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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 · 11 May 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of May 17 through May 23, 1981, as "U.S.O. Week".
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1981
Consumer Tire Registration and Public Notice Improvement Act - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to require automobile and automobile tire dealers or distributors to furnish the first purchaser of a tire with a tire registration form. Requires public notice of tire defects if the Secretary determines that such notice is necessary in the interest of motor vehicle safety.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Delinquent Payments Act of 1981 - Requires Federal agencies to pay interest on overdue payments to businesses for property or services. Specifies the procedure for computing such interest. Requires an agency to pay any such interest charges out of funds appropriated for its programs. Allows an agency to take advantage of an early payment discount only if payment is made within the time specified by the business. Directs each agency to report to Congress annually on interest payments made during the fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Reduction Act of 1981 - Requires that two percent of the funds appropriated for each Executive agency be withheld during each of fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Directs each agency: (1) to transmit to Congress a plan to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the administration of agency programs during each such year; and (2) by February 1 of each such year, to report to Congress on its efforts to implement such plan. Authorizes each agency which achieves reductions in waste, fraud, or abuse resulting in savings not exceeding the amount of appropriations withheld, or which determines that no waste, fraud, or abuse exists, to request that the withheld appropriations be released. Directs the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives to investigate each agency's reduction efforts and to transmit to the Committee on Appropriations of its respective House recommendations on whether all or part of the withheld appropriations should be made available to the agency. Authorizes the Committees on Appropriations to report a joint resolution directing the Secretary of the Treasury to release such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Requests the President to designate October 2, 1981, as "American Enterprise Day."
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require the notice of proposed agency rulemaking to include: (1) a statement of the Congressional intent behind the rule; (2) a solicitation for public proposals for alternative methods; (3) a description of the data used in the rulemaking; and (4) a determination of whether the rule is a "major rule," as defined in this Act. Directs each agency to publish with such notice: (1) a description of the costs and benefits of and alternatives to the proposed rule; and (2) a justification for proposing the rule and selecting it over the alternatives. Requires agencies to give interested persons at least 60 days to submit written comments on any proposed rule and to make oral comments on major rules. Provides for a 30-day extension of such period. Directs each agency to publish with each final rule a statement of its basis and purpose, including an assessment of the public comments and a comparison of the costs, benefits, and adverse effects of the rule. Requires an agency officer or employee to prepare the rulemaking notice and the statement of the basis and purpose. Directs each agency to maintain, for judicial review, a public file of the paperwork and comments pertaining to each rulemaking proceeding. Allows an agency to promulgate an emergency rule without meeting the notice and comment requirements. Directs such agency: (1) to publish an explanation of the situation requiring the emergency rule and a justification of the emergency rule selected; and (2) to comply with normal rulemaking requirements as soon as practicable. Requires each agency to review its major rules every ten years. Directs each agency to: (1) publish and submit to the President a proposed review schedule; and (2) publish a final schedule within one year after enactment of this Act. Permits the President to select additional rules for review. Directs each agency to publish a notice of its proposed action regarding a reviewed rule. Requires that the notice: (1) assess the costs, benefits, and adverse effects of the rule; and (2) invite public proposals for modifications or alternatives to the rule. Requires an agency to follow normal rulemaking procedures when amending or rescinding a rule. Specifies procedures for renewing a rule without amendment. Directs a court reviewing an agency action to: (1) set aside any agency rule found to lack substantial support in the rulemaking file; (2) determine the authority or jurisdiction of the agency on the basis of the language of the authorizing statute or other evidence of legislative intent; and (3) accord no presumption in favor of or against agency action. Declares that when proceedings for review of the same agency action are instituted in two or more courts of appeals within ten days, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall select the court in which the record shall be filed by a system of random selection. Authorizes the courts not selected to grant preliminary relief pending transfer of their proceedings. Requires each agency to publish in the Federal Register, semiannually, an agenda of the rules the agency expects to propose, promulgate, renew, or withdraw within the next 12 months, including a schedule of the significant actions pertaining to each rule. Directs the President to publish, semiannually, a Calendar of Federal Regulations, listing each of the major rules included in the agenda.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Residential Housing Tax Incentives Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income, for income tax purposes, interest earned on qualified housing savings certificates. Limits such exclusion to interest earned on $100,000 certificates ($200,000 if joint return is filed). Defines "qualified housing savings certificates" as investment certificates issued by regulated depository financial institutions with three or five year maturities. Specifies that the proceeds of such certificates be applied to the financing of single-family, owner-occupied residences. Prescribes limitations on the interest rate chargeable for mortgages financed with proceeds from a qualified housing savings certificate. Disqualifies families which have income more than twice the median family income for their area from receiving a mortgage financed from proceeds from a qualified housing savings certificate. Prescribes penalties for the improper use of qualified housing savings certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer or dealer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Makes it unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who does not reside in the same State, if the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that acquisition of the firearm by such person would violate any State or local law or ordinance. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Restricts the firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Revises the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to: (1) include use of a destructive device; (2) delete the act of "carrying" a firearm to commit a felony; and (3) limit such offense to felonies over which the Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Retains the current penalty (one to ten years) for first offenses. Increases the penalty for second or subsequent offenses to five to 25 years' imprisonment (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Deletes the prohibition against concurrent sentences. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions to make the following changes. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Extends the types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Establishes a Congressional veto procedure with respect to firearms regulations. Authorizes either House of Congress to adopt a resolution of disapproval within 90 days of the rule's promulgation. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of October 4 through October 10, 1981, as "National Diabetes Week."
