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United States · Official source
3,789 records where Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Requests the President to designate May 21, 1981, as "United States Tennis Association Day."
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Federal Spending Control Act of 1981 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill or resolution or amendment which: (1) authorizes the enactment of new budget authority for a program for a period of more than four fiscal years or for an indefinite period; or (2) provides new budget authority for a program for any fiscal year beginning after two years after the effective date of this Act, unless the provision of such new budget authority is specifically authorized by law. Provides for a waiver of such prohibition if any committee of the Senate determines that an authorization of the enactment of new budget authority for a period in excess of four fiscal years is necessary to accomplish the purposes for which such authorization is made. Applies such prohibition to bills and resolutions which would extend authorizations existing on the effective date of this Act, if such extentions would provide new budget authority for any fiscal year beginning five years after such effective date. Sets forth specific exceptions to such prohibition. Allows a waiver of such prohibition if the Senate Committee on Appropriations determines that such provisions should not apply to a bill or resolution providing new budget authority for a particular program and reports a resolution to the Senate providing for such a waiver. Sets forth the procedures for the consideration of such waiver resolutions in the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Tax Expenditure Control Act of 1981 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order for the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill or resolution which enacts a tax expenditure or the increase of an existing tax expenditure unless such enactment is authorized by law. Requires such bills or resolutions to be reported in the House or Senate on or before May 15 preceding the fiscal year the new tax expenditure is to become effective. Prohibits the consideration of a bill or resolution which authorizes new tax expenditures for more than ten consecutive calendar years. Requires referral of any such bill or resolution to the committee of the House or Senate, as the case may be, which has jurisdiction over the activity such new tax expenditure is intended to affect. Makes this Act effective the first day of the first session of the 98th Congress. Repeals any tax expenditure enacted before the effective date of this Act on December 31, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1981 - Enacts into law the short titles "Civil Rights Act of 1968" and "Fair Housing Act". Amends the Fair Housing Act to expand the definition of "discriminatory housing practice" to include any violation under such Act (thus codifying case law which holds that the obligation of Federal agencies to administer programs affirmatively to further the purposes of fair housing and the prohibition against interference with rights under the Act are separately actionable). Adds new definitions of "handicap" and "aggrieved person". Excludes from the meaning of "handicap" any impairment consisting of alcohol or drug abuse which would be a direct threat to the property or safety of others. Retains the two current exemptions from the prohibition against the discriminatory sale or rental of housing which are given to: (1) an owner of three or less single-family houses; and (2) the owner of a dwelling consisting of four or fewer family units who also resides in such dwelling (the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption). Makes it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent to a handicapped person unless such handicap would prevent a prospective occupant from conforming to specified non-discrimination rules and practices; and (2) discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of related services or facilities. Includes within such discrimination a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (but only if a renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons equal enjoyment of the premises. Stipulates that such discrimination shall not include a refusal to: (1) make alterations at the expense of sellers, landlords, owners, or persons acting on their behalf; (2) make modifications which would unreasonably inconvenience others; and (3) allow architectural modifications which materially decrease the value of a building or alter its intended use. Makes it unlawful for an insurer to discriminate in the provision or terms of insurance against hazards to a dwelling because of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, or national origin of persons owning or residing in or near the dwelling. Adds handicapped persons as a protected class under other existing prohibitions on discriminatory activities. Modifies the housing financing discrimination provision to prescribe all conduct which denies or "otherwise makes unavailable" financial assistance because of race, color, religion, handicap, or national origin. Includes with such prohibition persons in the business of selling, brokering, or appraising real property. Establishes the Fair Housing Commission, composed of three members appointed by the President for staggered six-year terms. Stipulates that no more than two members may be of the same political party. Directs the Commission to: (1) appoint administrative law judges and other employees as necessary to carry out its functions; (2) promulgate a code of ethics to assure the independence of such judges; (3) promulgate rules of discovery for its proceedings consistent insofar as practicable with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and (4) consider appeals from the proposed orders of the administrative law judges upon application of a party. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the executive departments and agencies which are currently required to administer their housing programs in an affirmative manner. Authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial as well as technical assistance to public and private organizations seeking to remedy housing discrimination. Establishes a new administrative enforcement procedure within the Department of Housing and Urban Development in addition to the current enforcement provisions of title VIII (allowing civil actions by private parties and the Attorney General). Directs the Secretary to make an investigation of all alleged discriminatory housing practices on his or her own initiative or upon the filing of a charge by an aggrieved person within one year of the alleged discrimination. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conference, conciliation, and persuasion. Requires the Secretary, if the aggrieved person and respondent consent to binding arbitration, to refer the charge to an arbitrator made available by the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice. Continues the current authority of the Secretary to utilize discovery measures. Retains the current penalty for failing to produce information (up to a $1,000 fine and/or one year's imprisonment). Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. (Specifies, with respect to the rights and remedies provided by such agencies, the elements of "substantial equivalency" which permits certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Eliminates the Secretary's authority to recall referrals in the interest of justice or to protect the rights of the parties. Prohibits further action by the Secretary unless the agency fails to act in a timely fashion (current law gives the agency 30 days to commence proceedings). Requires the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate to avoid duplication of their housing discrimination authority. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to permit other agencies to carry out such responsibilities within their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with specified Federal agencies for such purpose with respect to depository institutions. Permits an action for temporary or preliminary relief to be brought on behalf of the Secretary in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal rules of Civil Procedure when the Secretary establishes that voluntary compliance is unobtainable and prompt judicial action is necessary. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use controls, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief and a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Permits the filing of a petition for judicial review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 60 days after entry of such order. Provides that the findings of fact shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence in the record considered as a whole. Authorizes the administrative law judge to assess civil penalties for noncompliance with a final administrative order. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons under the Fair Housing Act. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Permits the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the current provision permitting the appointment of counsel. Removes the existing $1,000 limit on punitive damages for willful violations. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to title VIII rights has occurred. Permits the intervention of aggrieved persons in such actions. Permits the award of costs, including reasonable attorney fees, to prevailing parties in court and administrative proceedings (current law permits an award of attorney's fees only to prevailing parties who are financially unable to assume them). Directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to report to Congress on the need for and cost of retrofitting housing for handicapped persons. Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Requests the President to designate April 26, 1981, as "National Recognition Day for Veterans of the Vietnam era."
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Vietnam-Era Veterans' Readjustment Amendments of 1981 - Extends the eligibility of Vietnam-era veterans for counseling and related mental health services through September 30, 1983. Permits specified exceptions to such limitation. Excludes alcohol or drug abuse from willful misconduct for purposes of the education benefits delimiting period. Extends such period through September 30, 1983, for veterans pursuing an apprenticeship, vocational objective, or secondary education course. Prohibits the approval of an exclusively flight training program of education under such extension. Extends the veterans readjustment appointment program through September 30, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Declares that seven members of named families have resided since a certain date in the United States Embassy in Moscow and have been living there in accordance with United States laws. Authorizes the granting of a visa and admission to the United States for permanent residence to each individual. Provides that each individual shall be held and considered to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence as of a specified date, and to have been physically present and residing therein continuously since such date.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Federal Lending Program Control Act of 1981 - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide a basis for controlling loans and loan guarantees under Federal credit programs through the congressional budget process. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the first concurrent resolution on the budget for each fiscal year to set forth the appropriate level of total gross obligations for the principal amount of direct loans and the appropriate level of total commitments to guarantee loans and to allocate such totals among the major functional categories of the budget. Directs each standing committee of the House and Senate to submit its estimates of direct loan obligations and loan guarantee commitments by March 15 of each year. Directs the House and Senate Banking Committees to submit recommendations to the Budget Committees for the aggregate levels of direct loans and loan guarantees in each fiscal year. Requires the joint explanatory statement accompanying a conference report on the concurrent resolution on the budget to include an estimated allocation of the total levels of direct loan obligations and loan guarantee commitments among the committees of the House and Senate. Directs the Committees on Appropriations to provide such an allocation among their subcommittees as soon as practicable after a budget resolution has been agreed to. Requires the House Committee on Appropriations, before reporting any regular appropriations bills, to submit a summary report to the House comparing the credit authority contained in such bills to the levels agreed to in the budget resolution Requires any report accompanying legislation conferring new budget authority or increasing tax expenditures to include information on direct loan obligations and loan guarantee commitments. Establishes a deadline for the completion of action on legislation providing credit authority. Requires the second concurrent resolution on the budget in any fiscal year and the reconciliation process to take into account Federal obligations and commitments on loans and loan guarantees. Declares out of order any measure brought up for consideration in either House which would increase the level of loan obligations and guarantee commitments agreed to in the budget process. Requires any authority to guarantee the payment of any indebtedness to be contingent on provisions in appropriation Acts. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to direct the President to include items relating to Federal loan obligations and guarantee commitments in the annual budget message to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Patent Term Restoration Act of 1981 - Amends the patent law to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or a method for using a product, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for products subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Act of March 4, 1913 (relating to virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products).
