United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1981
Establishes within the National Institutes of Health the Office of Drugs of Limited Commercial Value under the direction of the Director of the National Institutes of Health. Establishes within the Office an advisory council to advise the Director and make recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services respecting the time required for drug approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance to entities for the development of drugs of limited commercial value, defined as a drug for a condition or disease of low incidence, to undertake the development of such drugs, undertake studies to determine the potential and need for specific drugs, and coordinate the efforts of public and private entities engaged in the development of such drugs. Requires the submission and approval of an application containing the scientific basis for the development and the proposed therapeutic use of the drug and other specified information before financial assistance is provided. Requires each entity receiving funds to keep specified records. Requires the Director to report to Congress within two years on the effectiveness of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) confer on an urgent basis with other nuclear suppliers to consider tightening restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade through specified measures; (2) develop a strong and effective program for the improvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards regime through specified measures; (3) formulate and urge other countries to adopt a clear policy on enhanced international restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade and on improving the international safeguards regime; (4) call for a reevaluation of world nuclear energy policy; and (5) reaffirm U.S. policy to assist other countries in meeting their energy needs with nonnuclear energy alternatives.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) reopen the nuclear suppliers conference to consider tightening restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade through specified measures; (2) propose the improvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards regime through specified measures; (3) formulate and urge other countries to adopt a clear policy on enhanced international restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade and on improving the international safeguards regime; (4) start planning for a world nuclear energy policy conference; and (5) reaffirm U.S. policy to assist other countries in meeting their energy needs with nonnuclear energy alternatives.
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 · 24 June 1981
National Archives and Records Administration Act of 1981 - Establishes the National Archives and Records Administration as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Requires the Administration to be directed by the Archivist of the United States who shall be appointed by the President for a ten-year term. Directs the Archivist to appoint a Deputy Archivist. Sets forth the administrative duties and authority of the Archivist. Requires the Archivist to submit to Congress an annual report concerning the administration of functions of the Archivist and the Administration. Transfers to the Administration and the Archivist the functions, duties, and authority of the General Services Administration (GSA) and its Administrator, respectively, concerning: (1) congressional printing and binding; (2) the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations; (3) the distribution and sale of public documents; (4) archival administration; (5) presidential records; (6) the National Archives Trust Fund Board; (7) the National Historical Publications Commission; (8) records management; and (9) the disposal of records. Transfers to the Archivist all functions of the person holding the office of Archivist of the United States before enactment of this Act. Transfers the National Archives and Records Service (presently within GSA) to the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Confirms the transfer of real property to California and Nevada on or before July 7, 1980, to clear title to certain lands pursuant to the boundary established between such States by the Supreme Court decision on such date.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for charitable contributions of certain crops, livestock, or poultry to tax-exempt organizations. Limits the credit to ten percent of the wholesale market price or the most recent sale price. Requires that the donated agricultural product be unsalable at a price which would enable the taxpayer to recover his costs and that it be fit for human consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1981
Condemns the violence in Northern Ireland. Urges the exploration of all possible steps to avoid further deaths in the hunger strike and to achieve an immediate and humanitarian resolution of the strike issues. Urges Great Britain to exercise greater flexibility in administering prison rules in Northern Ireland and to invite the European Commission on Human Rights or other appropriate independent parties to participate in settling the strike. Urges the political leaders in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland to seek the earliest possible settlement in Northern Ireland through a negotiated agreement. Requests the President to express to the Prime Minister of Great Britain, American concern for an immediate hunger strike settlement and a lasting settlement of the conflict in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Indian Tribal Governmental Tax Status Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat an Indian tribal government as a State for purposes of: (1) determining the deductibility of a charitable contribution made to such tribe; (2) certain excise taxes; (3) deductions for State and local taxes; (4) the tax exclusion for interest on government bonds; (5) the unrelated business income tax applicable to colleges and universities; (6) the credits for public retirement system income and contributions to candidates for public office; (7) the exclusion from gross income of certain scholarships