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of June 1 through June 7, 1981, as "Management Week in America."
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Requests the President to designate the seven calendar days commencing on April 30 of 1981 as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week."
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Establishes a Special Joint Committee on the Centennial of the Birth of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Directs that such committee be composed of sixteen Members of the Congress. Directs that such committee shall prepare an overall program for nationwide observances and make comprehensive plans for commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, including a joint session of Congress to be held on January 29, 1982. Provides that such committee shall terminate not later than April 30, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Amends the Clayton Act to permit any person liable for damages for price-fixing to claim contribution from co-conspirators for the share of such damages attributable to their sales or purchases of goods and services. Declares that a release or covenant not to sue or enforce a judgment received in settlement by one conspirator shall not discharge any co-conspirators from liability, unless expressly provided. Directs the court to reduce the claim against the co-conspirators subject to liability by the greatest of: (1) the amount stipulated by such release or covenant; (2) the amount paid in settlement; or (3) treble the actual damages attributable to the settling person's sales or purchases of goods or services. Declares that a settlement shall release the recipient from liability from contribution, unless it is not consummated.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Food and Agriculture Act of 1981 - Title I: Payment Limitations for Wheat, Feed Grains, Upland Cotton, and Rice - Extends through 1985 the $50,000 annual limitation on the total amount of payments (excluding disaster payments) available to a person under the wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice programs. Limits such annual payments to $100,000 when a disaster payments program is in effect. Title II: Dairy Program - Extends through 1985 the: (1) dairy base plan authority; and (2) program of price-supported dairy products for the military and veterans' hospitals. Extends the dairy indemnity program through September 30, 1985. Establishes the milk support price for fiscal years 1982-1985 at between 75-90 percent of parity. Provides that: (1) the support price may not be less than the previous year; and (2) the support price shall be redetermined whenever dairy imports are increased as a result of relaxed import restrictions. Title III: Wool and Mohair - Amends the National Wool Act of 1954 to extend the wool and mohair price support program through 1985. Sets the support price for shorn wool for the 1982-1985 marketing years at 85 percent of the current formula amount under such Act. Title IV: Wheat - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for loans and purchases of the 1982-1985 wheat crops at not less than $3.70 per bushel nor in excess of 100 percent of parity. Stipulates that the Secretary of Agriculture may reduce the loan level (by not more than ten percent nor less than $3.00 per bushel) as necessary to maintain domestic and export markets if the market price of wheat falls to 105 percent or less of the loan level. Establishes the target price for the 1982 crop at $4.40 per bushel and for the 1983-1985 crops at the previous year's target price adjusted to reflect production cost changes. Directs the Secretary to proclaim a national wheat program acreage for each of the 1982-1985 crops by August 1 of each year. Permits the Secretary to revise such programs as necessary. Establishes the national program acreage as the number of harvested acres necessary for domestic and export requirements. Requires the Secretary to determine a program allocation factor for each crop year. States that such factor shall be determined by dividing the national program acreage (of a crop) by the estimated number of acres to be harvested. Stipulates that the allocation factor shall be between 80 and 100 percent. States that: (1) the individual farm program acreage shall be determined by multiplying the allocation factor by planted acreage on farms for which individual farm program acreages are required to be determined; and (2) the farm program payment yield shall be based on the previous crop year. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for a set-aside of croplands if necessary to avoid excessive wheat and feed grain harvests. Directs the Secretary to announce any such set-aside by August 1. Requires producers participating in such set-aside program to use such acreage for conservation purposes. Stipulates that the Secretary may permit such acreage or part thereof to be used for other commodities if such crops are necessary to provide an adequate supply, and will not increase the cost of the price support program nor adversely affect farm income. Authorizes the Secretary to make land-diversion payments whether or not a set-aside is in effect to wheat and feed grain producers. Requires such acreage to be used for conservation purposes. Authorizes such land-diversion contracts to be determined by bid. Requires that the total diverted acreage in any county or local community not adversely affect the economy of such area. Permits the set-aside and diverted acreage to be used for wildlife purposes. Requires such set-aside and land-diversion programs to be carried out through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Exempts the 1982-1985 wheat crops from specified: (1) export and processing marketing certificate