United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Commends Secret Service Agents Timothy McCarthy and Jerry Parr and Metropolitan Police Officer Thomas Delahanty for their performance in the line of duty with respect to the assassination attempt on the life of the President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Lamb Meat Quota Act of 1981 - Limits the aggregate quantity of lamb meat that may be imported into the United States after 1981 to the smaller of: (1) 31,000,000 pounds; or (2) 12 percent of the domestic slaughter of lamb during the preceding year. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to estimate quarterly whether the domestic price of lamb exceeds the parity price and, on the basis of such estimate, to adjust the aggregate quantity of lamb meat which may enter the United States. Requires the Secretary to estimate annually the quota established the domestic price of lamb, and any adjustment of the quota. Directs the Secretary to allocate such quotas among supplying countries on the basis of their share of the U.S. market.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress to adopt for each year a budget which sets forth the total receipts and outlays of the United States. Prohibits the adoption of any budget in which outlays exceed total receipts, unless three-fifths of each House of Congress approve such budget. Prohibits Congress from passing and the President from signing any bill which would cause the total outlays for any year to exceed the total expenditures in the budget for such year. Prohibits the retention of receipts in any year for use of the Treasury in an amount which exceeds as a proportion of the national income, the amount retained for the prior year, unless a bill directed at approving a specific increase in such proportion has been passed by a majority of each House. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any single year in which a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any foreign government from suing for damages for an injury caused by a violation of United States antitrust laws unless: (1) similar conduct was a violation of the laws of the foreign government during the same period and such laws were enforced; and (2) the United States may recover damages for a similar injury to its business property under the laws of the foreign government. Limits the amount that a foreign government may recover to actual damages and the cost of the suit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Native American Culture and Art Development Act - Establishes the Institute of Native American Culture and Arts Development under the direction and control of a Board of Trustees. Sets forth the composition and terms of membership of the Board. Requires that the first Chairman of the Board be appointed by the President, and that subsequent Chairmen be elected by the trustees. Directs the Board to appoint a President to carry out the policies and functions of such Institute. Sets forth the powers of the Board. Authorizes the Board to establish within the Institute: (1) a Center for Culture and Art Studies to include Departments of Arts and Sciences, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Language, and Literature; (2) a Center for Native American Scholars to include research and fellowship programs and publications; (3) a Center for Cultural Exchange to include an inter-American Indian program, marketing and promotion of Indian crafts, promotion of Indian art, exhibits and shows; (4) a Museum of Indian Arts to include the acquisition of Indian art and the curation and exhibition of Indian art; and (5) other related centers or programs. Transfers to the Institute the functions of the Institute of American Indian Arts and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. Makes the laws applicable to such entities applicable to the Institute. Directs the President of the Institute to: (1) submit an annual report to the Congress and the Board concerning the administration of the Institute; and (2) establish an Advisory Committee consisting of Institute students and their parents to make recommendations to the Board. Directs the Board, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Interior and after a period of consultation with Indian tribes and organizations of Native Americans, to designate an existing facility under the jurisdiction of the Secretary as the headquarters of the Institute. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer such facility to the Institute. Authorizes appropriations FY 1982 and thereafter to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 - Repeals provisions of Federal law prohibiting commerce in wildlife and fish (the Lacey and Black Bass Acts). Sets forth prohibitions against trade in any fish or wildlife taken or possed in violation of Federal, Indian tribal, State, or foreign law. Adds a new prohibition against trade in plants which are subject to State conservation of species laws. Increases the maximum civil penalties for violations to $10,000 (currently, $5,000 under the Lacey Act and $200 under the Black Bass Act). Establishes a strict liability penalty of up to $250 for transporting fish or wildlife in violation of the labeling requirements. Increases the maximum criminal penalties to a $20,000 fine and/or five years' imprisonment (currently, $10,000 and/or one year under the Lacey Act and $200 and/or three months' imprisonment). Stipulates that a conviction under this Act shall require only proof that the defendant knew there was conduct in violation of the underlying law, treaty, or regulation. Subjects all fish, wildlife, or plants traded in violation of this Act to forfeiture to the United States, regardless of the culpability requirements for civil penalties or criminal prosecution. Stipulates that vehicles and equipment shall be subject to such forfeiture only if the owner or conductor was a consenting party to the illegal act. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Treasury, the Interior, Commerce, and Transportation to utilize by agreement the personnel and facilities of any Federal or State agency or Indian tribe to enforce this Act. Permits any person authorized to enforce this Act to carry firearms, make an arrest without a warrant on reasonable grounds, execute and serve warrants, detain and inspect a vehicle or package upon entering or prior to leaving the United States, or hold a seized item pending the disposition of proceedings. Directs that, beginning in fiscal year 1982, the Secretaries of the Interior, the Treasury, or Commerce shall pay rewards to persons who furnish information leading to a conviction, assessment, or forfeiture for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce to promulgate jointly regulations to implement the labeling requirements of this Act (governing packages containing fish or wildlife in interstate or foreign commerce) in accordance with existing commercial practices. Grants jurisdiction to the Federal district courts for actions arising under this Act. Transfers from the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe requirements and issue permits for the importation of wild animals and birds under humane and healthful conditions. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to direct the payment of rewards for information leading to a conviction, assessment or forfeiture (currently, such payments are discretionary).
