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United States · Official source
2,803 records where Sen. Heflin, Howell [D-AL] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of the Federal Trade Commission's final rule relating to used motor vehicles submitted to Congress on September 10, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1981
Declares that the President of the United States, the Senate and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs should assure that the specific provisions of the Federal Reserve Act providing for agricultural, commercial, and broad regional representation on the Board of Governors are followed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Amends the Federal Reserve Act to decrease, from 14 years to seven years, the term of members of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Requires that at least one member of such Board have demonstrable experience in small business and one in agriculture. Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to appoint persons to serve as ex-officio members of the Board for terms not to exceed two years. Requires the Board to maintain statistics on loans made by size category of business in order that data may be accumulated with regard to interest rates and their effect on various categories of business by size.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
National Commission on Interest Rates Act - Establishes, as an independent instrumentality of the United States, a National Commission on Interest Rates. Directs the Commission, in consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to make a full and complete investigation of and make recommendations with respect to ways to establish moderate and stable interest rates. Directs the Commission to submit an interim and a final written report to the President and Congress concerning its investigation within a specified time limit. Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report to Congress. Directs any Federal agency, upon the request of the Commission, to furnish the Commission with available data, reports, and other information to the extent permitted by law. Permits the head of any Federal agency, department, or other instrumentality, upon the request of the Commission, to furnish personnel and services to the Commmission, with or without reimbursement. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Requests the President to designate October 7 of each year as "National Guard Day."
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for: (1) interfering with, injuring, contaminating, or destroying a bulk power system, nuclear facility, or nuclear material; or (2) obstructing the production or transmission of electric energy through a bulk power system, to the extent that any such act could cause damage in excess of $5,000. Makes such offense applicable to bulk power systems still under construction or otherwise not functioning. Directs the Attorney General to collect and exchange criminal and identification records with Government officials and officials of licensed nuclear power facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Requests the President to designate the month of October 1981 as National PTA Membership Month.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Amends the Federal Alcohol Administration Act to require any bottled beverage intended for interstate commerce containing at least 24 percent alcohol to bear a health warning on the label.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning October 4, 1981, as "National Port Week."
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Directs the President to immediately begin consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the purpose of modifying the Board of Governors' monetary policy to significantly reduce interest rates within the next 90 days. Requires such consultations to include modifications in the areas of: (1) reserve requirements; (2) Federal Open Market Committee activities; and (3) the Federal Reserve discount rate.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Amends Rule 24 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and Rule 47 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to entitle the defendant and Government attorney in a criminal case, or the parties in a civil case, to conduct the examination of prospective jurors, subject to reasonable limitations imposed by the court. Permits the court to conduct its own additional examination (currently, examination by the defendant, Government, or parties is discretionary with the court).
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
National Court of Appeals Act of 1981 - Establishes the National Court of Appeals. Sets forth the composition and principal seat of such Court. Directs that the Court shall have jurisdiction over cases referred to it by the Supreme Court. Permits the National Court of Appeals to deny review in any case referred to it by the Supreme Court unless directed by such Court to decide the case. Makes decisions by the National Court of Appeals binding on all courts of the United States, unless modified or overruled by the Supreme Court. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Permanent Federal Courts Study Act - Establishes the Federal Courts Study Commission and the Federal Courts Advisory Council on the Future of the Judiciary. Describes the purposes, memberships, and powers of the Commission and the Council. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct a study of the jurisdiction of United States courts and report to Congress and the President thereon; (2) recommend revisions to the Constitution and laws of the United States; (3) collect and review studies on the effectiveness of the courts; (4) develop a long-range plan for the judicial system; and (5) report to the Council at specified times. Directs the Council to: (1) review the findings of the legislative study group; (2) provide continuity to and oversee the ongoing study of the judiciary; and (3) report to Congress and the President on the findings of the Commission. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its final report to the Council. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Makes review of a Federal district or appellate court or highest State court decision which holds a Federal or State law unconstitutional reviewable by the Supreme Court by writ of certiorari, instead of appeal as currently authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of one representative of employers, one representative of employees, one representative of beneficiaries, and one individual highly qualified in the management of investment funds. Requires that investments made by the Board secure the maximum possible interest yield commensurate with the safety of the Trust Funds. Fixes the interest rates for public-debt obligations issued for purchase by the Trust Funds at the average market yield on all marketable interest bearing U.S. obligations forming part of the public debt, all marketable interest bearing obligations which are not U.S. obligations but which are guaranteed by the United States, and all marketable federally sponsored agency interest bearing obligations which are lawful investments for fiduciary and trust funds under Federal control. Authorizes the Managing Trustee to use the equipment and experts necessary to assure the maximum possible interest yield on Trust Fund investments.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Congratulates the State of Oklahoma on the celebration of its Diamond Jubilee.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1981
Declares four named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1981
Requests the President to designate the second full week in October of each year as "Legal Secretaries' Court Observance Week."
