United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1981 - Enacts into law the short titles "Civil Rights Act of 1968" and "Fair Housing Act". Amends the Fair Housing Act to expand the definition of "discriminatory housing practice" to include any violation under such Act (thus codifying case law which holds that the obligation of Federal agencies to administer programs affirmatively to further the purposes of fair housing and the prohibition against interference with rights under the Act are separately actionable). Adds new definitions of "handicap" and "aggrieved person". Excludes from the meaning of "handicap" any impairment consisting of alcohol or drug abuse which would be a direct threat to the property or safety of others. Retains the two current exemptions from the prohibition against the discriminatory sale or rental of housing which are given to: (1) an owner of three or less single-family houses; and (2) the owner of a dwelling consisting of four or fewer family units who also resides in such dwelling (the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption). Makes it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent to a handicapped person unless such handicap would prevent a prospective occupant from conforming to specified non-discrimination rules and practices; and (2) discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of related services or facilities. Includes within such discrimination a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (but only if a renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons equal enjoyment of the premises. Stipulates that such discrimination shall not include a refusal to: (1) make alterations at the expense of sellers, landlords, owners, or persons acting on their behalf; (2) make modifications which would unreasonably inconvenience others; and (3) allow architectural modifications which materially decrease the value of a building or alter its intended use. Makes it unlawful for an insurer to discriminate in the provision or terms of insurance against hazards to a dwelling because of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, or national origin of persons owning or residing in or near the dwelling. Adds handicapped persons as a protected class under other existing prohibitions on discriminatory activities. Modifies the housing financing discrimination provision to prescribe all conduct which denies or "otherwise makes unavailable" financial assistance because of race, color, religion, handicap, or national origin. Includes with such prohibition persons in the business of selling, brokering, or appraising real property. Establishes the Fair Housing Commission, composed of three members appointed by the President for staggered six-year terms. Stipulates that no more than two members may be of the same political party. Directs the Commission to: (1) appoint administrative law judges and other employees as necessary to carry out its functions; (2) promulgate a code of ethics to assure the independence of such judges; (3) promulgate rules of discovery for its proceedings consistent insofar as practicable with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and (4) consider appeals from the proposed orders of the administrative law judges upon application of a party. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the executive departments and agencies which are currently required to administer their housing programs in an affirmative manner. Authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial as well as technical assistance to public and private organizations seeking to remedy housing discrimination. Establishes a new administrative enforcement procedure within the Department of Housing and Urban Development in addition to the current enforcement provisions of title VIII (allowing civil actions by private parties and the Attorney General). Directs the Secretary to make an investigation of all alleged discriminatory housing practices on his or her own initiative or upon the filing of a charge by an aggrieved person within one year of the alleged discrimination. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conference, conciliation, and persuasion. Requires the Secretary, if the aggrieved person and respondent consent to binding arbitration, to refer the charge to an arbitrator made available by the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice. Continues the current authority of the Secretary to utilize discovery measures. Retains the current penalty for failing to produce information (up to a $1,000 fine and/or one year's imprisonment). Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. (Specifies, with respect to the rights and remedies provided by such agencies, the elements of "substantial equivalency" which permits certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Eliminates the Secretary's authority to recall referrals in the interest of justice or to protect the rights of the parties. Prohibits further action by the Secretary unless the agency fails to act in a timely fashion (current law gives the agency 30 days to commence proceedings). Requires the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate to avoid duplication of their housing discrimination authority. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to permit other agencies to carry out such responsibilities within their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with specified Federal agencies for such purpose with respect to depository institutions. Permits an action for temporary or preliminary relief to be brought on behalf of the Secretary in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal rules of Civil Procedure when the Secretary establishes that voluntary compliance is unobtainable and prompt judicial action is necessary. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use controls, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief and a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Permits the filing of a petition for judicial review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 60 days after entry of such order. Provides that the findings of fact shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence in the record considered as a whole. Authorizes the administrative law judge to assess civil penalties for noncompliance with a final administrative order. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons under the Fair Housing Act. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Permits the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the current provision permitting the appointment of counsel. Removes the existing $1,000 limit on punitive damages for willful violations. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to title VIII rights has occurred. Permits the intervention of aggrieved persons in such actions. Permits the award of costs, including reasonable attorney fees, to prevailing parties in court and administrative proceedings (current law permits an award of attorney's fees only to prevailing parties who are financially unable to assume them). Directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to report to Congress on the need for and cost of retrofitting housing for handicapped persons. Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Amends the Small Business Act to increase authorizations for pollution control facility payment guarantees under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 for fiscal years 1981 through 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1981
Directs the Secretary of Labor to pay a benefit of $50,000 to the survivors of any Federal law enforcement officer or firefighter who has died as the direct result of an injury sustained in the line of duty. Sets forth the order of precedence as to the beneficiaries of such payment. Authorizes the Secretary to make an interim payment not to exceed $3,000 to a survivor who, in the Secretary's determination, probably will receive such a benefit. Declares that no such benefit shall be subject to execution or attachment. Prohibits payment of such benefits: (1) if death was caused by the intentional misconduct, suicide, or intoxication of the officer or firefighter; and (2) to any beneficiary whose actions contributed to the death of the officer or firefighter.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Advanced Battery Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) assure the expansion of the current battery research program; (2) assure the expansion of the current battery exploratory investigations program; (3) accelerate battery development and engineering activities; (4) conduct field tests and demonstrations of each advanced battery; (5) ensure the coordination of the activities of this Act with those of the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act; (6) establish technology applications programs to foster manufacturing process development, cost reduction programs, and pilot line operations; (7) develop a technology applications program for each advanced battery which is proven to be suitable for use in conjunction with dispersed applications of renewable energy sources, such as wind energy and photovoltaic systems; and (8) prepare a comprehensive program management plan for the conduct of the research, development, and demonstration activities under this Act. Establishes a technical panel on advanced batteries of the Energy Research Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on the conduct of the advanced battery energy storage program. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Underground Coal Gasification and Unconventional Gas Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare a comprehensive program management plan for research, development, and demonstration activities for underground coal gasification and unconventional natural gas production. Directs the Secretary to establish such a research and development program. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for the design of underground coal gasification and enhanced gas recovery facilities to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of producing synthetic and unconventional natural gas. Directs the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive commercialization plan. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress, as a separate part of the annual report submitted under the Department of Energy Organization Act, an annual report of the activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Extends from 50 years to 80 years the period for repayment of revenue bonds issued by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (the Corporation) to the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Corporation and the Secretary to make all revenue bonds outstanding on the effective date of this Act payable in equal annual amounts over the remainder of the 80 year period established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1981 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish criminal penalties for any person who knowingly discloses information which identifies a U.S. covert intelligence agent. Establishes a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine for any person who, having had authorized access to classified information which identifies a covert agent, learns the identity of a covert agent and intentionally discloses such information. Establishes a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and/or a $25,000 fine for any person who, having had authorized access to classified information, learns the identity of a covert agent and intentionally discloses such information. Establishes a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment and/or a $15,000 fine for any person who, in the course of a "pattern of activities intended to identify" covert agents and with "reason to believe" that such activities would impair U.S. foreign intelligence activities, discloses information identifying an agent. Directs the President to establish procedures requiring Federal agencies to provide assistance in concealing the identity of U.S. intelligence agents.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Extends the period during which funds appropriated for grants by the Veterans' Administration for the establishment and support of new State medical schools may be expended.