United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude employers from the imposition of Federal unemployment taxes for wages paid for services performed for camps by full-time students during fewer than 13 weeks in the year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Amends title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Prohibition of Sex Discrimination) to restrict the scope of such title to students. Limits the applicability of such title to those educational programs or activities which themselves receive Federal financial assistance which a Federal agency is expressly authorized by statute to extend by grant, loan, or contract (other than a contract of insurance or guaranty). Makes such title inapplicable to any educational program or activity on the basis that a student receives Federal financial aid, regardless of whether such aid is received through the institution. Applies the discrimination prohibition to any institution which has substantial responsibility for administering a Federal student aid program and has discretion to determine the receipt of assistance. Applies such title to admissions to institutions conducting federally assisted programs or activities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a court to impose consecutive sentences on any defendant who commits and is convicted of a felony while on bail or release on personal recognizance for another offense and is also convicted of the original offense.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1981
Expresses the opposition of the Senate to the attempt by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization to regulate news content and the operation of the world press.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1981
Motor Vehicle Tax Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the manufacturers excise tax on trucks, buses, and tractors and parts and accessories for such vehicles. Imposes upon the first retail sale of such articles a tax based on their wholesale price. Defines "wholesale price" as 90 percent of the actual retail selling price in the case of trucks, buses, and tractors and 75 percent of such price in the case of related parts or accessories. Exempts from the tax, articles on which the manufacturers excise tax was paid. Deems as sold, for purposes of the tax imposed by this Act, articles used by a manufacturer, producer, or importer other than in the production of articles otherwise taxable under this Act. Exempts from the tax, sales for export or to a State or local government or nonprofit educational organization if such uses are to occur before any other use. Relieves retailers from liability for the tax upon certification by the purchaser that the article will be used in accordance with applicable provisions of law. Imposes registration requirements upon the parties to tax-free sales. Exempts from the manufacturers excise tax on tires, tubes, and tread rubber, articles sold for use on articles subject to the retailers excise tax imposed by 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 · 20 May 1981
Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt from the disclosure requirements matters relating to: (1) internal personnel rules and practices and training or reorientation of personnel of the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) special activities, clandestine collection, or covert operations of the CIA; and (3) internal operation, office management, or organization of the CIA. Eliminates Federal court jurisdiction to enjoin the CIA from withholding records, except personnel records of an individual the disclosure of which is necessary for obtaining employment outside the Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Equal Access to Justice Amendments Act - Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to limit awards of attorney's fees and other expenses in certain Federal agency actions and in certain judicial proceedings involving the United States to prevailing parties who: (1) would have suffered a pecuniary loss in excess of $500 (and, in the case of agency actions, such loss was in an individual capacity and not as a member or representative of an organization or group); or (2) were engaged in carrying on a trade or business for profit and (a) the amount in controversy (in agency actions, in excess of $500) was directly related to the conduct of such trade or business, or (b) the adjudication involves a violation of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Provides, for purposes of such awards, that: (1) an affidavit of the attorney affirming that such fees were routine and customary accompany an itemized fee statement; and (2) the amount awarded not be disproportionate to the amount in controversy. Revises the definition of a "party" under such Act to exclude certain agricultural cooperative associations, tax-exempt organizations, and owners who are not sole owners. Requires that fees and other expenses awarded be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails (for judicial proceedings, the agency issuing an order). Permits such payments from any sums appropriated to such agency, but prohibits specific appropriations for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to revise the definition of "employee" to exclude (in addition to the currently excluded masters, or crew members, of any vessel) persons who at the time of injury were: (1) officers or employees of any government; (2) engaged in any employment which is not a direct or integral part of vessel loading, unloading, repairing, building, or breaking; or (3) providing services on or for any vessel less than 65 feet in length, while covered by a State workers' compensation program. Conforms specified conditions, under which compensation for disability or death shall be payable, to the revised definitions made by this Act. Bars compensation for injuries occasioned (formerly, "solely occasioned") by employee intoxication or intention to injure self or others. Bars compensation or benefits for injuries or occupational diseases related to material medical conditions concealed by false representations by an employee. Sets the maximum rate of compensation, with specified exceptions, at the lesser of: (1) an amount equal to 80 percent of the employee's spendable earnings; or (2) an amount equal to 200 percent of the applicable national average weekly wage. Defines "spendable earnings" as the employee's average weekly wage reduced by amounts required to be withheld under Federal and State tax laws. Directs the Secretary of Labor to publish tables in the Federal Register showing the amount of such "spendable earnings" for various wage levels. Entitles an employee to choose an attending physician from an applicable listing established by the deputy commissioner. Directs the deputy commissioner to actively supervise such medical care. Requires an attending physician who refers an employee to a medical specialist or consulting physician to notify the employer and submit a report, with reasons for such referral, to the employer and the deputy commissioner. Requires such specialist or consultants to submit reports in order to collect fees. Requires an employee seeking recovery of expenses for medical treatment or services to obtain such treatment in a specified manner and to provide written notice to the employer within ten days after the first treatment or services. Establishes procedures for providing independent medical examinations when medical questions arise. Entitles employees to specified relief in cases where the workplace injury is the sole cause of an impairment or disability. Provides for reexaminations upon request of employer or employee. Repeals specified provisions which made certain physicians ineligible for employment as independent medical examiners unless otherwise agreed to. Requires that 80 percent of spendable earnings be paid to an employee during the continuance of permanent total disability, subject to specified limitations. Requires, for a determination of total disability, that an employee prove by substantial evidence that as a result of the injury, in cases other than ones of loss of two or more specified body parts, he or she is permanently unable to earn any wages in employment. Requires that 80 percent of spendable earnings be paid to an employee during the continuance of permanent total disability, subject to specified limitations. Requires, for a determination of total disability, that an employee prove by substantial evidence that as a result of the injury, in cases other than ones of loss of two or more specified body parts, he or she is permanently unable to earn any wages in employment. Requires that 80 percent of spendable earnings be paid to an employee during the continuance of temporary total disability, subject to specified limitations. Prohibits such compensation from being paid after the employee attains the retirement age for the appropriate industry and geographical region. Sets the compensation rate for permanent partial disability at 80 percent of the spendable earnings of the employee, subject to specified limitations. Sets terms and conditions for compensation for loss of hearing. Sets the number of weeks of compensation for injuries to the spine, in the absence of a herniated or ruptured disc. Extends specified limitations to the "other cases" category of permanent partial disability compensation and terminates such compensation after the employee attains the appropriate retirement age. Deletes a provision subjecting such compensation to reconsideration of the degree of impairment by the deputy commissioner. Bars employees suffering injuries in specified categories from seeking additional compensation in this "other cases" category. Allows employers to reduce permanent partial disability compensation when an employee's actual wages (or wage earning capacity) have increased or to suspend such compensation when such wages equal or exceed average weekly wages before the injury. Requires the approval of the deputy commissioner for such reductions or suspensions, with such approval to be reviewable by an administrative law judge. Allows employees whose actual wages (or wage earning capacity) decrease, solely as a result of the injury, to less than their average weekly wage before the injury to request reviews of their compensation payments. Eliminates a provision for death benefits for the survivors of an employee who had been receiving "other cases" category permanent partial disability compensation and who dies from causes other than the original injury. Retains the