United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1980
Commuter Transportation Energy Efficiency Act of 1980 - Title I: Individual Income Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against the income tax in an amount equal to 15 percent of the cost of acquiring a qualified commuter highway vehicle. Provides for apportionment of such credit among joint acquirers. Requires a minimum three-year use of such vehicle, under penalty of recapture of such credit in the year of any cessation of such use or other disposition of the vehicle. Describes the qualifications of such vehicle, which must be at least van-size. Title II: Exclusion of Qualified Transportation Income From Gross Income - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee amounts paid or reimbursed by the employer for the cost of commuting to and from work on public transportation. Excludes, in addition, any services provided, or amounts contributed, by an employer in connection with a ride-sharing program that assists employees in locating and starting car pools. Excludes from gross income any compensation received by a driver in a car pool from other individuals in such car pool. Title III: Business Energy Investment Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set the energy percentage for van pool vehicles at ten percent, thus making them eligible for a 20 percent investment tax credit. Excludes from the 80 percent commuting mileage requirement the number of miles the regularly scheduled driver uses such vehicle for personal purposes, if the driver is not the taxpayer. Title IV: Employer's Tax Credit for Qualified Ride-Sharing Programs - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against the income tax of an employer for administrative expenses paid or incurred in connection with the operation of a ride-sharing commuter program for employees. Determines such credit by multiplying the average number of such employer's employees during the taxable year by a specified amount keyed to the percentage of employees participating in the program. Title V: Gasoline Tax Deduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for Federal, State, and local taxes, including import fees that increase prices, on the sale of gasoline, diesel fuel, and other motor fuels used as a fuel in a ride-sharing commuter vehicle. Describes the qualifications for such vehicle. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to publish tables to assist taxpayers in computing such deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that States reduce the amount of unemployment compensation payable for any week to an eligible individual by the amount of certain retirement benefits received by such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the investment tax credit for railroad property refundable. Requires each person receiving such refund to establish a separate account for amounts so received. Limits withdrawal from such account except to pay for: (1) acquisition of railroad property; (2) normal maintenance, rehabilitation, or capital improvements in connection with railroad property; or (3) assessments of the railroad retirement tax on employers. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cover for lost revenues due to such refunds out of crude oil windfall profit tax receipts.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the investment tax credit for railroad property refundable. Requires each person receiving such refund to establish a separate account for amounts so received. Limits withdrawal from such account except to pay for: (1) acquisition of railroad property; (2) normal maintenance, rehabilitation, or capital improvements in connection with railroad property; or (3) assessments of the railroad retirement tax on employers. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cover for lost revenues due to such refunds out of crude oil windfall profit tax receipts.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1980
Small Business Investment Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 15 to 25 the maximum number of shareholders a subchapter S corporation may have. Ends the requirement that an employer furnish a W-2 wage report upon termination to any employee whose employment is terminated before the close of the calendar year. Requires issuance of such interim report only upon timely request by such employee, and then within 30 days after receipt of such request. Allows a credit against the individual income tax for incentive stock (original issue common or preferred stock) acquired in a domestic corporation whose equity capital does not exceed $15,000,000 immediately before the unrestricted public offering of such stock. Specifies the amount of such credit to be an amount equal to the sum of: (1) ten percent of the first $10,000 of such taxpayer's adjusted basis; plus (2) five percent of any other amount of such adjusted basis. Limits such credit to $3,000 annually ($6,000 in the case of a married individual filing a joint return). Provides a transitional limit of $1,500 ($3,000 for a joint return) for 1981. Creates a category of incentive stock options for employees, who would not be required to pay tax at the time such an option is exercised and would receive capital gains treatment on the proceeds of any subsequent sale of such stock. Denies the employer any deduction with respect to such stock either at the time of option exercise or at the time of subsequent sale. Requires the issuance of any such option, with shareholder approval, at 100 percent of fair market value. Accepts any stock later determined to be undervalued if issued with a good faith effort to make such issue at not less than fair market value. Allows exercise of such option up to ten years after issuance, and in any sequence. Limits long-term capital gain treatment