United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Amends the Federal Reserve Act to decrease, from 14 years to seven years, the term of members of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Requires that at least one member of such Board have demonstrable experience in small business and one in agriculture. Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to appoint persons to serve as ex-officio members of the Board for terms not to exceed two years. Requires the Board to maintain statistics on loans made by size category of business in order that data may be accumulated with regard to interest rates and their effect on various categories of business by size.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for: (1) interfering with, injuring, contaminating, or destroying a bulk power system, nuclear facility, or nuclear material; or (2) obstructing the production or transmission of electric energy through a bulk power system, to the extent that any such act could cause damage in excess of $5,000. Makes such offense applicable to bulk power systems still under construction or otherwise not functioning. Directs the Attorney General to collect and exchange criminal and identification records with Government officials and officials of licensed nuclear power facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a defense to a Federal prosecution that the defendant, as a result of mental disease or defect, lacked the state of mind required as an element of the offense (current law contains no statutory insanity defense). Authorizes a special verdict of "not guilty only by reason of insanity" for any criminal defendant who raises the issue of insanity by notice as provided by Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Requires that any person found not guilty only by reason of insanity be committed to a facility until eligible for release. Requires the court to commit such person to the custody of the Attorney General upon a finding by clear and convincing evidence that the person is currently suffering from a mental disease or defect and his release would create a significant risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another. Directs the Attoney General to release such person to a State which will assume responsibility for his custody and treatment or otherwise to hospitalize such person in a suitable facility. Requires the court to hold a hearing upon the certification by the director of the facility that such person's release will no longer create significant risk of injury or property damage. Directs the court to order the discharge of a person who is found to have recovered. Provides for the hospitalization of convicted persons who are found to suffer from mental disease or defect.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Reauthorizes the WEB rural water development project, South Dakota. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to proceed with such project according to specified terms and to make available for immediate obligation any funds appropriated for such project for fiscal year 1981. Authorizes the Secretary to study the following Pick-Sloan Missouri River basin programs in South Dakota: (1) the Oahe unit, James Division; (2) the Garrison unit; (3) the Pollock-Herreid unit; and (4) the potential for development of other water projects proposed by the Governor of South Dakota. Sets forth criteria to be considered by the Secretary in reporting such studies to Congress. Permits the Secretary to contract with the State to carry out such studies. Makes certain changes in the features of the authorized plan of development for the Oahe unit, initial stage. Authorizes the Secretary, in cooperation with the Department of Energy, to make available the Missouri River basin program pumping power to specified irrigation projects constructed in South Dakota by Indian tribes or by public entities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to prohibit a corporation or labor union from using the involuntary dues or funds of its members or employees for specified political activities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Directs the President to immediately begin consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the purpose of modifying the Board of Governors' monetary policy to significantly reduce interest rates within the next 90 days. Requires such consultations to include modifications in the areas of: (1) reserve requirements; (2) Federal Open Market Committee activities; and (3) the Federal Reserve discount rate.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Comprehensive Vietnam Veterans Research and Training Act of 1981 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to carry out a program of literature review, research and studies of potential physiological and psychological healthcare detriments affecting Vietnam veterans. Includes among the health hazards to be studied, exposure to herbicides, chemicals, medications, diseases, environmental hazards, psychological stress and post-traumatic stress disorders. Directs the Administrator to train Veterans Administration personnel to counsel, screen, test, evaluate and treat the unique needs of these veterans. Requires the training program to include information on screening for various health hazards, particularly agent orange exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress within nine months recommendations for further research and analysis. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 and subsequent years to carry out such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Vietnam Veterans Delayed Reentry and Pscyhological Readjustment and Vocational Rehabilitation Assistance Act of 1981 - Entitles Vietnam-era veterans determined to be in need of mental health services to such services on an outpatient basis as a non-compensable service-connected disability. Entitles veterans whose employability is determined to be significantly impeded by such disability to vocational rehabilitation assistance. Requires the Chief Benefits Director of the Veterans' Administration to provide for the training of persons needed to carry out this program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to conduct a study of the Madison aquifer in the States of Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming to determine whether the transportation of coal in a coal slurry pipeline will affect the quantity or quality of ground or surface water in such States. Prohibits a right-of-way or permit for a coal slurry pipeline that is expected to utilize ground water from the Madison aquifer from being granted or issued by a Federal agency until 90 days after the Secretary reports to the Governors of Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota under this Act. Provides for a permanent prohibition under certain conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Coal Pipeline Act of 1981 - Prohibits granting a right-of-way across Federal land for construction or extension of a coal pipeline unless each affected State consents to the use of its water. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, after ensuring that all appropriate Federal laws and that each affected State has consented to the use of its water, to grant or renew rights-of-way over, under, upon or through Federal lands for the construction, operation, maintenance, or extension of coal pipelines.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) confer on an urgent basis with other nuclear suppliers to consider tightening restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade through specified measures; (2) develop a strong and effective program for the improvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards regime through specified measures; (3) formulate and urge other countries to adopt a clear policy on enhanced international restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade and on improving the international safeguards regime; (4) call for a reevaluation of world nuclear energy policy; and (5) reaffirm U.S. policy to assist other countries in meeting their energy needs with nonnuclear energy alternatives.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1981, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over: (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual of an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1981
Petroleum Disruption Management Act of 1981 - Title I: Sequential Management Authority and Activation - Directs the President to prescribe (and transmit to Congress for approval) four petroleum disruption management programs: (1) a Strategic Petroleum Reserve distribution program; (2) a private dedicated reserve program (PDR); (3) a national crude oil sharing program; and (4) a petroleum product disruption management program. Prohibits approval of a program unless each House of Congress, within 30 days of transmittal of a program, passes a resolution approving the program. Requires the President to submit a revised program if any program is not approved. Provides for the activation of a program whenever the President determines that a substantial or severe crude oil or energy supply disruption or interruption exists or is imminent, or a program is necessary in order to comply with the international energy program, and an approving joint resolution is passed within six days of transmittal. Limits such programs to 120 days duration. Permits the President to request successive 120-day extensions. Title II: Private Crude Oil and Petroleum Product Storage Incentives - Directs the President to report on the advisability and alternative means of: (1) reducing the tax liability of persons who draw down crude oil and petroleum product reserves during oil supply disruptions; and (2) providing tax or other incentives for the construction of private-sector oil and petroleum product storage facilities and the maintenance of increased private-sector crude oil or petroleum product reserves. Title III: Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Private Dedicated Reserve Distribution - Authorizes the President to distribute crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, upon a determination that a substantial crude oil disruption exists, in amounts not in excess of 300,000 barrels daily for no more than 90 days annually. Provides for such distributions on a pro rata basis. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prohibit the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan from becoming effective unless each House of Congress passes a resolution approving the Plan within 30 days of the Plan's transmittal to Congress. Requires that during a substantial crude oil disruption allocation shall be as provided for in this Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress a report evaluating the expansion of the physical capacity of the Reserve through the use of temporary storage facilities. Directs the President to promulgate a rule establishing a PDR. Requires the rule establishing the PDR to: (1) provide for the equitable distribution of crude oil at competitive prices; (2) require designated refiners to provide crude oil to any qualified refiner experiencing a supply disruption; (3) distribute crude oil to such qualified refiners to permit them to operate at 95 percent of the national utilization rate; (4) provide that the obligation of each designated refiner to sell crude oil to qualified refiners shall be a given percentage of each designated refiner's average crude oil runs to distallation units during the previous 12 months; and (5) provide that the price paid by a qualified refiner will not exceed a stated level. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report determining the minimum volume of reserves to be maintained in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and analyzing the advisability of distributing crude oil from the Reserve in lieu of activating the PDR. Title IV: National Crude Oil Sharing Program - Directs the President to promulgate a rule establishing a national crude oil sharing program. Requires the rule establishing such program to: (1) provide for the equitable sharing of crude oil at competitive prices among all regions during a severe disruption; (2) require refiners to offer for sale any crude oil supplies that would permit their refineries to operate in excess of the national utilization rate; (3) assure that refiners are able to purchase sufficient crude oil to permit operation at the national utilization rate; (4) provide that the price paid by a refiner will not exceed the weight-averaged price during the previous 60-day period; (5) provide for directives requiring a refiner to adjust the percentage yield of a refined petroleum product in order to increase output of that product in a time of short supply; and (6) provide for the adjustment of the quantities of crude oil allocated among refiners so as to ensure desired production levels. Title V: Petroleum Product Programs - Directs the President to promulgate a standby regulation which when implemented will provide for the mandatory allocation of refined petroleum products produced in or imported into the country in amounts specified in and at ceiling prices specified in such regulation. Requires the standby regulation to provide for: (1) protection of public health, safety, and welfare (including maintenance of residential heating), and national defense; (2) maintenance of all public services; (3) maintenance of agricultural operations; (4) preservation of an economically sound and competitive petroleum industry; (5) equitable distribution of refined petroleum products at equitable prices; (6) allocation of refined petroleum products necessary to explore for and extract fuels and minerals; (7) economic efficiency; and (8) minimization of economic distortion. Requires the standby regulation, in specifying prices, to provide for a dollar-for-dollar pass through of net increases in the cost of crude oil and refined petroleum products at all levels of distribution from the producer to the retail level. Requires such regulation to provide for the establishment of a State set-aside program for refined petroleum products to be activated on a State-by-State basis. Provides that authority to carry out any rationing