requirements; (2) marketing quotas and producer certificate provisions; (3) quota provisions; and (4) current support price levels. Title V: Feed Grains - Provides for loans and purchases of the 1982-1985 corn crops at not less than $2.50 per bushel. Stipulates that the Secretary may reduce the loan and purchase level (by not more than ten percent nor less than $2.25 per bushel) if the market price of corn falls to 105 percent or less of such level. Requires the Secretary to provide emergency compensation (increased target price payments) if such reductions occur. Provides for loans and purchases of the 1982-1985 barley, oat, grain sorghums, and rye crops at levels in relation to corn prices. Establishes the target price for the 1982 corn crop at $2.75 per bushel and for the 1983-1985 corn crops at the previous year's target price adjusted to reflect production cost changes. Directs the Secretary to proclaim a national feed grain program acreage for the 1982 crops by November 1 of each year. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for 1982-1985 cropland set-asides and land diversion payments along similar lines as apply to wheat under this Act. Extends current authority through 1985 for certain price support exemptions. Title VI: Upland Cotton - Suspends application of existing price support, marketing quota, base acreage allotment, and related provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to the 1982-1985 upland cotton crops. Extends the upland cotton loan program through 1985. Establishes the price support loan level for the 1982-1985 crops as the smaller of 85 percent of the average U. S. price over a five-year period and 90 percent of the average Northern Europe price (as determined by formulas in this Act.). Stipulates that such level may not be less than $.55 per pound. Permits the Secretary to adjust the level upward under specified conditions. States that such loans shall be made for a ten month term, with an additional eight months if requested by the producer. Requires the President to impose a 90-day quota on imported cotton upon a finding by the Secretary that the spot market price of upland cotton for any month exceeds 130 percent of the average spot market prices for the preceding 36 months. Establishes the target price for the 1982 crop at $.80 per pound and for the 1983-1985 crops at the previous year's target price adjusted to reflect production cost changes. Directs the Secretary to proclaim a national upland cotton program acreage for each of the 1982-1985 crops by November 1 of each year. Requires such national acreage to be at least ten million acres. Bases individual farm acreage on the national acreage. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for 1982-1985 cropland set-asides (up to 28 percent of planted acreage) and land diversion payments along similar lines as apply to wheat under this Act. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to extend the present skiprow provisions through 1985. States that the permanent State, county, and farm base acreage allotments for the 1977 upland cotton crop shall be the preliminary allotments for the 1986 crop. Extends Commodity Credit Corporation sales price restrictions through July 31, 1986. Title VII: Rice - Establishes the target price for the 1982 rice crop at $11.01 per hundredweight and for the 1983-1985 rice crops at the previous year's target price adjusted to reflect production cost changes. Provides for loans and purchases of the 1982-1985 rice crops at a level which bears the same ratio to the previous year's loan level as the target price bears to the previous year's target price. Permits the Secretary to establish a lower loan level, as necessary (not less than $8.26 per hundredweight nor more than 100 percent of parity). Directs the Secretary to proclaim a national rice program acreage for each of the 1982-1985 crops by December 31 of each year. Bases individual farm acreage on the national acreage. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for 1982-1985 cropland set-asides and land diversion payments along similar lines as apply to wheat under this Act. Suspends provisions relating to allotments, marketing quotas, and acreage apportionment for the 1982-1985 rice crops. Title VIII: Peanuts - Exempts the 1982-1985 peanut crops from annual marketing quota and State acreage allotment requirements. Extends for the 1982-1985 peanut crops: (1) minimum national poundage quota of 1,44,000 tons; (2) sale, lease, and transfer of acreage provisions; (3) reporting and recordkeeping provisions; and (4) unused allotments provisions. Provides for loans and purchases of the 1982-1985 quota peanut crops at not less than $650 per ton. Title IX: Soybeans - Provides for loans and purchases of the 1982-1985 soybean crops at not less than $5.44 per bushel. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a soybean set-aside as a condition of price support eligibility for another commodity. Title X: Sugar - Provides for loans and purchases of the 1982-1985 sugarcane and sugar beet crops. Title XI: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary to make disaster payments, prevented planting disaster payments, and reduced yield disaster payments for the 1982-1985 wheat, feed grain, upland cotton, and rice crops. Permits the Secretary to make individual adjustments. Provides that whenever a set-aside is in effect for one or more of the 1982-1985 wheat, feed grain, upland cotton, or rice crops, the Secretary may: (1) require for support eligibility that the normally planted acreage be reduced by the amount of set-aside or diversion; and (2) increase the target price of such commodities (and other commodities as necessary). Extends the farm storage facility loan program through September 30, 1985. Authorizes the Secretary to make producer storage loans for