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 · 10 March 1981
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide medical assistance to: (1) any woman whose resources do not exceed specified limitations, for care and services provided during pregnancy and during the 60 day period beginning on the last day of such pregnancy; and (2) any child born as a result of such pregnancy, until the end of such 60 day period.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
National Driver Register Act of 1981 - Eliminates the register in the Department of Commerce that lists the names of persons who have had their motor vehicle operator's licenses revoked. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish and maintain a National Driver Register to assist chief driver licensing officials of participating States in exchanging information regarding the motor vehicle driving records of individuals. Prohibits the Secretary from maintaining information in such Register for more than a seven-year period from the date of its entry. Allows any State to participate in such Register system. Directs the chief driver licensing official of a participating State to transmit specified information on certain drivers to the Secretary. Allows access to such information to specified individuals, including the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. Limits the use of such information to official investigations and statistical research. Sets forth criminal penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of information from the National Driver Register. Establishes a National Driver Register Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of the Register system. Directs the Committee to report at least annually to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, within nine years of the date of enactment of this Act, to report to Congress on the level of State participation in and the effectiveness of the Register system. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1981 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the Secretary of State to inform the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the use or intended use by any country or international organization of any herbicide to eradicate marihuana in a program receiving U.S. aid for narcotics control (currently no U.S. aid may be used for any such program if the herbicide is likely to cause serious harm to marihuana users unless the herbicide is used with another substance that will warn potential users of the presence of the herbicide). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to monitor the impact on the health of marihuana users of such a herbicide. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress any determination that marihuana users are exposed to harmful amounts of herbicide.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Urges the President to extend for three years the orderly marketing agreements between the United States and Taiwan and between the United States and South Korea which limit the exportation from Taiwan and South Korea of nonrubber footwear to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Directs the Education Appeal Board to dismiss all actions which are based on audits conducted prior to the enactment of the Education Amendments of 1978, and which seek the repayment of funds provided to State or local agencies under the Financial Assistance to Meet the Special Educational Needs of Children (title I) provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Television Licensing and Renewal Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to increase the licensing term for a television broadcasting station from three to five years. Permits the Federal Communications Commission to grant an initial license or construction permit for a television broadcast facility on a system of random selection. Directs the Commission to grant a license renewal if the license has substantially met the needs of its service area and complied with the requirement of such Act. Prohibits the Commission from considering the application of any other person for the facilities for which renewal is sought.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Neighborhood School Act of 1981 - Prohibits a Federal court from ordering any student to be assigned or transported to a public school other than that which is nearest to the student's residence unless: (1) such assignment or transportation is incident to attendance at a school of specialized instruction; (2) such assignment is incident to a purpose directly and primarily related to an educational purpose; (3) such assignment is incident to the voluntary attendance of a student; or (4) the requirement of such transportation is reasonable. Enumerates circumstances under which an assignment or transportation is not reasonable, including if: (1) there are reasonable alternatives available; (2) the plan is likely to have a net harmful effect on the quality of education; or (3) the time or distance traveled exceed by specified amounts the time or distance to the closest public school.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Amends the joint resolution of October 10, 1980 (requesting the President to designate the week beginning with the third Monday in February 1981 as "National Patriotism Week") to request the President to make such designation annually.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Revises the congressional budget in order to: (1) reduce budget authority by $10.7 billion, and outlays by $4,8 billion, in fiscal year 1981; (2) reduce budget authority by $61.3 billion, and oulays by $41.4 billion, in fiscal year 1982; and (3) reduce budget authority by $88.4 billion, and outlays by $79.7 billion, in fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1981
Directs the Secretary of Labor to pay a benefit of $50,000 to the survivors of any Federal law enforcement officer or firefighter who has died as the direct result of an injury sustained in the line of duty. Sets forth the order of precedence as to the beneficiaries of such payment. Authorizes the Secretary to make an interim payment not to exceed $3,000 to a survivor who, in the Secretary's determination, probably will receive such a benefit. Declares that no such benefit shall be subject to execution or attachment. Prohibits payment of such benefits: (1) if death was caused by the intentional misconduct, suicide, or intoxication of the officer or firefighter; and (2) to any beneficiary whose actions contributed to the death of the officer or firefighter.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1981