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Community Home Health Services Act of 1981 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make loans to proprietary entities (in addition to the home health grants now available) for home health programs to meet the initial cost of establishing and operating such programs. Authorizes appropriations for home health programs through fiscal year 1984. Directs the Secretary to submit a report concerning home health programs to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide that home health services may be furnished by a nonprofit hospital; (2) provide coverage for homemakers services when required; (3) provide coverage for transportation related to home health items and services; and (4) include as a home health service any service furnished as an alternative to institutional care. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act to require a State plan to include home health services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Designates January 29, 1981, as "A Day of Thanksgiving To Honor Our Safely Returned Hostages."
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1981
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to limit to 12 1/2 percent of the value of the coal produced yearly the amount of all State and local severance taxes or fees on coal mined from Indian or Federal lands and shipped in interstate commerce to any powerplant or major installation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1981
Requests the President to designate the first day of May of each year as "Freedom Day." Repeals existing Federal law which designates the first day of May as "Law Day, U.S.A."
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1981
Expresses the jubilation and relief of the Senate at the release of the 52 Americans held hostage by Iran. Expresses appreciation for the efforts of various Government officials to secure the release of the hostages. Recognizes the patriotism of the military personnel who tried to rescue them. Thanks Algeria for its help in securing the hostages' release.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $1,000 ($2,000 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.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1981
Designates January 15, the birthday of Martin Luther King, Junior, as a legal public holiday.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Congressional Budget Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit the Congress from considering any legislation which contains new spending authority effective for any fiscal year beyond amounts provided in appropriation Acts. Defines "new spending authority" to include any authority not provided by law on the effective date of this Act, or any increase in existing authority, whether temporary or permanent, to: (1) enter contracts; (2) incur indebtedness except under the Second Liberty Bond Act; (3) make any payments including loans and grants; (4) insure or guarantee any indebtedness; and (5) obligate the United States to make outlays by any other means. Prohibits the Congress from considering any legislation which provides new budget authority for an indefinite period of time or an unspecified number of fiscal years without requiring recurring action by the Congress. States that it shall not be in order in either House of Congress to consider any legislation which authorizes outlays beyond a single fiscal year. Establishes the seventh day after Labor Day as the deadline for completion of all action on legislation providing new budget authority for the upcoming fiscal year. Declares that effective with fiscal year 1983: (1) all spending authority provided by law other than the Social Security Act shall be effective only to the extent authorized by appropriation acts; (2) all permanent budget authority shall cease in effect except for payments to trust funds established by the Social Security Act, interest payments on the public debt, and internal revenue refunds; and (3) all new budget authority shall be available for outlays only for a single fiscal year. Conforms the Rules of the House of Representatives and the Senate to the provisions of this Act. Declares that the provisions of this Act governing the consideration of legislation are an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House and Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Commission on Presidential Nominations Resolution - Establishes the Commission on Presidential Nominations to make an investigation regarding the presidential nominating process. Directs the Commission to report to the President and Congress respecting such investigation including recommendations for the 1984 presidential elections. Terminates the Commission 60 days after submission of such report. Sets forth the powers of such Commission, and related administrative provisions. Authorizes necessary appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
State and Local Government Fiscal Note Act of 1981 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the costs which would be incurred by State or local governments in complying with any bill or resolution (likely to result in annual costs greater than $200,000,000 or have exceptional fiscal consequences) and compare such estimates with any made by congressional committees or Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow married couples, who do not file a single joint tax return with their spouses, to elect the same tax rates currently applicable to unmarried individuals (other than surviving spouses and heads of households), without regard to any community property laws. Entitles any married individual making such an election to claim the income tax credit for dependent care services, even though such individual did not contribute over half of the support of the dependent concerned.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Authorizes the President, subject to specified conditions, to negotiate agreements with foreign governments limiting imports of automobiles, trucks, and their parts. Limits such authorization and agreements to a specified period of time. Requires consultation with the private sector. Prohibits treating actions taken pursuant to such agreements as violations of U.S. laws.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1980
Makes corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 7765 (1981 Budget reconciliations).