contingency plan under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act shall expire when this Act becomes effective. Title VI: Establishment of Advisory, Data Collection and Coordination Functions - Directs the President to establish: (1) an Energy Emergency Council, to be composed of members of the executive branch, to advise the President on matters relevant to the implementation of this Act and the activation and management of its programs; and (2) an Energy Advisory Committee, to consist of members of the petroleum industry and consumers, to advise the President and the Council on matters relevant to the implementation of this Act and the activation and management of its programs. Directs the Council, after consultation with the Committee, to evaluate the current energy information collection and monitoring systems within the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to inform the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration whether the energy information now being collected is sufficient, whether changes are needed, and if so, to direct the Administrator to make the necessary changes. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report examining the standards for activation of the programs. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth provisions relating to administration and enforcement, including: (1) application of provisions of the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 to regulations, orders, and Presidential actions undertaken pursuant to this Act; and (2) setting forth monetary penalties for violations of this Act. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to include any rule, regulation, or order issued under this Act in adjustment provisions to prevent special hardship or inequity. Extends, until October 1, 1989, the authority for international voluntary agreements with respect to the International Energy Program under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Terminates this Act on October 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) reopen the nuclear suppliers conference to consider tightening restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade through specified measures; (2) propose the improvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards regime through specified measures; (3) formulate and urge other countries to adopt a clear policy on enhanced international restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade and on improving the international safeguards regime; (4) start planning for a world nuclear energy policy conference; and (5) reaffirm U.S. policy to assist other countries in meeting their energy needs with nonnuclear energy alternatives.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination used for first-class mail up to one ounce in weight and shall be placed on sale on March 12, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Airline Deregulation Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to modify the definition of "ticket agent" as used in such Act. Directs air carriers to file with the Civil Aeronautics Board until December 31, 1982, individual and joint fares and charges, classifications, rules, and services for or in connection with interstate and overseas passenger air transportation. Requires that such filings shall be made to the Secretary of Transportation between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 1984. Prohibits air carriers and ticket agents from charging or collecting greater or less or different compensation than that specified in such filings. Transfers the authority of the Board relating to foreign air transportation to the Department of Transportation. Accelerates to January 1, 1983, the transfer of specified authority of the Board. Allows the Board to approve any contract or agreement that reduces or eliminates competition if it finds that the contract or agreement is necessary to secure important public benefits, including the marketing and sale of transportation through ticket agents. Sets forth the expiration dates for specified authority of the Secretary relating to contract approvals. Revises the expiration date and contents of the Secretary's (formerly the Board's) report to Congress concerning the implementation of such Act. Prohibits the Board from issuing any final order or rule in regard to agreements among air carriers and agreements among foreign air carriers insofar as those agreements provide for the accreditation and supervision of travel agents. Directs the Board to forward the recommendations and analyses concerning such proceedings to the Secretary for final disposition. Prohibits the Board and the Department from attaching an expiration date on any certificate of public convenience and necessity. Deletes provisions concerning the issuance of such certificates for temporary authority to provide air transportation. Permits an air carrier to file an application with the Secretary seeking to revoke a temporary or experimental certificate to engage in foreign air transportation. Directs the Secretary to grant such application according to specified criteria. Requires that each air carrier or foreign air carrier shall keep on file with the Board after January 1, 1983, the established divisions of all joint rates, fares, and charges for air transportation in which such carrier participates.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a pumped-storage hydroelectric facility as part of the Fort Randall Dam-Lake Francis Case project, South Dakota.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Postal Service Amendments of 1981 - Authorizes the United States Postal Service to issue written demands requiring access to books, records, documents, or other objects believed to relate to any postal offense or civil matter under investigation by the Postal Service. Provides for the enforcement of such a demand by the appropriate district court. Authorizes the Postal Service to issue an order requiring any person to cease and desist from conducting a lottery or scheme for obtaining money or property by false representations through the mail. Declares that the resumption of such an activity through the use of any instrumentality of interstate commerce shall be considered to be a failure to comply with such order. Permits the Postal Service, in investigating whether a person is conducting such an activity, to tender the price of any article or service that such person has offered for sale. Declares that failure by such person to provide such article or service, or failure to comply with a written demand of the Postal Service for access to materials, shall constitute probable cause to believe such person is engaged in such activities, warranting the detention of such person's incoming mail. Establishes a civil penalty to be assessed by the Postal Service, after an opportunity for an agency hearing, against any person who: (1) attempts to evade an order directing a postmaster to return mail addressed to such person; (2) fails to comply with a cease and desist order; or (3) assists another person in evading such an order.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1981