Bail Reform Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to the circumstances under which a person charged with or convicted of a crime may be released on bail or personal recognizance. Entitles a person charged with an offense to be released on personal recognizance or bail, unless the judicial officer determines that release will not reasonably assure such person's appearance or will endanger the safety of any person or the community. Requires that a person be detained if no conditions of release will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the public safety. Disallows imposition of a financial condition to assure the public safety. Adds to those factors to be considered by the judicial officer in making such determinations: (1) the individual's past conduct, use of alcohol, history of violent behavior, illegal drug use, and conviction record; and (2) whether he was on probation, parole, or other release when arrested. Enumerates mandatory and discretionary release conditions. Imposes special detention requirements for persons charged or convicted of Federal or State offenses involving controlled substances, use of a weapon, or physical harm to any person. Permits a detainee to petition for conditional release for a special purpose, including preparation for trial, retention of employment, or other compelling purpose. Requires that a judicial officer issue findings for a detention order or conditions and applicable penalties for a release. Permits a person who is detained or conditionally released and continues to be detained 24 hours after the release hearing to apply for review of the order by the issuing officer. Requires such officer to state in writing the reasons for continuing detention or the release conditions. Authorizes a judicial officer to amend an order to allow conditional release or impose different conditions. Authorizes a judicial officer to detain for up to ten days a person charged with an offense who: (1) is on pretrial release for a Federal or State felony; (2) is on probation, parole, or other release pending completion of a sentence for a Federal, State, or local offense; or (3) may flee or pose a danger if released. Subjects a person who violates a condition of release to revocation, detention, and prosecution for contempt upon a finding of a violation by clear and convincing evidence after a hearing. Permits a person to appeal a final order of detention or condition of release which is imposed or amended by the judge of the court having original jurisdiction over the offense.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States will cease to participate in the activities of, or make support payments to, the United Nations General Assembly or any other U.N. body which rejects the credentials of the Israeli delegation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to the circumstances under which a person charged with or convicted of a crime may be released on bail or personal recognizance. Permits a defendant to be released on personal recognizance only if the crime charged does not: (1) involve violence, extortion, racketeering, trafficking in drugs, or possession of instruments or substances capable of harming persons or property; and (2) carry an aggregate sentence of more than five years' imprisonment. Conditions release on personal recognizance on a showing by the defendant by convincing evidence that he or she: (1) has no prior arrests; (2) has a responsible employment record; (3) supports family members; and (4) is a person of good character. Entitles a person charged with an offense other than one punishable by death to be admitted to bail, in such amount as will insure his or her presence. Adds to those factors which bear on the defendant's appearance: (1) whether the defendant is or has been charged with offenses involving violence or possession of instruments or substances capable of harming persons or property; (2) the severity of the penalties for the offense charged; (3) any history of drug-related problems; and (4) other factors relating to the defendant's presence. Permits a person who is denied release to appeal to the appropriate court, but conditions reversal on a clear abuse of judicial discretion in applying the standards. Provides that a defendant charged with a capital offense or awaiting sentence or appeal following a conviction has no right to bail. Permits the trial court, after consideration of the same factors applicable to a person charged with an offense, to grant bail to a defendant who has been convicted of an offense.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide Federal drug enforcement officials with any information, equipment facilities, training, personnel, or advisors which may be helpful to enforcing Federal laws relating to the use of controlled substances. Permits drug officials to provide training and advice to members of the armed forces on the identification of drug traffickers and any other matter related to controlled substances.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Family Enterprise Estate and Gift Tax Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the estate and gift tax rates beginning in 1981. Increases the unified credit against the estate and gift taxes from $47,000 to $124,750 by specified annual increments through 1985. Increases from $175,000 to $600,000, by specified annual increments through 1985, the minimum gross estate requirement for filing of a return. Repeals the existing limitations on the marital deduction for gift and estate taxes. Increases from $3,000 to $10,000 the annual gift tax exclusion. Qualifies estates of decedents who were disabled or retired for the special valuation of certain farms based on use if such decedents materially participated in the operation of the farm for five out of eight years preceding the year in which they became disabled or eligible for disability benefits. Permits the spouse of a decedent to use such valuation if the spouse has managed the farm or business for ten years preceding the decedent's death or takes over active management upon the decedent's death. Qualifies woodlands for the special use valuation if the decedent or a member of the decedent's family owned and farmed the property for ten years prior to the decedent's death. Reduces from 15 to ten years the length of time a qualified property must be held and put to a qualified use following the decedent's death before it can be disposed of without incurring a recapture of estate tax benefits. Permits active management rather than material participation as a test for qualification of the estate for spouses, children under 21, students, and disabled individuals who receive property from a decedent who qualified for special use valuation. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the reduction of the value of qualified real property permitted by the special use valuation. Allows the like kind exchange of property without loss of special use valuation eligibility. Revises the method of valuing farms by providing that the basis of such valuation shall be the average annual gross rental value. Authorizes the step-up in basis of such assets. Repeals the requirement that an heir elect special treatment for involuntary conversions of qualified real property, thus making such treatment automatic upon such conversion. States that gifts made within three years of a decedent's death shall be valued as of the time of transfer rather than as of the date of death. Authorizes an individual to elect to pay a gift tax rather than use the unified tax credit. Modifies the alternate extension of time for payment of the estate tax where the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business to: (1) allow an installment payment election if the value of the interest in the closely held business is either 35 percent of the value of the gross estate or 50 percent of the taxable estate; (2) increase to 50 percent the value of an interest disposed of which will accelerate the payment of tax; and (3) permit payment, but with a penalty, of an installment within six months after the due date. Allows a disclaimer of an interest in property for estate tax purposes in specified circumstances where such disclaimer does not result in the passing of the interest concerned under the applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1981 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish criminal penalties for any person who knowingly discloses information which identifies a U.S. covert intelligence agent. Establishes a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine for any person who, having had authorized access to classified information which identifies a covert agent, learns the identity of a covert agent and intentionally discloses such information. Establishes a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and/or a $25,000 fine for any person who, having had authorized access to classified information, learns the identity of a covert agent and intentionally discloses such information. Establishes a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment and/or a $15,000 fine for any person who, in the course of a "pattern of activities intended to identify" covert agents and with "reason to believe" that such activities would impair U.S. foreign intelligence activities, discloses information identifying an agent. Directs the President to establish procedures requiring Federal agencies to provide assistance in concealing the identity of U.S. intelligence agents.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 to provide that the provisions of such Act shall not apply to any surface mining of stone, clay, sand, or gravel.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Omnibus Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1981 - Title I: Income Taxation - Subtitle A: Capital Formation - Allows individual taxpayers a ten percent income tax credit for investment in small business incentive stock (stock issues aggregating less than $15,000,000 by corporations with equity capital of less than $25,000,000). Limits the amount of such credit to $1,000 ($2,000 for taxpayers filing jointly). Denies such credit to individuals who dispose of incentive stock within 12 months of purchase. Treats as long-term capital gain amounts actually paid to a taxpayer with respect to a small business participating debenture (SBPD) which constitute the distribution of a share of the earnings of the issuer. Defines "small business participating debenture" (SBPD) as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which: (1) is a general obligation of such business; (2) bears interest at not less than specified by the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's total earnings. Defines "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $25,000,000: (2) the face value of all of whose outstanding SBPD's does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats members of a controlled group of corporations as a single taxpayer. Denies capital gains treatment where the taxpayer is a "related party" to the SBPD issuer. Treats losses on small business participating debentures as ordinary losses. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on such debentures. Increases from 60 percent to 70 percent the deduction for capital gains from the sale or exchange of small business assets (equity interests in a business with net equity capital of less than $25,000,000). Reduces from 28 percent to 21 percent the alternative tax on such gain. Provides for nonrecognition of any long-term capital gain from the sale of small business stock, except to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of small business stock purchased by the taxpayer within 18 months after the date of such sale. Prescribes a three-year statute of limitations for the assessment of any deficiency attributable to gain realized by the sale of such stock. Increases from 15 to 100 the permissible number of shareholders in a subchapter S corporation. Allows corporations engaged in marketmaking activities a limited deduction equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount of additions during the taxable year to a reserve for gains from marketmaking activities; or (2) the amount of gain from such activities. Defines "marketmaking activities" as the purchase and sale by a dealer in securities of equity securities which are: (1) issued by a corporation with less than $25,000,000 in stock and securities outstanding; and (2) held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of trade or business. Requires specified withdrawals from the marketmaking reserve at the close of the taxable year and includes amounts so withdrawn in gross income. Subtitle B: Capital Retention - Reduces corporate income tax rates. Revises the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for two classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) tangible property, five years; and (2) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Permits calculation of the investment tax credit for such property without regard to the useful life of the property. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Increases the accumulated earnings credit for corporations other than specified service corporations. Increases the allowable cost of used property eligible for the investment tax credit. Subtitle C: Employee Stock Options - Exempts from income taxation any income resulting from the transfer of stock to an individual exercising a stock option under an incentive stock option plan. Specifies that the optionee may not dispose of stock within two years after an option is granted nor within one year after the transfer of shares. Requires that the optionee be an employee of the corporation granting such option at all times during the period after an option is granted and for three months after such option is exercised. Defines "incentive stock option" as an option granted to an individual in connection with employment by a corporation to purchase stock of such corporation. Sets forth the following conditions for the granting of such options: (1) the approval of a plan for granting options by the shareholders of the corporation; (2) the granting of options within ten years of either the adoption or approval of the plan; (3) the termination of the option after ten years; (4) an option-price which is not less than the fair market value of the stock subject to such option; (5) the nontransferability of the option; and (6) the optionee may not hold more than ten percent of the stock of the corporation, unless the option price is at least 110 percent of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option and such option is terminable five years after it is granted. Subtitle D: Inventory Accounting for Small Businesses - Allows a qualified small business to elect the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting regardless of any requirement to use inventories if: (1) the average annual gross receipts for the three preceding taxable years do not exceed $1,000,000; and (2) such small business was qualified for each of the two preceding taxable years. Allows a taxpayer who adopts the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting to spread increases in taxable income attributable to such change over a ten-year period. Permits a taxpayer who is required to change his method of accounting pursuant to Revenue Ruling 80-60 (inventory valuation) and Revenue Procedure 80-5 to effect such a change only for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1980. Title II: Estate and Gift Taxes - Increases the unified credit against the estate and gift taxes from $47,000 to $192,800. Makes such increase, in the case of the gift tax, in specified annual increments through 1985. Increases from $175,000 to $600,000 the minimum gross estate requiring filing of a return. Repeals the existing limitations on the marital deduction for gift and estate taxes. Increases from $3,000 to $6,000 the annual gift tax exclusion. Permits disabled individuals and those receiving social security benefits to qualify for the special use valuation of certain farms and other real property if they have materially participated in the operation of the farm or business for five out of the eight years preceding the year in which they become disabled or eligible for such benefits. Permits the spouse of a decedent to use such valuation if the spouse has actually managed the farm or business for ten years preceding the decedent's death or takes over active management upon the decedent's death. Permits the owner of a woodland to qualify for the special use valuation if he or she has actively managed the property for ten years prior to death. Reduces from 15 to ten years the length of time a qualified property must be held following the decedent's death before it can be disposed of without incurring a recapture of estate tax benefits. Permits active management rather than material participation as a test for qualification of the estate for spouses, children under 21, students, and disabled individuals who receive property from a decedent who qualified for special use valuation. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the reduction of the value of qualified real property permitted the special use valuation. Allows like kind exchange of property without loss of special use valuation qualification. Allows net crop share rentals to qualify for the special use valuation as well as cash rentals. Authorizes the step-up in basis of assets. Repeals the requirement that an heir elect special treatment for involuntary conversions of qualified real property, thus making such treatment automatic upon such conversion. States that gifts made within three years of a decedent's death shall be valued as of the time of transfer rather than as of the date of death. Authorizes an individual to elect to pay a gift tax rather than use the unified tax credit. Modifies the alternate extension of time for payment of the estate tax where the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business to: (1) allow an installment payment election if the value of the interest in the closely held business is either 35 percent of the value of the gross estate or 50 percent of the taxable estate; (2) increase to 50 percent the value of an interest disposed of which will accelerate the payment of tax; and (3) permit payment, but with a penalty, of an installment within six months after the due date. Allows a disclaimer of an interest in property for estate tax purposes in specified circumstances where such disclaimer does not result in the passing of the interest concerned under the applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that, in accordance with specified international agreements, the Soviet Union should provide proper medical care for Viktor Brailovsky and permit him to emigrate to Israel with his family. Urges the President to: (1) continue to express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment and treatment of Brailovsky; and (2) inform the Soviet Union that the United States, in evaluating its relations with other countries, will consider the extent to which those countries honor their commitments to human rights under international law.