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1980
Designates the Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health located in Montgomery County, Maryland, as the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health. Directs the Committee on Rules and Administration to place appropriate markers or inscriptions at suitable locations within such center to commemorate and designate such building.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1980
Italy Disaster Assistance Act of 1980 - Authorizes the President to provide reconstruction assistance for the victims of the recent earthquakes in Italy. States that such assistance may be provided in accordance with specified congressional policies and authorities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981, to remain available until expended, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Allows obligations previously incurred for the provision of reconstruction assistance to the people of Italy to be charged to such appropriations. Directs the President to report quarterly to specified Senate Committees and to the Speaker of the House on the programing and obligations of funds under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate October 12 through October 19, 1980, as "Italian-American Heritage Week."
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1980
Directs the President to designate the week of September 28-October 4, 1980, as "National High School Activities Week."
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1980
Authorizes the President to negotiate agreements with foreign governments limiting exports of automobiles and trucks to the United States. Terminates such authority and any agreements pursuant to such authority on July 1, 1985. States that action taken pursuant to such agreements shall not be treated as violating U.S. laws.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1980
Commission on Presidential Nominations Resolution - Establishes the Commission on Presidential Nominations to make an investigation regarding the presidential nominating process. Directs the Commission to report to the President and Congress respecting such investigation, including recommendations for the 1984 presidential elections. States that the Commission shall cease to exist 60 days after submitting such report. Sets forth the powers of such Commission, and related administrative provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1980
Directs the Senate Finance Committee to report to the Senate by September 3, 1980, a responsible, targeted anti- inflationary tax cut to take effect in 1981. Directs the Democratic Task Force on the Economy to recommend to the Senate a comprehensive economic policy at the earliest possible date.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Urges the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to dismantle consumer credit controls and to discourage the provision of credit for speculative, nonproductive purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1980
Deplores the Soviet violations with respect to Afghanistan. Joins calls for the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. Supports the imposition of penalties on the Soviet Union for its aggression. Urges continued action to draw attention to the Soviet violations and to prevent further Soviet incursions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the domestic automotive and truck industry. Declares it to be a goal of the United States to achieve technological superiority in the world automobile and truck industry. Advocates changes in economic, fiscal, and import policies in order to create adequate capital and produce a more favorable climate for the domestic automobile and truck industry.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1980
Amends Rule 24 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and Rule 47 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require that a court permit the defendant and Government attorney in a criminal case, or the parties in a civil case, to conduct the examination of prospective jurors, subject to reasonable limitations imposed by the court. Permits the court to conduct its own additional examination. (Under current law examination by the defendant, Government, or parties is discretionary with the court, which may choose to conduct its own examination).
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week beginning October 5, 1980, as "National Port Week." Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress on the conditions of U.S. public ports.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Pretrial Services Act of 1980 - Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to establish, under the supervision of the Judicial Conference of the United States, directly or by contract, a pretrial services agency in each judicial district as recommended by the appropriate district court and circuit judicial council. (Current law authorizes such agencies on a demonstration basis in ten representative districts.) Places such agencies under the general authority of a separate entity within the Administrative Office. (Current law places five agencies under the Office's Division of Probation and five under an independent Board of Trustees). Requires, rather than permits, regulations issued by the Director relating to the confidentiality of information contained in agencies' files to provide for certain exceptions. Carries forward current provisions relating to the confidentiality of information contained in agencies' files. Continues generally the existing functions and powers of the pretrial service agencies, but eliminates the discretion of the district courts to determine which shall be performed, and adds three new duties: (1) to develop a system to monitor and evaluate bail activities; (2) to prepare, pursuant to agreements, reports for the U.S. Attorneys' Offices on information pertaining to pretrial diversion; and (3) to make contracts to carry out their functions. Requires the Director to include in the annual report to the Judicial Conference a report on the operation of each agency and to transmit a copy of such report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1980
