The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000635_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
2,300 records where Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1980
Designates the third week of September of each year as "American Buffalo Week."
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1980
Recognizes the year 1980 as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Extends congressional tributes to that agency.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1980
Directs the Senate Finance Committee to report to the Senate by September 3, 1980, a responsible, targeted anti- inflationary tax cut to take effect in 1981. Directs the Democratic Task Force on the Economy to recommend to the Senate a comprehensive economic policy at the earliest possible date.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Amends the Department of Education Act to make the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education responsible for assuring that the unique interests of rural elementary and secondary schools are met in all programs administered by the Department of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1980
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to require operators of mines subject to the Act to notify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the type of construction and number of employees involved when any construction by a construction contractor is undertaken. Exempts a State or political subdivision of a State from coverage under the Act. Permits a State, at its election, to develop its own safety and health plan and to submit such plan to the Secretary of Labor for approval. 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 · 20 June 1980
Terminates the export controls imposed by the President on agricultural commodities to the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt a certain portion of royalty owner oil production from the windfall profit tax. Limits the amount so exempted per quarter to ten barrels per day. Requires proportionate allocation of any production in excess of ten barrels per day between tier 1 oil, tier 2, and tier 3 oil, and within any tier on the basis of removal prices. Requires allocation of the ten barrel amount among royalty owners who are members of the same related group.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the domestic automotive and truck industry. Declares it to be a goal of the United States to achieve technological superiority in the world automobile and truck industry. Advocates changes in economic, fiscal, and import policies in order to create adequate capital and produce a more favorable climate for the domestic automobile and truck industry.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1980
Indian Reservation Special Magistrate and Law Enforcement Act of 1980 - Directs the President to appoint special magistrates as necessary to serve each Indian reservation over which the United States exercises criminal jurisdiction under existing law. Provides that preferential consideration be given U.S. magistrates who are already available. Applies generally to such special magistrates the jurisdiction and powers provided magistrates under existing law. Permits any defendant appearing before a special magistrate to be assisted by a lay spokesman of his or her choice. Requires that the special magistrate, in consultation with tribal authorities and county and municipal officials, develop a list of persons residing within the reservation for purposes of jury selection. Authorizes tribal police officers, Bureau of Indian Affairs police officers, and Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers to execute any arrest or search warrants or other orders which the special magistrate is authorized to issue in criminal cases. Authorizes necessary appropriations beginning in fiscal year 1982 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1980
Amends the Plant Variety Protection Act to make the Plant Variety Protection Office within the Department of Agriculture an office rather than a bureau. Eliminates the bonding requirement for employees of such office. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to maintain a register of descriptions of United States protected plant varieties rather than a register of published specifications for such varieties. Bars a plant breeder's right to protect a plant variety if such variety was offered for sale or sold by the owner in a foreign country for longer than four years (six in the case of woody plants) before the effective filing date of the application. Eliminates the right to amend an application for a certificate recognizing plant variety rights to include a declaration that a viable sample of basic seed necessary for propagation of the variety will be deposited and replenished periodically in a public repository. Permits the Secretary to publish the name of an applicant for plant variety protection and whether the applicant specified that the variety is to be sold by variety name only as a class of certified seed. Increases the term of plant variety protection from 17 to 18 years. Authorizes the Secretary to issue corrected certificates of plant protection, rather than mere certificates of correction, with the same effect and operation in law as if the certificate had been originally issued in such corrected form. Authorizes owners of rights in plant varieties to give notice to the public of such rights by fixing a label to such varieties stating "Unauthorized Seed Multiplication Prohibited" or "Unauthorized Propagation Prohibited" rather than "Propagation Prohibited". Repeals the exemption for the seeds, plants, or transplants of okra, celery, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers. Amends the Federal Seed Act to prohibit the offer for sale or advertisement by variety name of seed not appropriately certified under the Plant Variety Protection Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1980
Noninstitutional Long-Term Care Services for the Elderly and Disabled Act - Amends the Social Security Act by adding a new title, title XXI (Noninstitutional Long-Term Care Services for the Elderly and the Disabled), to provide a comprehensive system of noninstitutional medical and social services for individuals aged 65 or over and individuals with chronic disabilities. Entitles an eligible individual to the following benefits: (1) home health services; (2) homemaker-home health aid services; (3) adult day services; and (4) respite care services for up to 14 days, or 336 hours in any year. Sets forth definitions of such benefits. Provides benefits to every individual who: (1) has attained age 65; (2) is disabled and eligible for benefits under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income), XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid) of the Act; (3) was eligible for such benefits but ceased to be so eligible, but only if loss of benefits would seriously jeopardize such individuals ability to continue to live in a noninstitutional community residence and such individual's income is not sufficient to allow such individual to provide a reasonable equivalent of the services available under this Act; and (4) has been certified as eligible by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. States that no eligible individual shall be eligible to receive any benefits under title XXI or any long-term care benefits under titles XIX or XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Act unless such individual has a plan of care, as specified in this Act, and has been screened and assessed by a preadmission assessment and screening team (PAT) in order to determine the types and frequency of services required by such individual and in order to assure the maximum level of independence for such individual. Provides for at least one PAT to serve each unit of general purpose local government in a State. Permits the appropriate State agency to designate a Professional Standards Review Organization (PSRO), an area agency on aging, a hospital, a local government's department of health, a rural health clinic, a health maintenance organization (HMO), a center or agency for the handicapped, or any qualified similar entity as the PAT. Prohibits any hospital with a hospital-based home health agency and any free standing home health agency from being designated as a PAT, except in a rural area in which no other entity can provide PAT services. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any PAT and any State for the reasonable costs incurred in performing duties under this Act. Requires beneficiaries under title XXI to make copayments as follows: (1) 10 percent of the reimbursable amount with respect to home health services for visits in excess of 50 visits in a calendar year; (2) 10 percent of the reimbursable amount with respect to homemaker-home health aide services for visits in excess of 50 visits in a calendar year; and (3) 10 percent of the reimbursable amount with respect to adult day services for visits to an adult day center in excess of 50 visits in a calendar year. Sets limits based on income, on such copayments, with the highest copayments being limited to five percent of an individual's income for individuals with an annual income of over $10,000. Includes SSI and OASDI benefits, unemployment compensation, and pensions as income. Directs the Secretary to pay amounts for benefits incurred by an eligible individual in accordance with specified guidelines. Creates the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund into which specified funds will be deposited in order to make the payments required by this Act. Coordinates the provisions of this Act with titles XVIII, XIX, and XX of the Act by providing that no payment shall be made under such titles for services, as defined in title XXI, to or on behalf of an individual who is eligible under title XXI. States that extended care services under titles XVIII, XIX, and XX shall not be covered unless the individual seeking coverage first undergoes a preadmission screening and assessment as provided in title XXI, and the need for such services has been approved under the individual's plan of care. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an annual credit of $100 to a taxpayer caring for an elderly dependent. Directs the Secretary to monitor ten designated States with respect to their PAT's and to report to Congress concerning the utilization of services under titles XVIII, XIX, XX, and XXI of the Act and the effects of implementing a copayment requirement beginning with the first visit as compared to a copayment requirement beginning after 50 visits. Directs the Comptroller General to also conduct an ongoing evaluation of the effect of the use of PAT's with respect to utilization of services. Requires the reports to include a recommended strategy for implementing title XXI on a national basis. Directs the Office of Management and Budget to prepare an analysis of the budgetary impact of the implementation of title XXI on a national basis. States that the provisions of titles XVIII, XIX, XX, and XXI of the Act relating to PAT's shall not become effective until one year after Congress has received evaluations from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Comptroller General, and the OMB.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1980
Social Security Tax Reduction Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to tax rates for old-age, survivors, and disability insurance: (1) on employees and employers, to increase the 1981 rate from 5.35 percent to 5.4 percent, the 1982 through 1984 rate from 5.4 percent to 5.45 percent, and the 1985 rate from 5.7 percent to 5.75 percent, but hold the 1986 through 1989 rate at the currently legislated 5.7 percent, and the post-1989 rate at 6.2 percent; (2) on the self-employed, to reduce the 1981 rate from 8.00 percent to 7.37 percent, but increase the 1982 through 1984 rate from 8.05 percent to 8.17 percent, and the 1985 rate from 8.55 percent to 8.62 percent, before holding the 1986 through 1989 rate at the currently legislated 8.55 percent, and the post-1989 rate at 9.3 percent. Reduces the rates of tax on employees, employers, and the self-employed for hospital insurance: (1) from 1.3 percent to .73 percent for 1981 through 1984; and (2) from 1.35 percent to .78 percent for 1985. Amends the Social Security Act to reduce the wage base for such taxes and to adjust the formulae for allocation of appropriations to the Disability and Hospital Insurance Trust Fund in order to maintain current levels. Provides for partial funding of hospital insurance program from general revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1980
Amends the Emergency Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to limit the interest rates charged for economic emergency, farm ownership, and farm operating loans.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1980
Federal Reports Authorship Disclosure Act of 1980 - Requires any document which is published, distributed, or transmitted by an executive agency and which contains information derived from a report prepared by an expert or consultant pursuant to an agency contract, to disclose specified information concerning such report including: (1) the names of the contributing experts or consultants; (2) the duration and cost of such contract; (3) the name of the agency employee who awarded the contract; and (4) the type of procurement utilized to select the contractor. Directs each agency to submit a copy of each document to the General Accounting Office. Requires the Office to maintain each document for five years.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1980
Underground Coal Gasification and Unconventional Gas Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare a comprehensive research, development, and demonstration plan for underground coal gasification and unconventional natural gas production. Requires the Secretary to transmit such plan to Congress not later than June 30, 1981. Requires the Secretary to establish immediately research, development, and demonstration programs for underground coal gasification and unconventional natural gas production. Requires the Secretary to solicit proposals and evaluate new or improved technology which would contribute to such production. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for the design of underground coal gasification and enhanced gas recovery facilities for the demonstration programs established pursuant to this Act. States that the goals of such programs shall include the demonstration of: (1) a minimum production capacity of 15,000,000 standard cubic feet per day of synthetic natural gas from underground coal gasification by the year 1987; (2) significant gas production on a continuous basis to provide system performance and reliability data; (3) increased gas production from unconventional gas formations through the use of advanced fracturing technology; and (4) unconventional gas production from geopressure reservoirs through multi-long-term high-volume flow tests. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a viable design and cost estimate of the demonstration program facilities. Directs the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive commercialization plan which shall include: (1) the identification of efforts necessary to establish a sufficient industrial infrastructure to meet national underground coal gasification and unconventional natural gas production goals; and (2) an analysis of the government actions needed to minimize and eliminate legal and institutional barriers to and economic uncertainties of such plan. Directs the Secretary to transmit such plan to Congress within two years after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report of the activities undertaken pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
National Export Policy Act of 1980 - Title I: General Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and the purposes of this Act. Title II: Export Financing - Amends the Export - Import Bank Act of 1945 to direct the Export-Import Bank to adopt export finance programs comparable in structure to those extraordinary measures of official export credits offered by competing countries, until such financing is limited by international agreements. Requires the Bank to report annually to Congress as to whether any additional appropriations or any increases in its commitment authority or ceiling levels are necessary to carry out this Act. States that this Act shall not take effect until six months after enactment, unless the President defers the effective date for an additional six months. Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that the Export-Import Bank of the United States should facilitate, particularly in the presence of foreign officially-supported export credit competition, exports to countries: (1) having insufficient access to international credit facilities; (2) demonstrating reasonable economic progress; and (3) offering adequate formal assurances of repayment (currently, must offer sufficient likelihood of repayment). Increases the aggregate amount of loans and contractual liability of guarantees and insurance which may be outstanding at any one time. Requires such activities to be carried out through the Export Expansion Facility. Provides for the capitalization of such Facility. Establishes staggered, ten-year terms of office for the Bank directors. Declares that the House and Senate Appropriations Committees should consider limitations on Bank activities when considering appropriations for international trade activities rather than when considering foreign assistance activities. Title III: Export - Related Tax Policy - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the earned income exclusion for United States citizens working abroad, who are bona fide residents of a foreign country, from an annual rate of $20,000 to: (1) $50,000; or (2) $65,000, if such persons qualify as bona fide residents for certain specified periods. Allows separate exclusions to married individuals who are both working overseas, although one's excess exclusion cannot be used against income earned by the other. Waives the residency requirements to qualify for such exclusion for those required to leave a foreign country because of civil unrest, war, or similar adverse conditions precluding the normal conduct of business. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the foreign residency requirement with respect to the deduction for certain housing expenses of living abroad. Revises the formula for determining the base housing amount with regard to such deduction to make it 16 percent of the salary of a GS-14, step 1. Repeals similar deductions for cost-of-living differential, schooling expenses, home leave travel expenses, and residence in a hardship area. Provides that the foreign bad debt loss deduction shall not exceed the greater of 15 percent of the taxpayer's taxable income from exports, or two percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding at the close of the taxable year. Provides that the amount of bad debt losses that may be added to a bad debt reserve shall not exceed five percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding as of the close of the taxable year. Permits the amortization, based on a period of 60 months, of: (1) foreign market studies; (2) foreign marketing expenses; and (3) foreign patents. Permits an income tax deduction for currency fluctuation losses on export credit which have not been repaid by the end of the taxable year. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the six-month deadline for exempting exports from the manufacturer's excise tax for an additional 12 months if it is determined, after consultation with the Secretary of State, that exports were delayed because of war, civil unrest, or similar adverse conditions in a foreign nation. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to approve the duty-free entry of machinery, materials, and fuels to be used for the production of goods in a foreign trade zone if such goods are not subsequently entered into U.S. customs territory. Sets forth requirements before applications for such treatment will be approved. Makes such approval valid for six years. Requires the Foreign Trade Zones Board to include in its annual report to Congress a summary of activities and proposals to increase the use of foreign trade zones to expand U.S. exports. Makes banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Makes export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment. Title IV: Antitrust - 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. 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 guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. 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 to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. 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. Directs the Attorney General to study whether: (1) U.S. business conduct to expand exports conflicts with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws. Requires the Attorney General to identify such conduct which would not warrant prosecution under the antitrust laws. Sets forth the procedures for describing such permissible conduct and disclosing such descriptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to intervene in such suits and to provide legal assistance to exporters. Prohibits prosecution under the antitrust laws of exporters who: (1) have notified the Attorney General of their intention to engage in such designated conduct; or (2) receive an approval, or no objection, from the Attorney General concerning proposed transactions. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress concerning implementation of this section. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws That Hinder Exports - Amends the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to change the name of such Act to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers of securities to keep their books and maintain a system of internal accounting controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Makes issuers liable for knowingly falsifying any books or for the intentionally wrongful maintenance or circumvention of the system of internal accounting controls. Requires only good faith efforts by issuers holding 50 percent or less of the equity capital to use their influence to cause transactions and dispositions of assets to be carried out consistent with such provisions. Repeals the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by issuers. Amends the Business Practices and Records Act to include issuers within the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by domestic concerns. Permits items of value to be given to foreigners in specified circumstances, including courtesy items, demonstration expenses, and payments lawful under the laws of the country of the intended recipient. Directs the Attorney General to issue guidelines specifying permissible conduct and arrangements associated with common types of export sales arrangements and business contracts and precautionary procedures creating a rebuttable presumption of compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Business Practices and Records Act Review Procedure to answer specific inquiries concerning enforcement of such Act. Requires the Attorney General to issue opinions regarding compliance. Makes such opinions final and binding on all parties if the conduct does not involve a violation. Requires annual reports to Congress by: (1) the Attorney General concerning actions taken pursuant to such Act; and (2) the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate agreements establishing standards of conduct for international business practices, a resolution procedure, and rates of commissions. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Requires Congress to review the Business Practices and Records Act after receiving the President's report. Requires an export competitiveness impact statement from any issuing authority taking significant action which could affect adversely U.S. exports or the international competitive position of the United States and its exporters. Expresses the sense of Congress that export paperwork must be reduced to encourage export sales. Requires all agencies to minimize paperwork and reporting requirements. Title VI: Export Awareness and Export Promotion Programs - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contracts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to 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 the 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 concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations. 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. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Small Business Export Expansion Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to permit participating lending institutions to take actions on behalf of the Administrator with respect to deferred participation loans. Empowers the SBA either directly or in cooperation with lending institutions, to extend credit for export purposes to enable small business concerns to develop foreign markets. Limits the extension of such credit to periods of 18 months or less. Sets a maximum of $750,000 which may be committed to any borrower from the business loan and investment revolving fund. Establishes within the Administration an Office of International Trade to promote sales opportunities for small business goods and services abroad. Requires such Office to: (1) provide small businesses with access to current and complete export information; (2) encourage greater small business participation in trade fairs, shows, missions, and other domestic and overseas export development activities of the Department of Commerce; and (3) assign full-time export development specialists to each Administration regional office. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with specified agencies, to establish an export promotion center in each of two regional offices of the Administration where field offices of the Department of Commerce and the Internal Revenue Service exist. Requires each such center to serve as a one- stop information center on Federal Government export assistance, financing programs available to small business, and other provisions of law governing exporting for small business. Requires: (1) a progress report on the implementation of such centers to the appropriate Congressional committees within six months of enactment of this Act; and (2) an evaluation, within two years after enactment, of the effectiveness of such centers in developing and expanding small business exports. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to qualified applicants to encourage the development and implementation of small business international marketing programs. Sets forth eligibility requirements for applicants. Prohibits the use of any Federal funds to directly underwrite any small business participation in foreign trade missions abroad. Requires each small business international marketing program to: (1) have a full-time staff director to manage program activities; (2) have access to export specialists to counsel and assist small business clients; and (3) establish an advisory board. Directs the Secretary to require, as a condition to any grant, that an additional amount equal to twice the amount of such grant be provided from sources other than the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to evaluate such programs to: (1) determine the impact of such programs on the small businesses assisted; (2) determine the amount of export sales generated by such businesses; and (3) make recommendations concerning continuation and/or expansion of the program. Requires the establishment of at least one small business international program within each region of the Department of Commerce. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration, to maintain a central clearinghouse for the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information between such programs. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with industrial corporations to develop foreign markets for their products. Requires the Secretary to direct specific market research for the products involved in foreign markets upon entering such agreements. Permits interested industrial corporations to submit a proposal incorporating specific marketing actions to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a marketing agreement after approving any such proposal. Requires repayment of the Federal share of the costs by the entity entering into such an agreement. International Education Programs Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of programs designed to promote linkages between such institutions and the American business community engaged in international economic activities. Requires higher education institutions to apply for such grants and contracts. Limits the amount of Federal assistance. Provides for an advisory board to consider the grants made, or contracts entered into, and to review programs established under this section. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. representative to any international organization to: (1) identify programs affecting the export of U.S. firms' services; (2) make available information concerning such programs; (3) establish programs to publicize export-related programs for services; and (4) modify those programs with an adverse effect on the export of services. Makes the Secretary of Commerce responsible for coordinating such programs. Directs the Department of Treasury to report to Congress concerning the feasibility of extending DISC treatment to the export of services. Title VII: Agricultural Exports - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to establish the Agricultural Export Credit Revolving Fund to be available for: (1) the export of, or aid in the development of foreign markets for, agricultural commodities; and (2) loans for the acquisition of facilities in foreign countries to improve the countries' capacities to handle agri-commodities exported from the United States. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress annually concerning the export credit sales program. Abolishes such fund effective October 1, 1983. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the ratio of credit extended by the Export-Import Bank for agricultural exports in comparison with the total amount extended be at least equivalent to the value of agricultural exports in comparison with total value of exports. Specifies exceptions to this requirement. Requests the President to take action to establish an International Wheat Exporting Commission which would establish an annual minimum world market price for wheat and prescribe export quotas. Requires the President to keep Congress informed about the establishment of such Commission and to report annually once such Commission is established. Title VIII: International Agreements - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the multilateral trade agreement be strongly implemented; and (2) the efforts must continue to secure a freer world trading environment. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a special export subsidy program for agricultural commodities to neutralize the effects of foreign export subsidy programs. Specifies the circumstances required before such program may be implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should enter negotiations for international codes of: (1) official export financing; (2) business conduct; (3) reciprocity of antitrust enforcement; and (4) fair trade in services. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Title IX: Government Support of Export Goals - Overseas Private Investment Corporation Act of 1980 - Establishes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) as an independent agency. Sets forth the duties of OPIC. Provides for the capital of OPIC to be paid in through the appropriation process and through transfer from OPIC's earned income. Sets forth the structure of OPIC with a Board of Directors, a President of the Corporation, an Executive Vice President of the Corporation, other officers and staff, and consultants. Authorizes OPIC to issue insurance to eligible investors covering new or existing investments protecting against specified risks. Authorizes OPIC to make arrangements with foreign governments or multilateral organizations for sharing liabilities. Limits the insurance that may be issued to a single investor. Authorizes OPIC to issue guarantees of loans and other investments. Sets forth limitations on such guarantees. Authorizes OPIC to make direct loans to privately owned or mixed publicly and privately owned firms for projects sponsored by or significantly involving United States small businesses or cooperatives. Limits the circumstances under which OPIC may acquire stock in any other corporation. Authorizes OPIC to initiate and support the identification, assessment, and promotion of private investment opportunities, with specified exceptions. Authorizes OPIC to administer special projects to provide private technical, professional, or managerial assistance in the development of human resources, skills, technology, capital savings, and intermediate financial institutions and cooperatives. Authorizes OPIC to engage in other insurance, reinsurance, and risk sharing activities with other insurance companies, financial institutions, persons, or groups. Limits the amount of reinsurance of liabilities which OPIC may issue. Limits the amount of maximum contingent liability pursuant to insurance or guarantees issued under this Act which may be outstanding at any one time. Establishes the: (1) Direct Investment Fund as a revolving fund to be available for direct investments; and (2) Insurance Reserve and Guaranty Reserve to be available for discharging liabilities. Authorizes appropriations to the investment and guaranty fund in specified circumstances. Authorizes OPIC to issue obligations in specified circumstances in order to discharge liabilities. Requires that all revenues and income transferred to or earned by OPIC be available to carry out OPIC's purposes. Directs OPIC to determine that suitable arrangements exist for protecting OPIC's interests in connection with any insurance, guaranty, or reinsurance issued under this Act. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States for the full payment and performance of previous obligations. Sets forth conditions with respect to insurance, guaranty, and reinsurance coverage under this Act concerning fees, time limits, fraud, and settlement of disputes. Sets forth administrative provisions and duties applicable to OPIC. Requires OPIC to undertake to broaden the participation of United States small business, cooperatives, and other small investors in the development of small private enterprise in less developed friendly countries or areas. Directs OPIC to report annually to Congress concerning its operations. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to define "eligible investor" in terms of this Act with respect to housing guarantees. Repeals provisions: (1) prohibiting the transfer of OPIC funds between accounts; (2) authorizing the President to deny assistance to any less developed country which fails to enter into an agreement to institute the investment guaranty program; and (3) establishing OPIC. Stipulates that nothing in this part shall be construed as terminating any of OPIC's statutory authority. Requires the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees any necessary technical or conforming amendments. Declares that the potential for U.S. exports shall be a primary decisionmaking factor in considering which projects to include in U.S. foreign aid programs. Requires the Director of the International Development Cooperation Agency (IDCA) to transfer the functions of the Office of Reimbursable Development from the Agency for International Development to an independent functional status within the IDCA. Declares that the Office of Management and Budget should assure that adequate budget allocations are made available to carry out the programs prescribed in this Act. Declares that the Department of Justice should do what it can to facilitate procedures for exporters. Declares that the Small Business Administration should: (1) be aware of the benefits of export to small business development; and (2) use every opportunity to provide information and assistance to potential exporters. Declares that the U.S. ability to export coal, nuclear power fuels, and other energy materials in a reliable manner should be a key consideration. Directs congressional committees to include in their reports the effect of the bill or resolution on the international competitiveness of the United States. Creates a National Export Council to: (1) serve as a national advisory body on matters relating to United States export trade; (2) act as a liaison among the communities represented by its membership; and (3) provide advice on Federal plans and actions that affect export promotion and development policies which have an impact on those communities represented by its membership. Requires the Council to make an annual report to the President and the Congress on its activities. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to appoint commercial ministers, counselors, and attaches with the rank and privileges of other ministers, counselors, and attaches in U.S. embassies and consulates, to: (1) provide trade and commercial services; (2) engage in the promotion of U.S. exports; (3) file semiannual reports to the Secretary on market, industrial, and commodity conditions in their districts and on the implementation of multilateral and bilateral trade agreements; and (4) maintain current data on the commercial standing and capacity of foreign firms within their districts. Provides for domestic assignment, office logistics, allowances and benefits of such ministers, counselors, and attaches. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress with any recommendations concerning: (1) the organization of international trading and financing programs in the United States; (2) the effectiveness of foreign export promotion programs; and (3) the trade activities of specified Federal agencies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the appropriate congressional committees should review periodically the trade organization of the U.S. Government.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Disapproves a specified portion of the proposed budget deferral, D80-57, relating to the Young Adult Conservation Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1980
Makes the Select Committee on Indian Affairs a permanent committee of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Indian Health Care Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1984 for: (1) the health professions recruitment program for Indians; (2) the health professions preparatory scholarship program for Indians; (3) the Indian health service extern program; (4) Indian health services, including patient care, field health, dental care, mental health, alcoholism treatment, and maintenance and repair; (5) grants to and contracts with tribal organizations; and (6) health services for urban and other nonreservation Indians. Authorizes Indian scholarship grants for pregraduate education in certain areas of medicine for periods not to exceed four years. Directs that such grants be made at least 15 days before the grantee registers for classes. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1984 for the Indian health scholarship program. Authorizes appropriations as necessary for such fiscal years for: (1) the construction and renovation of Indian health service facilities; and (2) the construction of safe water and sanitary waste disposal facilities. Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assist tribal organizations in administering programs on Federal Indian reservations to assist Indians to enroll for Medicare benefits and to apply for Medicaid benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress, not later than six months after September 30, 1983, on health services for urban and other nonreservation Indians, including an assessment of the unmet health needs of such Indians. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with an Indian tribe for the reconstruction or renovation of any property leased by the Secretary from such tribe. Directs the Secretary to submit a resource allocation plan to the Congress within one year of enactment of this Act, which explains the future allocation of services and funds provided by the Indian Health Service. Directs the Secretary and the Service to conduct a study of the health hazards to Indian miners and Indians on or near reservations and communities as a result of nuclear resource development, and to develop a health care plan to address the problems assessed in such study. Requires such study and plan to be submitted to the Congress in specified time periods after enactment of this Act. Establishes an Intergovernmental Task Force, chaired by the Secretary, pursuant to such study and plan. Directs the Service to render appropriate medical care to any Indian, upon request by such Indian, for work-related illnesses resulting from employment in a uranium mine or mill and to recover such medical care costs from the mine or mill operator. Designates the State of Arizona as a contract health service delivery area of the Indian Health Service, and directs that the Service not curtail any existing services provided to Indians on Federal reservations in the State as a result of such designation. Makes the provisions of this Act effective October 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Title I: Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to 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 the 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 concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations. 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. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Title II: Export Trade Associations - Export Trade Association Act of 1980 - 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. 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 guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. 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 to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. 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. Title III: Taxation of Export Trading Companies - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that social security benefits should remain exempt from all taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1980
Prohibits the export of wheat from the United States for which producers have been paid less than their costs of production, effective on the ratification of agreements with Canada and Australia to maintain equivalent export prices. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should initiate negotiations to reach such agreements. Permits: (1) the purchase of wheat by the U.S. Government at or above the cost of production and its donation or sale to less developed countries; (2) the export of wheat donated by producers for foreign food relief; and (3) the payment of premiums and discounts for wheat based on quality factors.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1980
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the enactment of a withholding tax on interest and dividend payments would be detrimental to the economic well-being of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1980
Interest Rate Reduction and Personal Savings and Retirement Enhancement Act - Declares that: (1) within 90 days after enactment of this Act, the rediscount rate of the Federal Reserve Board will be no higher than 11 1/2 percent; (2) within 180 days after enactment it will be no higher than nine-and-one-half percent; and that (3) for an additional 180 days it will remain no higher than that, at least until June 30, 1981. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow 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 · 1 May 1980
Extends the condolences of the Senate to the families of the eight American servicemen who lost their lives during the mission to rescue the hostages in Iran. Declares the sense of the Senate that the President order the American flag to be flown at half-mast on all government grounds from May 4 through May 11, 1980, as a mark of respect for such servicemen.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1980