the 1982-1985 wheat and feed grain crops at rates up to 120 percent above the wheat and feed grain price support levels. Title XII: Public Law 480 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (Public Law 480) to extend international assistance programs under such Act through 1985. Permits the domestic distilled spirits industry to participate in the concessional sales program under such Act. Title XIII: Food Stamp and Commodity Distribution Programs - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 concerning the "thrifty food plan" to: (1) provide for separate cost calculations for urban and rural Alaskan areas; and (2) revise the procedures for determining food cost adjustments so that adjustments will be made each January 1 based on the 12 months ending the preceding September 30. Revises the provisions for determining annual household income deductions to: (1) base such deductions on the 12 months ending the preceding September 30; (2) disallow household expenses paid by a third party; and (3) repeal certain deduction increases for dependent care and the elderly scheduled to take effect October 1, 1981. Replaces the current six-month work registration requirement with an annual requirement. Sets forth the liability of States for certain losses relating to food stamp coupons. Provides that penalties collected from food stores for food stamp violations shall be deposited in a special fund and used for activities to reduce food stamp abuse. Eliminates the current limit on fiscal year 1981 food stamp funding authorizations. Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal years 1981-1985. Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend specified commodities distribution programs through fiscal year 1985. Establishes penalties for fraudulent use of such commodities. Title XIV: Multiyear Set-Asides - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1970 to extend the multiyear set-aside through the 1985 crop year. Title XV: Food and Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to extend the terms of the Joint Council on Food and Agricultural Sciences and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Users Advisory Board to December 3, 1986. Increases the membership of such Board from 21 to 25. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an Office of Higher Education within the Department of Agriculture to assist in strengthening higher education in the food and agricultural sciences. Revises current grant provisions, including limiting grants to not more than five years. Transfers to the Secretary all functions, programs, and offices under section 22 of the Bankhead-Jones Act and the Second Morrill Act. States that persons in agricultural research, extension, teaching, or any combination thereof shall be eligible for a National Agricultural Science Award. Makes Federal laboratories eligible for biomass energy research grants. Provides that: (1) ten percent of the funds for low-income family nutrition education programs shall be divided equally among all the States; and (2) one percent of such funds may be used for administrative purposes. Redefines "eligible institution" for animal health and disease research purposes to require an institution to have related annual expenditures in excess of $150,000. Limits grants for regional or national animal health problems to not more than five years. Requires the Secretary to annually establish priority lists for such funds. Sets forth factors to be considered in making such determinations. Increases the annual authorization of appropriations for continuing agricultural and forestry extension at 1890 land grant colleges, beginning in fiscal year 1982. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, and make grants to land grant colleges and universities, extension services, and other institutions to further Federal-State cooperation in the areas of agricultural research, extension, and teaching; and (2) establish human nutrition centers at such institutions. Prohibits funds made available by the Secretary under specified Acts from being reduced to cover indirect costs incurred by the recipient. Makes forestry schools and land grant colleges eligible for agricultural research facilities construction grants. Limits such grants to projects for renovation or installation of equipment, or in the case of new construction, for auxiliary facilities or fixed research equipment only. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program of grants to strengthen research and education on national and regional rural development issues. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Replaces specific authorizations of appropriations with generalized authorizations for the following programs: (1) rural development and small farm research and extension; (2) food and agricultural sciences education; (3) biomass energy research; (4) solar energy model farms; (5) agricultural research; (6) agricultural extension; and (7) competitive, special, and facilities research. Title XVI: Effective Date - Makes the provisions of this Act (unless otherwise provided) effective October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize a judicial officer, in making a determination of whether a person charged with a noncapital offense should be released on bail, to consider the safety of any person or the community (in addition to assurance of appearance as currently provided). Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for taking by force and violence or intimidation a controlled substance from a licensed pharmacy engaged in retail dispensing in interstate commerce of prescription drugs, where such robbery is part of a pattern of such robberies in the locality. 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 years for a first offender (currently, one to ten years) and five years for a second or subsequent offender, plus five years for each conviction after the first (currently, two to 25 years for a second or subsequent offender). Establishes a mandatory life sentence without parole for anyone convicted of a violent felony, who has previously been convicted in Federal court of two independent, violent felonies. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to: (1) classify arson as a part I crime in the Uniform Crime Reports; and (2) prepare a special statistical report in cooperation with the National Fire Data Center on the crime of arson.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