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Omnibus Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1981 - Title I: Income Taxation - Subtitle A: Capital Formation - Allows individual taxpayers a ten percent income tax credit for investment in small business incentive stock (stock issues aggregating less than $15,000,000 by corporations with equity capital of less than $25,000,000). Limits the amount of such credit to $1,000 ($2,000 for taxpayers filing jointly). Denies such credit to individuals who dispose of incentive stock within 12 months of purchase. Treats as long-term capital gain amounts actually paid to a taxpayer with respect to a small business participating debenture (SBPD) which constitute the distribution of a share of the earnings of the issuer. Defines "small business participating debenture" (SBPD) as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which: (1) is a general obligation of such business; (2) bears interest at not less than specified by the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's total earnings. Defines "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $25,000,000: (2) the face value of all of whose outstanding SBPD's does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats members of a controlled group of corporations as a single taxpayer. Denies capital gains treatment where the taxpayer is a "related party" to the SBPD issuer. Treats losses on small business participating debentures as ordinary losses. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on such debentures. Increases from 60 percent to 70 percent the deduction for capital gains from the sale or exchange of small business assets (equity interests in a business with net equity capital of less than $25,000,000). Reduces from 28 percent to 21 percent the alternative tax on such gain. Provides for nonrecognition of any long-term capital gain from the sale of small business stock, except to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of small business stock purchased by the taxpayer within 18 months after the date of such sale. Prescribes a three-year statute of limitations for the assessment of any deficiency attributable to gain realized by the sale of such stock. Increases from 15 to 100 the permissible number of shareholders in a subchapter S corporation. Allows corporations engaged in marketmaking activities a limited deduction equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount of additions during the taxable year to a reserve for gains from marketmaking activities; or (2) the amount of gain from such activities. Defines "marketmaking activities" as the purchase and sale by a dealer in securities of equity securities which are: (1) issued by a corporation with less than $25,000,000 in stock and securities outstanding; and (2) held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of trade or business. Requires specified withdrawals from the marketmaking reserve at the close of the taxable year and includes amounts so withdrawn in gross income. Subtitle B: Capital Retention - Reduces corporate income tax rates. Revises 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 two classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) tangible property, five years; and (2) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Permits calculation of the investment tax credit for such property without regard to the useful life of the 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. Permits a 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. Increases the accumulated earnings credit for corporations other than specified service corporations. Increases the allowable cost of used property eligible for the investment tax credit. Subtitle C: Employee Stock Options - Exempts from income taxation any income resulting from the transfer of stock to an individual exercising a stock option under an incentive stock option plan. Specifies that the optionee may not dispose of stock within two years after an option is granted nor within one year after the transfer of shares. Requires that the optionee be an employee of the corporation granting such option at all times during the period after an option is granted and for three months after such option is exercised. Defines "incentive stock option" as an option granted to an individual in connection with employment by a corporation to purchase stock of such corporation. Sets forth the following conditions for the granting of such options: (1) the approval of a plan for granting options by the shareholders of the corporation; (2) the granting of options within ten years of either the adoption or approval of the plan; (3) the termination of the option after ten years; (4) an option-price which is not less than the fair market value of the stock subject to such option; (5) the nontransferability of the option; and (6) the optionee may not hold more than ten percent of the stock of the corporation, unless the option price is at least 110 percent of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option and such option is terminable five years after it is granted. Subtitle D: Inventory Accounting for Small Businesses - Allows a qualified small business to elect the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting regardless of any requirement to use inventories if: (1) the average annual gross receipts for the three preceding taxable years do not exceed $1,000,000; and (2) such small business was qualified for each of the two preceding taxable years. Allows a taxpayer who adopts the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting to spread increases in taxable income attributable to such change over a ten-year period. 