to the sale of incentive stock held by the employee at least two years after the grant of the option and one year after exercise. Subjects any such stock sold within two years after option grant to ordinary income treatment. Requires an employee to remain an employee continuously from grant to three months prior to exercise. Prohibits the employee from owning more than ten percent of the voting power or value of the stock of the company unless the option price is at least 110 percent of fair market value. Allows a corporation engaged in certain market making activities a deduction from gross income for additions to a reserve for gains for such activities during the taxable year. Defines "market making activities" as the purchase and sale of over-the-counter equity securities by a dealer in securities, or any specialist permitted to act as a dealer, who holds himself out as being willing to buy and sell over-the-counter equity securities for his own account on a regular or continuing basis. Limits eligible securities to over-the-counter equity securities of corporations which, on the last day of the taxable year of the taxpayer preceding the taxable year of the sale or exchange, had $25,000,000 or less of equity securities in such corporation outstanding. Restricts the availability of such deduction to a reserve which has no more than $1,000,000 as of the close of the taxable year, after specified required adjustments. Prohibits any deduction if the amount of the additions to the reserve for the taxable year exceeds 30 percent of the fair market value of average monthly inventory positions carried for market making activities by the taxpayer during such year. Increases from $150,000 to $250,000 ($200,000 for 1981) the minimum credit against the accumulated earnings tax for corporations. Increases the cost of used equipment eligible for the investment tax credit: (1) in general, from $100,000 to $200,000 ($150,000 for 1981); and (2) for a married individual filing a separate return, from $50,000 to $100,000 ($75,000 for 1981). Permits a taxpayer who is required to change his method of accounting pursuant to Revenue Ruling 80-60 (inventory valuation) and Revenue Procedure 80-5 to effect such change only for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1979. Exempts from the excise taxes on gasoline, diesel and special motor fuels any such fuels used in connection with intercity, local and school buses. Allows a taxpayer to elect not to recognize a certain amount of gain from the sale of small business stock, if the proceeds of such sale are used to purchase other small business stock within 18 months. Limits recognition to that portion of any gain in excess of the cost of such other stock. Requires the reduction of the basis of any such subsequently purchased stock by the amount of gain not recognized. Limits small business stock to stock in businesses whose equity capital does not exceed $15,000,000. Reduces the corporate tax rate schedule as follows: (1) from 17 percent to 15 percent of the first $25,000 of income; (2) 30 percent of income between $50,000 and $100,000 (currently $75,000); (3) 40 percent of income between $100,000 and $150,000 (currently, between $75,000 and $100,000); and (4) 46 percent of income in excess of $150,000 (currently $100,000).
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1980
Lee Metcalf Fair Employment Relations Resolution - Title I: Fair Employment Relations Board - Establishes as an office of the Senate, the Senate Fair Employment Relations Board to: (1) establish and publish policies and guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of rule XLII of the Standing Rules of the Senate; (2) supervise the actions of the Director and the operations of the Senate Fair Employment Relations Office; and (3) hear and determine complaints. Title II: Senate Fair Employment Relations Office - Establishes as an office of the Senate, the Senate Fair Employment Relations Office which shall develop procedures to implement the policies of the Board, gather information relating to Senate employment practices, and review procedures for the hearing and settling of complaints. Title III: Complaints of Violations of Equal Employment Opportunity - Provides for counseling and assistance through the Office, to any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against in violation of rule XLII. Sets forth the procedure for filing informal complaints based on employment discrimination, and for the informal settlement of such claims. Sets forth the procedure for filing formal complaints, and for conducting hearings on such claims. Provides for an appeal to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics of an adverse decision or order of the Board. Sets forth remedies available to individuals who have been discriminated against in violation of rule XLII. Title IV: Amendments to Standing Rules of the Senate - Amends rule XLII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, relating to employment practices, to provide that any complaint of violation of such rule be heard and settled by the Senate Fair Employment Relations Board in accordance with provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1980
Declares a named individual to have satisfied specified requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act relating to required periods of residence and physical presence within the United States. Authorizes such individual to be naturalized.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1980