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitation on amounts of the investment tax credit which are attributable to application of the regular percentage to qualified investment in railroad property owned by a domestic common carrier. Provides for the refundability of such credit. Requires the maintenance of a separate account for amounts received as credit refunds. Limits withdrawals from such accounts to amounts used for maintenance, improvement, or acquisition of property or payment of the railroad retirement tax. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to reserve amounts received pursuant to imposition of the windfall profit tax equal to the decrease in revenues attributable to this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest earned on industrial development bonds if the proceeds of such bonds are used to finance railroad rehabilitation or the acquisition of land or rights-of-way in connection with such rehabilitation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to direct the Interstate Commerce Commission to determine the economic impact of a rail line abandonment when public convenience and necessity require or permit such abandonment. Directs the Commission, where such an abandonment will have an adverse affect upon a leaseholder and community, to provide specified conditions in its order of abandonment. Requires submission of disagreements as to the price for the sale of the subject property to binding arbitration.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of May 10 to May 16, 1981, as "CARE Week" in observance of the thirty-fifth anniversary of CARE (the Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc.).
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Requires an embargo on the export of any goods or services to the Soviet Union during any period in which a grain embargo is in effect against such country.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 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. Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to exempt from specified requirements of the Federal Reserve Act any loan or extension of credit made by a national or State bank to an export trading company affiliate if such exemption is necessary to finance an affiliated export trading company and does not expose the bank to undue financial risks. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for a 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 $10,000,000 to be appropriated for initial investments and operating expenses for each of fiscal years 1982-1986. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees for expansion to export trading companies or exporters when adequate financing is not otherwise available. Requires such loan guarantees to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories. 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. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to subsidize the employment of export managers by small business manufacturing firms which have not previously been substantial exporters. Limits such grants to the lesser of: (1) 50 percent of the expenses related to employing a full-time export manager for one year; or (2) $40,000. Sets forth the requirements for an application by a firm for such grant and the factors the Secretary shall consider in making such grants. Authorizes appropriations for each of fiscal years 1982-1984 to carry out this grant program. Directs the Secretary to evaluate this program and to submit such evaluation and any recommendation to Congress by a specified date. Title II: Export Trade Association - Export Trade Association Act of 1981 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the 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 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. Requires firms to report changes in membership, export trade activities, or methods of operation to the Secretary and to apply for an amendment of their certificates. Directs the Secretary to revoke a firm's certificate if it does not comply with the requirements for an antitrust exemption or to amend such certificate so that it does comply with such requirements. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate certification. Provides for judicial review of such actions. 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. 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. Makes the amendments of the Webb-Pomerene Act set forth in this Act effective with regard to existing associations only at such time as such associations elected to be certified.
