United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Reciprocal Trade and Investment Act of 1982 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to submit to the President an annual study of the practices of each designated major trading country that: (1) deny benefits to the United States under a trade agreement; or (2) deny to the United States substantially equivalent commercial opportunities with respect to U.S. products that are internationally competitive. Directs the President to submit such study to the appropriate congressional committees and to propose actions to redress any imbalance caused by such practices. Directs Federal agencies to furnish information and other assistance to carry out such study. Adds to the findings upon which the President can base U.S. responses to foreign trade practices. Directs the President to act upon finding that a foreign practice denies to the United States commercial opportunities substantially equivalent to those offered by the United States. Authorizes the President to take action against the foreign entity's investments. (Current law limits the President to taking action against the foreign entity's products or services.) Requires the President to take into account U.S. trade agreement obligations in determining whether to take any action to enforce U.S. trade rights or respond to a foreign trade practice. Includes foreign direct investment by U.S. citizens or nationals within the definition of commerce and commercial opportunites. Authorizes the House Ways and Means Committee or the Senate Finance Committee to file a resolution with the USTR requesting the President to take action to enforce U.S. trade rights or respond to foreign trade practices. Directs the USTR to consult with the International Trade Commission (ITC) on: (1) the economic impact of the USTR's legislative recommendations; and (2) the foreign practices which caused the USTR to investigate. (Current law authorizes the USTR to consult with the ITC on the economic impact of proposed action with respect to the foreign product or service.) Directs the USTR to make preliminary recommendations to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee on the options the President is considering if dispute settlement procedures fail. Requires such recommendations to be made within 180 days of a finding that presidential action is needed to enforce U.S. trade rights or to respond to a foreign trade practice. Directs the President to negotiate international agreements to end restrictions on foreign direct investment. Includes restrictions on foreign direct investment among the barriers to international trade that may authorize the President to enter trade agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the Interstate Commerce Commission should temporarily refrain from granting applications for motor carrier operating authority filed by foreign companies or by companies controlled by foreign nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1982
Reciprocal Trade, Services and Investment Act of 1982 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to include foreign restrictions on direct investments by U.S. citizens or nationals among the foreign trade restrictions on U.S. commerce that would trigger a U.S. response. Authorizes the President to take action to establish or further the principles of national treatment or reciprocal market access with respect to U.S. goods, U.S. services, and foreign direct investment by U.S. nationals or citizens. Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into bilateral or multilateral negotiations to further such principles; (2) adjust Government procurement policies to provide for procurement from nations that provide reciprocal market access to comparable U.S. producers; (3) instruct the U.S. directors of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) and the International Monetary Fund to vote against aid to countries that do not adhere generally to principles of national treatment and market access; (4) request Federal regulatory agencies to consider a country's adherence to such principles in making decisions or taking actions with respect to applications or requests of such country; or (5) propose legislation which would impose equivalent restrictions within the United States on goods and services from countries that do not adhere to such principles. Authorizes the President to take any other appropriate action to enforce U.S. trade rights, respond to discriminatory trade practices, or further principles of national treatment or reciprocal market access. Changes the definition of commerce for purposes of U.S. trade agreement enforcement rights. Includes within that definition foreign direct investment by U.S. citizens or nationals. Defines national treatment for such purposes as the treatment by a government of foreign investment or foreign establishments operating within its borders in the same way as a domestic investment or comparable domestic establishments. Authorizes the House Ways and Means Committee or the Senate Finance Committee to file a resolution with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) requesting the President to take action to enforce U.S. trade rights, respond to discriminatory trade practices, or further principles of national treatment or reciprocal market access. Provides that consultations need not take place between the USTR and a foreign country after beginning an investigation into complaints concerning such country's national treatment or market reciprocity policies. (Current law requires such consultations when the United States is investigating complaints about U.S. trade agreement rights or foreign discriminatory trade practices.) Requires the USTR to recommend to the President a course of action within one month of the start of an investigation of complaints concerning national treatment or reciprocity. Directs the President to make recommendations to Congress within 120 days of starting an investigation into complaints concerning national treatment and market reciprocity. Authorizes the President to negotiate international agreements on restrictions on foreign direct investment.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1982