current compensation rate for temporary partial disability, but subjects such rate to specified limitations. Provides for the designation by the Secretary of an attorney to serve as a special fund representative, with specified powers, upon recommendation by an employer and insurance carrier. Revises provisions relating to: (1) compensation for employees undergoing vocational rehabilitation; (2) the wage earning capacity of injured employees in partial disability cases; and (3) approval of settlements by the deputy commissioner and the manner of payment of such settlements. Provides that entitlement to compensation for disease alleged to be derived in any part from the claimant's occupation be determined by application of the substantive workers' compensation law of the State in which the last exposure to the disease-producing or aggravating stimulus occurred. Eliminates a provision for death benefits if the employee who sustains permanent total disability due to the injury thereafter dies from causes other than the injury. Revises methods of determination of the average weekly wages of injured employees at the time of injury. Revises the formula for determining yearly increases in specified compensation for permanent total disability or death. Makes revisions relating to: (1) failure to give notice; (2) the period of installment payments; (3) the right to compensation controverted; (4) penalties for overdue compensation; and (5) notice of payment. Repeals provisions concerning the deputy commissioner's authority: (1) in cases of suspended payments; and (2) to discharge the employer's liability for compensation. Limits the total money allowance payable to an employee or dependent survivors. Provides for preliminary rulings by the deputy commissioner with respect to claims to become final orders if the parties do not request a hearing. Makes other revisions in claims procedures. Repeals provisions relating to the review of compensation orders and the Benefits Review Board. Establishes a new Benefits Review Board to be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate (the former Board was appointed by the Secretary). Transfers to such Board all officers, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records of the Benefits Review Board in the Department of Labor. Revises the procedures, functions, powers, and duties of such Board. Revises provisions relating to: (1) powers of the deputy commissioner or an administrative law judge in proceedings under such Act; (2) fees for services; (3) institution of proceedings by a person entitled to compensation; and (4) compromises obtained by a person entitled to compensation. Raises the criminal penalty for misrepresentation in the submission of a claim from a misdemeanor to a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a $50,000 fine, or both. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) furnishing specified information and assistance in processing claims to persons covered under such Act (formerly permitted such information and assistance upon request); and (2) participating, except as an intervenor, in proceedings relating to this Act which are before any court. Repeals provisions authorizing the Secretary of Labor to establish and enforce safety rules and regulations for employers covered by such Act. Repeals provisions relating to an administration fund and to the availability of appropriations. Provides that the discharge or refusal to employ any employee who has filed a fraudulent claim for compensation shall not be a violation of antidiscrimination provisions of such Act. Provides that nothing contained in the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to reduce the amount of any benefits being received under the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act by any individual on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Labor Racketeering Act of 1981 - Amends the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 (Taft-Hartley Act) to increase penalties for specified violations of restrictions on financial transactions. Makes violations involving more than $1,000 felonies punishable by up to $15,000 fines and/or five years' imprisonment. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to revise prohibitions against persons guilty of criminal offenses holding specified offices or positions involving employee benefit plans, labor relations, or labor relations consultation to employer organizations. Increases the types of positions from which an individual is barred upon conviction of enumerated crimes. Requires immediate removal upon conviction (rather than after appeal) of enumerated crimes and crimes relating to the position. Increases, from five years to ten years, the time during which a convicted individual is prohibited from holding such offices or positions. Raises, from one year to five years, the maximum time of imprisonment for violations of such prohibitions. Provides that any salary payable but for such prohibition shall be placed in escrow pending final disposition of any appeal. Sets forth the responsibility of the Secretary of Labor to detect and investigate violations of ERISA and other provisions for protecting employee benefit rights, without precluding such detection and investigation by other appropriate Federal agencies.