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 · 6 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any benefits paid under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Antiterrorism Act of 1981 - Directs the President to report biannually to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on acts of international terrorism or within 60 days of an incident affecting U.S. citizens or property. Directs the President to submit to Congress a list of nations which have demonstrated a pattern of support for international terrorism. Specifies sanctions to be imposed upon such nations, including: (1) denial of foreign assistance; (2) an embargo on the sale of any defense articles or extension of credit under the Arms Export Control Act; (3) denial of an export license with respect to commodities or technical data which would enhance any such nation's military or terrorist capabilities; (4) disallowance of duty-free treatment under the Trade Act of 1974; and (5) denial of entry to nationals for the purpose of education in subjects having military application. Provides a Congressional veto procedure by concurrent resolution regarding a Presidential request to remove a foreign state from the list. Permits the President to suspend application of these sanctions in the interests of national security after consulting with the appropriate Congressional committees. Authorizes the President to exercise other appropriate sanctions. Directs the President to submit biannually to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a Report on Federal and International Capabilities to Combat Terrorism, which includes a comprehensive and specific review of Federal antiterrorism organization, policies, and activities. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to assess the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports and report such assessments to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary, after notifying the appropriate foreign authorities, to restrict operations at foreign airports failing to bring their security measures to the standards and recommendations set forth at the Montreal Convention on International Civil Aviation. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to foreign governments for promoting aviation security. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for such purpose. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to empower the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to authorize FAA employees to carry firearms in connection with their air transportation security duties and to make arrests. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure more effective cooperation in combating international terrorism and to develop standards and programs to insure the full implementation of the provisions of the Montreal Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation. Amends the Federal criminal code to redefine the offense of "destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities" to, among other revisions: (1) prohibit communicating false information which endangers any aircraft in flight; (2) prohibit any act of violence against any individual on an aircraft which is likely to endanger the aircraft in service; and (3) define "in service" to mean pre- and post-flight ground preparation. Establishes criminal penalties for whoever commits an offense in violation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation and is afterward found in the United States. Establishes a new Federal crime of "imparting or conveying threats" to commit an act which would constitute the felony of aircraft sabotage if executed. Amends the Federal Aviation Act to establish civil penalties for conveying false information regarding aircraft crimes and concealing a deadly weapon while boarding an aircraft. Makes any person who willfully and maliciously conveys false information criminally liable.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Export of Hazardous Wastes Control Act of 1981 - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to permit the export of hazardous wastes from the United States only pursuant to a validated export license. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue a license only: (1) after consultation with specified Federal officials; and (2) if the Secretary is satisfied that the importing country's government has been fully informed about, and agrees to, the shipment. Makes such conditions applicable to all exports of hazardous wastes. Directs the Secretary to list annually for Congress: (1) hazardous wastes for which validated export licenses are required; (2) the number and type of applications received for the export of such wastes; and (3) hazardous wastes for which export licenses were granted.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the special use valuation of farms for estate tax purposes for real property which is put to a qualified use by a member of the decedent's family.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Amends the Uniformed Survivors Benefits Amendments of 1980 to entitle certain individuals who were widowed on or before September 21, 1972, and who are not covered by the Survivor Benefit Plan to an annuity.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Exempts nonprofit veterans' organizations and nonprofit fraternal organizations from the requirement that nondramatic literary or musical performance royalties be paid to copyright holders.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Soil and Water Conservation Incentives Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer engaged in the business of farming an investment tax credit for soil and water conservation expenditures not treated as deductible expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to value excess inventory at its net realizable value. Eliminates the qualification requirement for the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting that a taxpayer use no inventory method for financial reporting or credit purposes other than the LIFO method. Allows a taxpayer who adopts the LIFO method to spread increases in taxable income attributable to such change over a ten-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Oil Production Incentive Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the phased reduction of the rate of the percentage depletion allowance for independent oil and gas producers and royalty owners (reduced to 15 percent by 1984) and to retain the 22 percent rate for taxable years ending after 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress shall work its will and take final action no later than May 31, 1981, on the economic recovery proposals which President Reagan presented to the Congress on February 18, 1981.