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981
National Security and Violent Crime Control Act of 1981 - Title I: Omnibus Drug Control Amendments - Omnibus Drug Control Amendments - Directs the Attorney General to submit annually to the Congressional judiciary committees a report on how reorganization of the Drug Enforcement Administration and narcotics and organized crime control policies of the Department of Justice will accomplish specified goals, including: (1) immobilizing at least one organized crime entity each year; (2) reducing narcotic trafficking by meeting annual goals; and (3) reducing the economic incentives for drug traffickers by forfeiting assets of major narcotics traffickers. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970 to revise and increase the mandatory penalties for using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony. Redefines such offense as using a firearm to commit a felony over which the district courts have exclusive jurisdiction or carrying a firearm during such a felony involving violence. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "illegally." Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense to five to ten years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and to ten years to life for a second offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences. Makes a first offender ineligible for parole for five years and a second or subsequent offender ineligible for ten years. Expresses the sense of Congress that the executive branch vigorously prosecute such offenses. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for whoever commits or commissions a contract murder, attempted murder, or assault. Provides that a direct or indirect contract between two or more persons involving an offer, agreement, or solicitation to commit a contract murder shall constitute prima facie evidence that the act was commissioned for "anything of value." Applies the penalties for contract murder to whoever uses actual or threatened force to coerce another to commit a murder, attempted murder, or assault in violation of State law. Directs the Attorney General to designate criteria for Federal involvement in the prosecution of contract murders. Stipulates that this Act does not preempt State law in this area. Makes it a Federal offense to kill any attorney, agent, or employee of the U.S. Government employed to investigate or prosecute violations of Federal criminal statutes or any employee of the Intelligence Community. Establishes a new offense of assaulting, kidnapping, murdering, or threatening the relative of any Federal employee covered by the current assault statute, with intent to interfere with such employee's official duties. Amends the obstruction of justice statute to expand the class of persons protected from coercion to include potential witnesses and informants (current law protects actual witnesses). Amends the Freedom of Information Act to expand the exception relating to informants to limit disclosure of information which "tends to disclose" an informant's identity. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to permit a court to reduce a sentence of a cooperating defendant upon application of a U.S. Attorney. Amends the wiretap statute to require a judge to review in camera any information as to previous wiretap applications which might compromise a current or pending case or investigation. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to permit disclosure of Federal grand jury information to a State or local law enforcement official who is assisting a U.S. Attorney in the enforcement of Federal criminal law. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish a mandatory term of imprisonment whenever: (1) serious bodily injury resulted from the defendant's participation in the offense; or (2) the offense is a felony and the defendant was previously convicted of a Federal or State felony, unless a substantial period of time has elapsed. Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize the court, after a due process hearing, to order the detention of a defendant charged with a dangerous or violent offense upon finding that: (1) there is a substantial probability that the defendant committed the offense; and (2) there is clear and convincing evidence that the person is likely to flee or is a danger to another person or the community, and that no release conditions will reasonably assure such person's appearance or the safety of another person or the community. Permits the court to consider the safety of any other person or the community in determining release conditions. Adds to those factors to be considered by the judge in making a release or detention determination: (1) the individual's past conduct, illegal drug use, and conviction record; and (2) whether he was on probation, parole, or other release when arrested. Authorizes a judge to detain for up to ten days a person charged with an offense if it appears that such person: (1) may flee or pose a danger to another person or the community; and (2) is on pretrial release for a Federal or State felony or is on probation, parole, or other release for a Federal, State, or local offense. Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and the Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute (CCE) to subject to criminal forfeiture all profits and proceeds acquired indirectly or directly from illegal enterprises or from continuing narcotics enterprises. Authorizes the court to direct the forfeiture of other assets of a defendant, to the extent that such proceeds cannot be located or are otherwise beyond Federal jurisdiction. Permits the court to authorize redemption of such assets upon surrender of the original proceeds. Establishes a mandatory penalty of life imprisonment without possibility of parole for attempting to assassinate the President of the United States. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the revocation of the airman certificate of any person who violates any Federal or State law relating to the transportation or distribution of controlled substances. Provides criminal penalties for the use or sale of fraudulent certificates with the intent or knowledge that such certificates will be used to violate any such laws. Establishes criminal penalties for operating an aircraft with knowledge that such aircraft is used or intended to be used to violate any such laws. Directs the Attorney General to provide a complete report on organized crime to Congress within 60 days of enactment. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require the consecutive sentencing of any defendant who commits a felony while on pretrial release for another offense and is convicted of such offenses. Directs the Attorney General to move expeditiously to conduct negotiations to secure the cooperation of law enforcement authorities in foreign countries in order to deprive domestic criminals of the use of foreign havens for proceeds of crimes. Violent Juvenile Reform Act of 1981 - Amends the juvenile delinquency provisions of the criminal code to permit a juvenile to be proceeded against in Federal district court upon certification of the Attorney General that the offense charged, if committed by an adult, would be a felony punishable by a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment or more, life imprisonment, or death, and there is a special interest warranting Federal prosecution. Revises the factors to be considered in determining whether the transfer to district court of a juvenile over the age of 16 who has committed a felony punishable by at least ten years' imprisonment is in the interest of justice. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize Federal assistance and training to State and local governments and private nonprofit organizations for programs and projects of proven effectiveness in improving the criminal justice system. Authorizes Federal assistance for national initiative programs of high priority and long-term impact for State and local governments, including corrections standards and accreditation, law enforcement accreditation, emergency enforcement assistance, and the establishment of a National Police Academy. Authorizes appropriations in the amount of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 for such purposes. Amends the Justice System Improvement Act of 1979 to authorize the National Institute of Justice to conduct applied research in the area of rehabilitation and recidivism and review the impact that longstanding issues of procedure such as the right to a speedy trial have had on crime control. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish a national program of group life insurance for public safety officers of a State or local government which has applied to the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to participate in such program and agrees to withhold a premium from such officers' pay. Creates an Advisory Council on Public Safety Officers' Group Life Insurance to advise the Administration on such program. National Narcotics Act of 1981 - Establishes in the executive branch the Office of the Director of National and International Drug Operations and Policy to: (1) develop and enforce Federal Government policy with respect to illegal drugs; (2) coordinate all efforts to halt drug trafficking; (3) supervise and approve budgetary priorities with respect to drugs; and (4) direct the temporary reassignment of Government personnel to implement drug policies. Title II: Federal Diversion Act - Federal Diversion Act of 1981 - Authorizes the preparation of a diversion program not to exceed 12 months for eligible individuals charged with non-violent Federal offenses. Includes in such program, among other activities: medical, educational, vocational, social, and psychological services; corrective and preventive guidance counseling; restitution to the victim of the offense; and uncompensated community service. Includes among the criteria for eligibility that the person has not exhibited a continuing pattern of criminal behavior. Sets forth the admissions procedure to such program. Requires a person admitted to the program to waive formally all applicable statutes of limitations and his or her right to a speedy trial. Provides that upon the expiration of the diversion period the Government shall dismiss with prejudice the indictment, information, or complaint. Authorizes the Government to resume prosecution upon finding that the person is not fulfilling his or her obligations under the plan or that new facts demonstrate that the individual is unsuitable for the program. Allows the person charged to contest such a determination. States that the district planning group established by current law, with other individuals as the group may appoint, shall constitute a diversion advisory committee to plan for implementation and review of the diversion program. Directs the Attorney General to conduct research and report to the President, Congress, and the Judicial Conference of the United States with respect to the diversion program. Authorizes appropriations in the amount of $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1982 through 1985 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title III: Arson Control - 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. Title IV: The Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 - Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 - Establishes as an independent body in the judicial branch the United States Sentencing Commission, consisting of seven voting members and the Attorney General or his designee as a non-voting member, to establish sentencing policies and practices for the Federal criminal justice system. Directs the Commission to promulgate: (1) sentencing guidelines, including sentencing ranges for categories of