National War on Violent Crime Act - Establishes a Violent Crime Administration within the Department of Justice, headed by an Administrator under the general authority of the Attorney General. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for: (1) the establishment and operation of State violent crime planning and coordinating agencies; and (2) specific crime programs of proven effectiveness. Establishes a National Advisory Board to serve the Administrator and a National Police Academy to encourage career officers. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Proclaims Raoul Wallenberg an honorary citizen of the United States. Requests the President to ascertain his whereabouts from the Soviet Union and to secure his freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Requests the President to designate May 6, 1981, as "National Nursing Home Residents Day."
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of agency SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with an SBIR program to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 in amount made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1980 - Title I: Amendments to Title 11 of the United States Code - Makes technical amendments to the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. Amends the definition of a "security" under title 11, which includes only securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, to include any security which should be so registered. Specifies the time periods for assessing tax liabilities or filing a petition of bankruptcy after a stay has been imposed. Increases the compensation payable to trustees. States that a bankruptcy petition shall operate as a stay of the filing of a tax lien or of the presentation of a negotiable instrument. Requires notification by the trustee if so required by the Clayton Act. Establishes the burden of proof in having to use, sell, or lease property. Allows a claim for tax liability arising from payment from the estate of a claim for wages, salaries, or commissions. Sets forth limitations on the reconsideration of claims. Permits the court to offset a claim for tax liability with any counterclaim. Limits the amount of claims for wages, contributions to employee benefit plans, deposits, or taxes which is entitled to priority. Requires the debtor to file a schedule of equity interests along with the assets and liabilities. Removes the debtor's exemption of property interests held in joint tenancy. Permits the debtor to avoid a transfer or recover a setoff of property and exempt such property if such transfer is voidable or recoverable by the trustee, whether or not the trustee attempts to do so, subject to specified limitations. Removes the permissible discharge from debt, alimony or support which has been assigned to another entity. Prohibits a creditor from obtaining a setoff which was transferred for such a purpose. Prohibits the avoidance of certain transfers by the debtor. Permits the debtor to redeem property pursuant to an agreement based on a dischargeable debt. Requires the trustee to transfer commodity contracts that are being actively traded, if feasible. Prohibits paying a customer net equity claim based on a proprietary account unless all other such claims have been paid in full. Allows representation of more than one creditor of the same class by a committee. Permits holders of claims secured by property to elect that such claims are secured claims, whether or not the holders of such claims had recourse against the debtor. Gives the governmental unit concerned the burden of proof that the principal purpose of a plan is the avoidance of taxes. States that confirmation of a plan means automatic relief from a stay of claims to the extent such plan will not pay such claim. Requires the trustee to dispose of monies received in cases involving the debts of an individual with regular income. Authorizes the trustee to call a meeting of creditors in such cases. Requires the trustee to file periodic reports on the operations of businesses which the trustee is authorized to operate and to transmit any statement of investigation to any entity designated by the court. Title II: Amendments to Title 28 of the United States Code - Makes technical amendments to the provisions relating to the administration of bankruptcy courts. Sets forth provisions applicable to the selection of bankruptcy judges, appellate panels, retirement compensation of bankruptcy judges, unlimited tenure for bankruptcy judges, the appointment and duties of U.S. trustees, such court's contempt powers, and the registration of discharge and confirmation orders. Reduces the number of years of judicial service required for pensions to judges removed or not reappointed by the President. Revises provisions concerning the compensation of U.S. magistrates, the appointment of court reporters, and filing fees. Makes the provisions concerning district court filing fees applicable to the District of Columbia. Title III: Amendments to the Act of November 6, 1978 - Designates such Act as the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. Makes technical amendments relating to the transition period in