United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional excise tax on the sale of certain imported automobiles in the United States. Provides that such additional tax shall be an amount equal to the average increase in the price of United States automobiles sold in the country in which the imported automobiles are manufactured where such increase in price is attributable to nontariff trade barriers. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make a determination of such amount on a calendar quarter basis. Restricts the application of such tax to those imported automobiles manufactured in a country whose automobiles, for any calendar quarter, account for more than ten percent of new automobiles sold in the United States during the most recent 12-month period. Sets forth special rules for the payment of such tax in the case of leased automobiles. Authorizes the President to waive such tax with respect to automobiles manufactured by any person if he determines that such person is making a good faith effort to ameliorate the imbalance of trade in automobiles between the United States and the country in which such person is located: (1) by limiting exports of automobiles manufactured by him to the United States; or (2) by manufacturing automobiles in the United States. Authorizes the President to waive such tax in whole or in part with respect to automobiles manufactured in any country if he determines that such country is in full compliance with all international agreements affecting trade in automobiles. Provides for congressional veto of a presidential waiver of such tax by enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1982
Futures Trading Act of 1982 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to limit the definition of "commodity trading advisor" to persons offering advice on trading in contracts executed on a contract market and on certain option and leverage transactions. Includes persons using electronic media in such definition. Authorizes the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to include by regulation other persons within such definition. Limits the jurisdiction of the CFTC with respect to securities (and grants it exclusive jurisdiction in this respect) to accounts, agreements, and transactions involving sales contracts for future delivery of a group or index of securities which meet specified criteria. Eliminates the one year post-government employment bar against appearances before the CFTC by former Commissioners and senior employees. (Such appearances are also barred by the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.) Authorizes the CFTC to regulate the offer and sale, by persons in the United States, of commodity futures contracts executed on markets outside the United States. States that the CFTC may set speculative limits by rule, regulation, or order. Authorizes the CFTC to enforce speculative limits set by contract markets if such limits have been approved by the CFTC. Makes it unlawful to violate such limits. States that such Act does not apply to foreign currency option transactions traded on a national securities exchange. Requires agents of a futures commission merchant to register as associated agents. Broadens the prohibition on false representation to include false representation of registration with the CFTC in any capacity, not only as a futures commission merchant. Makes the duty of large traders to keep and make books and records available for inspection independent of CFTC report-filing requirements. Requires such traders to make information regarding certain other trading activities available for inspection. Requires any person associated with a commodity pool operator (CPO) or a commodity trading advisor (CTA) who solicits funds or property to register as an associated person of such CPO or CTA. Exempts from registration: (1) persons registered with the Commission in some other capacity; and (2) persons or classes exempted by the Commission. Provides that the registration of an associated person shall expire when the Commission so orders. Makes it unlawful for a registrant to hire an associated person if the registrant knew or should have known of facts about such person that are set forth as statutory disqualifications. States that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may regulate the commercial activities of a commodity pool. States that private rights under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are not affected by the provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act. Extends coverage of antifraud provisions to associated persons of CTAs and CPOs. Extends the Commission's authority regarding proficiency qualifications to all registered persons. Requires a contract market to enforce all rules made by it or the governing board (or committees) which have been approved by the Commission, or which must be enforced pursuant to a Commission rule. Revises arbitration procedures to remove: (1) the $15,000 claim ceiling; and (2) the compulsory awards agreement requirement. Requires contract markets to submit only rules of major economic significance for prior Commission approval. Requires other rules (except those relating to the setting of margin levels) to be submitted for Commission approval, although such rules shall become effective within ten days without specific approval if the Commission waives review. Permits a contract market to request that the Commission review a rule. Directs the Commission to approve contract market rules within 30 days, or if the Commission determines them to be of major economic significance, within 60 days. Requires review of registration denials in the circuit in which the petitioner's principal place of business is located. Authorizes the Commission to seek ex parte court orders prohibiting persons from: (1) destroying records or books; (2) refusing to permit inspections; or (3) withdrawing or disposing of assets, funds, or property. Prohibits the Commission from publicly disclosing data or information concerning an investigation of any person unless the disclosure is made in connection with a congressional proceeding, certain judicial or administrative proceedings, or certain receivership or bankruptcy proceedings. Authorizes the Commission to disclose information to any Federal agency or department (currently limited to the executive branch), including State, local, and foreign enforcement agencies. Prohibits State and local entities from disclosing any confidential information except in a legal proceeding. Authorizes the Commission to register associated persons of CTAs and CPOs. Authorizes the Commission to grant temporary (six-month maximum) licenses. Establishes a system of statutory