offenses and defendants; and (2) general policy statements regarding application of the guidelines. Requires the Commission to review and promulgate amendments to the guidelines, subject to Congressional disapproval. Directs the Commission to recommend changes in the grading of offenses to Congress within three years of enactment and to report annually to the Judicial Conference of the U.S., Congress, and the President. Sets forth a new sentencing structure applicable to a defendant who is found guilty of an offense under any Federal statute. Permits an individual to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment or probation and a fine, and to receive additional sanctions, including: (1) forfeiture for certain racketeering crimes; (2) an order of notice to victims of crimes in cases involving fraud or intentionally deceptive practices; or (3) an order of restitution in cases involving bodily injury or property damage. Permits an organization to receive such penalties, with the exception of imprisonment. Specifies factors to be considered by a sentencing court, including the guidelines and policy statements issued by the United States Sentencing Commission and the need to avoid sentencing disparities among defendants with similar records. Requires the court to impose a sentence within the range set forth by the Commission unless aggravating or mitigating circumstances exist that were not adequately taken into consideration by the Commission in formulating the guidelines. Requires the court to state in open court at the time of sentencing the reason for imposing a sentence at a point within the prescribed range, or the specific reason for imposing a sentence outside of such range. Sets forth a presentence procedure for an order of notice or restitution. Sets maximum terms of imprisonment for five classes of felonies (A to F), three classes of misdemeanors (A to C), and an infraction (five day maximum). Prescribes rules regarding factors to be considered in imposing a term of imprisonment. Permits a term of imprisonment to be modified only in certain circumstances. Authorizes the court to include an order limiting the criminal association of organized crime and drug offenders. Allows the court, in imposing a term of imprisonment in excess of one year, to include as part of such sentence a requirement that the defendant be placed on a term of supervised release after imprisonment. Prescribes guidelines relative to concurrent and consecutive terms of imprisonment. Sets limits on the amount of a fine for each category of offenses, including higher maximums for organizational defendants. Directs the court, in determining the amount of a fine and the method of payment, to consider the defendant's financial status. Details procedures for the modification or remission of a fine. Authorizes the imposition of a term of probation, unless such sentence is specifically prohibited, with respect to all but the most serious class of felonies. States permissible terms of probation for each category of offenses. Requires as a mandatory condition of probation that a defendant not commit another crime. Enumerates 20 discretionary conditions of probation. Sets forth provisions relative to the running of a term of probation and revocation of probation. Permits in a felony or class A misdemeanors case, unless contrary to a plea agreement, a defendant to appeal a sentence greater than the maximum allowed under the Sentencing Commission's guidelines which are found by the sentencing court to be applicable. Permits the Government, with the approval of the Attorney General or his designee, to appeal a sentence less than the applicable minimum. Authorizes the court of appeals, upon a determination that the sentence is unreasonable, to remand for further sentencing proceedings or (where the defendant has appealed) to remand for imposition of a lesser sentence or impose a lesser sentence, or (where the Government has appealed) to remand for imposition of a greater sentence or impose a greater sentence.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration to donate to a State or local government any Federal personal property which: (1) was transferred by the Department of Defense to the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency by July 15, 1979; (2) is on loan to such a government under an agreement executed by such Agency; (3) was transferred with the property and functions of such Agency to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and (4) the Director of FEMA certifies is being used for civil defense purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend tax-exempt status to veterans' organizations at least 75 percent of whose membership consists of past or present members of the armed forces of the United States (combat or noncombat veterans) and whose remaining membership consists substantially of cadets or spouses, widows, or widowers of armed forces personnel or cadets.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Excludes from the Federal law limiting and restricting the corporate powers of national banking associations to deal in, and underwrite, investment securities specified dealings in, and underwriting of, all other nongeneral obligations issued or guaranteed by or on behalf of a State or any political subdivision thereof (except special assessment obligations and industrial revenue bonds) which are at the time eligible for purchase by a national bank for its own account, subject to specified limitations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to the Congress showing the extent to which the business of underwriting and dealing in State and local obligations is being carried on by commercial banks as compared with other banking institutions with a view to determining the effect of the provisions of this Act on the institutional distribution of such business.