implementing such bankruptcy legislation. Title IV: Amendments to Other Acts - Makes conforming changes in the Commodity Exchange Act, the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930, the Securities Investor Protection Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, and the Social Security Act. Title V: Related Provisions of Law - States that nothing prohibits: (1) a stockbroker or securities clearing agency from exercising a contractual right to liquidate a securities contract; or (2) a commodity broker or forward contract merchant from liquidating a commodity contract or forward contract. Makes specified amendments in this Act effective April 1, 1984, and all others effective on enactment. Amends the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act of 1964 to raise the ceiling on claims by civilian and military employees for damages to personal property.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Commends Secret Service Agents Timothy McCarthy and Jerry Parr and Metropolitan Police Officer Thomas Delahanty for their performance in the line of duty with respect to the assassination attempt on the life of the President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of May 3 through May 9, 1981, as "National Physical Fitness and Sports for All Week."
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1981
RARE II Review Act of 1981 - Denies jurisdiction to any court of the United States to take any judicial action with respect to the legal or factual sufficiency of the Department of Agriculture's second roadless area review and evaluation (RARE II) final environmental statement (date January, 1979), recommending certain areas for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Applies such denial of jurisdiction with respect to any order of a court, department, or agency of the United States or of any State whether issued before or after the enactment of this Act. Deems the RARE II review and evaluation of national forest lands west of the one hundredth meridian to be an adequate consideration of their suitability for inclusion in the National Preservation System. Declares that lands recommended for wilderness in the RARE II final environmental statement but not placed into the System by Act of Congress before January 1, 1985, shall lose their recommendation. Consigns to same fate any lands in further planning upon enactment of this Act and not recommended for wilderness by September 30, 1985, or recommended by such date but not placed into the System by Act of Congress before January 1, 1988. Declares that areas of national forest lands east of the one hundredth meridian which were subject to the RARE II review and recommended for wilderness shall become Wilderness Study Areas, and, after January 1, 1983, shall be managed for uses other than wilderness, unless Congress otherwise directs. Requires any such areas not recommended for wilderness to be managed for other uses. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture, unless expressly authorized and directed by Congress, from conducting any further statewide, regional, or national roadless area review and evaluation of National Forest System lands for determination of suitability for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Prohibits the Secretary from reviewing any National Forest System lands for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System unless expressly authorized by joint resolution of Congress. States that the designation of any wilderness area shall not lead to the creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones around any such area.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1981
Designates the square dance as the national folk dance of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1981
Grants the Court of Claims jurisdiction over claims against the United States for losses sustained by producers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, or other persons resulting from the ban on children's sleepwear containing Tris phosphate. Enumerates factors to be considered by the court in determining the validity of claims. States that the amount of losses shall not include lost profits, distress sale proceeds, attorney fees, or interest on losses. Sets forth the measure of losses for the types of claimants.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress to adopt for each year a budget which sets forth the total receipts and outlays of the United States. Prohibits the adoption of any budget in which outlays exceed total receipts, unless three-fifths of each House of Congress approve such budget. Prohibits Congress from passing and the President from signing any bill which would cause the total outlays for any year to exceed the total expenditures in the budget for such year. Prohibits the retention of receipts in any year for use of the Treasury in an amount which exceeds as a proportion of the national income, the amount retained for the prior year, unless a bill directed at approving a specific increase in such proportion has been passed by a majority of each House. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any single year in which a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any foreign government from suing for damages for an injury caused by a violation of United States antitrust laws unless: (1) similar conduct was a violation of the laws of the foreign government during the same period and such laws were enforced; and (2) the United States may recover damages for a similar injury to its business property under the laws of the foreign government. Limits the amount that a foreign government may recover to actual damages and the cost of the suit.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of February 7 through 13, 1982, as "National Scleroderma Week."