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 a change only for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1980. Title II: Estate and Gift Taxes - Increases the unified credit against the estate and gift taxes from $47,000 to $192,800. Makes such increase, in the case of the gift tax, in specified annual increments through 1985. Increases from $175,000 to $600,000 the minimum gross estate requiring filing of a return. Repeals the existing limitations on the marital deduction for gift and estate taxes. Increases from $3,000 to $6,000 the annual gift tax exclusion. Permits disabled individuals and those receiving social security benefits to qualify for the special use valuation of certain farms and other real property if they have materially participated in the operation of the farm or business for five out of the eight years preceding the year in which they become disabled or eligible for such benefits. Permits the spouse of a decedent to use such valuation if the spouse has actually managed the farm or business for ten years preceding the decedent's death or takes over active management upon the decedent's death. Permits the owner of a woodland to qualify for the special use valuation if he or she has actively managed the property for ten years prior to death. Reduces from 15 to ten years the length of time a qualified property must be held following the decedent's death before it can be disposed of without incurring a recapture of estate tax benefits. Permits active management rather than material participation as a test for qualification of the estate for spouses, children under 21, students, and disabled individuals who receive property from a decedent who qualified for special use valuation. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the reduction of the value of qualified real property permitted the special use valuation. Allows like kind exchange of property without loss of special use valuation qualification. Allows net crop share rentals to qualify for the special use valuation as well as cash rentals. Authorizes the step-up in basis of assets. Repeals the requirement that an heir elect special treatment for involuntary conversions of qualified real property, thus making such treatment automatic upon such conversion. States that gifts made within three years of a decedent's death shall be valued as of the time of transfer rather than as of the date of death. Authorizes an individual to elect to pay a gift tax rather than use the unified tax credit. Modifies the alternate extension of time for payment of the estate tax where the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business to: (1) allow an installment payment election if the value of the interest in the closely held business is either 35 percent of the value of the gross estate or 50 percent of the taxable estate; (2) increase to 50 percent the value of an interest disposed of which will accelerate the payment of tax; and (3) permit payment, but with a penalty, of an installment within six months after the due date. Allows a disclaimer of an interest in property for estate tax purposes in specified circumstances where such disclaimer does not result in the passing of the interest concerned under the applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1981
Uranium Enrichment Fund Act of 1981 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to establish in the United States Treasury a uranium enrichment fund consisting of: (1) all receipts, collections, and recoveries of the Secretary of Energy from the provision of services for the production or enrichment of uranium in the isotope-235, and the sale, lease, distribution, or transfer of uranium; (2) all proceeds derived from the sale of bonds by the Secretary pursuant to such Act;(3) proceeds from the investment of fund moneys; (4) the unexpended balance of any funds available prior to the effective date of this Act relating to production or enrichment of uranium; and (5) any appropriations made by Congress to the fund. Sets forth requirements concerning the Secretary's authority to make expenditures from such fund for uranium production and enrichment activities. Authorizes the Secretary to request the investment of funds in excess of current needs by the Secretary of the Treasury in United States obligations. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into obligations for plant and capital activity purposes or new uranium enrichment plant construction or decreasing authorized uranium enrichment capacity without Congressional authorization. Authorizes the Secretary to issue and sell to the Secretary of the Treasury bonds and notes to assist in financing uranium production and enrichment facilities and activities. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the operation and financial activities of the uranium enrichment fund.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Anti-Arson Act of 1981 - Establishes an Interagency Committee on Arson Prevention and Control to coordinate Federal anti-arson programs and to provide assistance to State and local governments for the prevention, detection, and control of arson. Directs the Committee to report to Congress on the success of its activities within 18 months of enactment. Terminates the Committee two years from the date of enactment. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to: (1) classify arson as a major crime in the Uniform Crime Reports; and (2) develop a special statistical report for arson in cooperation with the National Fire Data Center. Directs the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration to: (1) conduct a research program for the development of techniques and equipment for use by State and local fire fighting and law enforcement personnel for arson prediction, prevention, and control; (2) establish anti-arson educational and training programs for State and local government; (3) develop materials for community awareness programs; and (4) provide information relative to the prevention, prediction, occurrence, and control of arson. Authorizes appropriations for the Administration for such purpose. Amends the National Housing Act to require that FAIR (fair access to insurance requirements) plans be issued only after insurers obtain information from a prospective policyholder with respect to arson.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Reye's Syndrome Act of 1981 - Amends title XI (Genetic Disease, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish, through the National Institute of Neurological, Communicative Disorders, and Stroke, the Reye's Syndrome Coordinating Committee. Directs such Committee to: (1) make grants and enter into contracts for clinical research and treatment; and (2) establish mobile research teams. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1984 for such activities. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within six months following the end of the Committee's authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Arson Prevention and Reconstruction Incentive Act of 1981 - Amends the National Housing Act to require all statewide plans to assure that "fair access to insurance requirements" (FAIR plans) contain provisions which limit the policy proceeds payable in connection with a loss caused by fire to the market value of the structure destroyed unless the owner certifies, in a policy endorsement, an intention to rebuild. Directs the Federal Insurance Administration, in consultation with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, to develop a model clause for insurance contracts which provides such limitation for owner-occupied residential and small business property. Requires the Federal Insurance Administrator and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to develop Federal minimum standards for arson investigation and prosecution, and for information disclosure by insurance applicants. States that such standards shall be applied in any State which does not adopt substantially equivalent standards within two years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1981 - 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. Permits calculation of the investment tax credit for such property without regard to the useful life of the 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. Permits a 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 · 21 January 1981
Expresses the jubilation and relief of the Senate at the release of the 52 Americans held hostage by Iran. Expresses appreciation for the efforts of various Government officials to secure the release of the hostages. Recognizes the patriotism of the military personnel who tried to rescue them. Thanks Algeria for its help in securing the hostages' release.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1981
Title I: Tax Treatment of Industrial Development Bonds Issued to Finance Pollution Control of Waste Disposal Facilities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define "air or water pollution control facilities," for purposes of the income tax exclusion of interest on industrial development bonds, to include depreciable equipment which is installed to control pollution through specified process changes in such pollution control facilities. Requires such equipment to meet Federal or State certification requirements in order to qualify for preferential tax treatment. Disallows an income tax exclusion for that portion of the bond proceeds which exceed the amount by which the acquisition and construction costs exceed the net profit reasonably expected to be derived through the recovery of wastes or by the operation of the pollution control facility over its useful life. Places specified dollar limits on the face amounts of obligations issued for air or water pollution control facilities at any new manufacturing or processing plant. Defines "hazardous waste or solid waste disposal facilities," for purposes of the exclusion of interest on industrial development bonds, to include depreciable property installed solely to comply with hazardous or solid waste management requirements imposed by the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Title II: Current Expensing of Amounts Paid or Incurred in Connection with the Construction or Erection of Pollution Control Facilities - Allows a taxpayer to elect to treat amounts paid or incurred in connection with the acquisition or construction of a certified pollution control facility as a currently deductible expense (amortizable over a period of 60 months under existing law). Revises the definition of "certified pollution control facility" to include treatment facilities made operational after January 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers who do not itemize income tax deductions to claim a deduction from gross income for charitable contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981
Title I: Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies by providing information and by facilitating contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate Congressional committees with their recommendations concerning implementation of this Act, related changes in U.S. law, and effects of ownership of U.S. banks by foreign banking organizations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Authorizes up to $20,000,000 to be appropriated for initial investments and operating expenses for each of fiscal years 1981-1985. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees for expansion to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available. Directs the Board of Directors to try to insure that a major share of such guarantees promotes exports from small, medium-size, and minority businesses or agricultural concerns. Title II: Export Trade Associations - Export Trade Association Act of 1981- Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Permits automatic certification for existing associations. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish certification guidelines. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an Office of Export Trade. Requires such Office to report annually to the appropriate Congressional committees on all East-West trade transactions requiring validated licenses and on the role of U.S. export trading companies in such trade. Grants a temporary exemption from the Sherman Act antitrust provisions for existing associations. Requires, with specified exceptions, that all applications for certification be kept confidential. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force, seven years after enactment, to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1981