Deauthorizes the Oahe and Pollock-Herreid units of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin program, South Dakota. Authorizes appropriations to develop or construct the priority projects of the South Dakota Water Management System. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on the potential use of certain nonpriority projects of the South Dakota Water Management System. Includes, for purposes of this Act, the CENDAK project within the South Dakota Water Management System.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Bulgarian people be congratulated on their one thousand three hundredth year of statehood; and (2) they be further commended for their defense of the Jewish community during the Nazi holocaust.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the exclusion of interest on mortgage subsidy bonds. Repeals provisions which allow tax-exempt status for such bonds if 95 percent of the mortgages financed by such issues are in compliance with stated requirements. Provides that a showing that the issuing authority has tried in good faith to satisfy all requirements will cure a failure to meet any particular requirement if such failure is corrected within a reasonable time after its discovery. Allows bondholders to rely upon an issuer's good faith covenant as to compliance. Revises the new homeowner requirements to allow eligibility for bond-financed mortgages for persons who are residing in substandard housing or who have lost their homes because of natural disasters or governmental action. Changes the method of determining the average area purchase price for purposes of the purchase price requirements for bond-financed mortgages. Specifies that the average area purchase price shall not include residences which are not typically financed through normal real estate mortgage loans and that such prices may be determined separately for new and previously occupied homes. Revises the arbitrage requirements to increase the amount by which interest rates on tax-exempt mortgage subsidy bonds may exceed the interest rates on mortgages financed with such bonds. Changes the method of determining the yield on an issue. Specifies that issuers are not required to dispose of any investment and realize a loss in order to satisfy arbitrage restrictions. Allows two or more qualified mortgage bond issues of a single issuer to be combined for purposes of determining compliance with arbitrage requirements. Permits issuers to maintain a reasonable reserve against investment losses and to allocate credits or payments between eligible mortgagors. Exempts mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration from certain mortgage assumption requirements. Includes energy impacted areas within the definition of targeted areas for purposes of the special treatment of targeted area residences. Transfers to the States the authority to designate areas of chronic economic distress. Limits the designation of areas of chronic economic distress to 25 percent of the geographic area within a State. Redefines statistical areas to include two or more statistical areas combined. Repeals the registration requirements for bond issues.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Debt Collection Act of 1981 - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to permit a Federal agency to disclose individual records to a consumer reporting agency. Authorizes a Federal agency attempting to collect a claim under the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 to notify a consumer reporting agency that a person is responsible for a claim if: (1) the agency has sent a written notice informing the person that a consumer reporting agency will be contacted, describing the information to be disclosed, and explaining the person's right to dispute the agency's claim; (2) the person has not agreed to repay the claim or filed for review of the claim; (3) the agency, upon request, has reviewed the claim; and (4) the agency has obtained assurances that the consumer reporting agency complies with Federal laws governing the provision of consumer credit information. Requires the agency to notify the consumer reporting agency promptly concerning any change in the status or amount of the claim. Directs Federal agencies to require any individual applying for credit or financial assistance, which may result in indebtedness to the Government, to furnish his or her social security numbers. Authorizes an agency (including the United States Postal Service) to deduct installment payments from the pay of an employee or member of the Armed Forces or Armed Forces Reserve to offset any debts owed the Government. Limits the amount deducted to 25 percent of the individual's disposable pay. Makes murder or manslaughter of a Federal debt collector a Federal offense. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose to a Federal agency: (1) information concerning the tax liability of a Federal loan applicant; and (2) the mailing address of a taxpayer for use by employees or agents of the agency in collecting or compromising a Federal claim. Increases the rate of interest on delinquent taxes to 100 percent (currently 90 percent) of the prime rate quoted by commercial banks to large businesses. Permits the annual (currently biennial) adjustment of such interest rate. Allows the Government to collect claims by administrative offset beyond the six year statute of limitations on actions brought by the Government for money damages. Directs each agency to charge a minimum annual rate of interest on outstanding debts and to assess a penalty charge and handling costs on delinquent claims, except where another statute, statutorily mandated regulation, loan agreement, or contract either prohibits or explicitly fixes interest or penalty charges. Declares that service of legal process brought for the collection of U.S. claims shall be accomplished in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or as directed by the court. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to: (1) direct each agency with outstanding debts to submit to the Director and the Department of the Treasury an annual report on the status of the agency's loans and accounts receivable; and (2) report to Congress annually on the management of agency debt collection activities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Retail Dealers' Agreement Act - Makes it a violation of this Act for any supplier of office products to: (1) induce a dealer in such products to enter into a dealer agreement by fraud; (2) fail to act in good faith in performing, canceling, terminating, or refusing to renew a dealer agreement; or (3) enter into a dealer agreement whereby the dealer will conduct business in a market area which is already the market area of another dealer without providing 60 days notice to the existing dealer. Requires a Federal district court to determine the propriety of the proposed dealership in accordance with specified guidelines in the event the existing dealer objects to its establishment. Includes among such guidelines: (1) whether the additional dealership is warranted by current economic