United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
International Terrorism Crime Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for whomever knowingly manufactures, sells, or delivers technology, expertise, plans, weaponry, or restricted military or communications equipment for the purpose of aiding, abetting, or promoting "international terrorism." Establishes lesser penalties for attempting, conspiring, or engaging in negotiations to commit such offense. Provides for the forfeiture to the United States of all gains from this crime.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Expresses the objection of Congress to the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, conformal fuel tanks, Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and aerial refueling aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Department of Energy Organization Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to transfer from the Secretary of Energy to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) functions relating to the transportation of oil by pipelines, except that FERC's authority to determine rates for the transportation of oil by pipeline shall be limited to determining rates for the trans-Alaska pipeline.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to undertake an aggressive campaign designed to encourage banks to: (1) cease providing loans or lines of credit for unproductive and speculative purposes, while increasing the supply of credit available for productive uses; and (2) ensure that thrift institutions, the housing industry, auto dealers, small business, farmers, and home buyers have access to the cheapest possible credit in order to avoid a recession.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1981
Title I: Examination, Inspection, and Labeling Requirements for Imported Meat - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the labeling of any carcass, part of a carcass, meat, or meat food product which is imported into the United States and capable of consumption as human food. Subjects all imported agricultural products to the same inspection standards that are applied to domestic products. Prohibits the entry of imported products that do not meet such standards or such products that have been treated with unapproved agricultural chemicals, animal drugs, or medicated feeds. Requires the Secretary to prescribe assessments and fees on imported meat food products to cover examination, inspection, and labeling costs as determined necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend or revoke the export privileges of any meat exporter who fails to pay such assessments. Title II: Requirement that Eating Establishments Inform Customers That Imported Meat or Meat Food Products are Served in Such Establishments - Requires eating establishments that serve imported meat to inform their customers of that fact. Sets forth penalties for owners, employees, or agents thereof who knowingly violate such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 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 · 15 July 1981
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1981, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over: (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual of an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
National Security and Violent Crime Control Act of 1981 - Title I: Omnibus Drug Control Amendments - Omnibus Drug Control Amendments - Directs the Attorney General to submit annually to the Congressional judiciary committees a report on how reorganization of the Drug Enforcement Administration and narcotics and organized crime control policies of the Department of Justice will accomplish specified goals, including: (1) immobilizing at least one organized crime entity each year; (2) reducing narcotic trafficking by meeting annual goals; and (3) reducing the economic incentives for drug traffickers by forfeiting assets of major narcotics traffickers. 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. Redefines such offense as using a firearm to commit a felony over which the district courts have exclusive jurisdiction or carrying a firearm during such a felony involving violence. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "illegally." Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense to five to ten years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and to ten years to life 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. Makes a first offender ineligible for parole for five years and a second or subsequent offender ineligible for ten years. Expresses the sense of Congress that the executive branch vigorously prosecute such offenses. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for whoever commits or commissions a contract murder, attempted murder, or assault. Provides that a direct or indirect contract between two or more persons involving an offer, agreement, or solicitation to commit a contract murder shall constitute prima facie evidence that the act was commissioned for "anything of value." Applies the penalties for contract murder to whoever uses actual or threatened force to coerce another to commit a murder, attempted murder, or assault in violation of State law. Directs the Attorney General to designate criteria for Federal involvement in the prosecution of contract murders. Stipulates that this Act does not preempt State law in this area. Makes it a Federal offense to kill any attorney, agent, or employee of the U.S. Government employed to investigate or prosecute violations of Federal criminal statutes or any employee of the Intelligence Community. Establishes a new offense of assaulting, kidnapping, murdering, or threatening the relative of any Federal employee covered by the current assault statute, with intent to interfere with such employee's official duties. Amends the obstruction of justice statute to expand the class of persons protected from coercion to include potential witnesses and informants (current law protects actual witnesses). Amends the Freedom of Information Act to expand the exception relating to informants to limit disclosure of information which "tends to disclose" an informant's identity. