United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1982
Appalachian Transition Assistance Act of 1982 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to add as a purpose of such Act the orderly transition from special Federal assistance to increased State, local, and private investment in Appalachian regional development. Authorizes appropriations to the President and the Appalachian Regional Commission through FY 1987. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1990 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases the Federal share of specified construction costs of such system. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to States and other entities to assist in: (1) the creation or retention of permanent private sector jobs; (2) aiding severely distressed and underdeveloped counties; and (3) providing reasonable access to primary health care for residents of the region. Specifies restrictions on funds authorized by this Act, including limiting the Federal share of any project approved under this Act (except highway systems) to 50 percent of its costs. Extends certain programs under such Act to October 1, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1982
Sole Source Aquifer Protection Act of 1982 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide a program for the protection of certain recharge areas overlying sole source underground water supplies. Authorizes municipalities within a sole source area to petition the Governor to designate a part of such area as a "special protection area." Requires that the petition propose boundaries for the special protection area and make certain evaluations. Directs the Governor to approve or disapprove the petition. Requires the Governor, if approving the petition, to: (1) propose the boundaries; (2) designate or establish an entity to develop a comprehensive management plan (the plan); (3) assure and encourage public participation; and (4) establish procedures for adoption and implementation of the plan. Requires the Governor, if approving the petition, to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) the proposed boundaries; and (2) a description of the planning entity. Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove the Governor's submission. Authorizes the Administrator, if approving the Governor's submission, to provide such State a 50 percent matching grant for the costs of preparing the petition and developing the plan. Requires the plan to maintain the quality of the ground water recharged through the special protection area by maintenance, to the maximum extent possible, of the natural vegetative and hydrological conditions. Lists several requirements to be included in the plan. Directs the Governor to approve or disapprove the plan. Requires the Governor to consider certain factors in reviewing the plan. Requires the Governor to submit an approved plan to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to approve the plan or to submit to the Governor the reasons for disapproving the plan. Allows the Governor 90 days after disapproval to resubmit a modified plan. Requires the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Defense on the effect of the plan on military installations. Authorizes the Administrator, if approving the plan, to provide such State a 50 percent matching grant for the costs of implementing the plan. Prohibits such grant from exceeding $20,000,000. Authorizes appropriations: (1) for FY 1983 through FY 1985 for plan development; and (2) for FY 1984 through FY 1986 for matching grants for plan implementation. Restricts the use of such authorized funds to those activities specified in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1982
Orphan Drug Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to exempt from such Act drugs intended solely for drug treatment investigations. Defines "drug treatment investigation" as an investigation of a drug which involves human participants with a rare disease or condition. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an interagency committee known as the Committee on Orphan Drug Development. Makes it the function of such committee to promote the development of drugs for rare diseases or conditions (orphan drugs). Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit to the Committee an annual report on the rare disease and condition research activities of NIH. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to the Committee an annual report on the use of the tax credit for experimental expenses. Requires the Committee to report by June 1 of each year to the appropriate congressional committees on its activities and the results of its evaluations, including the report submitted by NIH and the Secretary of the Treasury. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified experimental expenses incurred while researching orphan drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1982
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to extend by five months (until September 30, 1982) the period within which an individual must have become a full-time student at a post secondary educational institution in order to receive, after July 1982, child's insurance benefits on the basis of student status under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Extends by one year (through August 1986) the period during which such benefits may be paid to an individual so qualified. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to notify all individuals who are entitled to child's insurance benefits for the month in which this Act is enacted of the changes made in the eligibility requirements and benefit amount by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 and this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Reciprocal Trade and Investment Act of 1982 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to submit to the President an annual study of the practices of each designated major trading country that: (1) deny benefits to the United States under a trade agreement; or (2) deny to the United States substantially equivalent commercial opportunities with respect to U.S. products that are internationally competitive. Directs the President to submit such study to the appropriate congressional committees and to propose actions to redress any imbalance caused by such practices. Directs Federal agencies to furnish information and other assistance to carry out such study. Adds to the findings upon which the President can base U.S. responses to foreign trade practices. Directs the President to act upon finding that a foreign practice denies to the United States commercial opportunities substantially equivalent to those offered by the United States. Authorizes the President to take action against the foreign entity's investments. (Current law limits the President to taking action against the foreign entity's products or services.) Requires the President to take into account U.S. trade agreement obligations in determining whether to take any action to enforce U.S. trade rights or respond to a foreign trade practice. Includes foreign direct investment by U.S. citizens or nationals within the definition of commerce and commercial opportunites. Authorizes the House Ways and Means Committee or the Senate Finance Committee to file a resolution with the USTR requesting the President to take action to enforce U.S. trade rights or respond to foreign trade practices. Directs the USTR to consult with the International Trade Commission (ITC) on: (1) the economic impact of the USTR's legislative recommendations; and (2) the foreign practices which caused the USTR to investigate. (Current law authorizes the USTR to consult with the ITC on the economic impact of proposed action with respect to the foreign product or service.) Directs the USTR to make preliminary recommendations to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee on the options the President is considering if dispute settlement procedures fail. Requires such recommendations to be made within 180 days of a finding that presidential action is needed to enforce U.S. trade rights or to respond to a foreign trade practice. Directs the President to negotiate international agreements to end restrictions on foreign direct investment. Includes restrictions on foreign direct investment among the barriers to international trade that may authorize the President to enter trade agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Expresses the sense of the Senate that graduate and professional students should remain eligible for guaranteed student loans under part B (Federal, State, and Private Programs of Low-Interest Loans in Institutions of Higher Education) of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the Interstate Commerce Commission should temporarily refrain from granting applications for motor carrier operating authority filed by foreign companies or by companies controlled by foreign nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1982
Public Lands Conservation, Rehabilitation, and Improvement Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those benefitting public or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands benefit associated public or Indian lands or provide significant public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires such appropriations to be credited from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except as provided in specified provisions of law. Makes the Secretary responsible for the pay of enrollees and coordination of the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions for the award of academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as may be necessary. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress by March 1 of each year on the activities carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1982
Training for Jobs Act - Establishes a comprehensive job training program. Title I: State Job Training Program - Provides for allotments and allocations from amounts authorized to be appropriated under this Act. Allots seven percent of such funds to State Governors for specified statewide programs. Allots 71 percent of such funds to States for substate allocation to service delivery areas. (Sets aside the remaining 22 percent for national programs.) Allots specified amounts to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and to specified U.S. territories and possessions for service delivery area programs. Allots the remainder of service delivery area program funds among States according to numbers of long-term unemployed persons and of economically disadvantaged persons in the labor force. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make substate allocations among service delivery areas on the basis of numbers of economically disadvantaged persons. Defines a service delivery area as any area served in FY 1982 by a prime sponsor established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA). Authorizes a State Governor to designate subdivisions of a State as service delivery areas if CETA services were planned or administered for such subdivisions. Authorizes a Governor to propose tentative revisions in any service delivery area of the State under specified conditions. Allows chief elected officials of local governments to petition to have areas designated as service delivery areas either as proposed by the Governor or with modifications. Requires that such petitions be made jointly with the appropriate private industry council (PIC), or separately if no agreement can be reached. Directs the Governor to approve any petition agreed upon by both the PIC and chief elected officials, unless the Governor determines, for good cause shown, that such agreement will not carry out the provisions of this Act. Permits appeals of such disapprovals to the Secretary. Directs the Governor to approve petitions from any local government with a population of 250,000 or more to be a service delivery area unless the PIC does not concur and the Governor makes findings of fact why inclusion of such local government in a larger area is needed for accommodation of labor market factors or coordination with