Establishes the Barrier Islands Advisory Council to: (1) conduct studies and advise the Secretary of the Interior with respect to ongoing, planned, and proposed Federal actions affecting the barrier islands, barrier spits, and bay barriers located along the Atlantic and gulf coasts; (2) make recommendations with respect to proposed regulations or management plans promulgated by any Federal agency which may adversely affect barrier islands; and (3) make recommendations with respect to ways to improve coordination and consultation between Federal agencies and between such agencies and the several States before actions are taken which may adversely affect the barrier islands. Prohibits, on undeveloped barrier islands and undeveloped portions of barrier islands, any Federal expenditures of financial assistance from being made available, and any Federal license, permit, or other form of approval for: (1) the construction of any structure, facility, road, or related infrastructure; (2) any road, bridge, airport, boat landing facility, or other facility to be used for providing access to any area in the Barrier Islands Protection System; (3) flood insurance policies under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 for structures in which construction had not commenced prior to May 8, 1980; and (4) any project to prevent the erosion of, or to otherwise stabilize, any shoreline or inshore area of such a barrier island. Authorizes the Secretary to make certain boundary revisions in the areas included as part of the Barrier Island Protection System.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1980
Paperwork Elimination and Control Act of 1980 - Includes independent regulatory agencies within the definition of the term "agency" for purposes of provisions of Federal law regarding the coordination of Federal reporting services. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to provide for increased communication between the Government and the small business community with respect to Federal information collection activities. Directs the Director to require each agency to include on each of its information collection forms: (1) the expiration date of such form; (2) a registration number; (3) a statement as to whether the information collection is required by law, voluntary, or a requirement for obtaining a benefit administered by the agency; and (4) the name and toll-free telephone number of an agency representative who shall be designated by the agency head to provide assistance concerning the agency's information collection activities. Requires the Director to consult with the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration and to establish guidelines which provide for: (1) differing information collection requirements that take into account the resources available to small businesses; (2) exemptions to small business from certain requirements; and (3) consolidated or simplified requirements for small businesses. Requires the Director to develop and maintain a Federal Business Requirements Locator System to serve as the authoritative register of all Government information collection and recordkeeping requirements. Directs the Director to: (1) promulgate rules requiring each agency head to submit a data profile of each existing and proposed information collection and recordkeeping requirement; (2) compare submitted data profiles to profiles in the System and notify agency officials and members of the public, upon request, of the results; and (3) provide any person, upon request, with a list of requirements applicable to a certain type of business. Requires the use of data profiles to: (1) identify duplicative requirements; (2) locate existing information and promote agency sharing of information; (3) provide a central coordination mechanism for information collection activities; (4) catalog requirements by types of industries; and (5) monitor the total requirements imposed on the public by Government so that such paperwork may be reduced. Directs the head of each agency to submit, annually, an analysis of the agency's information collection activities to the Director with the agency's request for appropriations submitted under the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921. Requires the Director to publish in the Federal Register: (1) a summary of such analysis with a notice soliciting public comments; (2) a summary of comments received; and (3) a statement explaining the Director's determination regarding any issue raised by a comment disagreeing with data or conclusions of the analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1980
Amends the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act of 1964 to provide for maximum payment by the United States of $40,000 in personal property claims by members of the uniformed services or civilian employees of the U.S. incident to evacuations from a foreign country after December 31, 1978. Requires: (1) that the evacuation after December 31, 1978, was authorized by competent authority which was in response to political unrest or hostile acts, and that damage or loss resulted from such evacuation; or (2) that damage or loss resulted from acts of mob violence, terrorist attacks, or other hostile acts directed against the United States government or its officers or employees. Sets forth the order and priority of payment in the event the claimant is deceased. States that such claim must be submitted in writing within two years after it accrues, or within one year after enactment of this Act, whichever is later. Requires each agency to issue regulations governing claims settlements. Prohibits further adjudication of specified claims settled under this Act, unless such claims have not been paid. Subrogates the United States to any rights or claims the claimant may have against the foreign country in which the damage or loss occurred, upon payment of such claim.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1980
Hostage Relief Act of 1980 - Title I: Amendments to Title 5 of the United States Code - Amends title 5 of the United States Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a savings fund to which the head of an agency may allot all or a portion of the pay and allowances of any employee who is in a missing status on or after November 4, 1979, as the result of a hostile action against the United States. Requires interest on such fund to be compounded quarterly at the average rate paid on United States Treasury bills with three-month maturities issued during the calendar quarter immediately preceding the first day of the applicable pay period. Directs the President to issue regulations to authorize agency heads to reimburse for up to $25,000 in any calendar year any such employee, or dependent of such an employee, for necessary travel, rest and recuperation, private medical care, and other expenses related to the ordeal which are incurred on or after such date. Entitles the spouse of such an employee to reimbursement, for a certain time, for expenses incurred for tuition, books, fees, and subsistence while attending an educational or training institution. Extends to such employees the provisions of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, deferring civil actions that affect property rights of such persons until their missing status is ended. Applies the provisions of this title to all citizens and resident aliens of the United States held hostage in Teheran at any time during November, 1979, and to their dependents and spouses, regardless of whether they are Federal employees. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of such an employee compensation received for active service for any month during the period of his or her missing status, or during which such employee was hospitalized as a result of wounds, injury, disease, or partial or total physical or mental disablement incurred during a hostile action against the United States. Cancels the income taxes for any such employee who dies as a result of such hostile action, for the year in which death occurs and for all prior years during which the employee was in missing status. Authorizes spouses of such employees to file a joint income tax return. Defers the filing of an income tax return by such an employee until after 180 days following the termination of his or her missing status. Applies the provisions of this title to all citizens and resident aliens of the United States held hostage in Teheran at any time during November, 1979, regardless of whether they are Federal employees. Applies the tax exclusion to non-employees only to the extent of the daily equivalent of the annual basic rate of pay in effect for level V of the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) request the Soviet Union to exchange scientific data regarding the outbreak of pulmonary anthrax near Sverdlovsk as provided for by the convention prohibiting bacteriological (biological) and toxin weapons; or (2) take appropriate international procedures or lodge a complaint with the United Nations Security Council, if the Soviet Union fails to make available such data.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Congratulates the members of the 1980 U.S. Winter Olympic team, its coaches and officials for a job well done. Recognizes the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Lake Placid Olympic Organizing Committee and the people of the Lake Placid area for their successful efforts in organizing and producing the XIII Winter Olympic Games.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Commends Canada for its actions in protecting certain U.S. citizens and arranging for their departure from Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Urges: (1) public support for the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and athletes; (2) the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to accede to the USOC's proposal to transfer, postpone, or cancel the 1980 summer Olympic games; (3) no American participation or attendance if the IOC fails to adopt such proposal; (4) that other nations be encouraged to support the U.S. policy; and (5) the IOC consider the creation of permanent sites for the summer and winter Olympic games.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Expresses the Senate's support for efforts to win the freedom of the hostages in Iran. Calls upon all nations to join in cooperative efforts to restrict relations with Iran. Declares that: (1) any trial or public exploitation of the hostages would be viewed as added provocation; and (2) the American people will not be diverted from their determination that the hostages be freed.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Northeast Corridor Completion Act of 1979 - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to extend the time period within which (1) regularly scheduled and dependable intercity rail passenger service is to be established between Boston and New York and New York and Washington, D.C.; and (2) the National Railroad Passenger Corporation must submit to the President and to Congress an updated, comprehensive report on the financial and operating results of such service. Increases the amount authorized to be appropriated to effectuate the establishment of such service. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire any real property which the Secretary deems necessary to effectuate such service. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with cost- sharing parties to permit the Secretary to incur obligations to carry out improvements in anticipation of reimbursement from such parties. Permits the Secretary to transfer to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation excess real or personal property from the Northeast Corridor Improvement Project. Establishes a goal of self- sufficiency for such intercity passenger service within five years of the completion of such Project. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to authorize the Secretary to establish a working capital fund for financing the activities of the Transportation Systems Center, including research and analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1979
Regulatory Flexibility and Administrative Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: The Management, Planning, and Analysis of Regulatory Functions - Defines the term "major rule" as an agency rule that is estimated will have an annual effect on the economy of $100,000,000 or more or otherwise will have a major impact. Establishes the Regulatory Policy Board which shall: (1) publish a semiannual Calendar of Federal Regulations containing information on all major rules to be developed or considered by agencies during the next year; (2) identify overlapping and duplicative agency rules; (3) monitor agency compliance with this Title; (4) organize interagency reviews of selected initial regulatory analyses of major rules; and (5) develop methods to reduce duplicative reporting requirements imposed by Federal, State, and local governments. Requires the Executive Director of such Board: (1) in consultation with the Director of the Federal Register, to develop categories for the classification of all agency rules; (2) to compile the classifications of rules which shall be submitted and updated annually by each agency into a comprehensive index of all agency rules; and (3) to publish in the Federal Register instructions for public access to such index. Directs any agency which collects, prepares, or maintains information pertaining to Federal regulatory activities to supply the Board with such information upon request. Requires each