and marketing conditions; (2) the permanency of the investment of the objecting dealer; and (3) whether the objecting dealer is providing adequate competition and sales, convenient service, and adequate facilities, equipment, and parts. Stipulates that the desire for further market penetration shall not in itself justify the establishment of a new dealership. Authorizes a dealer to bring an action against a supplier in Federal district court for damages, equitable relief, and attorney fees and other costs. Permits an award of treble damages for willful violations. Stipulates that this Act shall not be construed to modify any provision of the antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Service Industries Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish in the Department of Commerce a service industries development program. Lists the purposes of the program, which include: (1) promoting the competitiveness of U.S. service firms and American employees through economic policies; (2) promoting the sale of U.S. services abroad; (3) developing a data base for policymaking pertaining to services; (4) analyzing the effect on service industries of Government regulation, taxes, and antitrust policies; (5) analyzing the adequacy of current U.S. financing and export promotion programs; (6) documenting trade impediments to U.S. service firms; (7) providing staff support for negotiations on service-related issues by the U.S. Trade Representative; and (8) conducting studies and disseminating information concerning service-related issues. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the continued access of farmer-owned oil refining cooperatives and independent oil refining businesses to crude oil at reasonable prices must be assured.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Anatoly Shcharansky be released from prison in the Soviet Union, be given proper medical treatment, and be permitted to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and the U.S. delegation to the Madrid Conference on Security and Cooperation to continue to express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Amends the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to authorize the Director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to monitor all aspects of anti-satellite activities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should resume negotiations with the Soviet Union on limiting antisatellite weapons systems. Sets forth factors to be contained in the agreement. Declares that the President should not agree to any provision that would restrict development and operation of the Space Shuttle or impede research and development permitted under the SALT I ABM treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President, in order to further the purposes of participation in the International Fund for Agricultural Development, should: (1) instruct U.S. representatives to seek to limit the number of the Fund's professional staff; (2) instruct U.S. representatives to seek equity among contributors to the Fund; (3) encourage development of procedures to expedite Fund disbursements; and (4) seek to assure that the U.S. contribution is disbursed in a manner related to the Fund's actual rate of disbursal.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Tourism to report to the Secretary of Commerce or, to the extent such authority is delegated, to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce. Prohibits the Secretary from reducing: (1) the number of U.S. Travel Service employees in offices in foreign countries below the number in such offices in fiscal year 1979; and (2) the funding for such offices below the amount obligated for such offices in fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Product Liability Risk Retention Act of 1981 - Defines "risk retention group" to mean any corporation or insurance company formed under State law which: (1) is organized for the primary purpose of assuming and spreading product liability or completed operations liability risk exposure; (2) is chartered or licensed as an insurance company under State law; (3) does not exclude members for competitive advantage; and (4) consists of members whose principal activity is the manufacture, design, distribution, packaging or sale of a product. Defines "purchasing group" to mean any group of persons which has as one of its purposes the purchase of product liability or completed operations insurance on a group basis. Exempts risk retention groups and purchasing groups from State laws which prohibit, regulate, or otherwise discriminate against such groups. Enumerates requirements which a State may impose on a risk retention group, including compliance with unfair claims settlement practices laws, payment of taxes, and reporting requirements. Authorizes a State to license an agent or broker for a purchasing group. Stipulates that the ownership interests of members in a risk retention group shall not be considered securities or an investment company for purposes of the Federal securities laws or State blue sky laws.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Amends the International Investment Survey Act of 1976 to require benchmark surveys of foreign direct investment in the United States covering 1980 and 1987 and every fifth year thereafter. Requires benchmark surveys of U.S. direct investment abroad covering 1982 and 1989 and every fifth year thereafter. Requires an annual compilation of currently available data on U.S. portfolio investment abroad. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report on the estimated cost of compiling data on legislation enacted by major U.S. trading partners and other foreign nations which regulates foreign inward investment in such nations. Deletes the requirement that the President report to Congress on any studies conducted pursuant to such Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require the notice of proposed agency rulemaking to include: (1) a statement of the Congressional intent behind the rule; (2) a solicitation for public proposals for alternative methods; (3) a description of the data used in the rulemaking; and (4) a determination of whether the rule is a "major rule," as defined in this Act. Directs each agency to publish with such notice: (1) a description of the costs and benefits of and alternatives to the proposed rule; and (2) a justification for proposing the rule and selecting it over the alternatives. Requires agencies to give interested persons at least 60 days to submit written comments on any proposed rule and to make oral comments on major rules. Provides for a 30-day extension of such period. Directs each agency to publish with each final rule a statement of its basis and purpose, including an assessment of the public comments and a comparison of the costs, benefits, and adverse effects of the rule. Requires an agency officer or employee to prepare the rulemaking notice and the statement of the basis and purpose. Directs each agency to maintain, for judicial review, a public file of the paperwork and comments pertaining to each rulemaking proceeding. Allows an agency to