Non Carrier Railroad Acquisition Act of 1980 - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to require the Secretary of Transportation to purchase: (1) not less than $50,000,000 in redeemable preference shares or trustee certificates convertible to specified redeemable preference shares as necessary for the purchase, lease, or rehabilitation of properties of the Rock Island Railroad by noncarrier entities to be used for common carrier rail service; and (2) not more than $36,000,000 in such preference shares or trustee certificates as necessary for the purchase of properties of the Milwaukee Railroad by responsible noncarrier entities to be used for common carrier rail service. Directs that a specified portion of such funding be made available from net revenues from the windfall profits tax allocated for energy and transportation programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1980
Federal Interagency Medical Resources Sharing and Coordination Act of 1980 - Establishes the Federal Interagency Health Resources Committee to be composed of the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs. Directs the Committee: (1) to evaluate the opportunities for the interagency sharing of health resources between the Department of Defense and the Veterans' Administration; (2) to prescribe policies and procedures for such interagency sharing; and (3) within 180 days after enactment of this Act, to prescribe guidelines for such interagency sharing to the directors of health care facilities of the Department and the Administration. Requires such guidelines to provide that: (1) the director of each facility shall enter into cooperative arrangements for providing health care to beneficiaries of other facilities; (2) the availability of medical care to beneficiaries of an agency other than the providing agency shall be on a referral basis; (3) an agency shall be reimbursed for a medical service provided to a beneficiary of another agency; and (4) sharing agreements shall be operative upon agreement by medical facility directors unless disapproved by an agency involved. Directs the Administration and the Department to submit to specified congressional committees an annual report regarding interagency medical resource sharing activities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit total budget outlays for any fiscal year after fiscal year 1980 from exceeding the total budget outlays for the preceding fiscal year by a greater percentage than the percentage increase in the gross national product in the preceding calendar year. Reduces further the permissible total budget outlays by percentages based upon the inflation rate and Federal grants to State and local governments. Permits: (1) an increase in the permissible total budget outlays if both Houses of Congress agree by a three-fourths vote; and (2) emergency outlays to be authorized if the President has declared an emergency and both Houses agree by a two-thirds vote. Prohibits requiring State or local governments to perform additional functions without compensation for necessary costs incurred in connection with such functions. Requires such compensation to have been authorized and included as a part of the permissible total budget outlays. Requires concurrent resolutions on the budget to include the estimated amount of grants to State and local governments, in the aggregate and as a fraction of total budget outlays, and any changes. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to require the Budget to be prepared in compliance with this Act. Directs the President to take necessary action to assure continuing compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Commemorates the twentieth anniversary of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan. Declares that it is in the best interest of both such countries to convene a parliamentary and scholarly conference to commemorate and evaluate such treaty. Expresses the interest of the Senate in receiving a report on such conference.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1980
Declares seven named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from June 15, 1981, to January 1, 1986, the termination date for certain provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1976 relating to the allowance of a deduction for the amortization of certain rehabilitation expenditures for certified historic structures.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to revise the definition of "farm labor contractor" to: (1) broaden specified exclusions from such definition (thus broadening certain exemptions from coverage under such Act); and (2) exclude from such definition (and such coverage) any nonprofit or cooperative association of farmers, growers, ranchers, duly incorporated under appropriate State laws, and operated solely for the mutual benefit of the members thereof, and any full-time or regular employee of such association or cooperative who engages in such activity solely for such employer. Adds other definitions relating to such revisions. Revises the definition of "agricultural employment" to specify that listed activities take place on a farm or ranch. Limits the definition of "migrant worker" to only those workers who cannot regularly return to their domicile each day after working hours, or who are transported from and to their domicile each workday by the person who recruits, solicits, hires, or furnishes such worker for agricultural employment on a farm or ranch owned or operated by another person.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Tax Reduction - Job Creation Act - Title I: Individual Tax Rates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce income tax rates for each category of individual taxpayers. Title II: Incentives for New Plant and Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the inclusion of a separate agenda item on Palestinian women presents an intrusion of political issues into the Mid-Decade Conference for women. Declares that the U.S. delegation to the Conference should be instructed to oppose any resolutions which do not relate directly to the goals of the Conference.