regulatory agency: (1) to publish in the Federal Register a semiannual regulatory agenda containing a list of rules the agency expects to propose or promulgate and a description of the areas of regulatory inquiry which the agency will consider during the next year; (2) to solicit public comment on such agenda; (3) to include in the notice of a rulemaking or judicatory proceeding the date by which the agency intends to complete such proceeding; and (4) to notify the public and the Executive Director of any failure to meet such a deadline, of the new completion date, and of the reasons for such a failure. Directs an agency, whenever it is required to publish general notice of a proposed major rule, to prepare and make available to the public an initial regulatory analysis which: (1) describes the need for the rule; (2) describes compliance requirements of the rule; (3) identifies existing duplicative rules; (4) describes alternative approaches for accomplishing the objective of the proposed rule; and (5) describes the economic, health, safety, and environmental effects of the rule. Requires that each agency prepare for each adopted major rule a final regulatory analysis which includes a summary of public comments received on the initial analysis and a justification of the selection of the final rule. Directs each agency to include in the general notice of any proposed rule an initial regulatory flexibility analysis which: (1) describes any adverse economic impact of the rule on individuals, small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions; and (2) discusses alternative regulatory approaches such as varying compliance requirements depending on the resources of the person affected by the rule. Requires each agency to prepare for each final rule a final regulatory flexibility analysis which summarizes comments received on the initial analysis and justifies the selection of the final rule. Specifies techniques through which the head of an agency promulgating a rule shall assure that persons adversely affected by the rule are provided an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking proceeding. Prohibits any Federal agency from: (1) regulating or licensing entry under a scheme when such entry is limited; (2) setting levels for or otherwise controlling the prices, production, or distribution of goods or services; or (3) controlling the terms of agreements among providers and purchasers of goods or services, unless the agency finds such an action to be the least anticompetitive alternative for achieving a statutory goal. Specifies exceptions to the applicability of such prohibition. Requires each agency to establish procedures for notifying the Attorney General of any plans for such an action. Requires each agency to prepare a list of all major rules promulgated by that agency and to publish in the Federal Register a draft schedule for the review over a five-year period of its rules, policies, and practices. Sets forth guidelines for selecting such precepts to review. Directs each agency to publish a final review schedule within one year of the effective date of this Act. Requires that each agency announce the review date for each major rule upon its publication. Requires each agency to publish an assessment of each precept reviewed including a statement of the benefits, adverse effects, costs of such precept, and a determination as to whether the precept should be rescinded, amended, or continued without change. Directs the President to transmit to Congress: (1) an evaluation of the effectiveness of this procedure for reviewing agency precepts; and (2) legislative recommendations for establishing another five-year review period. Requires the Regulatory Policy Board to report to the President and Congress on the regulatory activities of Federal agencies during each of the five fiscal years after the enactment of this Act. Specifies the contents of such report, including an evaluation of agency compliance with this Act. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, for each of the first three fiscal years after enactment of this Act, to monitor agency compliance with regulatory analyses requirements of this Act. Title II: Improving the Efficiency of Administrative Proceedings - Eliminates the exemption from public notice and comment requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act for agency rulemaking concerning Federal loans, grants, and benefits. Exempts from such requirements emergency rules and rules governed by short term statutory or judicial deadlines, provided that an agency complies with such requirements after publication of such a rule when appropriate. Requires each agency: (1) to include in the general notice of proposed rulemaking statements soliciting alternative approaches to the regulatory objective and describing the paperwork requirements of the proposed rule; (2) to resolve controversies concerning proposed major rules through oral or written procedures including informal public hearings, expert advisory councils, and the presentation of witnesses; and (3) to include a response to issues raised by public comments with the statement of the basis and purpose of a final rule. Requires each agency to maintain a file of information on each rulemaking proceeding. Specifies the contents of such file which include: (1) any information which the agency is required to make public; and (2) a record of the source, recipient, and content of any communication with an agency official regarding a proposed major rule. Reorganizes provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act governing adjudication and rulemaking proceedings required by statute to be determined on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing. Declares that if the presiding employee at such a hearing becomes unavailable, another qualified employee shall conclude the hearing. Enumerates the powers of such a presiding employee. Authorizes such employee to cross-examine witnesses and to request the agency to consider and act on interlocutory appeals when action on such appeals would expedite final agency action. Directs such employee to: (1) oversee the expeditious completion of such hearing; and (2) provide a concise record of the important matters of the proceeding. Provides two levels for conducting such adjudication and rulemaking proceedings. Establishes a "general hearing process" which applies to: (1) any rulemaking, ratemaking, or licensing proceeding except a proceeding to withdraw, suspend, or revoke a license or a proceeding before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (2) a proceeding to determine an