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to permit a court to reduce a sentence of a cooperating defendant upon application of a U.S. Attorney. Amends the wiretap statute to require a judge to review in camera any information as to previous wiretap applications which might compromise a current or pending case or investigation. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to permit disclosure of Federal grand jury information to a State or local law enforcement official who is assisting a U.S. Attorney in the enforcement of Federal criminal law. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish a mandatory term of imprisonment whenever: (1) serious bodily injury resulted from the defendant's participation in the offense; or (2) the offense is a felony and the defendant was previously convicted of a Federal or State felony, unless a substantial period of time has elapsed. Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize the court, after a due process hearing, to order the detention of a defendant charged with a dangerous or violent offense upon finding that: (1) there is a substantial probability that the defendant committed the offense; and (2) there is clear and convincing evidence that the person is likely to flee or is a danger to another person or the community, and that no release conditions will reasonably assure such person's appearance or the safety of another person or the community. Permits the court to consider the safety of any other person or the community in determining release conditions. Adds to those factors to be considered by the judge in making a release or detention determination: (1) the individual's past conduct, illegal drug use, and conviction record; and (2) whether he was on probation, parole, or other release when arrested. Authorizes a judge to detain for up to ten days a person charged with an offense if it appears that such person: (1) may flee or pose a danger to another person or the community; and (2) is on pretrial release for a Federal or State felony or is on probation, parole, or other release for a Federal, State, or local offense. Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and the Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute (CCE) to subject to criminal forfeiture all profits and proceeds acquired indirectly or directly from illegal enterprises or from continuing narcotics enterprises. Authorizes the court to direct the forfeiture of other assets of a defendant, to the extent that such proceeds cannot be located or are otherwise beyond Federal jurisdiction. Permits the court to authorize redemption of such assets upon surrender of the original proceeds. Establishes a mandatory penalty of life imprisonment without possibility of parole for attempting to assassinate the President of the United States. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the revocation of the airman certificate of any person who violates any Federal or State law relating to the transportation or distribution of controlled substances. Provides criminal penalties for the use or sale of fraudulent certificates with the intent or knowledge that such certificates will be used to violate any such laws. Establishes criminal penalties for operating an aircraft with knowledge that such aircraft is used or intended to be used to violate any such laws. Directs the Attorney General to provide a complete report on organized crime to Congress within 60 days of enactment. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require the consecutive sentencing of any defendant who commits a felony while on pretrial release for another offense and is convicted of such offenses. Directs the Attorney General to move expeditiously to conduct negotiations to secure the cooperation of law enforcement authorities in foreign countries in order to deprive domestic criminals of the use of foreign havens for proceeds of crimes. Violent Juvenile Reform Act of 1981 - Amends the juvenile delinquency provisions of the criminal code to permit a juvenile to be proceeded against in Federal district court upon certification of the Attorney General that the offense charged, if committed by an adult, would be a felony punishable by a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment or more, life imprisonment, or death, and there is a special interest warranting Federal prosecution. Revises the factors to be considered in determining whether the transfer to district court of a juvenile over the age of 16 who has committed a felony punishable by at least ten years' imprisonment is in the interest of justice. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize Federal assistance and training to State and local governments and private nonprofit organizations for programs and projects of proven effectiveness in improving the criminal justice system. Authorizes Federal assistance for national initiative programs of high priority and long-term impact for State and local governments, including corrections standards and accreditation, law enforcement accreditation, emergency enforcement assistance, and the establishment of a National Police Academy. Authorizes appropriations in the amount of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 for such purposes. Amends the Justice System Improvement Act of 1979 to authorize the National Institute of Justice to conduct applied research in the area of rehabilitation and recidivism and review the impact that longstanding issues of procedure such as the right to a speedy trial have had on crime control. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish a national program of group life insurance for public safety officers of a State or local government which has applied to the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to participate in such program and agrees to withhold a premium from such officers' pay. Creates an Advisory Council on Public Safety Officers' Group Life Insurance to advise the Administration on such program. National Narcotics Act of 1981 - Establishes in the executive branch the Office of the Director of National and International Drug Operations and Policy to: (1) develop and enforce Federal Government policy with respect to illegal drugs; (2) coordinate all efforts to halt drug trafficking; (3) supervise and approve budgetary priorities with respect to drugs; and (4) direct the temporary reassignment of Government personnel to implement drug policies. Title II: Federal Diversion Act - Federal Diversion Act of 1981 - Authorizes the preparation of a diversion program not to exceed 12 months for eligible individuals charged with non-violent Federal offenses. Includes in such program, among other activities: medical, educational, vocational, social, and psychological services; corrective and preventive guidance counseling; restitution to the victim of the offense; and uncompensated community service. Includes among the criteria for eligibility that the person has not exhibited a continuing pattern of criminal behavior. Sets forth the admissions procedure to such program. Requires a person admitted to the program to waive formally all applicable statutes of limitations and his or her right to a speedy trial. Provides that upon the expiration of the diversion period the Government shall dismiss with prejudice the indictment, information, or complaint. Authorizes the Government to resume prosecution upon finding that the person is not fulfilling his or her obligations under the plan or that new facts demonstrate that the individual is unsuitable for the program. Allows the person charged to contest such a determination. States that the district planning group established by current law, with other individuals as the group may appoint, shall constitute a diversion advisory committee to plan for implementation and review of the diversion program. Directs the Attorney General to conduct research and report to the President, Congress, and the Judicial Conference of the United States with respect to the diversion program. Authorizes appropriations in the amount of $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1982 through 1985 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title III: Arson Control - Anti-Arson Act of 1981 - Establishes an Interagency Committee on Arson Prevention and Control to coordinate Federal anti-arson programs and to provide assistance to State and local governments for the prevention, detection, and control of arson. Directs the Committee to report to Congress on the success of its activities within 18 months of enactment. Terminates the Committee two years from the date of enactment. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to: (1) classify arson as a major crime in the Uniform Crime Reports; and (2) develop a special statistical report for arson in cooperation with the National Fire Data Center. Directs the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration to: (1) conduct a research program for the development of techniques and equipment for use by State and local fire fighting and law enforcement personnel for arson prediction, prevention, and control; (2) establish anti-arson educational and training programs for State and local government; (3) develop materials for community awareness programs; and (4) provide information relative to the prevention, prediction, occurrence, and control of arson. Authorizes appropriations for the Administration for such purpose. Amends the National Housing Act to require that FAIR (fair access to insurance requirements) plans be issued only after insurers obtain information from a prospective policyholder with respect to arson. Title IV: The Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 - Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 - Establishes as an independent body in the judicial branch the United States Sentencing Commission, consisting of seven voting members and the Attorney General or his designee as a non-voting member, to establish sentencing policies and practices for the Federal criminal justice system. Directs the Commission to promulgate: (1) sentencing guidelines, including sentencing ranges for categories of offenses and defendants; and (2) general policy statements regarding application of the guidelines. Requires the Commission to review and promulgate amendments to the guidelines, subject to Congressional disapproval. Directs the Commission to recommend changes in the grading of offenses to Congress within three years of enactment and to report annually to the Judicial Conference of the U.S., Congress, and the President. Sets forth a new sentencing structure applicable to a defendant who is found guilty of an offense under any Federal statute. Permits an individual to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment or probation and a fine, and to receive additional sanctions, including: (1) forfeiture for certain racketeering crimes; (2) an order of notice to victims of crimes in cases involving fraud or intentionally deceptive practices; or (3) an order of restitution in cases involving bodily injury or property damage. Permits an organization to receive such penalties, with the exception of imprisonment. Specifies factors to be considered by a sentencing court, including the guidelines and policy statements issued by the United States Sentencing Commission and the need to avoid sentencing disparities among defendants with similar records. Requires the court to impose a sentence within the range set forth by the Commission unless aggravating or mitigating circumstances exist that were not adequately taken into consideration by the Commission in formulating the guidelines. Requires the court to state in open court at the time of sentencing the reason for imposing a sentence at a point