Nuclear Waste Management Reorganization Act of 1981 - Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - States the findings of Congress that Federal nuclear waste disposal programs have been ineffective. Title II: Establishment, Membership, and Functions of Nuclear Waste Management Planning Council - Establishes a Nuclear Waste Management Planning Council as an independent instrumentality of the Executive branch, the functions of which shall include: (1) providing representatives to the Nuclear Waste Coordinating Committee; (2) advising Federal agencies and departments having membership on the Committee; and (3) providing views on the annual Nuclear Waste Management Plan to the President. Title III: Establishment, Membership, and Functions of Nuclear Waste Coordinating Committee - Establishes a Nuclear Waste Coordinating Committee as an independent instrumentality in the Executive branch. Charges the Committee with coordinating Federal activities with respect to nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel management and preparing an annual Nuclear Waste Management Plan for fiscal years 1983 through 1987. Requires the Committee to notify the Governor of any State in which the Committee has decided to undertake a study. Requires the Committee to prepare for submission to Congress a nuclear waste Repository Development Report when any Federal agency has made application for a license to construct the main shaft of a nuclear waste repository. Prohibits the undertaking of site preparation work until such Report has been submitted. Requires that Congress pass a concurrent resolution permitting such construction when the Chairman of a State Review Panel (see title IV) formally objects to such Report. Provides that such Report shall be considered rejected unless Congress passes a concurrent resolution of approval within 60 days of continuous session. Prohibits any Federal agency from emplacing significant quantities of nuclear waste into a repository unless the Committee submits to Congress, at the earliest feasible time, a Repository Loading Report. Title IV: Establishment, Membership, and Functions of Nuclear Waste Repository Review Panels - Authorizes the Governor of any State receiving notification of the intention of the Committee to prepare a Repository Development Report to establish a Nuclear Waste Repository Review Panel to facilitate State and local participation in the planning and development of such repository. Requires a Panel to review regularly current and planned federal actions with respect to the siting, construction, and operation of the proposed nuclear waste repository. Authorizes the Chairman of the Panel to submit to the Committee formal objections which state that the Repository Development Report does not adequately provide for the protection of State and local interests.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend the date for compliance with emission limitation requirements by owners or operators of a stationary source in an iron- and steel-producing operation if: (1) the compliance date extension is necessary to allow the applicant to make capital investments in its operations to improve efficiency and productivity; (2) the funds freed by such extension will be used within two years for additional capital investments in the applicant's operations; (3) the Administrator and the applicant agree to a phased compliance program for each of the applicant's stationary sources; (4) the applicant has sufficient funds to comply with such program; (5) the applicant is in compliance with any existing Federal decrees applicable to its operations; and (6) the compliance date extension will not result in the degradation of air quality during the extension term. Prohibits the imposition of a noncompliance penalty under the Clean Air Act upon an owner or operator with a compliance date extension provided their stationary source remains in compliance with all the requirements of such extension. Makes available to the public all information obtained by the Administrator under this Act, subject to a specified exception. States that revision of a State implementation plan is not required because a compliance date extension has been granted if such plan would have met Clean Air Act requirements prior to the granting of such extension.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt a certain portion of royalty owner oil production from the windfall profit tax. Limits the amount so exempted per quarter to ten barrels per day. Requires proportionate allocation of any production in excess of ten barrels per day between tier 1 oil, tier 2, and tier 3 oil, and within any tier on the basis of removal prices. Requires allocation of the ten barrel amount among royalty owners who are members of the same related group.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that: (1) the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number is at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast; and (2) if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results for such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Authorizes the President, subject to specified conditions, to negotiate agreements with foreign governments limiting imports of automobiles, trucks, and their parts. Limits such authorization and agreements to a specified period of time. Requires consultation with the private sector. Prohibits treating actions taken pursuant to such agreements as violations of U.S. laws.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1980
Authorizes the printing of a specified number of copies of the report entitled "Implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act: The First Year," for the use of the Committee on Foreign Relations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that it supports the President's efforts to: (1) communicate the opposition of the United States to any attempt by the Soviet Union to violate the sovereignty of Poland; (2) encourage other nations to affirm their support for respect of principles of international relations; (3) consider, in cooperation with allies and friends of the United States, measures to be taken if Warsaw Pact forces invade Poland; and (4) inform the Soviet Union of the consequences of such an invasion.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1980
Waives certain requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 with respect to the consideration of H.R. 5888 (Federal death benefits to law enforcement officers and firemen killed in the line of duty).