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 · 11 May 1981
Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any domestic telegraph carrier which possesses a 60 percent or greater market share of annual revenues in any tariffed service in interstate commerce from offering any service or facilities in foreign commerce if the effect of such offer would be to lessen competition substantially or to create a monopoly in the international record telecommunications market.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Delinquent Payments Act of 1981 - Requires Federal agencies to pay interest on overdue payments to businesses for property or services. Specifies the procedure for computing such interest. Requires an agency to pay any such interest charges out of funds appropriated for its programs. Allows an agency to take advantage of an early payment discount only if payment is made within the time specified by the business. Directs each agency to report to Congress annually on interest payments made during the fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Product Liability Risk Retention Act of 1981 - Defines "risk retention group" to mean any corporation or insurance company formed under State law which: (1) is organized for the primary purpose of assuming and spreading product liability or completed operations liability risk exposure; (2) is chartered or licensed as an insurance company under State law; (3) does not exclude members for competitive advantage; and (4) consists of members whose principal activity is the manufacture, design, distribution, packaging or sale of a product. Defines "purchasing group" to mean any group of persons which has as one of its purposes the purchase of product liability or completed operations insurance on a group basis. Exempts risk retention groups and purchasing groups from State laws which prohibit, regulate, or otherwise discriminate against such groups. Enumerates requirements which a State may impose on a risk retention group, including compliance with unfair claims settlement practices laws, payment of taxes, and reporting requirements. Authorizes a State to license an agent or broker for a purchasing group. Stipulates that the ownership interests of members in a risk retention group shall not be considered securities or an investment company for purposes of the Federal securities laws or State blue sky laws.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Compliance Review Reimbursement Act - Entitles State educational institutions to reimbursement for costs incurred in compliance review or similar investigations conducted by the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Education. Defines "educational institution" to include agencies, boards, or institutions under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Vocational Education Act of 1963, and the Higher Education Act of 1965. Excludes reimbursement for costs related to corrective actions. Makes such entitlement available for expenditures from May 1, 1980, to September 30, 1984. Stipulates that payments shall be made from the Office for Civil Rights appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require the notice of proposed agency rulemaking to include: (1) a statement of the Congressional intent behind the rule; (2) a solicitation for public proposals for alternative methods; (3) a description of the data used in the rulemaking; and (4) a determination of whether the rule is a "major rule," as defined in this Act. Directs each agency to publish with such notice: (1) a description of the costs and benefits of and alternatives to the proposed rule; and (2) a justification for proposing the rule and selecting it over the alternatives. Requires agencies to give interested persons at least 60 days to submit written comments on any proposed rule and to make oral comments on major rules. Provides for a 30-day extension of such period. Directs each agency to publish with each final rule a statement of its basis and purpose, including an assessment of the public comments and a comparison of the costs, benefits, and adverse effects of the rule. Requires an agency officer or employee to prepare the rulemaking notice and the statement of the basis and purpose. Directs each agency to maintain, for judicial review, a public file of the paperwork and comments pertaining to each rulemaking proceeding. Allows an agency to promulgate an emergency rule without meeting the notice and comment requirements. Directs such agency: (1) to publish an explanation of the situation requiring the emergency rule and a justification of the emergency rule selected; and (2) to comply with normal rulemaking requirements as soon as practicable. Requires each agency to review its major rules every ten years. Directs each agency to: (1) publish and submit to the President a proposed review schedule; and (2) publish a final schedule within one year after enactment of this Act. Permits the President to select additional rules for review. Directs each agency to publish a notice of its proposed action regarding a reviewed rule. Requires that the notice: (1) assess the costs, benefits, and adverse effects of the rule; and (2) invite public proposals for modifications or alternatives to the rule. Requires an agency to follow normal rulemaking procedures when amending or rescinding a rule. Specifies procedures for renewing a rule without amendment. Directs a court reviewing an agency action to: (1) set aside any agency rule found to lack substantial support in the rulemaking file; (2) determine the authority or jurisdiction of the agency on the basis of the language of the authorizing statute or other evidence of legislative intent; and (3) accord no presumption in favor of or against agency action. Declares that when proceedings for review of the same agency action are instituted in two or more courts of appeals within ten days, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall select the court in which the record shall be filed by a system of random selection. Authorizes the courts not selected to grant preliminary relief pending transfer of their proceedings. Requires each agency to publish in the Federal Register, semiannually, an agenda of the rules the agency expects to propose, promulgate, renew, or withdraw within the next 12 months, including a schedule of the significant actions pertaining to each rule. Directs the President to publish, semiannually, a Calendar of Federal Regulations, listing each of the major rules included in the agenda.