and fellowship grants and contributions of certain employers for employee annuities; (8) the tax on excess lobbying expenditures by public charities; and (9) the tax treatment of activities of private foundations. Excludes from gross income, under specified circumstances, interest on industrial development bonds issued by an Indian tribal government. Defines "Indian tribal government" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns) of the interest earned on an All Savers Certificate in taxable years 1981, 1982, and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exclude from the definition of food additive the food itself, a combination of foods, or foods for special dietary use, or the ingredients thereof, unless being used as preservatives or flavors for a food. Provides that foods for special dietary use, or for preservation or treatment of dietary deficiency conditions, shall not be classified as drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Expresses the support of the Senate for diplomatic efforts to resolve the current crisis in Lebanon. Sets forth as principles to guide U.S. policy in Lebanon: (1) establishment of a cease-fire; (2) removal of all Syrian missiles deployed in Lebanon; (3) preservation of free and secure Christian, Moslem, Druze, Armenian, and Jewish communities in Lebanon; (4) reaffirmation of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship and strengthening of the U.S. commitment to the integrity of Lebanon; (5) generous international support for assistance for Lebanon; and (6) restoration and respect for the authority of the Lebanese Government based on national elections.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Olympic Coin Act of 1981 - Declares the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to provide for the minting of coins to commemorate the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games; and (2) to help finance those games without the use of tax revenues. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint: (1) not more than 30,000,000 copper-nickel clad coins with a face value of one dollar; (2) not more than 22,400,000 silver coins with a face value of ten dollars; (3) not more than 2,400,000 gold coins with a face value of fifty dollars; and (4) not more than 1,600,000 gold coins with a face value of one hundred dollars. Specifies the size and weight of such coins. Specifies that the designs of such coins shall be determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. Sets certain minting specifications for such coins. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee which shall provide for the implementation of the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to furnish such coins to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee at a price agreed to pursuant to such implementation agreement. Provides that all coins minted shall be delivered to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for distribution and sale to the public in accordance with the terms of the implementation agreement. Sets the delivery date for each series of coins. Provides that all proceeds received by the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee from the commercial sale of such coins shall be used for the purpose of staging and promoting the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and assisting the U.S. Olympic Committee and amateur athletics. Provides that all coins authorized by this Act shall be legal tender. Directs that no coins shall be minted pursuant to this Act after December 31, 1984.
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 · 12 May 1981
Expanded Ownership Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish, without expiration dates, an investment tax credit percentage income tax for contributions by an employer to a tax credit employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Sets the amount of such credit at a sum equal to the lesser of: (1) the aggregate value of employer securities transferred for the taxable year to a tax credit ESOP; or (2) one percent of the aggregate compensation paid or accrued during the taxable year to all employees under such a plan. Includes amounts of the credit as part of the investment tax credit amount. Denies business expense, production of income expense, or contribution to deferred-payment plan deductions for amounts required to be transferred to a tax credit ESOP. Allows an employer to take advantage of the investment tax credit even though he or she contributes employer securities to an ESOP with an aggregate value of less than one percent of the qualified investment. Allows an income tax deduction for employer contributions to an ESOP which are applied to the repayment of principal and interest on a loan incurred for the purpose of acquiring qualifying employer securities. Limits the deductible amount for principal contributions to 25 percent of the compensation otherwise paid or accrued to all employees under the plan for the taxable year. Exempts such an ESOP from the limitations otherwise imposed on annual additions to an employee stock ownership plan. Increases the permissible deduction for employer contributions made to both a stock bonus trust and a profit sharing trust if the additional amount deductible is attributable to a contribution of employer stock or amounts used for the acquisition of such stock. Allows an income tax deduction for cash dividends paid with respect to employer stock which is held by a tax credit ESOP or by a former employee or a beneficiary to whom the stock was distributed from a tax credit ESOP or an ESOP. Extends the partial exclusion for dividends received to such amounts. Excludes from the gross income of an ESOP or a tax credit ESOP participant any lump-sum distribution of employer securities (not to exceed $25,000) made from a qualified trust which is part of an ESOP or a tax credit ESOP. Deems contributions, bequests, or similar transfers of employer securities, under certain conditions, to an ESOP or to a tax credit ESOP as a deductible charitable contribution. Provides for nonrecognition of any long-term capital gain from the sale of small business stock to an ESOP, a tax credit ESOP, or a specified type of consumer