States that the budget and appropriations for FY 1982 of the Internal Revenue Service's taxpayer's assistance program shall not be reduced below the level required to permit 100 percent response and service by the IRS to all taxpayers requesting such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1982
Public Lands Conservation, Rehabilitation, and Improvement Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those benefitting public or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands benefit associated public or Indian lands or provide significant public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires such appropriations to be credited from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except as provided in specified provisions of law. Makes the Secretary responsible for the pay of enrollees and coordination of the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions for the award of academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as may be necessary. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress by March 1 of each year on the activities carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the individual income tax rate reductions enacted by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 shall be reflected in withholding adjustments six months sooner than scheduled.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1982
Training for Jobs Act - Establishes a comprehensive job training program. Title I: State Job Training Program - Provides for allotments and allocations from amounts authorized to be appropriated under this Act. Allots seven percent of such funds to State Governors for specified statewide programs. Allots 71 percent of such funds to States for substate allocation to service delivery areas. (Sets aside the remaining 22 percent for national programs.) Allots specified amounts to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and to specified U.S. territories and possessions for service delivery area programs. Allots the remainder of service delivery area program funds among States according to numbers of long-term unemployed persons and of economically disadvantaged persons in the labor force. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make substate allocations among service delivery areas on the basis of numbers of economically disadvantaged persons. Defines a service delivery area as any area served in FY 1982 by a prime sponsor established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA). Authorizes a State Governor to designate subdivisions of a State as service delivery areas if CETA services were planned or administered for such subdivisions. Authorizes a Governor to propose tentative revisions in any service delivery area of the State under specified conditions. Allows chief elected officials of local governments to petition to have areas designated as service delivery areas either as proposed by the Governor or with modifications. Requires that such petitions be made jointly with the appropriate private industry council (PIC), or separately if no agreement can be reached. Directs the Governor to approve any petition agreed upon by both the PIC and chief elected officials, unless the Governor determines, for good cause shown, that such agreement will not carry out the provisions of this Act. Permits appeals of such disapprovals to the Secretary. Directs the Governor to approve petitions from any local government with a population of 250,000 or more to be a service delivery area unless the PIC does not concur and the Governor makes findings of fact why inclusion of such local government in a larger area is needed for accommodation of labor market factors or coordination with other related service delivery areas. Provides for dispute resolution by the Secretary if the Governor and the local government cannot reach agreement in such cases. Prohibits changes in service delivery areas later than four months before the beginning of a program year or within two years of a previous revision. Directs Governors to report to the Secretary annually on: (1) changes in service delivery areas; and (2) reasons why change was not made, if any interim area (CETA prime sponsor area) remains in effect. Directs the PIC for a service delivery area to prepare a program plan for any program year beginning 90 days after PIC certification. Directs the CETA prime sponsor to prepare program plans until then. Requires that there be a PIC for every service delivery area. Requires that a majority of members on each PIC be private industry (including small business) representatives and that the remainder be representatives of local governments, educational agencies, organized labor, community-based organizations, economic development agencies, and the employment service. Directs chief elected officials of local governments within the service delivery area to: (1) appoint private industry representatives from nominees of for-profit businesses operating within the geographical area; and (2) select remaining representatives from individuals recommended by interested organizations. Provides for selection procedures in the event that agreement cannot be reached by such officials. Directs the PIC, upon certification by the Governor within 30 days of receipt of a membership list, to prepare the program plan and certify training institutions and other agencies. Requires that specified items be included in each program plan. Directs the PIC to publish a proposed plan 120 days before the beginning of a program year and provide interested parties an opportunity for comment. Requires publication of a final plan not later than 80 days before the program year. Sets forth procedures to be followed in the event of program plan disagreements between PICs and local officials. Requires program plan approval within 30 days after submission unless the Governor determines that the plan does not meet performance criteria, serve the economically disadvantaged, or correct previous deficiencies. Directs the Governor to disapprove any plan that will not provide equality of access to all segments of the