Paperwork Elimination and Control Act of 1980 - Includes independent regulatory agencies within the definition of the term "agency" for purposes of provisions of Federal law regarding the coordination of Federal reporting services. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to provide for increased communication between the Government and the small business community with respect to Federal information collection activities. Directs the Director to require each agency to include on each of its information collection forms: (1) the expiration date of such form; (2) a registration number; (3) a statement as to whether the information collection is required by law, voluntary, or a requirement for obtaining a benefit administered by the agency; and (4) the name and toll-free telephone number of an agency representative who shall be designated by the agency head to provide assistance concerning the agency's information collection activities. Requires the Director to consult with the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration and to establish guidelines which provide for: (1) differing information collection requirements that take into account the resources available to small businesses; (2) exemptions to small business from certain requirements; and (3) consolidated or simplified requirements for small businesses. Requires the Director to develop and maintain a Federal Business Requirements Locator System to serve as the authoritative register of all Government information collection and recordkeeping requirements. Directs the Director to: (1) promulgate rules requiring each agency head to submit a data profile of each existing and proposed information collection and recordkeeping requirement; (2) compare submitted data profiles to profiles in the System and notify agency officials and members of the public, upon request, of the results; and (3) provide any person, upon request, with a list of requirements applicable to a certain type of business. Requires the use of data profiles to: (1) identify duplicative requirements; (2) locate existing information and promote agency sharing of information; (3) provide a central coordination mechanism for information collection activities; (4) catalog requirements by types of industries; and (5) monitor the total requirements imposed on the public by Government so that such paperwork may be reduced. Directs the head of each agency to submit, annually, an analysis of the agency's information collection activities to the Director with the agency's request for appropriations submitted under the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921. Requires the Director to publish in the Federal Register: (1) a summary of such analysis with a notice soliciting public comments; (2) a summary of comments received; and (3) a statement explaining the Director's determination regarding any issue raised by a comment disagreeing with data or conclusions of the analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1980
Designates July 18, 1980, as "National P.O.W.-M.I.A. Recognition Day."
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1980
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that no Federal withholding tax be imposed on dividends and interest received by any citizen or resident of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) request the Soviet Union to exchange scientific data regarding the outbreak of pulmonary anthrax near Sverdlovsk as provided for by the convention prohibiting bacteriological (biological) and toxin weapons; or (2) take appropriate international procedures or lodge a complaint with the United Nations Security Council, if the Soviet Union fails to make available such data.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt a certain portion of royalty owner oil production from the windfall profit tax. Limits the amount so exempted per quarter to ten barrels per day. Requires proportionate allocation of any production in excess of ten barrels per day between tier 1 oil and tier 2 oil, and within any tier on the basis of removal prices. Requires allocation of the ten barrel amount among royalty owners who are members of the same related group.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1980
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act of 1980 - Title I: Regulation of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Facilities and Plantships - Prohibits any person from owning, constructing, or operating an ocean thermal energy conversion facility and prohibits United States citizens from owning, constructing, or operating an ocean thermal energy conversion plantship without a license issued pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue, transfer, amend, or renew licenses for the ownership, construction, and operation of such facilities or plantships upon application and in accordance with this Act. Sets forth criteria for determining whether to issue such licenses, and directs the Administrator to prescribe any conditions deemed necessary to carry out this Act or which are required by any Federal department or agency. Directs the Administrator to establish bonding requirements or other assurances necessary to assure that upon revocation or other termination of a license, the licensee will remove all components of any such facility or plantship from the ocean and the seabed as directed by the Administrator. Sets the term of such licenses at a maximum of 25 years, with a right of renewal for an additional ten years for each renewal. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Chief of Engineers of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the heads of other Federal departments and agencies having jurisdiction over or expertise concerning any aspect of the construction or operation of such facilities or plantships to submit to the Administrator written comments as to their expertise or statutory responsibilities with respect to this or any other Federal law. Sets forth application procedures and requirements for licenses authorized for issuance by this Act, including provisions for public notice hearings, and Federal agency review. Requires that applicants for licenses remit a fee at the time of filing such application, to be determined by the Administrator, and to be deposited in the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury. Establishes priorities for the issuance of licenses where more than one application is submitted for the same designated application area. Establishes criminal penalties for the breaking of or injury to any submarine electric transmission cable or equipment being constructed or operated under a license issued under this Act. Requires a licensee to indemnify the owner of any vessel which sacrifices any anchor, fishing net, or other fishing gear to avoid injuring any such cable or equipment. Requires any licensee who causes any break in or injury to any submarine cable or pipeline to bear the cost of the repairs thereto. Directs the Administrator to submit applications for issuance, transfer, or renewal of any license to the Attorney General for antitrust review. Directs the Administrator to designate as an "adjacent coastal State" any coastal State either directly to be connected by electric transmission cable or pipeline to an ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship or located within 15 miles of any such proposed facility or plantship. Authorizes the Administrator to make such designation for any other State, upon request, upon a determination that there is a risk of damage to the coastal environment or if it is likely that the thermal plume of any proposed facility or plantship would impinge on possible locations for other ocean thermal energy conversion facilities or plantships which would be connected to such State. Requires that the Administrator transmit to the Governor of any designated adjacent coastal State a complete copy of each license application. Prohibits the issuance of any license for an ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship without consultation with the Governor of such State where such State has an approved coastal zone management program in effect pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. Directs the Administrator to condition the license granted so as to make it consistent with such State program. Prohibits the Administrator from issuing such licenses for any facility or plantship unless the adjacent coastal State to which such facility or plantship is to be directly connected has an approved coastal zone management plan in effect. Authorizes State to enter into agreements or compacts to apply for such licenses and to establish agencies for implementing such agreements or compacts. Requires the Administrator to issue regulations requiring licensees to pursue diligently such facility or plantship construction and operation and authorizes the termination of any license for failure to comply with such regulations. Directs the Administrator to initiate a program to assess the environmental effects of such facilities or plantships so as to determine whether their cumulative impact requires that a limit be placed on the number or total capacity of such facilities or plantships to be licensed under this Act. States that the issuance of such licenses is deemed to be a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the environment for purposes of the environmental impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes the preparation of a consolidated environmental impact statement by the Administrator and other involved Federal agencies and departments. Directs the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations and enforce procedures concerning any ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship, including rules on vessel movement, transfer of materials between facilities and plantships and transport vessels, designation of anchorage areas, maintenance, law enforcement, and the equipment, training, and maintenance required to prevent pollution of and other adverse impacts on the marine environment and to clean up any pollutants which may be discharged. Directs the Secretary to designate a zone of appropriate size around and including any ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship for the purpose of navigational safety, and to establish safety zones during the period of construction of such facilities or plantships. States that for the purposes of the vessel inspection laws, such