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
Constitution Bicentennial Observance Act - Establishes the United States Constitution Bicentennial Commission, with representatives from the three branches of Government and the public sector, to plan and develop a three-year program for commemorating the bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Directs the Commission to submit specified reports to the President and the Congress. Requires certain Federal officials to assist the Commission in planning the commemoration. Terminates the Commission on April 31, 1988. Authorizes the Commission to extend matching grants to nonprofit entities, States, and local governments for commemorative programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that agricultural resources are of strategic importance to the United States' future and calling for Federal cooperation with State and local governments and assistance to persons engaged in agriculture.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1981
Personal Savings and Retirement Enhancement Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return) the amount of interest and dividend income which may be excluded from gross income. Allows a tax credit equal to seven percent of the amounts paid by an individual during the taxable year (not to exceed $126, or $252 for a married individual filing a joint return) for the purchase of special emergency savings certificates. Limits such credit to the purchase of certificates of deposit issued by a savings bank with a face value of $50 or $100, bearing interest at either five percent (for a $50 certificate) or six percent (for a $100 certificate), for a term of one year. Requires purchase of such certificate within 180 days after enactment of this Act. Increases the deductible amount of contributions by or on behalf of an individual to an individual retirement savings account from 15 percent to 20 percent, with an increased maximum amount of $2,000 for single individuals, $2,400 for married individuals. Repeals the current prohibition on participation in other retirement programs. Allows the transfer of funds from special emergency savings certificates to individual retirement accounts within the first 360 days after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions allowing the foreign tax credit. Requires the immediate inclusion in gross income of U.S. taxpayers' pro rata shares of controlled foreign corporations' net profits which can legally be distributed. Allows domestic corporations an exclusion from gross income of previously taxed earnings and profits of a foreign corporation of which they own, directly or indirectly, specified portions of the voting stock. Allows individuals an election to be taxed at corporate rates under these provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1981
Family Enterprise Protection Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified credit against the estate and gift tax from $47,000 to $155,800. Provides for a phase-in amount of such credit in 1981 of $121,800. Increases from $175,000 to $500,000 the minimum gross estate for which the filing of a tax return is required. Increases the amount of the annual gift tax exclusion from $3,000 to $10,000.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1981
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to require mine operators to notify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the type of construction and number of employees involved in a construction project. Exempts a State or political subdivision of a State from coverage under such Act. Authorizes any State agency or court to assert jurisdiction under State law over any mandatory health or safety standard involving a State-owned mine.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,000. Defines "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1981 and before January 1, 1987.
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 · 16 February 1981
Food and Agriculture Act of 1981 - Title I: Dairy and Beekeeper Programs - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1970 to revise dairy base plan provisions. Extends through fiscal year 1985: (1) the dairy base plan program; and (2) the beekeeper indemnity program. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend through 1985: (1) milk price supports and semiannual adjustments; and (2) the program of price-supported dairy products for the military and veterans' hospitals. Directs the President to proclaim a quota on the importation of milk protein products used in food or animal feed. Prohibits the importation of dairy products (as defined by this Act) for food or animal feed without the Secretary's authorization. Prohibits such an authorization if the resulting importation of dairy products exceeds certain limits under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933. Title II: Wool and Mohair - Amends the National Wool Act of 1954 to extend the wool and mohair price support program through 1985. Title III: - Establishes the "Basic Loan Rate" for wheat, corn, cotton, rice, and peanuts at 75 percent of parity. Sets forth loan rates for other specified commodities, including "Producer-Held Reserve" commodities (110 percent of the "Basic Loan Rate"). Authorizes the Secretary to require that a producer (excluding cotton) not exceed normal crop acreage to qualify for a loan or purchase. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish for the 1982-1985 soybean crops a price support of at least 75 percent of parity. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a set-aside of soybean acreage as a condition of eligibility. Establishes for 1981-1984 sugar cane and sugar beet processed products a price support at a level which will not result in the acquisition of any significant amounts of sugar by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Title IV: Directs the Secretary to establish a "Producer-Held Reserve" for wheat and feed grains. Authorizes similar reserves for other commodities. Provides for: (1) commodities to be held for three to five years; (2) storage payments to producers; (3) a (waivable) maximum eight percent interest rate; and (4) the minimum amount of wheat to be 400,000,000 bushels. Title V: Establishes the release level for commodities in the "Producer-Held Reserve" at 120 percent of the applicable loan rate, and the call level at 140 percent. Title VI: Establishes the Commodity Credit Corporation's sale price for the 1982-1985 wheat and feed grain crops at not less than 30 percent of the current national average loan rate. Title VII: Permits the Secretary to use set-asides, land diversion, and planted acreage limitations to avoid commodity surpluses. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary to establish national acreage programs for the 1982-1985 wheat and feed grain crops. Permits the Secretary to revise such programs as necessary. Establishes the national program acreages as the number of harvested acres necessary for domestic and export requirements. Requires the Secretary to determine a program allocation factor for each crop. States that such factor shall be determined by dividing the national program acreage (of a crop) by the estimated number of acres to be harvested. Stipulates that the allocation factor shall be between 80 and 100 percent. States that: (1) the individual farm program acreage shall be determined by multiplying the allocation factor by planted acreage on farms for which individual farm program acreages are required to be determined; and (2) the farm program payment yield shall be based on the previous crop year. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for a set-aside of croplands if necessary to avoid excessive wheat and feed grain harvests. Directs the Secretary to announce any such set-aside by August 15 for wheat and by November 15 for feed grains. Requires producers participating in such set-aside program to use such acreage for conservation purposes. Stipulates that the Secretary may permit such acreage or part thereof to be used for other commodities if such crops are necessary to provide an adequate supply, and will not increase the cost of the price support program nor adversely affect farm income. Permits the Secretary to uniformly limit the acreage planted in wheat and feed grains. Authorizes the Secretary to make land-diversion payments whether or not a set-aside is in effect to wheat and feed grain producers. Requires such acreage to be used for conservation purposes. Authorizes such land-diversion contracts to be determined by bid. Requires that the total diverted acreage in any county or local community not adversely affect the economy of such area. Permits the set-aside and diverted acreage to be used for wildlife purposes. Requires such set-aside and land-diversion programs to be carried out through the Community Credit Corporation. Exempts the 1982-1985 wheat crops from specified: (1) export and processing marketing certificate requirements; (2) marketing quotas and producer certificate provisions; (3) quota provisions; and (4) current support price levels. Exempts the 1982-1985 feed grain crops from current price support and related provisions. Establishes similar set-aside and land diversion programs for the 1982-1985 upland cotton and rice crops. Exempts such cotton crops from current price support levels. Amends the Rice Production Act of 1975 to extend the national acreage allotment for rice through 1985. Exempts the 1982-1985 rice crops from specified marketing quota provisions. Extends the applicability of the existing definition of "cooperator" (with respect to rice) through 1985. Title VIII: Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to: (1) extend through 1985 the President's authority to enter into agreements for concessional sales of U.S. agricultural commodities and to provide such commodities for use in foreign assistance programs; and (2) increase the authorization of appropriations available to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for costs incurred in such programs. Title IX: National Soil and Water Conservation Loans - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to direct the Corporation to make loans to agricultural producers for conservation and environmental enhancement. Limits loans to any single producer to: (1) $10,000 annually in unsecured loans; (2) not less than $10,000 nor more than $25,000 annually in secured loans; and (3) a total of not more than $200,000. Limits such loans to a maximum term of ten years. Title X: Resource Conservation and Development Program - Resource Conservation and Development Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a resource conservation and development program to assist States, local units of government, and local nonprofit organizations to operate and maintain a planning process for land conservation and utilization, natural resources development, and rural economic and environmental improvement. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance in developing area plans for designated rural areas; (2) cooperate in conducting surveys and inventories, disseminating information, and developing area plans; (3) assist in the carrying out of approved area plans by local public agencies and nonprofit organizations designated by States; and (4) enter into specified agreements with such State and local entities. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such agreements. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Agriculture a Resource Conservation and Development Policy Board to advise the Secretary regarding the administration of this title. Directs the Secretary to evaluate such program. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this title, with specified annual limits on technical and financial assistance and on loans. Title XI: Special Areas Soil Conservation Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to farm and ranch owners or operators and public entities to identify and correct erosion or irrigation management problems in special areas (as designated under this Act). Prohibits assistance to: (1) public lands unless they are an integral part of a farm or ranch; and (2) nonfarm or nonranch land unless such land has a serious erosion problem which threatens farm or ranch land. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cost-sharing contracts (not to exceed ten years in duration) with landowners and operators to: (1) make necessary changes in their cropping systems or land management practices; (2) install the necessary soil and water conservation treatments; and (3) maintain any other established conservation treatment. States that locally-developed conservation plans shall form the basis for such plan. Requires a recipient to provide the Secretary with a plan that: (1) incorporates practices to prevent land erosion; (2) outlines a schedule for implementing cropping system changes or other conservation methods; (3) considers local, social, economic, and environmental conditions; (4) allows for varying levels of conservation application as appropriate; (5) allows for wildlife and recreation measures; and (6) identifies methods for controlling agricultural related point and nonpoint pollution. Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a plan for each designated special area assessing problems, objectives, priorities, and implementation schedules; and (2) submit such plan to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and to the House Committee on Agriculture. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any contracts involving such plans without the Committees' approval. Authorizes the Secretary to expend funds directly or through grants for conservation technology research related to such plans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to evaluate the impact of local and State tax structures on the acceptance and implementation of conservation measures. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress at the end of each of the first five years of such program's operation. Title XII: Agricultural Volunteers - Directs the Secretary to establish a volunteer program. States that such volunteers shall not be considered Federal employees except for provisions relating to compensation for injury and tort claims. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Title XIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to assist, including the use of Soil Conservation Service personnel and equipment, in local search and rescue operations. Directs the Secretary to establish centers to assemble, test, and distribute plants for use in soil, water, and energy conservation programs. Authorizes specified appropriations. Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act to permit the Secretary to carry out experimental reclamation treatment projects on all lands within a hydrologic unit (rather than on individual land parcels) to reduce the effects of past surface mining techniques. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to landowners and operators for the: (1) beneficial use or safe disposal of land wastes; (2) control of agricultural related pollution; and (3) development of rural storm water runoff facilities. Authorizes specified appropriations. Title XIV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to set the loan level for a suspended agricultural export at 100 percent of such commodity's parity price. Defines "commodity" to include wheat, corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, oats, rye, barley, rice, flaxseed, and cotton. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary to administer a special wheat acreage grazing and hay program for the 1981-1985 crops. Permits a participant to replace a certain portion of the wheat, feed grain, or cotton acreage with noncommercial wheat or hay. Sets forth the payment formula. Directs the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out such program. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require foreign plants to: (1) be inspected at least six times each year; and (2) receive certification from the Secretary. Title XV: Reauthorizes title XIV (National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977) of the Food and Agricultural Act of 1977. Authorizes appropriations (with a specified annual limit) to support research on specific national or regional animal disease problems. Directs the Secretary in consultation with the Joint Council, the Users Advisory Board, and the Animal Health Science Research Advisory Board, to establish annually a priority list of such diseases. Requires grantees to be selected on a competitive basis.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Farmland Protection Policy Act - Defines "agricultural land" as any land (including crop, pasture, range, or forest lands) being used or capable of being used for agriculture, forestry, or timber production. Requires each Federal agency or other unit to: (1) develop procedures within 60 days for identifying the effects of its programs regarding the conversion of agricultural land to nonagricultural uses; (2) review within 90 days relevant administrative and legal provisions which may prevent such unit from acting to mitigate losses of such land; and (3) develop within 120 days appropriate administrative and legislative proposals.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Underground Coal Gasification and Unconventional Gas Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare a comprehensive program management plan for research, development, and demonstration activities for underground coal gasification and unconventional natural gas production. Directs the Secretary to establish such a research and development program. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for the design of underground coal gasification and enhanced gas recovery facilities to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of producing synthetic and unconventional natural gas. Directs the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive commercialization plan. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress, as a separate part of the annual report submitted under the Department of Energy Organization Act, an annual report of the activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 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 · 29 January 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the following hydroelectric powerplants: (1) the Friant powerplant, California; (2) the Whiskeytown powerplant, California; (3) the Canyon Ferry powerplant enlargement, Montana; (4) the Yellowtail Afterbay powerplant, Montana; (5) the Hoover Dam powerplant modification, Arizona and Nevada; (6) the Buffalo Bill Dam powerplant replacement, Wyoming; (7) the Red Bluff powerplant, California; (8) the Stony Gorge powerplant, California; (9) the Monticello powerplant, California; (10) the Boca powerplant, California and Nevada; (11) the Prosser powerplant, California and Nevada; and (12) the Blue Mesa powerplant, Colorado. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to construct, operate, and maintain transmission facilities for such powerplants and to purchase replacement capacity and energy in order to maintain deliveries to customers during unit outages caused by such powerplant construction. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to minimize the loss of capacity and energy to power customers due to unit outages resulting from such powerplant construction. Directs the Secretary of Energy to maintain deliveries of capacity and energy at contract prices to customers affected by such unit outages. Requires that the hydroelectric power generated by such facilities be marketed through existing Federal hydroelectric power marketing systems. Authorizes appropriations beginning in fiscal year 1982 to the Secretary of the Interior for: (1) construction, operation, and maintenance of the powerplants authorized under this Act; (2) the cost of replacement capacity and energy; (3) construction of an automated gate at Lake Helena; and (4) bank stabilization, replacement of fishery access, and other fish, wildlife, and recreational facilities concurrent with the Canyon Ferry powerplant enlargement. Authorizes appropriations beginning in fiscal year 1982 to the Secretary of Energy for transmission facilities and the purchase of replacement capacity and energy. Makes the authorization for the Canyon Ferry powerplant enlargement effective 20 months after the enactment of this Act unless the Secretary of the Interior reports to Congress that the project cannot be economically justified or creates adverse environmental effects.
![Official portrait of Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000635_200.jpg)