disadvantaged community in the area. Requires that disputed matters which cannot be resolved within 30 days after program plan disapproval by the Governor be submitted to the Secretary for arbitration and decision within 30 days of receipt. Provides that the CETA prime sponsor for the interim services delivery area will administer program funds until the Governor designates the PIC to do so. Directs the Governor, with the PIC if one is certified, to select another entity to administer program funds if the CETA prime sponsor will not agree to do so. Authorizes the Governor to designate the PIC as recipient and administrator of program funds: (1) if administrative capacity and adequate safeguards exist and the PIC business representatives favor such designation; and (2) if (A) the PIC and local officials jointly apply for such designation or (B) the Governor finds that the program funds administrator has not adequately carried out the requirements of this Act and the majority of PIC members favor such designation. Requires notice to local governments and opportunity for hearing such governments and other interested parties before such designation may be made. Limits program year spending for administrative costs (including evaluation) to 20 percent of program funds. Requires the PIC to subcontract at least 80 percent of funds available in any fiscal year, excluding funds used for administration and on- the-job training programs. Authorizes the Governor to establish a State job training council to assist in making decisions and determinations required under this title. Requires that at least one-fourth of State council members be PIC business representatives and the remainder represent local governments, labor, the economically disadvantaged and State or other public agencies. Permits program funds to be used for: (1) specified activities for employment preparation and placement of disadvantaged persons; (2) supportive services for program participation and employment retention; (3) up to six weeks of participant wages as employees of public or private nonprofit organizations while performing services in a regular employment placement program with a private for-profit employer; (4) payments to private for-profit employers for on-the-job training costs; (5) reimbursement of participant costs, including special long-term training needs and modest bonuses for program completion, but excluding stipend or allowance payments; and (6) area employment generating activities. Requires that 50 to 75 percent of program funds be used for youth (under age 22) services. Adjusts the 50 percent minimum by the difference between the ratio of disadvantaged youths to disadvantaged adults in the service delivery area and such ratio for all States. Bases eligibility for program participation on a person's being economically disadvantaged. Permits up to ten percent of program participants to be individuals who are not economically disadvantaged, if such individuals have encountered employment barriers (such individuals may include the physically handicapped, those with limited English-speaking ability, displaced homemakers, ex-offenders, alcoholics, addicts, or dislocated workers). Requires, in the selection of agencies to deliver services, that: (1) prime consideration be given to past performance cost-effectiveness in delivery of comparable services; and (2) occupational skills training agencies be certified by the PIC as providing a level of skill acceptable to area employers. Sets forth permissible uses of funds for Governors' statewide programs: (1) State council expenses, including program evaluation; (2) technical assistance; (3) linkage with, and assistance for, related programs; (4) special assistance for offenders, ex-offenders, and others; (5) dislocated workers programs; (6) labor market and occupational information; (7) a management information system; and (8) superior performance incentives. Directs Governors to publish: (1) proposed plans for uses of such funds 120 days before the program year and provide opportunity for comment to interested parties; and (2) final plans 80 days before the final period and submit them to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to approve or disapprove the plan within 30 days. Permits Governors to request specified hearings if they cannot reach agreement with the Secretary within another 30 days. Title II: National Job Training Programs - Part A: Native American Employment Training Programs - Sets forth provisions for Native American employment training programs that are basically similar to the current CETA programs for Native Americans, except for distribution of funds. Part B: Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Employment Training Programs - Sets forth provisions for migrant and seasonal farmworker employment training programs that are basically similar to the current CETA programs for migrant and seasonal farmworkers, except for distribution of funds. Part C: Research, Evaluation, Pilot Projects, and Technical Assistance - Sets forth provisions for research, evaluation, and training and technical assistance similar in part to current CETA provisions. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a comprehensive program of employment and training research; and (2) a program of experimental, developmental, and demonstration projects (but does not include current CETA provisions prohibiting such projects from experimenting with subsidized wages in the private sector or less than minimum wages). Directs the Secretary to : (1) provide for continuing evaluation of all programs, activities, and research and demonstration projects conducted under this Act; and (2) report annually to the Congress on employment and training programs (but does not require the annual evaluation plan currently required under CETA). Directs the Secretary to fund pilot projects to help eliminate artificial and other employment barriers faced by persons requiring special assistance. Prohibits funding any such pilot project for more than three years. Requires, in selecting pilot project fund recipients, that special consideration be given to community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness. Directs the Secretary to consult with appropriate State officials in providing training and technical assistance. Part D: Labor Market Information - Directs the Secretary to reserve, from specified set-aside funds, sums necessary to operate a Federal/State cooperative statistical labor market information program. Authorizes the heads of other Federal agencies to make specified funds available for such program. Directs the Secretary to maintain on a national, State, local, and other appropriate basis: (1) a comprehensive national system of labor market information; and (2) household budget data reflecting differences in location. Directs the Secretary to publish an annual report linking labor force status with earnings and income. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretaries of Commerce, Defense, the Treasury, Education, and the Director of the Office of Management and the Budget (OMB), to: (1) review and integrate national information systems; (2) maintain standardized definitions; and (3) provide technical assistance to the States for an occupational supply/demand information system. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Defense, to assure that such system will provide young persons with information on Armed Forces career opportunities. Directs the Secretary and the Director of OMB to assure that sufficient funds are available to provide Federal staff for coordination functions for the cooperative labor market information program. Requires, for eligibility for Federal financial assistance under this part, that Governors: (1) designate an organizational unit to manage a statewide comprehensive labor market/occupational supply and demand information system; (2) design such a system to meet specified guidelines; (3) standardize specified records and data to produce an employment/economic analysis; (4) assure that paperwork burdens are kept to a minimum; (5) disseminate labor market and individualized career information; and (6) conduct research and demonstration projects to improve the statewide information system. Directs the Secretary to reimburse the States for the costs of State labor market information programs from amounts available under this part. Allows States to combine, consolidate, or otherwise alter Federal administrative management information reporting requirements relating to employment, productivity, or training, if the Governor notifies each responsible Federal and State agency. Directs the appropriate Federal agency to approve such alteration within 60 days after receiving notice unless such agency can show that the essential purposes of the affected Federal law will not be met. Permits appeals of adverse decisions to the Director of OMB for final decision within 60 days. Title III: Administrative and General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and thereafter to carry out titles I, II, and III of this Act. Sets forth provisions for program years and availability of funds. Sets aside 22 percent of such funds for use by the Secretary as follows: (1) 66 percent of such amount for the CETA Job Corps; (2) ten and one-half percent for Indian programs; (3) ten percent for migrants and seasonal farmworkers programs; and (4) the remainder for administrative costs, research, pilot projects, and technical assistance and for the labor market information program. (Allots in title I the remainder of the amounts appropriated as follows: (1) seven percent to Governors' statewide programs; and (2) 71 percent for State programs and activities.) Requires that performance criteria be developed. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards to measure the increase in earnings and reductions in cash welfare payments resulting from participation in adult training programs. Allows each Governor to prescribe variations in such standards based on specific economic factors in the State and in service delivery areas. Directs the Secretary to prescribe variations in performance criteria for Native American and migrant and seasonal farmworker programs. Allows the administrator of funds in each service delivery area to develop local performance criteria for youth based on employment competencies recognized by the PIC and on placement and retention in employment. Directs the Governor and the Secretary to review such local performance criteria and competency standards. Requires that each SDA annual report specify the extent to which programs meet program criteria. Directs the Governor to use ten percent of funds allocated for statewide programs to provide incentive funding for exceeding performance criteria, including incentives for serving the hard to serve. Directs the Governor to provide technical assistance to programs not meeting performance criteria and to propose a reorganization plan if the failure persists for a second year. Authorizes the Governor to make specified changes relating to the PIC, delivery agencies, or administrator for the service delivery area, after opportunity for a fair hearing. Requires States to establish certain fiscal control and fund accounting procedures for Federal funds paid to recipients under titles I and V of this Act. Sets forth specified responsibilities of the Director of OMB and the Comptroller General of the United States. Requires recipients to keep records sufficient to permit reports and investigations under this Act. Directs the Secretary, and authorizes the Comptroller General, to carry out specified investigations. Requires States to make prescribed reports and maintain a management information system. Sets forth affirmative action provisions for contracts under this Act. Establishes a Commission on Employment and Productivity. Sets forth administrative provisions. Repeals the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), other than part B of title IV relating to the Job Corps. Title IV: Amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act (U.S. Employment Service) to provide for a transition to program year funding similar to that under this Act. Directs the Secretary to distribute funds under such Act to States on the basis of numbers of individuals in the civilian labor force. Provides