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 · 17 June 1980
Designates October 19, 1981, as a Day of National Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the victory of General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1980
Disapproves a specified portion of the proposed deferral of budget authority (D80-65) for Environmental Protection Agency grants for waste treatment works.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1980
Disapproves a specified portion of the proposed deferral of budget authority (D80-65) for Environmental Protection Agency grants for waste treatment works.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against the income tax in an amount equal to 15 percent of the cost of acquiring a qualified commuter highway vehicle. Provides for apportionment of such credit among joint acquirers. Requires a minimum three-year use of such vehicle, under penalty of recapture of such credit in the year of any cessation of such use or other disposition of vehicle. Describes the qualifications of such vehicle, which must be at least van-size.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against the income tax of an employer for administrative expenses paid or incurred in connection with the operation of a ride-sharing commuter program for his employees. Determines such credit by multiplying the average number of such employer's employees during the taxable year by a specified amount keyed to the percentage of employees participating in the program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for Federal, State, and local taxes, including import fees that increase prices, on the sale of gasoline, diesel fuel, and other motor fuels used as a fuel in a ride-sharing commuter vehicle. Describes the qualifications for such vehicle. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to publish tables to assist taxpayers in computing such deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
National Export Policy Act of 1980 - 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 direct the Export-Import Bank to adopt export finance programs comparable in structure to those extraordinary measures of official export credits offered by competing countries, until such financing is limited by international agreements. Requires the Bank to report annually to Congress as to whether any additional appropriations or any increases in its commitment authority or ceiling levels are necessary to carry out this Act. States that this Act shall not take effect until six months after enactment, unless the President defers the effective date for an additional six months. Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that the Export-Import Bank of the United States should facilitate, particularly in the presence of foreign officially-supported export credit competition, exports to countries: (1) having insufficient access to international credit facilities; (2) demonstrating reasonable economic progress; and (3) offering adequate formal assurances of repayment (currently, must offer sufficient likelihood of repayment). Increases the aggregate amount of loans and contractual liability of guarantees and insurance which may be outstanding at any one time. Requires such activities to be carried out through the Export Expansion Facility. Provides for the capitalization of such Facility. Establishes staggered, ten-year terms of office for the Bank directors. Declares that the House and Senate Appropriations Committees should 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 United States citizens working abroad, who are bona fide residents of a foreign country, from an annual rate of $20,000 to: (1) $50,000; or (2) $65,000, 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. Waives the residency requirements to qualify for such exclusion for those required to leave a foreign country because of civil unrest, war, or similar adverse conditions precluding the normal conduct of business. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the foreign residency requirement with respect to the deduction for certain housing expenses of living abroad. Revises the formula for determining the base housing amount with regard to such deduction to make it 16 percent of the salary of a GS-14, step 1. Repeals similar deductions for cost-of-living differential, schooling expenses, home leave travel expenses, and residence in a hardship area. 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. 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 to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. 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. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws That Hinder Exports - Amends the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to change the name of such Act to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers of securities to keep their books and maintain a system of internal accounting controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Makes issuers liable for knowingly falsifying any books or for the intentionally wrongful maintenance or circumvention of the system of internal accounting controls. Requires only good faith efforts by issuers holding 50 percent or less of the equity capital to use their influence to cause transactions and dispositions of assets to be carried out consistent with such provisions. Repeals the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by issuers. Amends the Business Practices and Records Act to include issuers within the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by domestic concerns. Permits items of value to be given to foreigners in specified circumstances, including courtesy items, demonstration expenses, and payments lawful under the laws of the country of the intended recipient. Directs the Attorney General 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 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. 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 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contracts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to 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 the 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 concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations. 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. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Small Business Export Expansion Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to permit participating lending institutions to take actions on behalf of the Administrator with respect to deferred participation loans. Empowers the SBA either directly or in cooperation with lending institutions, to extend credit for export purposes to enable small business concerns to develop foreign markets. Limits the extension of such credit to periods of 18 months or less. Sets a maximum of $750,000 which may be committed to any borrower from the business loan and investment revolving fund. Establishes within the Administration an Office of International Trade to promote sales opportunities for small business goods and services abroad. Requires such Office to: (1) provide small businesses with access to current and complete export information; (2) encourage greater small business participation in trade fairs, shows, missions, and other domestic and overseas export development activities of the Department of Commerce; and (3) assign full-time export development specialists to each Administration regional office. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with specified agencies, to establish an export promotion center in each of two regional offices of the Administration where field offices of the Department of Commerce and the Internal Revenue Service exist. Requires each such center to serve as a one- stop information center on Federal Government export assistance, financing programs available to small business, and other provisions of law governing exporting for small business. Requires: (1) a progress report on the implementation of such centers to the appropriate Congressional committees within six months of enactment of this Act; and (2) an evaluation, within two years after enactment, of the effectiveness of such centers in developing and expanding small business exports. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to qualified applicants to encourage the development and implementation of small business international marketing programs. Sets forth eligibility requirements for applicants. Prohibits the use of any Federal funds to directly underwrite any small business participation in foreign trade missions abroad. Requires each small business international marketing program to: (1) have a full-time staff director to manage program activities; (2) have access to export specialists to counsel and assist small business clients; and (3) establish an advisory board. Directs the Secretary to require, as a condition to any grant, that an additional amount equal to twice the amount of such grant be provided from sources other than the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to evaluate such programs to: (1) determine the impact of such programs on the small businesses assisted; (2) determine the amount of export sales generated by such businesses; and (3) make recommendations concerning continuation and/or expansion of the program. Requires the establishment of at least one small business international program within each region of the Department of Commerce. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration, to maintain a central clearinghouse for the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information between such programs. Directs the Secretary 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. International Education Programs Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of programs designed to promote linkages between such institutions and the American business community engaged in international economic activities. Requires higher education institutions to apply for such grants and contracts. Limits the amount of Federal assistance. Provides for an advisory board to consider the grants made, or contracts entered into, and to review programs established under this section. 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. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress annually concerning the export credit sales program. Abolishes such fund effective October 1, 1983. 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. Requests the President to take action to establish an International Wheat Exporting Commission which would establish an annual minimum world market price for wheat and prescribe export quotas. Requires the President to keep Congress informed about the establishment of such Commission and to report annually once such Commission is established. 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 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 1980 - 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 United States 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 United States 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. Stipulates that nothing in this part shall be construed as terminating any of OPIC's statutory authority. Requires the President 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. Requires the Director of the International Development Cooperation Agency (IDCA) to transfer the functions of the Office of Reimbursable Development from the Agency for International Development to an independent functional status within the IDCA. 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 make an annual report 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 services; (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 · 20 May 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest on an industrial development bond refunding issue if: (1) such issue is secured by a pledge of substantial revenues derived from 20 or more facilities operated or leased by the issuer; (2) the issuer is a political subdivision engaged primarily in promoting economic development; (3) the issuer was created under State law at least 20 years prior to the issuance of such refunding bonds for the express purpose of promoting economic development; and (4) any debt service savings derived from the refunding may be used only for the proper corporate purposes of the issuer and shall not be used to reduce any existing obligations of any nonexempt person.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a separate income tax on the severance pay of unmarried individuals whose employment is terminated by a closing of their place of employment which appears reasonably likely to be permanent and which involves the discharge within a 12 month period of at least 75 percent of the employees. Allows an income tax deduction for severance pay received in a taxable year to the extent that such pay is included in the gross income of the taxpayer.