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1980
Designates the Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health located in Montgomery County, Maryland, as the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health. Directs the Committee on Rules and Administration to place appropriate markers or inscriptions at suitable locations within such center to commemorate and designate such building.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1980
Italy Disaster Assistance Act of 1980 - Authorizes the President to provide reconstruction assistance for the victims of the recent earthquakes in Italy. States that such assistance may be provided in accordance with specified congressional policies and authorities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981, to remain available until expended, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Allows obligations previously incurred for the provision of reconstruction assistance to the people of Italy to be charged to such appropriations. Directs the President to report quarterly to specified Senate Committees and to the Speaker of the House on the programing and obligations of funds under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1980
Congratulates Polish workers on the successful completion of their strikes. Urges the Polish government to respect the agreement. Calls upon other nations to not interfere in Poland's internal affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer an election to deduct as current expenses amounts paid or incurred in connection with the acquisition, construction, or erection of a certified air or water pollution control facility, in lieu of charging such expenses to capital account. Provides for a further election to discontinue such direct expensing and to charge the remainder of such expenses to capital account.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1980
Authorizes the President to negotiate agreements with foreign governments limiting exports of automobiles and trucks to the United States. Terminates such authority and any agreements pursuant to such authority on July 1, 1985. States that action taken pursuant to such agreements shall not be treated as violating U.S. laws.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1980
Uranium Enrichment Fund Act of 1980 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to establish in the United States Treasury a uranium enrichment fund to consist of: (1) all receipts, collections, and recoveries of the Secretary of Energy from the provision of services for the production or enrichment of uranium in the isotope 235, and the sale, lease, distribution, or transfer of uranium and activities incident thereto; (2) all proceeds derived from the sale of bonds by the Secretary pursuant to such Act and from activities incident thereto; (3) the unexpended balance of any funds available prior to the effective date of this Act relating to production or enrichment of uranium; and (4) any appropriations made by Congress to the fund. Sets forth requirements concerning the Secretary's authority to make expenditures from such fund for uranium production and enrichment activities. Authorizes the Secretary to request the investment of funds in excess of current needs by the Secretary of the Treasury in United States obligations. Authorizes the Secretary to issue and sell to the Secretary of the Treasury bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness to assist in financing uranium production and enrichment facilities and activities incident thereto. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report containing a comprehensive description of the operation and financial activities of the uranium enrichment fund.
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 · 30 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of excise tax on: (1) highway vehicle tires from $.10 to $.0975 (and on or after October 1, 1984, to $.04875); and (2) other tires (except laminated tires) from $.05 to $.04875. Requires determination of any overpayment of such tax arising by reason of an adjustment for such reduction after the original sale pursuant to warranty, in accordance with principles set forth in regulations and rulings in effect on March 31, 1978. Applies this requirement to the adjustment of any tire between March 31, 1978 and January 1, 1983. Prohibits any credit or refund for adjustments after December 31, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1980
Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to exempt from official weighing requirements: (1) intracompany shipments of grain into an export elevator by any mode of transportation; (2) grain transferred into an export elevator by transportation modes other than barges if waived by mutual agreement between shipper and receiver; and (3) grain transferred out of an export elevator to destinations within the United States if similarly waived by mutual agreement between shipper and receiver. Defines "intracompany shipments" as including shipments of grain lots: (1) between facilities owned or controlled by the person owning the grain; or (2) from a facility owned by a grain-owning cooperative to an export facility which such cooperative jointly owns with other cooperatives.
![Official portrait of Sen. Glenn, John H., Jr. [D-OH]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000236_200.jpg)