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Postal Service Amendments of 1981 - Authorizes the United States Postal Service to issue written demands requiring access to books, records, documents, or other objects believed to relate to any postal offense or civil matter under investigation by the Postal Service. Provides for the enforcement of such a demand by the appropriate district court. Authorizes the Postal Service to issue an order requiring any person to cease and desist from conducting a lottery or scheme for obtaining money or property by false representations through the mail. Declares that the resumption of such an activity through the use of any instrumentality of interstate commerce shall be considered to be a failure to comply with such order. Permits the Postal Service, in investigating whether a person is conducting such an activity, to tender the price of any article or service that such person has offered for sale. Declares that failure by such person to provide such article or service, or failure to comply with a written demand of the Postal Service for access to materials, shall constitute probable cause to believe such person is engaged in such activities, warranting the detention of such person's incoming mail. Establishes a civil penalty to be assessed by the Postal Service, after an opportunity for an agency hearing, against any person who: (1) attempts to evade an order directing a postmaster to return mail addressed to such person; (2) fails to comply with a cease and desist order; or (3) assists another person in evading such an order.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
National Port and Navigation Improvement Act of 1981 - Title I: Short Title: Findings and Purposes and Objectives; Definitions - Sets forth the findings of Congress concerning deep-draft commercial ports in the United States. Title II: Priority Navigation Projects - Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to prepare, maintain, and submit to Congress within one year after enactment of this Act, a deep- draft commercial port maintenance program. Specifies that such program shall include a schedule of required maintenance dredging projects. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to submit to Congress a programmatic environmental impact statement, including an analysis of the adequacy of deep-draft commercial ports to accommodate increasing import and export trade. Requires the Secretary to enter into memorandums of agreement with: (1) the Administrator in regard to the disposal of dredged and fill material into navigable waters; and (2) the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce concerning the environmental aspects of the maintenance and improvement of federally authorized channels in deep-draft commercial ports. Provides for veto of such maintenance program and environmental impact statement by concurrent resolution of Congress within 60 days. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, for a period of five years (subject to reapproval by resolution of specified congressional committees), to perform maintenance dredging of federally authorized channels. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress modifications of existing environmental impact statements for certain navigation improvement projects. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake navigation improvements in deep-draft commercial ports on a priority basis under specified circumstances. Sets forth procedures by which the Secretary shall submit feasibility studies, survey reports, and environmental impact statements to Congress. Declares that the absence of a concurrent congressional resolution of disapproval within 60 days following receipt of such study, report, or environmental impact statement shall constitute a determination by Congress that: (1) the navigation improvement project is in the national interest for purposes of the Federal consistency provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972; (2) the final environmental impact statement is adequate; and (3) the project is in compliance with the Water Pollution Control Act and the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Directs the Secretary to expedite construction and operation of marine cargo handling facilities at such deep-draft commercial ports. Exempts such environmental impact statements and other actions to carry out such projects from judicial review, with specified exceptions. Title III: Priority Navigation Project Financing - Requires that the Secretary and the port proposing such navigational improvements enter into an agreement which provides that such port pay no more than 40 percent of the project construction cost and no more than 25 percent of operation and maintenance costs. Declares that this Act shall not be construed to prohibit non-Federal public bodies from securing financing through means other than provided for in this Act. Authorizes an affected non-Federal public body to provide for recovery of its reimbursement obligations by the collection of user fees from vessels in commercial waterway transportation in such deep-draft ports. Authorizes the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretaries of Commerce, State, Transportation, Treasury, Energy, and Agriculture, the Attorney General, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to promulgate regulations and guidelines to govern such programs of non-Federal fee collection. Declares that this Act shall not be construed to prohibit the Department of the Army or other Federal authority to operate, maintain, or improve any deep-draft channel or deep-draft commercial port for purposes of Coast Guard navigation requirements or other national defense transportation requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Army to designate a cost allocation of or for national defense and noncommercial purposes of 60 percent for construction and 75 percent for operation and maintenance of deep-draft commercial port navigation improvement projects. Authorizes the Secretary to study, design, construct, rehabilitate, operate, and maintain such deep-draft ports without Federal contribution if the appropriate non-Federal public body agrees to reimburse the Federal Government for all related costs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from taxation the interest on obligations for such deep- draft commercial ports navigation improvement projects. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations. Allows the Secretary, upon congressional approval, to transfer funds from existing Department of the Army civil appropriations pending appropriation of such authorized sums. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the actual and anticipated receipts of the United States pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1981