disqualifications for registration. List circumstances in which the Commission may refuse or condition a registration without a hearing (usually where a previous registration has been suspended or revoked, or the applicant has been denied trading privileges as the result of legal proceedings). Specifies circumstances in which the Commission may refuse or condition a registration only after granting an opportunity for a hearing (usually where the applicant has been found to have been involved in violations of the Commodity Exchange Act, or has been convicted of felonies or misdemeanors relating to commodities or securities transactions). Permits the Commission to disclose necessary information to a registered futures association or self-regulatory organization (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Permits the Commission to authorize any person to perform any portion of the registration functions subject to rules approved by the Commission. Extends the provisions pertaining to embezzlement, theft, or criminal conversion to all persons and their agents covered by the registration requirements of such Act. Prohibits Commission members and employees from engaging in leverage transactions. Exempts from such prohibition hedging and certain oil and mineral transactions entered into by trustees of trusts established by Commissioners and specified Commission employees. Authorizes Commission members and employees to invest in specified government securities and financial instruments if: (1) such instruments are not regulated by the Commission; and (2) no nonpublic information was used in the transaction. Prohibits Commission members and employees from imparting nonpublic information regarding leverage transactions. Extends authorization of appropriations under such Act. Provides for shared jurisdiction with other Federal agencies and States over transactions involving commodities, services, products, rights, or interests not subject to contract market rules or regulated by the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to refer any matter subject to other Federal or State statutes to the agency or department enforcing such statutes. Extends the aiding and abetting prohibition to all legal proceedings (currently limited to administrative proceedings) arising under such Act. Provides that any person who directly or indirectly controls any person who violates such Act shall be liable as a principal, unless he or she did not know or did not have reason to know of the facts constituting the violation. Restricts the applicability of reparations procedures to registered persons. Eliminates the reparations investigation requirement. Restricts awards to actual damages. Authorizes the Commission to promulgate necessary administrative regulations. Provides for automatic trading prohibition and suspension of registration (within 15 days) for failure to pay a reparations award. Eliminates the $15,000 ceiling on futures association arbitration claims. Amends the provision concerning Commission approval of registered futures association rules changes. Authorizes the Commission to require a registered futures association to perform Commission registration functions. Restricts, until September 30, 1984, those leverage firms that are permitted to do business to those engaged in the bullion or coin leverage business on June 1, 1978, or the non-bullion leverage business on February 2, 1979. Directs the Commission to conduct a study of leverage transactions and report to the congressional agriculture committees within two years. Provides for a system of annual user fees. Directs the Commission to create an advisory committee to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding such fees. Terminates this advisory committee as of June 30, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1982
Federal Election Campaign Equal and Total Disclosure Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to include all persons, committees, and organizations within such Act's coverage. Provides penalties for using information disclosed under such Act to threaten or harass another person.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1982
Acid Precipitation Accelerated Review and Reporting Act - Amends the Energy Security Act (title VII provisions also known as the "Acid Precipitation Act of 1980") to reduce the period covered by a comprehensive research plan from ten years to five years. Makes conforming amendments relating to implementation of, and authorization of appropriations for, the comprehensive research plan. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force to submit a final report, with detailed recommendations, within five years of enactment of the Energy Security Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit recommendations, to accompany the final report of the Task Force, for specific changes in law supported by scientific findings of the Task Force. Prohibits the Administrator from proposing or promulgating any rule to control sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide emissions if such rule would expand the Administrator's existing regulatory authority, before the final report is transmitted. Directs the Task Force to: (1) study fuel precombustion treatment and low-polluting combustion processes for reduction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions; and (2) solicit information from State agencies conducting acid deposition research.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1982
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U. S. citizen or national if such individual: (1) is not a permanent resident of the United States; or (2) is outside the United States. Prohibits the payment of title II benefits to any dependent or survivor of such an individual on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the benefit involved is payable to such an individual as the dependent or survivor of: (1) a U. S. citizen or national; (2) a permanent resident of the United States; or (3) a U. S. citizen or national residing outside the United States if the relationship required for such individual's entitlement already existed at the time such national or citizen reached age 50. Authorizes the payment of title II benefits to an individual who is not entitled to benefits pursuant to this Act until the total amount of such benefits equals the total amount of any taxes paid on the wages and self-employment income on which the benefits are based.
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 · 25 January 1982
Repeals provisions of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 which set forth special rules for the leasing of depreciable business property between corporations.
