to undertake be sufficiently described so that the primary beneficiaries will be needy people with incomes below the level required to prevent malnutrition. Requires such economic development and self-help measures to be in addition to the measures the recipient country had otherwise been planning to take. Directs the President to verify that such measures are being carried out and to report to the appropriate Congressional committees on such verification and on the additional nature of such measures. Title II: Multilateral Development Banks - Amends the Federal provisions for aiding international financial institutions to require the United States to work within certain multilateral development banks to establish a requirement that not less than 50 percent of such bank's lending benefit needy people. Requires the Secretaries of State and of the Treasury to report to Congress annually on establishing such requirement. Title III: World Food Security - Directs the President to encourage other grain exporting countries to establish food security reserves or take other measures that complement the U.S. food security reserve. Directs the President to report to Congress on actions taken with respect to such food security reserves. Directs the President to negotiate the establishment of a global food financing facility and ensure that the benefits of such facility meet basic human needs. Directs the President to report to Congress on the actions taken to implement such facility. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the Secretary of Commerce from imposing export controls on food if it is determined that such controls would cause measurable malnutrition in the countries against whom the controls are proposed unless the President determines such controls are necessary to protect U.S. national security. Title IV: Generalized System of Preferences - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit the President from designating as a beneficiary developing country any country that fails to give priority to alleviating malnutrition and poor health and enabling the poor to participate actively in increasing economic productivity, unless the President determines that such designation is required by U.S. national security interests and so reports to Congress. Directs the President to review the possibility of increasing the benefits available to the poorest beneficiary developing countries under such Act's Generalized System of Preferences. Title V: American International Public Health Fund - Establishes within the Agency for International Development (AID) an American International Public Health Fund to provide financial assistance to private and voluntary organizations to support specified public health activities in developing countries. Limits the Fund's financial assistance with respect to the administrative activities of such organizations. Specifies factors to be considered in allocating the Fund's resources. Authorizes the Fund to carry out all AID programs assisting private and voluntary organizations. Directs the Administrator of AID to establish a Board for International Public Health which shall: (1) participate in project proposal review; (2) review documents that detail the terms under which the Fund provides financial assistance to private and voluntary organizations; (3) review the impact of activities supported by the Fund; (4) recommend the allocation of funds; and (5) participate in preparing the annual report. Requires the Director of the Fund to report annually to Congress and the President on the Fund. Authorizes appropriations for such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Declares that high level officials of South Africa should not be invited to visit the United States until South Africa abandons its policy of apartheid and commits itself to granting social justice and participation in the political process to all South Africans.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Industrial Energy Security Tax Incentives Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the energy percentage, for purposes of the investment tax credit, in the case of certain alternative energy property, specially defined energy property, recycling equipment, cogeneration equipment, and qualified industrial energy efficiency property. Defines "qualified industrial energy efficiency property" as property which is part of a modification to an industrial or commercial facility and which: (1) results in decreased energy use per unit of output; (2) results in an aggregate annual decrease in energy consumption by the facility; (3) does not increase the total consumption of oil and natural gas; (4) is constructed or acquired after January 1, 1981; and (5) is depreciable or amortizable property with a useful life of three years or more. Excludes from such definition property for which the energy percentage is otherwise claimed. Extends the period for which such percentage may be applied with respect to such property which is part of projects for which certain construction and financial commitments have been met. Sets forth a formula for determining reductions or increases in the credit based on a ratio between the energy percentage amount and Btu savings. Reduces the credit attributable to application of the energy percentage where the use of qualified industrial energy efficiency property results in an increase of more than ten percent in the capacity of the facility. Provides that the applicable percentage of such property, for purposes of determining qualified investment, shall be 100 percent, without regard to the useful life of the property. Revises the definition of "alternative energy property" to: (1) include equipment for converting an alternate substance into electricity, up to the electrical transmission state; (2) define "boiler"; and (3) include heat treating furnaces which use as the primary fuel an alternate substance, melt furnaces which use no fuel or use as the primary fuel an alternate substance, and modification equipment which is used in a facility which uses as the primary fuel an alternate substance and which reduces the use of fuels other than alternate substances. Expands the definition of "alternate substance" to include petroleum coke, petroleum pitch, synthetic fuels, and any product derived from an alternate substance. Excepts taxpayers from the primary fuel requirement in specified circumstances. Revises the definition of "specially defined energy property." Revises the definition of "recycling equipment" to: (1) include property used for the unloading, transfer, and storage of solid waste; and (2) include property used in the recovery of additional reusable resources and materials. Includes in the definition of "cogeneration equipment" property comprising a system for the generation of mechanical shaft power. Excludes as a fuel, for purposes of the definition of "biomass property", certain recyclable waste paper. Adds to the exclusion of public utility property from treatment as energy property specially defined energy property and qualified industrial energy efficiency property unless such property is installed in connection with specified types of generating facilities. Provides rules regarding: (1) the replacement of equipment or processes by energy property; and (2) energy property which increases the operating capacity of a process or facility. Treats as qualified industrial energy efficiency property reasonably necessary for the operation of alternative energy property, specially defined energy property, recycling equipment, cogeneration equipment, or qualified industrial energy efficiency property.