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Declares that seven members of named families have resided since a certain date in the United States Embassy in Moscow and have been living there in accordance with United States laws. Authorizes the granting of a visa and admission to the United States for permanent residence to each individual. Provides that each individual shall be held and considered to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence as of a specified date, and to have been physically present and residing therein continuously since such date.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
International Record Carrier Competition Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to terminate the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission over consolidations and mergers of telegraph carriers. Retains the Commission's authority to require telegraph carriers to provide interconnections with international record carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Makes the Federal tort claims procedure the exclusive remedy in medical malpractice actions resulting from federally authorized National Guard training activities (repeals the current provision covering such liability).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Radio Deregulation Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make licenses for the operation of a radio broadcasting station valid for an indefinite period of time. Permits any party in interest to petition the Federal Communications Commission for a revocation of such license. Requires such petition to contain specific allegations of fact to establish a prima facie case that the licensee has violated specific provisions of such Act or an order of the Commission. Requires the Commission to hold a hearing if a substantial and material question of fact is presented. Permits the Commission to grant an application for a license for a frequency in the radio broadcast service on a system of random selection. Requires the Commission to establish procedures for such selection within a specified period. Prohibits the Commission from requiring radio broadcast station licensees to provide specific types of programming or restricting the length or frequency of commercials. Requires the Commission to report to Congress annually on its progress in reviewing regulations applicable to radio broadcasting. Requires the Commission within three years to report to Congress on the impact of deregulation on radio programming.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Patent Term Restoration Act of 1981 - Amends the patent law to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or a method for using a product, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for products subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Act of March 4, 1913 (relating to virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
National Tourism Policy Act - Title I: National Tourism Policy - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish a cooperative effort between the Federal Government, State and local governments, and other concerned public and private organizations to implement a national tourism policy. Title II: United States Travel and Tourism Administration - Establishes, as an independent agency, the United States Travel and Tourism Administration. Sets forth the terms of office, compensation, powers, and duties of the Administrator and Deputy Administrator. Authorizes the Administration to assist Congress and the Federal agencies having policy and programmatic responsibilities affecting tourism. Directs the Administrator, by April 15, 1982, to submit a detailed tourism development plan to specified Congressional committees. Requires each Federal agency, upon the request of the Administrator, to: (1) make its services, personnel, and facilities available to assist the Administration; and (2) furnish the Administration necessary information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics. Prohibits the Administration from providing or arranging for transportation or accommodations in competition with businesses engaged in providing or arranging for such transportation or accommodations. Directs the Administration to submit budget information, legislative recommendations, prepared testimony for congressional hearings, and reports to the President or to the Office of Management and Budget and, concurrently, to Congress. Directs the Administration to submit an annual report to the President for transmittal to Congress. Directs the United States Travel Service to make a specified sum available to the Administration within 30 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. Sets forth the membership, compensation, and duties of such Board. Directs the United States Travel Service to complete the transfer of its assets, powers, duties, and privileges to the Administration within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Abolishes the United States Travel Service upon completion of such transfer. Title III: Amendments to the International Travel Act - Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1981 to carry out the purposes of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance to a region of not less than two States or portions of two States to assist in the implementation of a regional tourism promotional and marketing program. Declares that any such program shall serve as a demonstration project for future program development for regional tourism promotion. Extends until September 30, 1981, the time limit for the reduction in the number of employees of the United States Travel Service. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from reducing: (1) the number of United States Travel Service employees in offices in foreign countries to a level below that authorized for fiscal year 1979; and (2) the amount of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act for financing the activities of such foreign offices to a level below that authorized for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Reye's Syndrome Act of 1981 - Amends title XI (Genetic Disease, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish, through the National Institute of Neurological, Communicative Disorders, and Stroke, the Reye's Syndrome Coordinating Committee. Directs such Committee to: (1) make grants and enter into contracts for clinical research and treatment; and (2) establish mobile research teams. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1984 for such activities. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within six months following the end of the Committee's authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to exclude from eligibility for food stamps any household with any member on strike. Excepts a household from this exclusion if it was eligible to participate in the food stamp program prior to the time such member went on strike, or if any member is subject to an employer lockout.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Permits calculation of the investment tax credit for such property without regard to the useful life of the property. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Ports and Navigation Improvement Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake, on an expedited and priority basis, navigation improvements to the Charleston Harbor and Channels, South Carolina. Requires the Chief of Engineers, within one year of enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a final environmental impact statement for such project demonstrating compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Clean Water Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and other statutory requirements as determined to be pertinent by the Chief of Engineers. Deems the requirements of such statutes to have been satisfied unless Congress disapproves such final environmental impact statement within 60 days. Authorizes the Chief of Engineers to develop, improve, and maintain the Nation's rivers, harbors, and other waterways, at such depths and dimensions and with such facilities to insure the safe and efficient conduct of defense transportation or foreign and domestic commerce. Requires the Chief of Engineers, prior to initiation of any such work, to submit to Congress a final environmental impact statement for such improvements. Requires each such statement to be submitted to Congress within one year of the date of the completion of the draft environmental impact statement. Declares that the absence of Congressional disapproval shall constitute a determination that all environmental statutes have been satisfied. Declares that environmental impact statements for such projects and improvements shall not be subject to judicial review except that: (1) claims alleging the invalidity of this Act may be brought within 60 days following the enactment; (2) claims alleging the inadequacy of a final environmental impact statement transmitted to Congress pursuant to provisions of this Act may be brought within 60 days following the date of a finding and determination by Congress; and (3) claims alleging that an action to carry out projects and improvements authorized by this Act will deny rights under the Constitution, or that such action is beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, may be brought within 60 days following the date of such action. Gives exclusive jurisdiction to the U.S. district courts for the district where the improvement is located. Gives docket priority to such proceedings in such courts. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require, for all fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 1983, a two-thirds vote in the Senate to adopt any concurrent deficit budget resolution. Requires the Senate Committee on the Budget, if such resolution fails to pass, to report a concurrent resolution which does not set forth a deficit within three days.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1981
Criminal Justice Construction Reform Act - Title I: Findings and Definitions - Sets forth definitions and findings. Defines "criminal justice facilities" to include court, law enforcement, juvenile, correctional, and other facilities used for any criminal justice purpose. Title II: Grants for the Construction and Modernization of Criminal Justice Facilities - Authorizes the Administrator of the Criminal Justice Facilities Administration (established under title III) to make grants to States for the construction and modernization of criminal justice facilities during fiscal years 1983 through 1988. Apportions appropriations among States on the basis of population and the volume and expenditure of criminal justice activities. Sets aside another portion of such sums appropriated for demonstration grants to test the applicability of advanced practices on the design, construction, and modernization of facilities. Requires any State desiring to receive such funding to submit a seven- year State plan. Directs the Administrator to operate a criminal justice facilities information clearinghouse. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay State and local governments an interest subsidy for criminal facility construction bonds which reduce the cost of such bonds to not more than five percent interest. Title III: Administration Provisions - Establishes the Criminal Justice Facilities Administration within the Department of Justice, headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Charges the Administrator with carrying out this Act and submitting to the President for transmittal to Congress a report at least once per year. Sets at 75 percent the Federal share of the cost of a State plan approved under this Act. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to donate surplus property to any State for construction and modernization of criminal justice facilities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1981
Headstart Extension Act of 1981 - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to extend through fiscal year 1986 the authorization of appropriations for Headstart programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1981