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 · 16 December 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 (Bankruptcy) of the United States Code to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's inability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case upon the motion of any party in interest filed prior to the conclusion of the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title because he is able to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties as may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in consumer goods property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of estimated income and expenses for the year following filing of his petition. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Presumes nondischargeable any debt which was incurred on or within 45 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows for rebuttal of such presumption. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge and of any reaffirmation of debt. Limits the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of the filing of the petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence within thirty days after the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where a reasonable portion of unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan, but was prevented from so doing by unforeseen cirucmstances.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Recognizes the "Great Friendship Run" as an event that will promote international good will. Commends the participants. Urges the expeditious completion of details of the event.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to reimburse specified veterans for chiropractic services, according to a fixed schedule. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the number of requests for reimbursement or payment for such services.
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 · 11 December 1981
Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Sets forth the Institute's research and training functions and arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases program plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Institute, to operate multipurpose arthritis and musculoskeletal disease research centers. Requires annual evaluations of such centers. Authorizes specified appropriations for such centers for fiscal years 1983-1985. Directs the Secretary to establish an arthritis and musculoskeletal disease Coordinating Committee, which shall meet at least four times a year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that policies of Jewish emigration discrimination and anti-Semitism are morally reprehensible. Urges the President to tell the Soviet Union that the United States opposes these policies and wants emigration restrictions on Soviet Jews removed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Ziad Abu Eain should be remanded to the custody of Israeli officials and that the Secretary of State should take the actions necessary to ensure his extradition to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that members of the National Guard and Reserve should be granted time off from their jobs for military training, exclusive of earned vacation, and given equal consideration for job benefits and promotions as other employees.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1981
Government Activity Reduction Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress an annual report which includes: (1) a description of the Government activities which could be performed more efficiently by small business; (2) the estimated savings to the Government of conducting such activities under contracts with small businesses; and (3) a schedule for transferring such activities to the private sector, particularly small business.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide the Federal National Mortgage Association a net operating loss carryback of ten years and a net operating loss carryover of five years, beginning in 1982.
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 · 20 November 1981
Requests the President to designate February 22, 1982, as a day of national celebration in honor of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1981
Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to provide for the extension of an export financing credit for agricultural commodities. Sets a formula for determining the amount of the credit extension for each fiscal year. Makes provisions for the credit inapplicable for fiscal years in which: (1) the demand for such credit is less than a specified ratio; or (2) the level of agricultural exports will be adequate without the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the income tax deduction allowed for maintaining exchange students as members of the taxpayer's household to $100 per month up to a maximum of $1,000 per year.
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 · 9 November 1981
Prohibits price supports for crops produced on certain western lands which have not been cultivated for the previous ten years. Exempts from such prohibition landowners having long-term soil conservation agreements with the Department of Agriculture.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1981
Thrift Partnership Tax Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth rules for the tax treatment of partnerships which include a thrift institution (financial institution which finances home mortgages) as a partner. Prescribes rules for the characterization of gain or loss from the sale of mortgages by thrift institutions, the allocation of such gain or loss, and the recognition of gain or loss on the contribution of property to a thrift partnership. Defines a thrift partnership as a partnership which includes at least one thrift institution as a partner, has as its primary purpose investment in mortgage instruments, consists almost exclusively (95 percent) of cash and mortgage instruments, and requires its non-thrift institution partners to make their contributions in cash.
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 · 21 October 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify as tax-exempt public charities certain amateur sports organizations which provide athletic facilities or equipment and whose membership is local or regional in nature.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States must manage its assets in a manner more prudent and beneficial to the interests of the American people; (2) all executive branch agencies should inventory their assets, estimate the approximate value of each asset, and identify the uses to which each asset is put; (3) the President should then identify which assets are surplus to Federal needs and should be candidates for liquidation; (4) the President should submit recommendations to Congress on any legislative and administrative revisions that may be needed to carry out such a program of liquidation in an orderly manner; (5) the receipts of this program should be used only to restrain and ultimately reduce the national debt; and (6) the Comptroller General should investigate and recommend to Congress and each agency improved processes for managing Federal assets, estimating their value, and liquidating those which are unneeded.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that any agreement for a transfer by the United States of the airborne warning and control system (AWACS) to a foreign country shall include all the requirements under the Arms Export Control Act and in the standard Letter of Offer and Acceptance, as well as specified terms and conditions. Requires that the United States immediately terminate all support for the AWACS if any of these contractual provisions are breached. Requires that only countries that promote peace and stability receive AWACS. Directs the President to certify to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the conditions specified in this Act have been met before the actual transfer of any part of the AWACS.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1981
Missing Children Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to collect and exchange information which would assist in the identification of unidentified deceased individuals, and the location of missing persons, including missing children.
![Official portrait of Sen. Lugar, Richard G. [R-IN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000504_200.jpg)