that 25 percent of the State allotment be used for statewide programs and that the remaining 75 percent be suballocated to service delivery areas. Requires that each PIC (or, where there is no PIC, an official designated by the Governor) prepare a local plan for service delivery area use of such funds. Directs the State to prepare a consolidated State plan for approval by the Secretary. Sets forth permissible uses of funds for statewide and local programs. Authorizes the Secretary to establish performance standards which take into account the differences in priorities reflected in State plans. Sets forth fiscal control and fund accounting requirements. Sets forth provisions for recordkeeping, reports, and investigations. Title V: Dislocated Workers - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and thereafter to carry out this title. Allots such funds among States on the basis of numbers of long-term unemployed persons. Authorizes the Secretary to reallocate any amount which a State cannot use within a reasonable period of time. Authorizes States to establish procedures to identify substantial groups of workers who: (1) have been laid off, are eligible for or have exhausted entitlement to unemployment compensation, and are unlikely to return to their previous industry or occupation; and (2) are employed in operations or establishments which the employer has determined to shut down permanently. Directs States, with PIC assistance, to determine what job opportunities exist within or outside the local labor market area. Directs States to: (1) determine whether such retraining opportunities exist or could be provided within the area; and (2) make such information available to workers. Permits Federal funds provided to States under this title to be used to pay 50 percent of the dislocated workers assistance program. Sets forth permissible types of job training and related services under such program. Requires States to give an opportunity for applicants for funding of locally developed projects to carry out such program. Title VI: Coordination of Job Training Activities - Provides that PICs may be used for planning or advice for any Federal program relating to employment or training. Permits a Governor to combine two or more advisory councils whose functions relate to employment or training, or use one such council to perform additional functions, if essential elements regarding council composition are met, public notice is given, and appropriate Federal agency approval is received. Provides for appeals in cases of disapproval. Amends the Economy Act to permit each State agency to contract with any other State agency to perform services under Federally-assisted job training or related programs if the Governor determines that such a contract will promote efficiency.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a business expense deduction for advertisements placed with a foreign broadcast station and directed to a market in the United States if a similar deduction is denied in the country in which such station is located for an advertisement placed with a U.S. broadcast station and directed to a market in that country.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1982
Authorizes expenditures for investigations and studies by the Senate Special Committee on Aging from March 1, 1982, through February 28, 1983, including: (1) employment of personnel; (2) utilization of Federal agency personnel on a reimbursable basis; (3) procurement of consultant services; and (4) training of its professional staff.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit to $3,000 the amount of living expenses which Members of Congress may deduct from their incomes. Repeals the provision allowing such tax deduction without substantiation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to extend from August 6, 1982, to August 6, 1984, the current preclearance requirements (under which jurisdictions covered through the triggering mechanism must submit proposed electoral changes to the Department of Justice). Establishes a new standard for jurisdictions to "bail-out" of these requirements effective August 6, 1984. Permits political subdivisions of covered States to bail-out independently of the State. Conditions a declaratory judgment for bail-out on the jurisdiction's showing that it and all its political subdivisions have met the bail-out requirements for a ten-year period prior to the filing of the suit. Includes among the requirements for bail-out that: (1) no test or device has been used to discriminate on account of race, color, or language; (2) no actions alleging voting discrimination are pending or have gone to final judgment; (3) no Federal examiner has served in the jurisdiction seeking bail-out; (4) the jurisdiction and all its subdivisions have complied with the preclearance requirements; and (5) the jurisdiction and its subdivisions have taken affirmative steps to protect voting rights. Stipulates that lawsuits filed during pendency of the bail-out litigation will not bar bail-out. Subjects the jurisdiction to the preclearance requirements if any such lawsuit alleging voting violations is successful after bail-out. Restates the prohibition against voting discrimination to include as a violation conduct which has the effect of discrimination. Stipulates that the failure of a minority to be proportionately represented does not itself constitute a violation. Extends the bilingual election requirements from August 6, 1985, to August 6, 1992. Declares that nothing in the Voting Rights Act shall be construed to permit assistance within the voting booth, unless the voter is blind or physically incapacitated.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual to elect hospice care, in lieu of certain other benefits, during two periods of 180 days each during the individual's lifetime. Provides for full reimbursement of reasonable costs to a hospice program, subject to a ceiling. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the hospice reimbursement method. Defines hospice care as including items and services furnished to the terminally ill in their homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short term inpatient basis.