promulgate an emergency rule without meeting the notice and comment requirements. Directs such agency: (1) to publish an explanation of the situation requiring the emergency rule and a justification of the emergency rule selected; and (2) to comply with normal rulemaking requirements as soon as practicable. Requires each agency to review its major rules every ten years. Directs each agency to: (1) publish and submit to the President a proposed review schedule; and (2) publish a final schedule within one year after enactment of this Act. Permits the President to select additional rules for review. Directs each agency to publish a notice of its proposed action regarding a reviewed rule. Requires that the notice: (1) assess the costs, benefits, and adverse effects of the rule; and (2) invite public proposals for modifications or alternatives to the rule. Requires an agency to follow normal rulemaking procedures when amending or rescinding a rule. Specifies procedures for renewing a rule without amendment. Directs a court reviewing an agency action to: (1) set aside any agency rule found to lack substantial support in the rulemaking file; (2) determine the authority or jurisdiction of the agency on the basis of the language of the authorizing statute or other evidence of legislative intent; and (3) accord no presumption in favor of or against agency action. Declares that when proceedings for review of the same agency action are instituted in two or more courts of appeals within ten days, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall select the court in which the record shall be filed by a system of random selection. Authorizes the courts not selected to grant preliminary relief pending transfer of their proceedings. Requires each agency to publish in the Federal Register, semiannually, an agenda of the rules the agency expects to propose, promulgate, renew, or withdraw within the next 12 months, including a schedule of the significant actions pertaining to each rule. Directs the President to publish, semiannually, a Calendar of Federal Regulations, listing each of the major rules included in the agenda.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Older Americans Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to modify specified duties and functions of the Administration on Aging. Permits the Commissioner of the Administration to determine when review of and comment on Federal policies affecting the elderly is necessary. Eliminates the National Information and Resource Clearinghouse for the Aging. Repeals provisions relating to specified studies which have been completed. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for the Federal Council on Aging. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for grants for State and community programs on aging. Consolidates the authorization of such grants for social services and nutrition programs. Eliminates legal services from among the purposes for which such grants may be used. Allows a State's grant allotment to be used for the purchase of commodities from the Department of Agriculture. Revises the formula for such State grant allotments. Specifies that a State agency on aging is only responsible to the extent feasible to review and comment on State plans, budgets, and policies affecting the elderly. Permits a State which had previously functioned as a single planning and service area to designate additional planning and service areas within the State to be administered by area agencies on aging. Revises requirements for area plans to: (1) permit such plans to cover periods of two, three, or four years; and (2) modify review and comment responsibilities of area agencies on aging. Eliminates a requirement that a portion of allotted funds be expended for access, in-home, and legal services. Revises requirements for State plans to: (1) permit such plans to cover periods of two, three, or four years; and (2) eliminate evaluation of legal service needs of the elderly. Specifies that nutrition projects may include either meals in a congregate setting or home-delivered meals or both. Repeals a limitation on the use of nutrition services funds for social services. Eliminates requirements that a State plan: (1) provide for the delivery and coordination of legal services to the elderly; and (2) expend a specified amount to establish and operate a nursing home ombudsman program. Conforms State plan administrative provisions to the consolidation of separate authorizations. Eliminates the requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture maintain an annually programmed level in donating surplus commodities to nutrition services for the elderly grant or contract recipients. Extends through fiscal year 1984 the requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture purchase specified foods for distribution to nutrition services for the elderly. Eliminates the authorization of appropriations for such purchases. Requires that such purchases be made with funds taken out of State grant allotments. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioner on Aging, to prescribe terms and conditions of such purchases. Repeals provisions for cash payments in lieu of donated foods. Conforms the social services and congregate and home-delivered nutrition services programs to the consolidation of authorizations. Includes the installation of security devices and structural modifications or alterations of the residences of elderly individuals under the social services grants and the discretionary grants programs. Eliminates the program of grants for training for legal assistance to the elderly. Eliminates a requirement that the Commissioner on Aging conduct a study of the different service needs and costs of rural and urban elderly persons. Directs (currently only authorized) the Commissioner to collect and disseminate research and development information. Eliminates specified types of demonstration projects to which the Commissioner is required to give special consideration. Adds to those projects which must continue to receive such consideration the prevention of unlawful entry into homes owned by the elderly (through security devices or structural modification). States that no funds may be obligated for demonstration projects to provide mental health services to older individuals if funds are appropriated to carry out specified provisions of the Mental Health Systems Act. Directs the Commissioner to report to the Congress at the completion of such demonstration projects. Eliminates the grants and contracts program for special demonstration projects on legal services for older Americans. Eliminates the grants program for utility and home heating costs assistance for the elderly demonstration projects. Eliminates the program of mortgage insurance and interest grants for multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for training, research, and discretionary projects and programs for the elderly. Prohibits use of such funds for any project unless the Commissioner has notified the appropriate State agency on aging of the project. Removes the condition of having poor employment prospects as a requirement for participation in the older American community service employment program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements to provide second career training and placement in private employment for individuals eligible for such program. Revises requirements for distribution of national grants or contracts and for State allotments under such program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 to carry out such program. Requires Indian tribal organizations applying for grants for social and nutritional services for the elderly to inform each State agency on aging of such application. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for such grants to Indian tribes. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Older Americans Act Amendments of 1978 relating to continuation of assistance to nutrition service projects.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer or dealer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Makes it unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who does not reside in the same State, if the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that acquisition of the firearm by such person would violate any State or local law or ordinance. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Restricts the firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Revises the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to: (1) include use of a destructive device; (2) delete the act of "carrying" a firearm to commit a felony; and (3) limit such offense to felonies over which the Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Retains the current penalty (one to ten years) for first offenses. Increases the penalty for second or subsequent offenses to five to 25 years' imprisonment (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Deletes the prohibition against concurrent sentences. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions to make the following changes. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Extends the types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Establishes a Congressional veto procedure with respect to firearms regulations. Authorizes either House of Congress to adopt a resolution of disapproval within 90 days of the rule's promulgation. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that bonds issued by a volunteer fire department to finance the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or improvement of firefighting property shall be treated as obligations of a local government and the interest on such bonds shall be excluded from gross income. Provides that a volunteer fire department qualifies for such tax treatment of its bonds if it: (1) is organized and operated to provide firefighting services in an area which does not have any other firefighting services; (2) is required by a local government to furnish firefighting services; (3) receives over half of its funding from local government; and (4) makes no charge for its services.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Amateur Radio Service and Private Land Mobile and Fixed Services Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate minimum performance standards for audio and visual electronic equipment to reduce their susceptibility to radio interference. Directs the FCC to regulate or prohibit delivery of radio frequency transmitters, power amplifiers, or component kits thereof to unlicensed persons. Exempts amateur radio transmissions, transmissions by radio stations for the general public, and distress transmissions from the secrecy provisions of such Act. Extends the term of licenses of non-broadcasting stations from five to ten years. Requires the FCC to consider specified items in managing the spectrum available to the private land mobile and fixed services. Authorizes the FCC to delegate to non-Governmental coordinating committees the coordination of specified frequencies for stations in the private land mobile and fixed services. Authorizes the FCC to use as volunteers: (1) licensed amateur station operators to monitor amateur station transmission violations; (2) licensed citizens band radio operators to monitor citizens band transmission violations; and (3) licensed amateur station operators whose license is not of the least privileged class of license to prepare or administer examinations for the least privileged class of amateur station operator license. Prohibits any such volunteer from being considered a Federal employee.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Modifies the Belle Fourche irrigation project, South Dakota, to include construction, betterment of works, water conservation, recreation, and fish and wildlife conservation and development. Redesignates such projects as the "Belle Fourche Unit" of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to negotiate and execute an amendatory repayment contract with the Belle Fourche Irrigation District covering all lands of the existing Belle Fourche project. Limits the period for repayment of the construction and rehabilitation and betterment costs by irrigation water users to not more than 50 years. Sets forth acreage limitations for land held in beneficial ownership by one owner within the project, which are eligible to receive water by means of project works. Permits costs incurred under the provisions of this Act to be covered by appropriations for the Water and Power Resources Service. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Amends the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to revise provisions for the program of grants to States for vocational education by eliminating categorical requirements and to eliminate certain national programs. Authorizes appropriations for such program for fiscal years 1982 through 1986. Eliminates provisions which required: (1) a minimum State allotment based on a specified previous allotment; and (2) specified percentages of such State allotments to be available for designated programs. Eliminates provisions which required: (1) that State boards certify as to (a) specified delegations of their responsibilities and (b) specified opportunities for involvement in planning by certain groups or individuals; and (2) reservation of funds for a specified purpose. Eliminates requirements for State advisory councils relating to: (1) membership terms; (2) certification of establishment and membership; (3) meetings, selection of a chairman, rules for operating procedures and staffing; and (4) the duty to publish evaluations of vocational education programs, services, and activities assisted under such Act. Authorizes appropriations for grants to State advisory councils for fiscal years 1982 through 1986. Eliminates requirements that general applications for assistance under such Act include assurances that: (1) annual applications by eligible recipients will include descriptions of the relationship between the proposed vocational education programs and other programs in the area or community which are supported by State and local funds; and (2) no program will receive funds which cannot demonstrate specified types of results. Requires