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from unemployment taxation commercial fishermen who, pursuant to an arrangement with the owner or operator of a fishing boat, receive a share of the boat's catch or proceeds from its sale in lieu of cash remuneration. Specifies that the boat's crew must be comprised of fewer than ten individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1981
Requests the President to designate September 6, 1981, as "Working Mothers' Day."
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Taxpayer Protection and Reimbursement Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit reasonable court costs, including attorneys' fees, to be awarded to the prevailing party (other than the United States or a creditor of the prevailing party) in any civil action in any court of the United States for the determination, collection, or refund of any tax, interest, or penalty imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Limits the amount of such award to $20,000 for any one civil action. Includes within the definition of "attorney's fees" amounts paid to an individual who is not an attorney but who is authorized to practice before the Tax Court. Defines "prevailing party" as a party who: (1) establishes that the position of the United States in the civil action was unreasonable; and (2) substantially prevails with respect to the amount in controversy or the most significant issue or set of issues. Disallows costs for certain civil actions involving declaratory judgments.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitation on amounts of the investment tax credit which are attributable to application of the regular percentage to qualified investment in railroad property owned by a domestic common carrier. Provides for the refundability of such credit. Requires the maintenance of a separate account for amounts received as credit refunds. Limits withdrawals from such accounts to amounts used for maintenance, improvement, or acquisition of property or payment of the railroad retirement tax. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to reserve amounts received pursuant to imposition of the windfall profit tax equal to the decrease in revenues attributable to this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Requests the President to designate July 17, 1981, as "National P.O.W.-M.I.A. Recognition Day."
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of May 10 to May 16, 1981, as "CARE Week" in observance of the thirty-fifth anniversary of CARE (the Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc.).
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Consultant Reform and Disclosure Act of 1981 - Title I: Appointments - Permits the head of a Federal agency, when authorized by Federal law, to appoint and fix the compensation of experts or consultants for temporary or intermittent services, rather than to procure such services by contract. Establishes the pay rate for GS-18 as the maximum pay rate for experts and consultants for all agencies. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations governing the employment of experts and consultants by Federal agencies. Requires each agency: (1) to report periodically to OPM the number of days each consultant or expert is employed and the amount each individual is paid. Title II: Contracts - Requires each Federal agency to transmit: (1) to the Secretary of Commerce for publication in the "Commerce Business Daily" a notice describing (a) any proposed contract for consulting services, management, and professional services or (b) any special study or analysis (service contract) expected to result in an award exceeding $10,000; and (2) to the agency Inspector General a notice describing and justifying any contract modification which increases the cost by $25,000 or more. Requires that any report prepared pursuant to a service contract and any agency report derived from such report disclose specified information concerning the contract and contractor. Directs each agency to prepare and maintain in its files an evaluation of the performance of the contractor for each service contract exceeding $50,000. Requires any contractor and any consultant or subcontractor thereof to include with any service contract proposal or modification submitted to the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, or the Environmental Protection Agency a statement disclosing any past, present, or future work-related interest of the contractor which may bias the contractor's judgment or provide the contractor an unfair competitive advantage. Directs the head of each such agency to designate an office to evaluate such statements. Declares that if such office determines that a conflict of interest exists, the agency head shall: (1) disqualify the contractor of the consultant or subcontractor from eligibility for award of the proposed contract; (2) modify the proposed contract to eliminate such conflict; (3) include in the agency records and transmit to Congress a statement concerning such conflict if the contract services can be obtained from no other person; (4) terminate the existing contract; or (5) modify the existing contract to mitigate the conflict and report to Congress if termination is not in the best interest of the Government. Requires the identification of amounts requested for: (1) the procurement of consulting and professional services and special studies; (2) and all other procurement activities by each agency in the annual Budget transmitted by the President to Congress. Directs each agency head to submit to Congress a statement justifying the agency's need for such funds. Directs the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy to establish a data system for the collection of information regarding all contracts of each agency. Requires the Administrator to make quarterly and annual reports to Congress on the information in the system on each agency. Requires each agency to: (1) compile quarterly a list of all contracts entered into by the agency in the last year and a list of all uncompleted contracts; (2) maintain a written justification of the need of each service contract; and (3) make such lists and statements available to the public. Declares that all contracts, excluding classified contracts, shall be considered public information.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Requests the President to designate February of each year as "American History Month."