initial claim of a party, other than an individual, for a subsidy, right, or other benefit; and (3) any other proceeding which the agency determines does not require a "formal hearing" for a fair disclosure of all material facts. Requires a "formal hearing": (1) for all other proceedings required by statute to be determined on the record; and (2) when there is a genuine and substantial dispute of fact in a general hearing which cannot be resolved without formal cross-examination and upon which the decision of the agency is likely to depend. Requires, in any general hearing proceeding, the conduct of a hearing to afford parties an opportunity to submit written data, and, at the request of any party, an opportunity for oral argument. Prohibits any agency employee who performs investigative or prosecuting functions for the agency in such a proceeding from participating in the decision making process of that proceeding. Authorizes the presiding employee at a formal hearing to: (1) rule on offers of proof and relevant evidence; (2) require written testimony and arguments when oral testimony is not required; and (3) upon request, to issue a decision prior to completion of the hearing if there is no substantial dispute of fact. Prohibits any employee presiding over a formal hearing or participating in any decision or review of a decision of such a hearing from: (1) making ex parte communications; or (2) being responsible to an employee or agent performing investigative or prosecuting functions for an agency. Allows: (1) members of employee boards of review to consult with each other; and (2) persons advising a presiding employee to consult with each other and with the presiding employee. Authorizes each agency to establish employee review boards to review the decisions of presiding employees. Directs each agency to specify the conditions under which it will accept an appeal of the decision of such a board or presiding employee. Authorizes an agency to subpoena any person or evidence as necessary in any general or formal hearing proceeding. Sets forth: (1) the civil penalty for persons who fail to comply with a subpoena; and (2) the judicial procedure for enforcement of such a subpoena. Requires each agency to maintain a public file of significant material concerning the major stages of a proceeding. Permits an action to be brought in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the review of an agency rule if there is no applicable special statutory review proceeding. Requires the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to recruit for administrative law judge positions among all groups of qualified persons. Directs the Chairman, in cooperation with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to examine, rank, certify, and register eligible candidates for such positions. Requires the Conference to certify the names of the ten highest ranked candidates to an agency requesting candidates for such a position. Limits to 350 the number of administrative law judges which may be appointed to positions in the GS-16, GS-17, and GS-18 levels of the General Schedule. Directs the Chairman to select administrative law judges to be detailed from one agency to another upon the consent of the transferring agency and the judge selected. Establishes the Administrative Law Judge Career Service consisting of judges appointed under this Act. Title III: Review of the Effectiveness of and Continuing Need for Government Regulation - Directs the President to establish a Committee on Regulatory Evaluation to advise the President concerning the reform of regulation by Federal agencies. Specifies the composition of the Committee and the compensation of Committee members. Requires the Committee to meet at least twice a year. Directs Congress to evaluate according to a specified schedule the regulatory functions of certain agencies and any reform legislation or report transmitted by the President concerning each such agency. Requires the Committee to examine each agency scheduled for review and to submit to the President any recommendations for legislation for reforming such agency. Directs the President, prior to the scheduled date for congressional review of an agency, to submit to Congress a report and any proposed legislation concerning the regulatory reform of that agency. Requires that such report: (1) examine the impact of each agency's regulatory activities; (2) compare the agency's regulatory policies to those of other agencies; and (3) explain in detail the proposed regulatory reforms or the reasons for not proposing a regulatory reform bill. Sets forth House and Senate procedure for considering such reform legislation. Title IV: The Administrative Conference of the United States - Changes the term of office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to a four year term which coincides with the term of the President. States that at least one-fourth of the members of the Conference appointed by the Chairman shall be representatives of regulated interests. Directs the Conference to establish a Committee on Administrative Procedure to draft procedural rules for agency rulemaking proceedings and adjudications. Requires that such rules be designed to enhance public participation in agency proceedings. Title V: Miscellaneous - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Government of the United Kingdom merits commendation for reducing tensions in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia and establishing a basis for peace in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the American people and their representatives are united in their determination and efforts to achieve the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all U.S. personnel. Calls upon the U.N. Security Council to take all necessary measures to secure the release of all U.S. personnel held hostage in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
White Clay Creek Watershed Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare a plan to conserve the natural resource values of the White Clay Creek Watershed, Delaware and Pennsylvania, which is to be submitted to Congress after public hearings. Provides for the joint participation of or consultation with the Governors of Delaware and Pennsylvania. Requires such plan to: (1) provide for a resource assessment; (2) propose boundaries to protect the resources of such watershed; and (3) recommend State and Federal actions to protect the natural resource value of such watershed.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in West Potomac Park in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.