facilities and plantships shall be deemed to be vessels. Requires that licenses include such conditions as necessary to ensure that construction and operation of such facilities and plantships are conducted with reasonable regard for navigation, fishing, energy production, scientific research, or other uses of the high seas, including the operation of other ocean thermal energy conversion plantships and facilities. Authorizes the inspection and monitoring of licensees' activities, and sets forth procedures thereon. Sets forth provisions for the suspension, revocation, and termination of licenses for failure to comply with provisions of this Act or applicable rules or conditions issued or imposed by the Administrator under the authority of this Act. Includes provisions for the immediate suspension of facility or plantship construction or operation upon a determination by the Administrator that such action is necessary to protect public health and safety or to eliminate dangers to the environment, or upon a determination by the President that such suspension is necessary to avoid a conflict with any international obligation of the United States established by treaty or convention. Sets forth provisions concerning recordkeeping, reports, and public access to information. Authorizes licensees to relinquish to the Administrator any right to conduct construction or operation of such a facility or plantship, but stipulates that such relinquishment shall not relieve the licensee of any obligation or liability established by this Act. Authorizes civil actions by any person having a valid legal interest which is or may be adversely affected by actions of licensees or by the failure of the Administrator to comply with the requirements of this Act. Authorizes judicial review of any decision of the Administrator concerning a license. Title II: Maritime Financing for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion - States that for the purposes of the Merchant Marine Act: (1) any ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship licensed under this Act, and any vessel providing shipping service to or from such facilities or plantships, shall be deemed to be a vessel operated in the foreign or domestic commerce of the United States; and (2) any vessel documented under the laws of the United States and providing such service shall be deemed to be used in, and used in an essential service in, the foreign commerce or foreign trade of the United States. Amends the Federal Ship Mortgage Insurance provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, to include such facilities and plantships in the definition of "vessel" and to add a definition of "ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship." Amends such provisions to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to guarantee, or make a commitment to guarantee, payment of the principal of and interest on an obligation which aids in financing a vessel designed for use as an ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship. Increases the aggregate principal amount which may be guaranteed with respect to such facilities or plantships constructed without the aid of a construction-differential subsidy. Increases the aggregate unpaid principal amount of obligations guaranteed under such Act to $12,000,000,000, and requires that $2,000,000,000 of such amount be limited to obligations pertaining to demonstration ocean thermal energy conversion facilities or plantships guaranteed under such Act. Establishes the OTEC Demonstration Fund as a special sub-account of the Federal Ship Financing Fund, to be used for obligation guarantees authorized by such Act which do not otherwise qualify under other sections thereof. Limits to five the number of ocean thermal energy conversion facilities or plantships which may obtain obligation guarantees. Title III: Enforcement - Provides for the enforcement of provisions of this Act and rules or orders issued thereunder and lists prohibited acts. Authorizes the Administrator to issue compliance orders to any person for violation of specified provisions of this Act and to request the Attorney General to commence civil action for relief or civil penalties for any violation for which the Administrator is authorized to issue such compliance orders. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for such violations as specified. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Administrator, after consultation with the Secretary of State, to issue amendments to any regulations issued under this Act to conform such regulations to any treaty ratified by the United States as a result of any United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. Exempts from the provisions of this Act any ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship designated by the Secretary of Energy as a demonstration project. Sets forth provisions concerning the relationship of other laws to the facilities and plantships authorized for construction and operation under this Act, including a provision that the law of the nearest adjacent coastal State to which such a licensed facility is connected by electric transmission cable or pipeline is declared to be the law of the United States. Directs the Administrator to establish standards and regulations for the safe construction and operation of submarine electric transmission cables and equipment over which the United States has jurisdiction. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress an annual report on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System should immediately take steps to reduce interest rates.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1980
Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin with respect to the issuance or terms of insurance contracts. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Allows any person who is aggrieved by any violation of this Act to maintain a civil action in an appropriate State or Federal court. Sets forth the recovery allowed in such an action, including injunctive relief and punitive damages. Authorizes the Commissioner and Attorney General of each State to enforce the discriminatory prohibitions established by this Act. Permits the Commissioner to issue cease and desist orders and the Attorney General to intervene in administrative proceedings, seek injunctive relief, order restitution, and impose fines. Stipulates that no action may be maintained in Federal court if a State has enacted into law the provisions of this Act and has established administrative procedures to consider violations. Authorizes the Attorney General of the United States, whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that any insurer or other person is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of the rights granted by this Act or that any group has been denied such rights and an issue of general public importance is raised, to bring a civil action in Federal court to seek injunctive or other appropriate relief.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the 1980 automatic cost-of-living increases in social security benefits should be allowed to occur as scheduled in accordance with the recommendations of the President.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Promotion, to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies without obtaining the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations after: (1) filing an application to make such investments with the appropriate Federal banking agency; and (2) proposed investment is not denied by such agency. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Prohibits those banking organizations, and their affiliates, with an ownership interest in any export trading company from extending credit to such companies or customers of such companies on more favorable terms than those afforded to similar borrowers. Authorizes the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loans and guarantees to export trading companies for the financing of exports and export trade services in specified circumstances. Limits the amount of loans and guarantees to any one company and in the aggregate. Declares that such authority shall expire five years from enactment. Authorizes the Bank to provide loan guarantees to such companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories in specified circumstances. Permits State and local governments to participate in export trading companies. Declares that such companies shall be eligible for the Export-Import Bank's loans and guarantees under this Act. Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt export trading companies solely with respect to their export trade activities from antitrust restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Congratulates the members of the 1980 U.S. Winter Olympic team, its coaches and officials for a job well done. Recognizes the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Lake Placid Olympic Organizing Committee and the people of the Lake Placid area for their successful efforts in organizing and producing the XIII Winter Olympic Games.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the month of February as "National Snowmobiling Month."