White House Conference on Veterans Act - Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on Veterans not later than 30 months after enactment of this Act to develop recommendations for improving the administration of veterans' benefits and services. Establishes a National Veterans Planning and Advisory Council, to be appointed by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. Directs the Council to submit a report on such Conference to the President within 120 days and, within 90 days of such report's submission, to report to the President and Congress regarding legislative and administrative recommendations. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to applying States for participation in such Conference. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 11 June 1981
Requests the President to designate July 1981 as National Peach Month.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the exclusion of interest on mortgage subsidy bonds. Repeals provisions which allow tax-exempt status for such bonds if 95 percent of the mortgages financed by such issues are in compliance with stated requirements. Provides that a showing that the issuing authority has tried in good faith to satisfy all requirements will cure a failure to meet any particular requirement if such failure is corrected within a reasonable time after its discovery. Allows bondholders to rely upon an issuer's good faith covenant as to compliance. Revises the new homeowner requirements to allow eligibility for bond-financed mortgages for persons who are residing in substandard housing or who have lost their homes because of natural disasters or governmental action. Changes the method of determining the average area purchase price for purposes of the purchase price requirements for bond-financed mortgages. Specifies that the average area purchase price shall not include residences which are not typically financed through normal real estate mortgage loans and that such prices may be determined separately for new and previously occupied homes. Revises the arbitrage requirements to increase the amount by which interest rates on tax-exempt mortgage subsidy bonds may exceed the interest rates on mortgages financed with such bonds. Changes the method of determining the yield on an issue. Specifies that issuers are not required to dispose of any investment and realize a loss in order to satisfy arbitrage restrictions. Allows two or more qualified mortgage bond issues of a single issuer to be combined for purposes of determining compliance with arbitrage requirements. Permits issuers to maintain a reasonable reserve against investment losses and to allocate credits or payments between eligible mortgagors. Exempts mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration from certain mortgage assumption requirements. Includes energy impacted areas within the definition of targeted areas for purposes of the special treatment of targeted area residences. Transfers to the States the authority to designate areas of chronic economic distress. Limits the designation of areas of chronic economic distress to 25 percent of the geographic area within a State. Redefines statistical areas to include two or more statistical areas combined. Repeals the registration requirements for bond issues.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1981
Requests the President to designate the week commencing June 14, 1981, as "National Softball Week."
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 · 8 June 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for whomever robs, by force and violence or intimidation, a licensed pharmacy which is regularly engaged in retail dispensing of prescription drugs or devices in interstate commerce, if such robbery is part of a pattern of robberies in the locality. Defines "property" as a controlled substance, as defined in the Controlled Substances Act, whose value exceeds $100.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Establishes a Soybean Research Institute to coordinate and conduct research programs, encourage soybean exports, and provide for a national soybean policy.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Debt Collection Act of 1981 - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to permit a Federal agency to disclose individual records to a consumer reporting agency. Authorizes a Federal agency attempting to collect a claim under the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 to notify a consumer reporting agency that a person is responsible for a claim if: (1) the agency has sent a written notice informing the person that a consumer reporting agency will be contacted, describing the information to be disclosed, and explaining the person's right to dispute the agency's claim; (2) the person has not agreed to repay the claim or filed for review of the claim; (3) the agency, upon request, has reviewed the claim; and (4) the agency has obtained assurances that the consumer reporting agency complies with Federal laws governing the provision of consumer credit information. Requires the agency to notify the consumer reporting agency promptly concerning any change in the status or amount of the claim. Directs Federal agencies to require any individual applying for credit or financial assistance, which may result in indebtedness to the Government, to furnish his or her social security numbers. Authorizes an agency (including the United States Postal Service) to deduct installment payments from the pay of an employee or member of the Armed Forces or Armed Forces Reserve to offset any debts owed the Government. Limits the amount deducted to 25 percent of the individual's disposable pay. Makes murder or manslaughter of a Federal debt collector a Federal offense. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose to a Federal agency: (1) information concerning the tax liability of a Federal loan applicant; and (2) the mailing address of a taxpayer for use by employees or agents of the agency in collecting or compromising a Federal claim. Increases the rate of interest on delinquent taxes to 100 percent (currently 90 percent) of the prime rate quoted by commercial banks to large businesses. Permits the annual (currently biennial) adjustment of such interest rate. Allows the Government to collect claims by administrative offset beyond the six year statute of limitations on actions brought by the Government for money damages. Directs each agency to charge a minimum annual rate of interest on outstanding debts and to assess a penalty charge and handling costs on delinquent claims, except where another statute, statutorily mandated regulation, loan agreement, or contract either prohibits or explicitly fixes interest or penalty charges. Declares that service of legal process brought for the collection of U.S. claims shall be accomplished in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or as directed by the court. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to: (1) direct each agency with outstanding debts to submit to the Director and the Department of the Treasury an annual report on the status of the agency's loans and accounts receivable; and (2) report to Congress annually on the management of agency debt collection activities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Retail Dealers' Agreement Act - Makes it a violation of this Act for any supplier of office products to: (1) induce a dealer in such products to enter into a dealer agreement by fraud; (2) fail to act in good faith in performing, canceling, terminating, or refusing to renew a dealer agreement; or (3) enter into a dealer agreement whereby the dealer will conduct business in a market area which is already the market area of another dealer without providing 60 days notice to the existing dealer. Requires a Federal district court to determine the propriety of the proposed dealership in accordance with specified guidelines in the event the existing dealer objects to its establishment. Includes among such guidelines: (1) whether the additional dealership is warranted by current economic and marketing conditions; (2) the permanency of the investment of the objecting dealer; and (3) whether the objecting dealer is providing adequate competition and sales, convenient service, and adequate facilities, equipment, and parts. Stipulates that the desire for further market penetration shall not in itself justify the establishment of a new dealership. Authorizes a dealer to bring an action against a supplier in Federal district court for damages, equitable relief, and attorney fees and other costs. Permits an award of treble damages for willful violations. Stipulates that this Act shall not be construed to modify any provision of the antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Commercial Business Energy Tax Credit Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include in the definition of "specially defined energy property," for purposes of the investment tax credit, specified additional equipment and devices installed in connection with any existing industrial, retail, or commercial facility for the purpose of reducing energy consumption. Revises the definition of "energy property" to include insulation property. Increases the energy percentage, for purposes of such credit, in the case of property which is qualified for the credit under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a domestic trade or business whose equity capital does not exceed $25,000,000 to reduce the value of a portion of excess inventory items held for more than 12 months. 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.
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
Coal Utilization Incentives Act of 1954 - Title I: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the amortization of coal utilization property, based on a 36 month period. Defines "coal utilization property" as tangible depreciable property which is: (1) a coal-burning boiler or burner which replaces a natural gas or oil burning boiler or burner; (2) equipment for converting a natural gas or oil burning boiler or burner to a coal-burning one; or (3) pollution control equipment required for such boiler or burner. Allows an investment tax credit to public utilities for coal utilization property. Qualifies coal utilization property for the full investment tax credit allowed for pollution control facilities with a useful life of not less than five years. Excludes from gross income the interest income on industrial development bonds issued to provide financing of powerplant coal utilization capital expenditures. Title II: Coal Conversions Under the Clean Air Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to exclude as a modification a stationary source which voluntarily converts to coal (thereby excluding the source from new source performance standards).
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Requests the President to designate June 30, 1981, as "National Drug Standards Day."