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Americans want an early, peaceful, and popularly supported resolution of the issues that led to the imposition of martial law in Poland; (2) Americans deplore the imposition of martial law in Poland, the suspension of workers' rights, and the arrests of Solidarity leaders; (3) recent events call into question the suitability of further assistance for Poland: (4) the Polish people have the right to resolve their problems without outside interference; (5) the support of Americans for continued U.S. dealings with Poland's present government will relate to the degree to which that government avoids violence and demonstrates its respect for Solidarity and its commitment to continuing reforms; (6) the President and the Secretary of State should continue to stress this U.S. position; and (7) the Administration should consult with our allies to develop a concerted and sustained response to the threat to the democratization process in Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
States that the Federal Government should promote energy conservation through low-income weatherization assistance, energy conservation information programs, and funding of energy conservation research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Entitles Civil Air Patrol Cadets 18 years of age or older to the same compensation for disability or death which is available to Civil Air Patrol senior members. Increases the amount of such compensation available to both.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the February meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to tell the Commission that the Soviet Union should stop harassing Soviet Jews and should allow its citizens to practice their religion and to emigrate. Urges the Soviet Union to comply with its human rights obligations. Urges the President to: (1) express to the Soviet Union U.S. opposition to harassment of Soviet citizens and to prohibitions of emigration; and (2) reiterate that the United States will consider the extent to which other nations honor their commitments under international law when evaluating its relations with such nations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1981
Comprehensive Smoking Prevention Education Act of 1981 - Amends title XVII (Health Information and Health Promotion) of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to inform the public of the health hazards of cigarettes through research, demonstration, and educational activities. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health to coordinate Federal and private activities. Requires the Committee to meet at least four times a year. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to change existing label warning provisions to require cigarette packages and advertisements to carry specified warnings on a rotating basis. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package for sale cigarettes without: (1) disclosing tar, nicotine, and carbon dioxide levels on the package; and (2) providing the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Health and Human Services with a list of the types and quantities of chemical additives.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Northeast-Midwest States Federal Hydropower Financing Authority Act - Establishes the Northeast-Midwest States Hydropower Financing Authority (the Corporation). Makes the incorporation of such Authority effective upon notification of the Secretary of Energy by the Governors of at least four eligible Northeast-Midwest States of their desire to be members of the Corporation. Provides that the Corporation's Board of Directors shall consist of each Governor of a member State and a Chairman appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Corporation to make loans and loan guarantees for hydropower development to member States, political subdivisions thereof engaged in retail electric service, power authorities of such States, and rural electric cooperatives, interstate compact river commissions, and consumer- and stockholder- owned electric utilities which are located within member States. Sets forth limitations and conditions with respect to the making of such loans and loan guarantees. States that the Corporation's principal office shall be maintained in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Requires that the Corporation maintain complete and accurate accounts and file with Congress annually a financial statement and a complete report on the Corporation's business. Requires the Comptroller General to audit the Corporation's transactions at least annually. Requires that the U.S. Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the Power Marketing Administration of the Department of Energy, complete for each member State a study of hydroelectric power potential in the State. Prohibits the approval of a loan application under this Act unless the Governor of the State in which the project to be developed with the loan is located is notified and does not disapprove of the project within 60 days of such notification. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Black Lung Benefits and Revenues Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 regarding eligibility and benefits on claims filed after enactment of this Act to: (1) eliminate restrictions on the Department of Labor's use of second opinion X-rays; (2) eliminate specified presumptions of black lung presence; (3) eliminate the presumption of eligibility for survivors of specified miners who died on or before March 1, 1978; (4) make only third -party affidavits sufficient to establish survivors' claims where there are no other supporting medical records; (5) limit survivors' benefits to cases where the miner died from black lung; (6) make previously determined eligible survivors' claim liable for revalidation; (7) apply excess earnings under the Social Security Act to offset specified black lung disability payments; and (8) set black lung benefit levels at 37 1/2 percent of the monthly pay for Federal employees in grade GS-2, step 1. Directs the Secretary of Labor to undertake studies of: (1) black lung disease; and (2) benefits available under such Act and under other assistance programs and to report those findings and recommendations to Congress within 18 months. Eliminates the obligation of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund to pay retroactive benefits in cases of operator nonpayment on claims filed after enactment of this Act. Provides that interest charges shall be made at the same rate as for other overdue debts owed to the Government, including retroactive payments based on final adjudications of operator liability. Makes such Fund liable (rather than the operators) for specified reopened claims subsequently approved. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on coal sold by a producer from: (1) 50 cents per ton to $1 per ton for coal from underground mines, and (2) 25 cents per ton to 50 cents per ton for coal from surface mines. Increases the maximum amount of such tax from 2 percent to 4 per cent of the price at which a ton of coal is sold by the producer. Terminates such increase as of December 31, 1995, or earlier if both Houses of Congress do not disapprove a recommendation of earlier cutoff by the Trustees of the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 1981
United States Academy of Peace Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace as an independent nonprofit corporation. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace. Authorizes the Academy to establish: (1) a Center for International Peace; and (2) a United States Medal of Peace and other medals or honors. Subjects the Academy to specified freedom of information requirements. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel actions of the Academy or financial assistance by the Academy. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for an Academy buildings and grounds capitalization fund. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal years 1983 and 1984 for Academy programs and administration.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp to honor the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination applicable to first-class mail up to one ounce in weight. Directs that such stamp shall be issued on November 11, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to offer lifetime leases to individuals who lease federally owned dwellings in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area if the dwellings conform to minimum health and safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1981
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to delay the effective date of amendments relating to group eligibility requirements for trade adjustment assistance for workers.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Amends the Revenue Act of 1978 to make permanent the exclusion from gross income of national research service awards received from the Public Health Service.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 to delay until December 31, 1982 the effective date of the requirement that in cases of corporate liquidations a corporation inventorying goods under the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting treat the LIFO recapture amount with respect to distributed inventory assets as ordinary income.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Alexander Paritsky; (2) urge the Soviet Union to release him from prison, to stop harassing him and his family, and to permit him and his family to emigrate; and (3) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will consider the extent to which countries honor their commitments under international law when evaluating U.S. relations with such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Charter Act - Establishes the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation under the direction of a Board of Directors. Declares that the Corporation shall have common stock, without par value, which shall be vested with all voting rights, each share being entitled to one vote at all elections of directors. Authorizes the Corporation to issue nonvoting common stock, with or without par value as shall be determined by the Board from time to time. Permits the Corporation to prohibit any person or organization from acquiring or voting the beneficial ownership of more than 25 percent of the shares of voting common stock. Permits the Corporation to have one or more classes of preferred stock. Entitles each class of preferred stock to annual dividends fixed by the Corporation at the time of issuance or sale of such class of preferred stock. Authorizes the Corporation to purchase, make commitments to purchase, lend on the security of, or otherwise deal in eligible mortgages. Prohibits the purchase of a conventional mortgage if the outstanding principal balance of the mortgage at the time of purchase exceeds 80 percent of the value of the property securing the mortgage except in specified circumstances. Authorizes the Corporation to borrow, to give security, to pay interest on other returns, and to issue notes, debentures, bonds, or other obligations, or other securities. Authorizes Federal home loan banks to provide financing to the Corporation during calendar year 1982 in the form of a passthrough of the proceeds of consolidated obligations shown by such banks. Authorizes the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to provide for the purchase by the Federal home loan banks of any obligations issued by the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to guarantee the timely payment of principal or interest on securities issued by any eligible seller which are based on or backed by a trust or pool of mortgages eligible for purchase by the Corporation. Empowers the Corporation, in connection with any guaranty under this Act, to provide for the extinguishment, upon default by the issuer, of any redemption, equitable, legal, or other right, title, or interest of the issuer in any mortgage or mortgages constituting the trust or pool against which the guaranteed securities are issued. Declares that all rights and remedies of the Corporation shall be immune from impairment, limitation, or restriction. Exempts the