cooperative, except to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of small business stock or small business investment company stock purchased by the taxpayer within 18 months after the date of such sale. Reduces the basis of such stock by the amount not recognized as gain. Prescribes a three-year statute of limitations for the assessment of any deficiency attributable to gain realized by the sale of small business stock. Relieves an estate of liability for payment of the estate tax to the extent that amounts of the tax are attributable to employer securities transferred to an ESOP pursuant to a written agreement guaranteeing that the tax will be paid by the plan in an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount of the tax imposed upon the acquired employer securities; or (2) the amount of the tax imposed on the gross estate reduced by the sum of allowable credits. Permits the payment of such tax in installments. Exempts such transfers from the tax on prohibited transactions. Permits the use of nonvoting stock in tax credit employer stock ownership plans. Permits a tax credit ESOP, where ownership of all outstanding employer securities is restricted to employees, to distribute benefits in cash although it does not permit a participant to exercise the right to demand that benefits be distributed in employer securities. Allows a stock bonus plan which distributes benefits in cash to qualify as a deferred compensation plan if benefits may be distributed in the form of any securities of the employer held by a tax credit ESOP. Allows financial institutions whose securities are not readily tradable to reduce the period for exercise of a put option to a period of at least 60 days following the date of distribution of employer stock and an additional such period in the following plan year. Permits a trust which is part of an ESOP or a tax credit ESOP to be a shareholder in a subchapter S corporation. Permits distributions from a tax credit ESOP of employer securities allocated to a participant's account in the case of a sale of the assets of a division or a sale of the stock of a subsidiary and the transfer of the participant to the employment of the acquiring entity. Includes provision of cafeteria plan benefits in qualified cash or deferred arrangements, for purposes of applying participation and discrimination standards to profit-sharing or stock bonus plans.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Anatoly Shcharansky be released from prison in the Soviet Union, be given proper medical treatment, and be permitted to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and the U.S. delegation to the Madrid Conference on Security and Cooperation to continue to express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Humane Transportation of Horses Intended for Slaughter Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards for the humane handling and transportation in commerce of horses intended for slaughter. Requires persons involved in such transportation to maintain records, as determined by the Secretary. Sets forth inspection requirements. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Vests appropriate jurisdiction in the United States district courts. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Select Commission on Voluntary Service Opportunities Act of 1981 - Establishes the Select Commission on Voluntary Service Opportunities. Sets forth provisions concerning the duties, membership composition, Executive Director and staff, and powers of the Commission. Directs the Commission to transmit, with recommendations, a final report to the President and to each House of the Congress not later than 15 months after its first meeting. Directs each affected Executive department and agency to submit recommendations to the President for implementing such report. Directs the President to submit, within specified periods, interim and final reports to each House of Congress on the implementation of the Commission's, and of other, recommendations. Terminates the Commission 180 days after its final report is transmitted. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out this Act and remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Establishes a Special Joint Committee on the Centennial of the Birth of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Directs that such committee be composed of sixteen Members of the Congress. Directs that such committee shall prepare an overall program for nationwide observances and make comprehensive plans for commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, including a joint session of Congress to be held on January 29, 1982. Provides that such committee shall terminate not later than April 30, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Coastal Barrier Resources Act - Declares the findings and intentions of Congress in regard to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the coastal barriers along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Establishes the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System) which shall consist of specified undeveloped coastal barriers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Requires that certain coastal barrier maps shall be available for public inspection through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide copies of such maps to the chief executive officer of: (1) each State and political subdivision in which a System unit is located, and (2) each affected Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to make necessary modifications to such maps and to notify specified Congressional committees of the same. Limits, to specified projects, Federal expenditures on such projects or financial assistance for purposes within the System. Lists those projects eligible for financial assistance. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify annually to Congress that the Federal agencies concerned have complied with the provisions of this Act. Declares that no provision of this Act shall be construed to invalidate any provision of State or local law. Sets forth the contents of reports to be filed by the Secretary with specified Congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Peace Corps Autonomy Act - Requires the Peace Corps to be an independent agency within the Executive branch. Amends the Peace Corps Act to delete certain provisions relating to readjustment allowance payments to Peace Corps volunteers. Authorizes the President to delegate the authority to carry out such Act only to the Director of the Peace Corps. Requires the Directors of the Peace Corps, the Action Agency, and the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress within a specified time on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Excludes from determinations of authorized end strengths and grade limitations of the Department of Defense or the military departments retired officers of the armed forces recalled to active duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Senate and the American people: (1) regret the loss of Japanese life and property in connection with the collision of a U.S. submarine and a Japanese freighter; (2) sympathize with the families of those who died; and (3) assure Japan that the collision will be investigated and explained.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Declares that the Senate urges: (1) the Civil Aeronautics Board and other Federal agencies to refrain from any extraordinary action in regard to the proposed merger between Texas International Airlines and Continental Airlines; and (2) the Board to proceed with consideration of such merger under its regular procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Adoption Identification Act of 1981 - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 to provide for a voluntary adoption identification demonstration program whereby adoptees and their biological relatives may voluntarily locate one another through a centralized network system. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish such a system by grant or contract with public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on such system. Prescribes standards, procedures, and other requirements for such system. Permits such system to include the operation of similar statewide adoption identification computer systems in States which choose to participate in the system and agree to: (1) coordination with the national system; (2) State financial participation; and (3) consistent standards and procedures. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for fiscal years 1982 through 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Amends the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to increase authorized appropriations for fiscal year 1982 and ensuing fiscal years to preserve the structural safety of Federal dams.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Makes the term of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System concurrent with the term of the President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
National Export Policy Act of 1981 - Title I: General Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and the purposes of this Act. Title II: Export Financing - Amends the Export - Import Bank Act of 1945 to establish staggered, ten-year terms of office for the Bank directors. Requires the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to consider limitations on Bank activities when considering appropriations for international trade activities rather than when considering foreign assistance activities. Title III: Export - Related Tax Policy - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the earned income exclusion for citizens working abroad, who are bona fide residents of a foreign country, from an annual rate of $20,000 to $50,000 plus 50 percent of such individual's compensation which exceeds $50,000 but does not exceed $75,000, if such persons qualify as bona fide residents for certain specified periods. Allows separate exclusions to married individuals who are both working overseas, although one's excess exclusion cannot be used against income earned by the other. Provides a tax exclusion for such individuals for the amount by which such individual's housing expenses exceed 16 percent of a GS-14, step 1 salary level for a Federal employee. Permits such individuals to include in the computation of housing expenses the costs of a second foreign household if such individual's family resides outside the United States but not with the individual because of adverse living conditions where the individual resides. Repeals similar deductions for cost-of-living differential, schooling expenses, home leave travel expenses, and residence in a hardship area. Excludes from an employee's gross income any lodging furnished the employee by an employer in a camp which meets specified requirements. Repeals the current provisions relating to deductions for certain expenses of living abroad. Provides that the foreign bad debt loss deduction shall not exceed the greater of 15 percent of the taxpayer's taxable income from exports, or two percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding at the close of the taxable year. Provides that the amount of bad debt losses that may be added to a bad debt reserve shall not exceed five percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding as of the close of the taxable year. Permits the amortization, based on a period of 60 months, of: (1) foreign market studies; (2) foreign marketing expenses; and (3) foreign patents. Permits an income tax deduction for currency fluctuation losses on export credit which have not been repaid by the end of the taxable year. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the six-month deadline for exempting exports from the manufacturer's excise tax for an additional 12 months if it is determined, after consultation with the Secretary of State, that exports were delayed because of war, civil unrest, or similar adverse conditions in a foreign nation. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to approve the duty-free entry of machinery, materials, and fuels to be used for the production of goods in a foreign trade zone if such goods are not subsequently entered into U.S. customs territory. Sets forth requirements before applications for such treatment will be approved. Makes such approval valid for six years. Requires the Foreign Trade Zones Board to include in its annual report to Congress a summary of activities and proposals to increase the use of foreign trade zones to expand U.S. exports. Makes banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Makes export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment. Title IV: Antitrust - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Permits automatic certification of existing associations. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an Office of Export Trade. Requires such Office to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on all East-West trade transactions requiring validated licenses and on the role of U.S. export trading companies in such trade. Grants a temporary exemption from the Sherman Act antitrust provisions for existing associations. Requires, with specified exceptions, that all applications for certification be kept confidential. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force, seven years after enactment, to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Directs the Attorney General to study whether: (1) U.S. business conduct to expand exports conflicts with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws. Requires the Attorney General to identify such conduct which would not warrant prosecution under the antitrust laws. Sets forth the procedures for describing such permissible conduct and disclosing such descriptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to intervene in such suits and to provide legal assistance to exporters. Prohibits prosecution under the antitrust laws of exporters who: (1) have notified the Attorney General of their intention to engage in such designated conduct; or (2) receive an approval, or no objection, from the Attorney General concerning proposed transactions. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress concerning implementation of this section. Authorizes appropriations for the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce for carrying out the simplification of antitrust procedures. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws That Hinder Exports - Changes the name to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require securities issuers to maintain an internal accounting system that provides reasonable assurance that specified accountability and accuracy goals are met. Establishes the degree of previous knowledge necessary to find liability for violations of the accounting standards. Requires only good faith efforts at ensuring compliance by issuers who hold 50 percent or less of the equity of domestic or foreign firms. Transfers from the Security and Exchange Commission to the Department of Justice jurisdiction to enforce the antibribery prohibitions of the FCPA with respect to issuers. Changes the jurisdictional basis of the current corrupt practices prohibition to prohibit bribery "with respect to activities in interstate or foreign commerce" (currently, the basis is use of the mails or interstate commerce "in furtherance" of bribery). Prohibits payments or promises made "directly or indirectly" by a domestic concern to a foreign official if they are made to influence a foreign official's act or induce such an official to violate a legal duty. Prohibits domestic concerns from directing or authorizing such payments. Exempts from such prohibition any payment to a foreign official to facilitate or expedite performance of official duties which is customary in the country where made. Enumerates additional exemptions, including items of value given in return for hospitality or in token of regard and esteem, and marketing or demonstration expenses pertaining to the business presentation. Empowers the Attorney General to undertake any civil investigation which is necessary to enforce the Act. Makes the provision in the Business Practices and Records Act the exclusive Federal law authorizing Federal proceedings against a domestic concern for using the mails or any instrumentality of interstate commerce to violate such Act. Requires an interagency task force to issue guidelines specifying permissible conduct and arrangements associated with common types of export sales arrangements and business contracts and precautionary procedures creating a rebuttable presumption of compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Business Practices and Records Act Review Procedure to answer specific inquiries concerning enforcement of such Act. Requires the Attorney General to issue opinions regarding compliance. Makes such opinions final and binding on all parties if the conduct does not involve a violation. Requires annual reports to Congress by: (1) the Attorney General concerning actions taken pursuant to such Act; and (2) the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate agreements establishing standards of conduct for international business practices, a resolution procedure, and rates of commissions. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Requires Congress to review the Business Practices and Records Act after receiving the President's report. Directs the President to report to Congress on the legal and practical consequences of specific action that the United States could take under existing law to: (1) promote international cooperation to prevent bribery of foreign officials, candidates, or parties in third countries; and (2) encourage persons or businesses operating in foreign countries to refrain from bribing foreign officials, candidates, or parties to the disadvantage of U. S. industry. Requires the report to contain recommendations for new legislation and an analysis of the potential effect on U. S. interests of the corruption of foreign officials and political leaders. Requires an export competitiveness impact statement from any issuing authority taking significant action which could affect adversely U.S. exports or the international competitive position of the United States and its exporters. Expresses the sense of Congress that export paperwork must be reduced to encourage export sales. Requires all agencies to minimize paperwork and reporting requirements. Title VI: Export Awareness and Export Promotion Programs - Export Trading Company Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies by providing information and by facilitating contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate Congressional committees with their recommendations concerning implementation of this Act, related changes in U.S. law, and effects of ownership of U.S. banks by foreign banking organizations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for such initial investments and operating expenses. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees for expansion to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available. Directs the Board of Directors to try to insure that a major share of such guarantees promotes exports from small, medium-size, and minority businesses or agricultural concerns. Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration to extend credit to finance export assistance. Sets a maximum of $750,000 which may be committed to any borrower from the business loan and investment revolving fund. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into cooperative agreements with industrial corporations to develop foreign markets for their products. Requires the Secretary to direct specific market research for the products involved in foreign markets upon entering such agreements. Permits interested industrial corporations to submit a proposal incorporating specific marketing actions to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a marketing agreement after approving any such proposal. Requires repayment of the Federal share of the costs by the entity entering into such an agreement. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such agreements. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. representative to any international organization to: (1) identify programs affecting the export of U.S. firms' services; (2) make available information concerning such programs; (3) establish programs to publicize export-related programs for services; and (4) modify those programs with an adverse effect on the export of services. Makes the Secretary of Commerce responsible for coordinating such programs. Directs the Department of Treasury to report to Congress concerning the feasibility of extending DISC treatment to the export of services. Title VII: Agricultural Exports - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to establish the Agricultural Export Credit Revolving Fund to be available for: (1) the export of, or aid in the development of foreign markets for, agricultural commodities; and (2) loans for the acquisition of facilities in foreign countries to improve the countries' capacities to handle agri-commodities exported from the United States. Authorizes appropriations for such Fund for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress annually concerning the export credit sales program. Abolishes such fund effective October 1, 1984. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the ratio of credit extended by the Export-Import Bank for agricultural exports in comparison with the total amount extended be at least equivalent to the value of agricultural exports in comparison with total value of exports. Specifies exceptions to this requirement. Title VIII: International Agreements - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the multilateral trade agreement be strongly implemented; and (2) the efforts must continue to secure a freer world trading environment. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a special export subsidy program for agricultural commodities to neutralize the effects of foreign export subsidy programs. Specifies the circumstances required before such program may be implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should enter into negotiations for international codes of: (1) official export financing; (2) business conduct; (3) reciprocity of antitrust enforcement; and (4) fair trade in services. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Title IX: Government Support of Export Goals - Overseas Private Investment Corporation Act of 1981 - Establishes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) as an independent agency. Sets forth the duties of OPIC. Provides for the capital of OPIC to be paid in through the appropriation process and through transfer from OPIC's earned income. Sets forth the structure of OPIC with a Board of Directors, a President of the Corporation, an Executive Vice President of the Corporation, other officers and staff, and consultants. Authorizes OPIC to issue insurance to eligible investors covering new or existing investments protecting against specified risks. Authorizes OPIC to make arrangements with foreign governments or multilateral organizations for sharing liabilities. Limits the insurance that may be issued to a single investor. Authorizes OPIC to issue guarantees of loans and other investments. Sets forth limitations on such guarantees. Authorizes OPIC to make direct loans to privately owned or mixed publicly and privately owned firms for projects sponsored by or significantly involving small businesses or cooperatives. Limits the circumstances under which OPIC may acquire stock in any other corporation. Authorizes OPIC to initiate and support the identification, assessment, and promotion of private investment opportunities, with specified exceptions. Authorizes OPIC to administer special projects to provide private technical, professional, or managerial assistance in the development of human resources, skills, technology, capital savings, and intermediate financial institutions and cooperatives. Authorizes OPIC to engage in other insurance, reinsurance, and risk sharing activities with other insurance companies, financial institutions, persons, or groups. Limits the amount of reinsurance of liabilities which OPIC may issue. Limits the amount of maximum contingent liability pursuant to insurance or guarantees issued under this Act which may be outstanding at any one time. Establishes the: (1) Direct Investment Fund as a revolving fund to be available for direct investments; and (2) Insurance Reserve and Guaranty Reserve to be available for discharging liabilities. Authorizes appropriations to the investment and guaranty fund in specified circumstances. Authorizes OPIC to issue obligations in specified circumstances in order to discharge liabilities. Requires that all revenues and income transferred to or earned by OPIC be available to carry out OPIC's purposes. Directs OPIC to determine that suitable arrangements exist for protecting OPIC's interests in connection with any insurance, guaranty, or reinsurance issued under this Act. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States for the full payment and performance of previous obligations. Sets forth conditions with respect to insurance, guaranty, and reinsurance coverage under this Act concerning fees, time limits, fraud, and settlement of disputes. Sets forth administrative provisions and duties applicable to OPIC. Requires OPIC to undertake to broaden the participation of small business, cooperatives, and other small investors in the development of small private enterprise in less developed friendly countries or areas. Directs OPIC to report annually to Congress concerning its operations. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to define "eligible investor" in terms of this Act with respect to housing guarantees. Repeals provisions: (1) prohibiting the transfer of OPIC funds between accounts; (2) authorizing the President to deny assistance to any less developed country which fails to enter into an agreement to institute the investment guaranty program; and (3) establishing OPIC. Declares that nothing in this part shall be construed as terminating any of OPIC's statutory authority. Requires the President of OPIC to submit to the appropriate Congressional committees any necessary technical or conforming amendments. Declares that the potential for U.S. exports shall be a primary decisionmaking factor in considering which projects to include in U.S. foreign aid programs. Declares that the Office of Management and Budget should assure that adequate budget allocations are made available to carry out the programs prescribed in this Act. Declares that the Department of Justice should do what it can to facilitate procedures for exporters. Declares that the Small Business Administration should: (1) be aware of the benefits of export to small business development; and (2) use every opportunity to provide information and assistance to potential exporters. Declares that the U.S. ability to export coal, nuclear power fuels, and other energy materials in a reliable manner should be a key consideration. Directs congressional committees to include in their reports the effect of the bill or resolution on the international competitiveness of the United States. Creates a National Export Council to: (1) serve as a national advisory body on matters relating to United States export trade; (2) act as a liaison among the communities represented by its membership; and (3) provide advice on Federal plans and actions that affect export promotion and development policies which have an impact on those communities represented by its membership. Requires the Council to report annually to the President and the Congress on its activities. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to appoint commercial ministers, counselors, and attaches (with the rank and privileges of other ministers, counselors, and attaches in U.S. embassies and consulates) to: (1) provide trade and commercial service; (2) engage in the promotion of U.S. exports; (3) file semiannual reports to the Secretary on market, industrial, and commodity conditions in their districts and on the implementation of multilateral and bilateral trade agreements; and (4) maintain current data on the commercial standing and capacity of foreign firms within their districts. Provides for domestic assignment, office logistics, allowances, and benefits of such ministers, counselors, and attaches. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress with any recommendations concerning: (1) the organization of international trading and financing programs in the United States; (2) the effectiveness of foreign export promotion programs; and (3) the trade activities of specified Federal agencies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the appropriate congressional committees should review periodically the trade organization of the U.S. Government.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivors' Benefits Act of 1981 - Title I: Veterans' Disability Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' compensation for: (1) wartime disability compensation; or (2) additional compensation for dependents; and (3) clothing allowances paid to certain disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation for: (1) a surviving spouse; (2) surviving children; and (3) supplemental children's benefits. Title III: Effective Date - States that the provisions of this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Extends from December 31, 1981, to September 30, 1982, the authority of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to contract for hospital care or medical services in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands without reference to patient loads or incidence of provision of medical services for veterans treated by the Veterans' Administration in the contiguous 48 states.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to direct the Legal Services Corporation to make available substantial funds to provide the opportunity for legal assistance to be furnished by private attorneys. Authorizes appropriations for the Corporation in the amount of $321,300,000 for fiscal year 1982 and necessary sums for fiscal years 1983 and 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limit on charitable contribution deductions for corporations that donate historical film to educational organizations. Increases the percentage limitation from 5 percent to 30 percent. Requires that the donor must have held such film for nine years and that the donor contribute its entire interest in such film.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Proclaims Raoul Wallenberg an honorary citizen of the United States. Requests the President to ascertain his whereabouts from the Soviet Union and to secure his freedom.
![Official portrait of Sen. Cranston, Alan [D-CA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000877_200.jpg)