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1985 to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a program of grants to assist "1890 land-grant colleges," including Tuskegee Institute, in acquiring and improving agricultural and food research facilities and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Prohibits through December 31, 1982, the issuance of any regulations by the Internal Revenue Service on employee fringe benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the excise tax on large cigars for fiscal years 1982 to 1983 and eliminate the tax thereafter. Revises the formula for determination of wholesale price, on which the excise tax is based.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to correct erosion problems along the banks of the Coosa River, Alabama, in order to protect the Fort Toulouse National Historic Landmark and Taskigi Indian Mound.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that combating violent crime should be a national priority.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Employee Retirement Savings Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employees who are participants in tax-qualified employer retirement plans an income tax deduction for contributions to such plans or to individual retirement plans. Limits the amount of such deduction to the excess of the employee's compensation for the taxable year or $2,000, whichever is less, over the amount contributed by the employer for an annuity contract and any excluded social security tax applicable to the employee.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the continued access of farmer-owned oil refining cooperatives and independent oil refining businesses to crude oil at reasonable prices must be assured.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Expresses the concern of the Senate over the attack on Pope John Paul II.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs should study, and report to Congress no later than August 1, 1981, on the advisability of seeking institutional reforms in the structure and operation of the Federal Reserve System as may be required to provide a stable and positive economic environment for growth and investment while reducing inflationary pressures. Requires such study to include: (1) the feasibility of implementing a dual prime rate; and (2) the advisability of increased Congressional supervision of policies affecting the Nation's monetary system.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Expanded Ownership Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish, without expiration dates, an investment tax credit percentage income tax for contributions by an employer to a tax credit employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Sets the amount of such credit at a sum equal to the lesser of: (1) the aggregate value of employer securities transferred for the taxable year to a tax credit ESOP; or (2) one percent of the aggregate compensation paid or accrued during the taxable year to all employees under such a plan. Includes amounts of the credit as part of the investment tax credit amount. Denies business expense, production of income expense, or contribution to deferred-payment plan deductions for amounts required to be transferred to a tax credit ESOP. Allows an employer to take advantage of the investment tax credit even though he or she contributes employer securities to an ESOP with an aggregate value of less than one percent of the qualified investment. Allows an income tax deduction for employer contributions to an ESOP which are applied to the repayment of principal and interest on a loan incurred for the purpose of acquiring qualifying employer securities. Limits the deductible amount for principal contributions to 25 percent of the compensation otherwise paid or accrued to all employees under the plan for the taxable year. Exempts such an ESOP from the limitations otherwise imposed on annual additions to an employee stock ownership plan. Increases the permissible deduction for employer contributions made to both a stock bonus trust and a profit sharing trust if the additional amount deductible is attributable to a contribution of employer stock or amounts used for the acquisition of such stock. Allows an income tax deduction for cash dividends paid with respect to employer stock which is held by a tax credit ESOP or by a former employee or a beneficiary to whom the stock was distributed from a tax credit ESOP or an ESOP. Extends the partial exclusion for dividends received to such amounts. Excludes from the gross income of an ESOP or a tax credit ESOP participant any lump-sum distribution of employer securities (not to exceed $25,000) made from a qualified trust which is part of an ESOP or a tax credit ESOP. Deems contributions, bequests, or similar transfers of employer securities, under certain conditions, to an ESOP or to a tax credit ESOP as a deductible charitable contribution. Provides for nonrecognition of any long-term capital gain from the sale of small business stock to an ESOP, a tax credit ESOP, or a specified type of consumer cooperative, except to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of small business stock or small business investment company stock purchased by the taxpayer within 18 months after the date of such sale. Reduces the basis of such stock by the amount not recognized as gain. Prescribes a three-year statute of limitations for the assessment of any deficiency attributable to gain realized by the sale of small business stock. Relieves an estate of liability for payment of the estate tax to the extent that amounts of the tax are attributable to employer securities transferred to an ESOP pursuant to a written agreement guaranteeing that the tax will be paid by the plan in an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount of the tax imposed upon the acquired employer securities; or (2) the amount of the tax imposed on the gross estate reduced by the sum of allowable credits. Permits the payment of such tax in installments. Exempts such transfers from the tax on prohibited transactions. Permits the use of nonvoting stock in tax credit employer stock ownership plans. Permits a tax credit ESOP, where ownership of all outstanding employer securities is restricted to employees, to distribute benefits in cash although it does not permit a participant to exercise the right to demand that benefits be distributed in employer securities. Allows a stock bonus plan which distributes benefits in cash to qualify as a deferred compensation plan if benefits may be distributed in the form of any securities of the employer held by a tax credit ESOP. Allows financial institutions whose securities are not readily tradable to reduce the period for exercise of a put option to a period of at least 60 days following the date of distribution of employer stock and an additional such period in the following plan year. Permits a trust which is part of an ESOP or a tax credit ESOP to be a shareholder in a subchapter S corporation. Permits distributions from a tax credit ESOP of employer securities allocated to a participant's account in the case of a sale of the assets of a division or a sale of the stock of a subsidiary and the transfer of the participant to the employment of the acquiring entity. Includes provision of cafeteria plan benefits in qualified cash or deferred arrangements, for purposes of applying participation and discrimination standards to profit-sharing or stock bonus plans.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1981
Declares a named individual to have satisfied specified requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act relating to required periods of residence and physical presence within the United States.