within the prescribed range, or the specific reason for imposing a sentence outside of such range. Sets forth a presentence procedure for an order of notice or restitution. Sets maximum terms of imprisonment for five classes of felonies (A to F), three classes of misdemeanors (A to C), and an infraction (five day maximum). Prescribes rules regarding factors to be considered in imposing a term of imprisonment. Permits a term of imprisonment to be modified only in certain circumstances. Authorizes the court to include an order limiting the criminal association of organized crime and drug offenders. Allows the court, in imposing a term of imprisonment in excess of one year, to include as part of such sentence a requirement that the defendant be placed on a term of supervised release after imprisonment. Prescribes guidelines relative to concurrent and consecutive terms of imprisonment. Sets limits on the amount of a fine for each category of offenses, including higher maximums for organizational defendants. Directs the court, in determining the amount of a fine and the method of payment, to consider the defendant's financial status. Details procedures for the modification or remission of a fine. Authorizes the imposition of a term of probation, unless such sentence is specifically prohibited, with respect to all but the most serious class of felonies. States permissible terms of probation for each category of offenses. Requires as a mandatory condition of probation that a defendant not commit another crime. Enumerates 20 discretionary conditions of probation. Sets forth provisions relative to the running of a term of probation and revocation of probation. Permits in a felony or class A misdemeanors case, unless contrary to a plea agreement, a defendant to appeal a sentence greater than the maximum allowed under the Sentencing Commission's guidelines which are found by the sentencing court to be applicable. Permits the Government, with the approval of the Attorney General or his designee, to appeal a sentence less than the applicable minimum. Authorizes the court of appeals, upon a determination that the sentence is unreasonable, to remand for further sentencing proceedings or (where the defendant has appealed) to remand for imposition of a lesser sentence or impose a lesser sentence, or (where the Government has appealed) to remand for imposition of a greater sentence or impose a greater sentence.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination used for first-class mail up to one ounce in weight and shall be placed on sale on March 12, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit certain credit transactions for the acquisition of securities of U.S. corporations by either a United States or non-United States persons where such a transaction is financed by either United States or non-United States lenders if such a transaction is or could be prohibited if made in a lender's office or other place of business in a State. Applies the provisions of this Act to any purchase or carrying of securities on or after March, 1981, if the loan or extension of credit involved originated, or if the loan proceeds used to purchase or carry such securities were disbursed, on or after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1981
Establishes a Presidential Protection Commission to: (1) recommend policies and standards to reduce the risk of criminal assaults against the President and other Secret Service protectees during public appearances; and (2) review the criminal laws relating to the safety of the President. Directs the Commission to issue a final report within one year of enactment. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such report.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President: (1) take action to resolve the dispute over industrial property rights recognized and protected in the Agreement on Trade Relations between the United States and Hungary; and (2) suspend extension of nondiscriminatory treatment to Hungary if settlement is not reached expeditiously.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1981
Amends the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 to require the bankruptcy court, in the case of a bankruptcy petition filed by, or with respect to, 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 or 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 · 11 June 1981
Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a court to impose consecutive sentences on any defendant who commits and is convicted of a felony while on bail or release on personal recognizance for another offense and is also convicted of the original offense.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1981
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) temporarily suspend the airman certificate of anyone indicted for a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense charged; and (2) revoke the airman certificate of anyone convicted of a violation of such Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense for which the holder was convicted. Sets forth criminal penalties for the use or sale of fraudulent certificates with the intent or knowledge that such certificates will be used in connection with a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. Provides criminal penalties for any person who: (1) while navigating an aircraft, knowingly and willfully violates such Act; and (2) is the owner of an aircraft and knowingly allows any person to use such aircraft in violation of such Act. Requires that such penalties shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other penalty imposed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Amends the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1945 to provide that the authorization of specified Federal improvement projects on the Neches and Angelina Rivers, Texas, is not to be construed as a reservation of power development, under the Federal Power Act of 1920, at Town Bluff Dam, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake a study of the need for water storage projects in northeastern Texas. Requires that such study be in accordance with specified provisions of the National Water Supply Policy Act of 1980 and include consideration of treatment facilities, regional connection systems, and interconnection of existing and proposed projects. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Amends a specified Act to provide for municipal use of storage water in Benbrook Dam, Texas, to authorize the Secretary of the Army to contract with specified local governments for the use of water supply storage in the Benbrook Reservoir.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Amends the Flood Control Act of 1970 to permit specified cooperation agreements relating to water resources project construction to reflect that such agreements do not obligate future legislative appropriations or other funds for performance of the terms of the agreement and payment of damages in the event of failure to perform: (1) where the non-Federal interest is in the State itself; and (2) when obligating future appropriations or other funds would be inconsistent with State constitutional limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct the project for flood control and recreation in the upper White Oak Bayou area, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Declares the Port of Houston Authority Bridge over Greens Bayou, Texas, to be for all purposes a "lawful bridge" as defined in a specified Act which provides for the alteration of certain bridges over navigable waters of the United States and for the apportionment of the cost of such alterations between the United States and the owners of such bridges. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to reimburse the bridge owner for work done prior to the date of enactment of this Act which would have been the responsibility of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Modifies a non-structural flood project on Galveston Bay at Baytown, Texas, authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 1976, to provide that the price to be paid for property rendered uninhabitable due to the encroachment of flood waters caused by land subsidence in the project area will be based on an appraisal at fair market value disregarding damage caused by flood waters and vandals.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct the project for flood control on Lake Wichita, Holliday Creek, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Modifies the Rio Grande bank protection project to permit its bank protection activities to be undertaken in Starr County, Texas, in accordance with such specifications as may be prepared for such purpose by the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Amends the Flood Control Act of 1946 to revise provisions for projects in the Brazos River Basin, Texas, to provide that a specified portion of the conservation storage capacity of the Belton Reservoir on the Leon River shall be available for water supply (as well as irrigation) purposes in the Leon, Lampasas, and Little River Valleys.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct the project for flood control on Boggy Creek in Austin, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the excise tax on large cigars for fiscal years 1982 to 1983 and eliminate the tax thereafter. Revises the formula for determination of wholesale price, on which the excise tax is based.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify that the income tax credit for the production of natural gas from nonconventional sources shall apply to natural gas sold during the taxable year only if such gas is sold at a lawful price which is determined without regard to ceiling prices under the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs should study, and report to Congress no later than August 1, 1981, on the advisability of seeking institutional reforms in the structure and operation of the Federal Reserve System as may be required to provide a stable and positive economic environment for growth and investment while reducing inflationary pressures. Requires such study to include: (1) the feasibility of implementing a dual prime rate; and (2) the advisability of increased Congressional supervision of policies affecting the Nation's monetary system.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Labor Racketeering Act of 1981 - Amends the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 (Taft-Hartley Act) to increase penalties for specified violations of restrictions on financial transactions. Makes violations involving more than $1,000 felonies punishable by up to $15,000 fines and/or five years' imprisonment. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to revise prohibitions against persons guilty of criminal offenses holding specified offices or positions involving employee benefit plans, labor relations, or labor relations consultation to employer organizations. Increases the types of positions from which an individual is barred upon conviction of enumerated crimes. Requires immediate removal upon conviction (rather than after appeal) of enumerated crimes and crimes relating to the position. Increases, from five years to ten years, the time during which a convicted individual is prohibited from holding such offices or positions. Raises, from one year to five years, the maximum time of imprisonment for violations of such prohibitions. Provides that any salary payable but for such prohibition shall be placed in escrow pending final disposition of any appeal. Sets forth the responsibility of the Secretary of Labor to detect and investigate violations of ERISA and other provisions for protecting employee benefit rights, without precluding such detection and investigation by other appropriate Federal agencies.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bentsen, Lloyd M. [D-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000401_200.jpg)