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to limit to 12 1/2 percent of the value of the coal produced yearly the amount of all State and local severance taxes or fees on coal mined from Indian or Federal lands and shipped in interstate commerce to any powerplant or major installation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1981
Expresses the jubilation and relief of the Senate at the release of the 52 Americans held hostage by Iran. Expresses appreciation for the efforts of various Government officials to secure the release of the hostages. Recognizes the patriotism of the military personnel who tried to rescue them. Thanks Algeria for its help in securing the hostages' release.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers who do not itemize income tax deductions to claim a deduction from gross income for charitable contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981
Title I: Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies by providing information and by facilitating contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate Congressional committees with their recommendations concerning implementation of this Act, related changes in U.S. law, and effects of ownership of U.S. banks by foreign banking organizations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Authorizes up to $20,000,000 to be appropriated for initial investments and operating expenses for each of fiscal years 1981-1985. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees for expansion to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available. Directs the Board of Directors to try to insure that a major share of such guarantees promotes exports from small, medium-size, and minority businesses or agricultural concerns. Title II: Export Trade Associations - Export Trade Association Act of 1981- Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Permits automatic certification for existing associations. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish certification guidelines. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an Office of Export Trade. Requires such Office to report annually to the appropriate Congressional committees on all East-West trade transactions requiring validated licenses and on the role of U.S. export trading companies in such trade. Grants a temporary exemption from the Sherman Act antitrust provisions for existing associations. Requires, with specified exceptions, that all applications for certification be kept confidential. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force, seven years after enactment, to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that evidence shall not be excluded from any criminal proceeding solely because it was obtained in violation of the fourth amendment to the Constitution, unless the court finds as a matter of law that an intentional or substantial violation has occurred. Directs the court to consider specified criteria in determining whether a violation is substantial.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
State and Local Government Fiscal Note Act of 1981 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the costs which would be incurred by State or local governments in complying with any bill or resolution (likely to result in annual costs greater than $200,000,000 or have exceptional fiscal consequences) and compare such estimates with any made by congressional committees or Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning with the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1980
Ports and Navigation Improvement Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake, on an expedited and priority basis, navigation improvements to the Charleston Harbor and Channels, South Carolina. Requires the Chief of Engineers, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a final environmental impact statement for each such project demonstrating compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Clean Water Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and other statutory requirements as determined to be pertinent by the Chief of Engineers. States that in the event that Congress does not disapprove such final environmental impact statement by concurrent resolution, within 60 days of receipt, it shall constitute a finding and determination by Congress that the policies, purposes, and requirements of said statutes have been satisfied in connection with the navigation improvement. Authorizes the Chief of Engineers to develop, improve, and maintain the Nation's rivers, harbors, and other waterways, at such depths and dimensions and with such facilities, determined to be economically justified and engineeringly feasible, and otherwise sufficient to insure the safe and efficient conduct of defense transportation or foreign and domestic commerce. Requires the Chief of Engineers, prior to initiation of any such work, to submit to Congress a final environmental impact statement for such improvements. Requires each such statement to be submitted to Congress within one year of the date of the completion of the draft environmental impact statement. Declares that the absence of Congressional disapproval shall constitute a finding and determination by Congress that all environmental statutes have been satisfied in connection with the navigation improvement. Declares that environmental impact statements for such projects and improvements shall not be subject to judicial review except that: (1) claims alleging the invalidity of this Act may be brought within 60 days following the enactment; (2) claims alleging the inadequacy of a final environmental impact statement transmitted to Congress pursuant to provisions of this Act may be brought within 60 days following the date of a finding and determination by Congress; and (3) claims alleging that an action to carry out projects and improvements authorized by this Act will deny rights under the Constitution, or that such action is beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, may be brought within 60 days following the date of such action. Gives exclusive jurisdiction to the U.S. district courts for the district where the improvement is located. Gives docket priority to such proceedings in such courts.