Corporation from all taxation, except real property, until such time as the Corporation shall pay a dividend with respect to shares of common stock. Exempts the Corporation from the provisions or requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission. Declares that the powers and functions of the Corporation and the Board of Directors shall be exercisable without regard to any other laws, except as otherwise provided in this Act, or as otherwise provided by the Corporation or by laws enacted by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to indemnify the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation against any losses incurred by a converted mutual savings bank resulting from decline in market value of assets prior to conversion due to interest rate fluctuations. Extends such indemnification period from five to seven years. Directs the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, before acting on a proposed merger, branch, or other application involving a converted savings bank during such indemnification period, to request a report on the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the proposed transaction from the Corporation. Directs the Corporation to furnish such report within specified time periods. Provides for arbitration by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve in the case of any proposed transaction when the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and the Corporation do not concur.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Program Fraud Civil Penalties Act of 1981 - Establishes penalties and assessments to be imposed against any person who knowingly makes a false claim or statement to: an authority of the United States; a recipient of property, services, or money from such authority; a party to a contract with such authority; or any State. Declares that such penalties and assessments are in addition to criminal and civil penalties and assessments provided by other laws. Requires that the total amount of a penalty and assessment imposed under this Act be at least equal to the damages sustained by the Government as a result of the false claim or statement, except under specified circumstances. Directs the Inspector General or other investigating official of a Federal authority to investigate allegations that a person made a false claim or statement, and to report findings to the reviewing official designated for that authority. Directs the reviewing official to refer such allegations to the authority head for a hearing upon determining there is probable cause to believe that the person is liable for a penalty or assessment. Requires the authority head to notify the Attorney General of any intention to initiate a hearing. Allows the authority head to initiate a hearing if the Attorney General approves it or does not disapprove it within 120 days. Entitles the defendant in such a hearing to: (1) written notice of the hearing; (2) be present and represented by counsel; (3) present evidence and cross-examine witnesses; (4) prompt, written notice of the authority head's determination; and (5) judicial review of an adverse determination. Specifies the authority of the investigating official and the official conducting the hearing, and the procedure for judicial review of the determination reached in the hearing. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action to recover a penalty or assessment determined by such a hearing. Authorizes the authority head to settle a final penalty or assessment determined by hearing. Grants the Attorney General exclusive authority to settle a claim subject to judicial review or collection procedures. Provides for the reimbursement of a State or political subdivision for damages sustained as a result of a false claim or statement out of any penalty or assessment collected. Specifies time limitations for commencing a hearing concerning a false statement or claim and for commencing an action to recover any penalty or assessment. Permits the deduction of any penalty or assessment from any amount owed the liable person by the Government, including tax refunds.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which provide incentives for energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources should not be repealed or amended to reduce such incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Savings Bank Act of 1981 - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit an association which was formerly organized as a savings bank under State law to continue to carry on any activities it was engaged in immediately prior to conversion to a Federal Savings and Loan Association or a Federal mutual savings bank and to retain or make any investments of a type it held on such date. Permits such an association to establish branch offices and other facilities only in accordance with the limitations imposed by State law controlling applications of a savings bank organized under such State law. Declares that the total obligations to any Federal mutual savings bank of any person, copartnership, association, or corporation shall at no time exceed ten percent of the net worth of such Federal mutual savings bank. Provides for exceptions from such limitation by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Permits Federal mutual savings banks to accept demand deposits from any source whatever. Increases to ten percent of the assets of a Federal association, the amount which may be invested by such association in service corporations. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to declare that in implementing the indemnification agreement for the conversion of a State-chartered insured mutual savings bank into a Federal savings bank the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation shall include, but not be limited to, those losses resulting from a decline in the market value of assets due to interest rate fluctuations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the three day prior hospitalization requirement for coverage of extended care services.
![Official portrait of Sen. Heinz, John [R-PA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000456_200.jpg)