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer or dealer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Makes it unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who does not reside in the same State, if the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that acquisition of the firearm by such person would violate any State or local law or ordinance. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Restricts the firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Revises the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to: (1) include use of a destructive device; (2) delete the act of "carrying" a firearm to commit a felony; and (3) limit such offense to felonies over which the Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Retains the current penalty (one to ten years) for first offenses. Increases the penalty for second or subsequent offenses to five to 25 years' imprisonment (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Deletes the prohibition against concurrent sentences. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions to make the following changes. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Extends the types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Establishes a Congressional veto procedure with respect to firearms regulations. Authorizes either House of Congress to adopt a resolution of disapproval within 90 days of the rule's promulgation. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Interstate Compact - Grants the consent of Congress to the agreement between North Carolina and South Carolina establishing their mutual seaward boundary.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Proclaims the English language to be the official language of the United States. Prohibits the United States, the States, and any Federal or State court from requiring the use of any other language. Stipulates that this article shall not prohibit educational instruction in a language other than English for the purpose of making students proficient in English.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to exempt from the definition of "farm labor contractor": (1) any person supplying migrant workers for employment in his own agricultural operation (currently the employer must personally engage in such hiring); (2) bona fide employees who perform such activity for their employer (currently full-time or regular employees who engage only incidentally in such activity); (3) any person who supplies students or other persons whose principal occupation is nonagricultural to perform certain seed industry work (currently only applies to corn and sorghum with a maximum four-week work period); and (4) nonprofit or cooperative associations of farmers, growers, or ranchers and their employees. Defines the terms "for such person's own operation" and "bona fide employee" for purposes of such Act. Redefines "migrant worker" to mean a seasonal or temporary agricultural worker who can not normally return to his or her domicile after each working day (currently anyone employed in agriculture).
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress to assure that the total outlays of the Government during any fiscal year do not exceed the total receipts of the Government during such fiscal year, except when Congress determines, by a three-fourths vote of both Houses of Congress, that a grave national emergency exists.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of agency SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with an SBIR program to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 in amount made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Regulatory Reduction and Congressional Control Act of 1981 - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require Federal agencies to provide interested persons at least 60 days after publication of the general notice of a proposed rulemaking to participate in the rulemaking. Allows an agency to adopt an emergency rule, temporarily, without regard to specified time constraints. Provides expedited procedures for the adoption of a rule to replace such a temporary emergency rule. Subjects interpretive agency rules and general policy statements which will have general applicability and affect the rights of persons outside the agency to notice and public comment requirements for agency rulemaking. Directs each agency, upon publishing a recommended final rule, to transmit to Congress a copy of the rule with a summary of the problem requiring Government regulation and a statement of the estimated costs imposed by the rule. Prohibits such a rule from becoming effective if one House adopts a resolution disapproving the rule within 60 days of continuous session of Congress and the other House does not disapprove such resolution within 30 days thereafter. Specifies factors to be considered by a Congressional committee when determining whether or not to report such a resolution. Allows an agency to issue a modified rule relating to the same area as a disapproved rule. Authorizes each Congressional committee having legislative jurisdiction over an existing agency rule to review such rule periodically to determine whether: (1) provisions of the rule seriously injure the public interest; or (2) the rule violates or is inconsistent with other rules, existing law, judicial decisions, congressional intent, or its statutory authority. Authorizes such a committee or any Member of Congress to report or introduce a resolution requiring that an agency reconsider and repromulgate an existing rule or else the rule shall lapse within 180 days. Requires any agency repromulgating a rule to hold a hearing for oral presentations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Commends Secret Service Agents Timothy McCarthy and Jerry Parr and Metropolitan Police Officer Thomas Delahanty for their performance in the line of duty with respect to the assassination attempt on the life of the President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1981