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Calls upon the President to: (1) demand that El Salvador thoroughly investigate the December, 1980, murders of four U.S. missionaries; (2) instruct, in light of allegations that Salvadorans residing in the United States were involved in those murders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation to assume a more directive role in the investigation and employ all other available U.S. resources in that investigation; (3) report on the investigation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on at least a biweekly basis; (4) demand that El Salvador begin investigating the murders of two U.S. labor representatives, and the disappearance of a U.S. journalist; and (5) warn El Salvador that, if these investigations are not satisfactorily resolved, the United States will consider terminating U.S. assistance to El Salvador.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Coast Guard Authorization Act, 1982 - Title I: 1982 Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) operation and maintenance expenses; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) the alteration or removal of bridges over navigable waters; and (4) research, development, testing, and evaluation. Permits the Coast Guard an end-year strength of 39,904 active duty personnel. Authorizes average military training student loads. Title II: Coast Guard Management - Authorizes the Coast Guard to place orders for materials, supplies, equipment, work, or services of any kind that any requisitioned Federal agency may be in a position to supply or obtain. Excludes specified reserve officers on active duty from the active duty promotion list. Makes the rear admiral designated by the Commandant to the position of Chief of Staff the senior rear admiral for all purposes other than pay. Eliminates a reservist's exemption from registration and liability for military training and service under other law. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1981. Increases the end-year strength of active duty personnel for fiscal year 1981 from 39,600 to 39,819. Permits the Commandant of the Coast Guard to authorize the installation and use of telephones in residences leased or owned by the Government of the United States to assure efficient response to extraordinary operational contingencies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Preempts State or local laws which the Administrator determines are inconsistent with this Act. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the rate of reuse and recycling of beverage containers. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress at specified intervals on the impact of this Act on: (1) conservation of energy and material resources; (2) resource recovery and the reduction of solid waste and litter; and (3) the economy. Directs the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Labor on assisting individuals whose employment may be adversely affected by this Act. Sets forth effective dates for various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for veterans exposed to herbicides during service who suffer from a disease which may be caused by exposure to such herbicides, developed to a ten percent degree of disability. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to determine what diseases and birth defects may be due to exposure to herbicides. Qualifies such birth defects disabling to a degree of ten percent as an aggravation of a preexisting injury suffered in the line of duty in the active military service during a period of war. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year of enactment incorporating such determinations and setting forth the conditions of service during the Vietnam era required to establish exposure.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1981
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the export of goods the sales of which are prohibited or restricted in the United States by specified public health and safety laws, unless specified conditions are met. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue export licenses permitting the export of such goods if: (1) all statutory requirements are met; (2) the Secretary and the head of the agency regulating the sale of such goods in the United States concur that: (A) the country has requested such export and has been fully informed of any U.S. restrictions and possible hazards; and (B) the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards; and (3) the sale in the importing country would be subject to restrictions comparable to those imposed in the United States. Requires such exported goods to include all information required by U.S. law. Prohibits the export of such goods if such information is likely to be ineffective. Prohibits the export of any goods to be used in manufacturing prohibited goods.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1981
Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to provide that failure to file a claim within a prescribed period shall not be a bar if it is found that: (1) a mistake or other reasonable cause occasioned such failure; or (2) the insurer was not prejudiced by delay. Prohibits discontinuance of compensation without written assent of the employee. Requires an insurer, where there is no such employee assent, to apply for approval of such discontinuance. Requires that the employee be given an opportunity to appear at a conference before such approval may be given. Directs the Deputy Commissioner with jurisdiction over a case to assign a case to a conference upon notice from either party to a claim that: (1) an insurer has failed to pay compensation upon filing of such claim; or (2) the parties disagree as to continuance of any weekly payments. Sets forth the Deputy Commissioner's powers to investigate and to order compensation paid, modified, or discontinued. Sets forth procedures relating to requests by aggrieved parties for hearings on such orders.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,000 for calendar years prior to 1987 and phases out the amount of the credit by $500 decrements until 1990 when such credit terminates. Defines a "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1981, and before January 1, 1990.
![Official portrait of Rep. Studds, Gerry E. [D-MA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s001040_200.jpg)