that such general applications assure that first priority will be given to applicants located in economically depressed and high unemployment areas (and only then will priority be given to applicants proposing new types of programs). Eliminates requirements for five-year State plans relating to: (1) meetings during the planning year between representatives of the State board and representatives of specified agencies, councils, and individuals; (2) appeals of State board planning decisions by such agencies or councils; (3) explicit descriptions of planned uses of funds in specified terms and with demonstrations of necessity, including descriptions of intended uses of funds to meet the special needs of handicapped and disadvantaged persons and persons with limited English-speaking ability; and (4) the special programs and placement services for displaced homemakers, single heads of households, part-time workers, and those seeking jobs in areas not traditionally considered job areas for those of their gender. Eliminates requirements for annual program plans and accountability reports relating to: (1) meetings between representatives of the State board and representatives of specified agencies, councils, and individuals; (2) appeals of State board decisions by such agencies or councils; (3) planning provisions setting forth explicitly the uses the State intends to make of such funds for a given fiscal year as these were set forth in this Act and differences between such uses and those which were set forth in the five-year plan; (4) reporting provisions including descriptions of goals and uses in specified terms and descriptions of uses for State administration and among specified authorized uses; and (5) modifications to avoid duplication of data-collection. Eliminates approval requirements that: (1) the Secretary of Education's findings as to the compliance of five-year plans and annual program plans and accountability reports with the provisions of such Act be in writing; (2) such plans and reports be reviewed by appropriate Federal vocational education agencies and by State agencies to assure equal access by both men and women to such programs; and (3) States compile such plans or reports with nationally uniform definitions and information elements. Eliminates requirements that specified percentages of assistance to States for vocational education be allotted to specified categories of programs. Sets forth the authorized uses of such assistance. Requires that State boards make specific findings that use of such funds for a particular activity is necessary due to inadequate services or inadequate funding of similar programs. Eliminates provisions for payments to States for the basic grant programs and for program improvement and supportive services for persons with special needs. Repeals provisions for Federal payment of part of the cost of State administration and implementation of specified plans and purposes. Directs the Secretary to pay the costs of State preparation of five-year plans, annual program plans, and accountability reports and of evaluations of programs. Directs the Bureau of Occupational and Adult Education to continue a review of such programs during fiscal years 1982 through 1987. Directs the Department of Education to continue a fiscal audit of such programs during the same period. Eliminates the program of basic grants to States for vocational education programs in specified categories, including work study programs, cooperative vocational education programs, energy education grants for coal mining technology and installation of solar energy equipment, and residential vocation schools. Eliminates grants for program improvement and supportive services, including research coordinating units, exemplary and innovative programs, curriculum development projects, vocational guidance and counseling, vocational education personnel training, and grants to assist in overcoming sex bias. Eliminates special programs for disadvantaged persons. Eliminates consumer and homemaking education programs. Eliminates all provisions for national programs for vocational education, with the exception of provisions for vocational education data and occupational information data systems. Revises the latter provisions to repeal specified deadlines for required activities of the Secretary of Education, the Administrator of the National Center for Education Statistics, and the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee. Eliminates outdated provisions relating to the Bureau of Occupational and Adult Education. Eliminates provisions for the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education. Eliminates specified programs of national significance, a national center for research in vocational education, personnel training and development programs, bilingual vocational training programs, and emergency assistance for remodeling and renovation of vocational education facilities. Revises definitions under such Act to conform to amendments made by this Act (such as the elimination of the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education) and by previous transfers of authority to the Secretary of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of agency SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with an SBIR program to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 in amount made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Meat Inspection, Grading, and Labeling Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct tests on imported carcasses and meat or meat food products capable of consumption as human food at the point of entry into the United States to determine if such products contain any prohibited substance under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend such tests for certain packaged foods and label such foods as untested. Allows adulterated meat food products to be imported into the United States if such products are labeled as condemned and are to be used as fertilizers or other similar purposes. Requires the Secretary to prescribe assessments on imported meat food products necessary to cover the costs of inspections, certifications, testing, and labeling. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend or revoke the privilege of any person or plant to export such products to the United States for failure to pay such assessments. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the labeling of meat food products at the time of inspection to indicate whether such products are domestic or imported. Requires imported labeling to indicate the country of origin. Provides that any person other than the ultimate consumer who breaks a container of meat food products, shall affix such labeling as required by regulations issued by the Secretary. Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require the inspection and certification of agricultural products shipped or received in interstate commerce. Directs the Secretary to establish and carry out a system for grading the quality of imported meat food products.
![Official portrait of Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000513_200.jpg)