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1980
Makes corrections in the enrollment of S.J. Res. 108 (Distribution of funds appropriated to pay judgments awarded to Indian tribes or groups).
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1980
Agricultural Emergency Act of 1980 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to raise the minimum loan and purchase levels which the Secretary of Agriculture is required to make available to producers, for the 1979 through 1981 crops, from $2.35 to $3.90 per bushel for wheat, from $2.00 to $2.50 per bushel for corn, and from 48 cents to 60 cents per pound for cotton. Sets a minimum loan and purchase level for the 1979 through 1981 crops of soybeans at $6.25 per bushel. Directs the Secretary to adjust such levels for such commodities at the beginning of each semiannual period after the beginning of the marketing year to reflect any estimated change in the parity index during such semiannual period. Prohibits the Commodity Credit Corporation, whenever the extended loan program for producer storage is in effect, from selling any of its stocks of wheat or feed grains at less than ten percent above the level at which the Secretary may call for the repayment of loans under specified conditions or at less than 20 percent above the then current level of price support for the commodity, whichever is higher, with specified exceptions. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to require that the minimum quantities of agricultural commodities distributed for 1981 and each fiscal year thereafter under specified food relief programs be 1,600,000 metric tons, of which not less than 1,300,000 metric tons shall be distributed through the nonprofit voluntary agencies of the World Food Program. Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary to set price support loan levels for agricultural commodities at 90 percent of the parity price whenever the President or any other member of the executive branch suspends export sales of such commodities to any country or area of the world (no longer requiring that such suspensions be directed at countries or areas which the U.S. otherwise continues commercial trade or be based upon determinations of short supply). Directs the Secretary to: (1) announce and put into effect as soon as practicable specified cropland set-aside programs for wheat and for corn and feed grains; and (2) require that cropland acreage on the farm equal to not less than ten percent of the respective acreage of such commodities planted for harvest for the 1980 crop year be set aside and devoted to specified conservation uses. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust the 1980 cropland set-aside program operation as necessary because of the delay in initiating the program. Waives interest payment requirements on price support loans to producers of wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, rye, or oats for the 1979 crop for any period after January 10, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1980
Amends the Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act of 1978 to raise from $4,000,000,000 to $6,000,000,000 the limit on the total principal balance outstanding at any time on loans insured or guaranteed under such Act. Extends the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to make new contracts of insurance or guarantee under such Act until September 30, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1980
Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit the direct or indirect restriction by any person engaged in commerce on the use of credit instruments in any transaction concerning the sale, resale, or transfer of gasohol or other synthetic motor fuel, where there is no similar restriction on transactions concerning conventional motor fuel. Prohibits any other condition, restriction, agreement, or understanding which otherwise discriminates against or unreasonably limits the sale, resale, or transfer of gasohol or other synthetic motor fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Authorizes additional expenditures by the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs for inquiries and investigations from March 1, 1980, through January 2, 1981, not to exceed $525,300.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Amends the Colorado River Basin Project to prohibit any Federal official (presently, just the Secretary of the Interior) from undertaking reconnaissance studies of any plan for the importation of water into the Colorado River Basin from any other natural watershed outside of specified States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the first Friday of March as "Teacher Day, United States of America."
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Expresses the gratitude of the Senate for the forceful action of Colonel Ishmail Kahn and Mr. Bill Hamidullah in repelling the attackers of the International School of Islamabad in Pakistan.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1980
Extends the time period within which the United States may commence an action on behalf of an Indian tribe, band, or group, or on behalf of an individual Indian whose land is held in trust or restricted status.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that social security benefits should remain exempt from all taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that April 22, 1980, should be observed and celebrated as "Earth Day, 1980."
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage under the Medicare and Medicaid programs for the services of a clinical social worker.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
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 on such Board. Requires that the first Chairman of such Board be appointed by the President and subsequent Chairmen be elected by the trustees. Directs such Chairman, in consultation with the Board, to appoint a President to carry out the policies and functions of such Institute. Sets forth the powers of such Board. Directs the appropriate Federal department to transfer to the Institute the jurisdiction and control over the real property comprising the Institute of American Indian Arts facility located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Authorizes the Board to establish within the Institute: (1) a Center for Culture and Art Studies to include Departments of Traditional 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 submit an annual report to the Board concerning the administration of the Institute. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 to carry out this Act.