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 · 16 May 1980
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to conduct a clinical investigation of the safety and efficacy of dimethyl sulfoxide as a drug to be used by persons with arthritis.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Title I: Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to 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 the 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 concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations. 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. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Title II: Export Trade Associations - Export Trade Association Act of 1980 - 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. 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 to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. 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. Title III: Taxation of Export Trading Companies - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make 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. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make 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.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to limit the amount of all State and local severance taxes or fees on coal mined on Indian or Federal lands and shipped in interstate commerce to any powerplant or major fuel-burning installation or on improvements or other rights, property, or assets connected with the production of such coal. States that such tax shall not exceed a total of 12 1/2 percent of the value of such coal produced during a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce corporate income tax rates for corporations with taxable income of less than $300,000. Reduces the income tax rate for mutual insurance companies. Reduces the maximum tax rate imposed on individual income to 50 percent of taxable income by calendar year 1983. Provides that small businesses may qualify for the five year deferral of payment of estate taxes if the value of such a business exceeds one-third of the adjusted gross estate of the decedent (currently, 65 percent of the adjusted gross estate). Eliminates the $1,000,000 ceiling on eligibility for the four percent interest rate applicable to unpaid estate taxes of a qualifying small business. Eliminates the $100,000 limit for used property eligible for the investment tax credit. Allows individual taxpayers a ten percent income tax credit for investment in small business incentive stock (issues of stock aggregating less than $25,000,000 by corporations with equity capital of less than $25,000,000). Limits the amount of such credit to $750 ($1,500 for taxpayers filing jointly). Denies such credit to individuals who dispose of incentive stock within 12 months of purchase.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1980
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the enactment of a withholding tax on interest and dividend payments would be detrimental to the economic well-being of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Extends the condolences of the Senate to the families of the eight American servicemen who lost their lives during the mission to rescue the hostages in Iran. Declares the sense of the Senate that the President order the American flag to be flown at half-mast on all government grounds from May 4 through May 11, 1980, as a mark of respect for such servicemen.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1980
Expresses the gratitude and commendation of the Senate to the military personnel who participated in the rescue attempt of the American hostages in Iran. Extends the condolences of the Senate to the families of those who sacrificed their lives in such attempt.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee amounts paid or reimbursed by the employer for the cost of commuting to and from work on public transportation. Excludes, in addition, any services provided, or amounts contributed, by an employer in connection with a ride-sharing program that assists employees in locating and starting car pools. Excludes from gross income any compensation received by a driver in a car pool from other individuals in such car pool.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set the energy percentage for van pool vehicles at ten percent, thus making them eligible for a 20 percent investment tax credit. Excludes from the 80 percent commuting mileage requirement the number of miles the regularly scheduled driver uses such vehicle for personal purposes, if the driver is not the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Veterans' Education Assistance Act of 1980 - Establishes a Peacetime Veterans' Educational Assistance Program for persons who enter military service after September 30, 1980, and serve on active duty for a period of two years or more, or are discharged or released from such duty for a service-connected disability. Entitles eligible veterans to 36 months of educational assistance under such program. Makes such veterans eligible to participate in the Predischarge Education Program and eligible for education loans. Provides that such veterans are eligible for educational assistance for the ten-year period following their discharge or release date. Sets forth procedures extending any applicable time period for such veterans who are prevented from initiating or completing a program of education under certain circumstances. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay tuition costs and a subsistence allowance to eligible veterans in the program. Makes technical and conforming amendments to existing laws relating to veterans educational assistance. Terminates the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance program after September 30, 1982.
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 · 2 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that a taxpayer must have attained age 55 to qualify for the one-time exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence. Reduces the limitation on the amount of such exclusion from $100,000 ($50,000 in the case of a married individual filing separately) to the excess of such dollar figure over the amount of gain excluded for any preceding taxable year. Applies such reduced limitation only with respect to excluded gain attributable to sales or exchanges after July 27, 1978.