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an income tax deduction for expenses incurred for legal services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest or dividends earned on savings deposits which are used by the deposit institutions for residential mortgage lending purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an additional $1,000 personal tax exemption for a taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or a dependent who has a disability requiring the use of a wheelchair.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
National Laser Institute Act - Establishes a National Laser Institute to study laser research and technology applications for future civilian and national security uses and to make recommendations to Congress regarding implementation of its findings and the coordination of the efforts of the Federal Government with respect to laser technology. Sets forth the composition and terms of membership of the Institute. States that members of the Institute shall have access to such classified or nonclassified information as is necessary to carry out their responsibilities under this Act. Directs the Institute to prepare and submit to the President and specified Committees of Congress an annual report regarding its activities under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act. Terminates the provisions of this Act five years after the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Federal Jurisdiction Review and Revision Commission Act - Establishes a 16-member Federal Jurisdiction Review and Revision Commission to study the jurisdiction of the Federal and State courts and to make recommendations with respect to revision of the Constitution and Federal law. Directs the Commission to report to Congress and the President within two years of its first meeting. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the adoption of any Federal budget in which expenditures exceed receipts unless approved by a roll call vote of three-fifths of the Members of each House of Congress directed solely to that subject. Prohibits the Congress from passing and the President from signing any appropriations bill which would cause the total expenditures of the Federal Government to exceed its total receipts in any fiscal year. Permits the Congress to waive such provisions with respect to any single year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits any annual increase in the proportion of Federal receipts to the national income unless passed by a roll call vote, directed solely to such purpose, of each House of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Requests the President to designate the third Sunday in September as "National Ministers Day."
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1981
Eliminates the position of elevator operator for any elevator, under the jurisdiction of the Senate and the House of Representatives, which is designed to be controlled by passengers.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Soil and Water Conservation Incentives Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer engaged in the business of farming an investment tax credit for soil and water conservation expenditures not treated as deductible expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Requests the President to designate the first Friday of March as "Teacher Day, United States of America."
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Provides that, notwithstanding any statute of limitations, a named individual may file a claim with the appropriate Federal agency for injuries allegedly resulting from a swine flu inoculation administered in a Federal Government sponsored program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
State Justice Institute Act of 1981 - Establishes the State Justice Institute as a private nonprofit corporation to further the development of improved judicial administration in State courts in the United States. Permits the Institute to be incorporated in any State or the District of Columbia. Directs the Institute to: (1) direct a national assistance program to assure persons ready access to a fair and effective system of justice; (2) foster coordination and cooperation with the Federal judiciary; (3) make recommendations concerning the proper allocation of responsibility between the State and Federal court systems; (4) promote recognition of the importance of the separation of powers doctrine to an independent judiciary; and (5) encourage education for State court judges and support personnel. Authorizes the Institute to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts to: (1) conduct research, demonstrations, or special projects relating to the purposes of this Act; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding State judicial systems; (3) participate in joint projects with other agencies, including the Federal Judicial Center; (4) evaluate the impact of programs carried out under this Act upon the quality of criminal, civil, and juvenile justice; (5) encourage judicial education; (6) serve in a consulting capacity to State and local justice systems; and (7) be responsible for the certification of national programs to improve State judicial systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982 through 1984 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an income tax credit for expenses involved in the planting of pecan trees to replace those destroyed by Hurricane Frederick.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Permits the Chief Justice of the United States to address in person, at times agreed to by the Chief Justice, the majority leader of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives both Chambers of Congress in joint session on the state of the judiciary. Requires a copy of such address to be transmitted to Congress by March 15 of each year, if the Chief Justice does not appear personally.