RARE II Review Act of 1981 - Denies jurisdiction to any court of the United States to take any judicial action with respect to the legal or factual sufficiency of the Department of Agriculture's second roadless area review and evaluation (RARE II) final environmental statement (date January, 1979), recommending certain areas for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Applies such denial of jurisdiction with respect to any order of a court, department, or agency of the United States or of any State whether issued before or after the enactment of this Act. Deems the RARE II review and evaluation of national forest lands west of the one hundredth meridian to be an adequate consideration of their suitability for inclusion in the National Preservation System. Declares that lands recommended for wilderness in the RARE II final environmental statement but not placed into the System by Act of Congress before January 1, 1985, shall lose their recommendation. Consigns to same fate any lands in further planning upon enactment of this Act and not recommended for wilderness by September 30, 1985, or recommended by such date but not placed into the System by Act of Congress before January 1, 1988. Declares that areas of national forest lands east of the one hundredth meridian which were subject to the RARE II review and recommended for wilderness shall become Wilderness Study Areas, and, after January 1, 1983, shall be managed for uses other than wilderness, unless Congress otherwise directs. Requires any such areas not recommended for wilderness to be managed for other uses. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture, unless expressly authorized and directed by Congress, from conducting any further statewide, regional, or national roadless area review and evaluation of National Forest System lands for determination of suitability for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Prohibits the Secretary from reviewing any National Forest System lands for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System unless expressly authorized by joint resolution of Congress. States that the designation of any wilderness area shall not lead to the creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones around any such area.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1981
Grants the Court of Claims jurisdiction over claims against the United States for losses sustained by producers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, or other persons resulting from the ban on children's sleepwear containing Tris phosphate. Enumerates factors to be considered by the court in determining the validity of claims. States that the amount of losses shall not include lost profits, distress sale proceeds, attorney fees, or interest on losses. Sets forth the measure of losses for the types of claimants.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress to adopt for each year a budget which sets forth the total receipts and outlays of the United States. Prohibits the adoption of any budget in which outlays exceed total receipts, unless three-fifths of each House of Congress approve such budget. Prohibits Congress from passing and the President from signing any bill which would cause the total outlays for any year to exceed the total expenditures in the budget for such year. Prohibits the retention of receipts in any year for use of the Treasury in an amount which exceeds as a proportion of the national income, the amount retained for the prior year, unless a bill directed at approving a specific increase in such proportion has been passed by a majority of each House. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any single year in which a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any foreign government from suing for damages for an injury caused by a violation of United States antitrust laws unless: (1) similar conduct was a violation of the laws of the foreign government during the same period and such laws were enforced; and (2) the United States may recover damages for a similar injury to its business property under the laws of the foreign government. Limits the amount that a foreign government may recover to actual damages and the cost of the suit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that the limitation on the use of grants for publicly owned treatment works for treatment, storage, or conveyance of flows of industrial users shall not take effect until November 15, 1984 (rather than 1981).
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Requires an embargo on the export of any goods or services to the Soviet Union during any period in which a grain embargo is in effect against such country.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Federal Jurisdiction Review and Revision Commission Act - Establishes a 16-member Federal Jurisdiction Review and Revision Commission to study the jurisdiction of the Federal and State courts and to make recommendations with respect to revision of the Constitution and Federal law. Directs the Commission to report to Congress and the President within two years of its first meeting. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 - Title I: Individual Tax Rate Cuts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual and estate and trust income tax rates for 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984, lowering the maximum rate to 50 percent in 1984. Repeals the 50 percent maximum tax rate on personal service income. Reduces the alternative minimum tax for noncorporate taxpayers. Title II: Incentives for Plant, Equipment, and Real Property - 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 cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) Ten-year property, including owner-used buildings and their structural components and certain public utility property; (2) five-year property, including tangible property, and (3) three-year property, including automobiles, light-duty trucks, and certain tangible property used in connection with research and experimentation. Excludes from the category of recovery property: (1) property placed in service before January 1, 1981; (2) certain property eligible for amortization; and (3) certain depreciable real property. 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. Revises the treatment of progress expenditure property with respect to the investment tax credit and the allowance for depreciation. Includes as recovery property, property which would have been depreciated using the retirement-replacement-betterment method. Provides special rules for recovery property predominantly used outside of the United States. Establishes definite useful lives for certain types of real property, (e.g., buildings, low-income housing, owner-occupied industrial and commercial buildings) which are not subject to change by the Internal Revenue Service upon audit. Allows current depreciation of any qualified progress expenditure property not yet placed in service. Revises the applicable percentage for determination of the investment tax credit to make eligible for such credit: (1) 100 percent of the basis of ten-year or five-year recovery property; and (2) 60 percent of the basis of three-year recovery property. Revises the progress expenditure rules to eliminate the useful life requirement for depreciable property being constructed by or for a taxpayer for use in trade or business (qualified progress expenditure property) and to apply to such property the revised percentages for determining the investment tax credit under this Act. Revises rules for the recapture of tax benefits upon the disposition of property eligible for the investment tax credit. Prescribes recapture percentages for each of the three classes of recovery property. Limits the amount of the investment tax credit to the amount that the taxpayer has at risk. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Repeals the retirement-replacement- betterment methods of depreciation allowed for certain types of property. Specifies that such property shall be depreciated using a ratable method. Requires the recapture as ordinary income of excess depreciation from recovery property which is subsequently sold or exchanged. Exempts accelerated depreciation on real property with a shortened audit-proof life and recovery property from classification as an item of tax preference for purposes of computing the minimum tax. Sets forth rules for treatment of the depreciation allowance for any recovery property under real property with a shortened audit-proof life in computing the earnings and profits of a corporation. Extends the carryover period for the net operating loss deduction, the investment tax credit, the work incentive program credit, and the new employee credit. Sets forth a method of computing the recovery allowance for recovery property and certain real property in the case of certain corporate acquisitions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the Secretary of State to inform the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the use or intended use by any country or international organization of any herbicide to eradicate marihuana in a program receiving U.S. aid for narcotics control (currently no U.S. aid may be used for any such program if the herbicide is likely to cause serious harm to marihuana users unless the herbicide is used with another substance that will warn potential users of the presence of the herbicide). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to monitor the impact on the health of marihuana users of such a herbicide. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress any determination that marihuana users are exposed to harmful amounts of herbicide.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the adoption of any Federal budget in which expenditures exceed receipts unless approved by a roll call vote of three-fifths of the Members of each House of Congress directed solely to that subject. Prohibits the Congress from passing and the President from signing any appropriations bill which would cause the total expenditures of the Federal Government to exceed its total receipts in any fiscal year. Permits the Congress to waive such provisions with respect to any single year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits any annual increase in the proportion of Federal receipts to the national income unless passed by a roll call vote, directed solely to such purpose, of each House of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Urges the President to extend for three years the orderly marketing agreements between the United States and Taiwan and between the United States and South Korea which limit the exportation from Taiwan and South Korea of nonrubber footwear to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to revise the scope of, and penalties under, the Hobbs Act (prohibiting interference with commerce by threat or violence). Redefines "extortion" for the purposes of such Act to mean obtaining property from another with consent by use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear thereof, or wrongful use of fear not involving force or violence, or under color of official right. Expresses Congressional intent not to exclude Federal jurisdiction on the ground that conduct involving force, violence, or fear thereof, takes place in the course of a legitimate business or labor dispute. Requires that the extent of property damages be at least $2,500 for purposes of the prohibition against obstructing commerce by willfully damaging property. Increases the maximum penalties for such offenses, including enhanced penalties where death, bodily injury, or property damage exceeding $100,000 results.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Exempts nonprofit veterans' organizations and nonprofit fraternal organizations from the requirement that nondramatic literary or musical performance royalties be paid to copyright holders.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Amends current law creating a Federal cause of action for the violation of a person's civil rights under color of State law to exempt from liability a local government which acted in good faith with a reasonable belief that its actions were not in violation of constitutional rights or laws providing for equal rights of citizens or persons.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to value excess inventory at its net realizable value. Eliminates the qualification requirement for the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting that a taxpayer use no inventory method for financial reporting or credit purposes other than the LIFO method. Allows a taxpayer who adopts the LIFO method to spread increases in taxable income attributable to such change over a ten-year period.
![Official portrait of Sen. East, John P. [R-NC]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000017_200.jpg)