other related service delivery areas. Provides for dispute resolution by the Secretary if the Governor and the local government cannot reach agreement in such cases. Prohibits changes in service delivery areas later than four months before the beginning of a program year or within two years of a previous revision. Directs Governors to report to the Secretary annually on: (1) changes in service delivery areas; and (2) reasons why change was not made, if any interim area (CETA prime sponsor area) remains in effect. Directs the PIC for a service delivery area to prepare a program plan for any program year beginning 90 days after PIC certification. Directs the CETA prime sponsor to prepare program plans until then. Requires that there be a PIC for every service delivery area. Requires that a majority of members on each PIC be private industry (including small business) representatives and that the remainder be representatives of local governments, educational agencies, organized labor, community-based organizations, economic development agencies, and the employment service. Directs chief elected officials of local governments within the service delivery area to: (1) appoint private industry representatives from nominees of for-profit businesses operating within the geographical area; and (2) select remaining representatives from individuals recommended by interested organizations. Provides for selection procedures in the event that agreement cannot be reached by such officials. Directs the PIC, upon certification by the Governor within 30 days of receipt of a membership list, to prepare the program plan and certify training institutions and other agencies. Requires that specified items be included in each program plan. Directs the PIC to publish a proposed plan 120 days before the beginning of a program year and provide interested parties an opportunity for comment. Requires publication of a final plan not later than 80 days before the program year. Sets forth procedures to be followed in the event of program plan disagreements between PICs and local officials. Requires program plan approval within 30 days after submission unless the Governor determines that the plan does not meet performance criteria, serve the economically disadvantaged, or correct previous deficiencies. Directs the Governor to disapprove any plan that will not provide equality of access to all segments of the disadvantaged community in the area. Requires that disputed matters which cannot be resolved within 30 days after program plan disapproval by the Governor be submitted to the Secretary for arbitration and decision within 30 days of receipt. Provides that the CETA prime sponsor for the interim services delivery area will administer program funds until the Governor designates the PIC to do so. Directs the Governor, with the PIC if one is certified, to select another entity to administer program funds if the CETA prime sponsor will not agree to do so. Authorizes the Governor to designate the PIC as recipient and administrator of program funds: (1) if administrative capacity and adequate safeguards exist and the PIC business representatives favor such designation; and (2) if (A) the PIC and local officials jointly apply for such designation or (B) the Governor finds that the program funds administrator has not adequately carried out the requirements of this Act and the majority of PIC members favor such designation. Requires notice to local governments and opportunity for hearing such governments and other interested parties before such designation may be made. Limits program year spending for administrative costs (including evaluation) to 20 percent of program funds. Requires the PIC to subcontract at least 80 percent of funds available in any fiscal year, excluding funds used for administration and on- the-job training programs. Authorizes the Governor to establish a State job training council to assist in making decisions and determinations required under this title. Requires that at least one-fourth of State council members be PIC business representatives and the remainder represent local governments, labor, the economically disadvantaged and State or other public agencies. Permits program funds to be used for: (1) specified activities for employment preparation and placement of disadvantaged persons; (2) supportive services for program participation and employment retention; (3) up to six weeks of participant wages as employees of public or private nonprofit organizations while performing services in a regular employment placement program with a private for-profit employer; (4) payments to private for-profit employers for on-the-job training costs; (5) reimbursement of participant costs, including special long-term training needs and modest bonuses for program completion, but excluding stipend or allowance payments; and (6) area employment generating activities. Requires that 50 to 75 percent of program funds be used for youth (under age 22) services. Adjusts the 50 percent minimum by the difference between the ratio of disadvantaged youths to disadvantaged adults in the service delivery area and such ratio for all States. Bases eligibility for program participation on a person's being economically disadvantaged. Permits up to ten percent of program participants to be individuals who are not economically disadvantaged, if such individuals have encountered employment barriers (such individuals may include the physically handicapped, those with limited English-speaking ability, displaced homemakers, ex-offenders, alcoholics, addicts, or dislocated workers). Requires, in the selection of agencies to deliver services, that: (1) prime consideration be given to past performance cost-effectiveness in delivery of comparable services; and (2) occupational skills training agencies be certified by the PIC as providing a level of skill acceptable to area employers. Sets forth permissible uses of funds for Governors' statewide programs: (1) State council expenses, including program evaluation; (2) technical assistance; (3) linkage with, and assistance for, related programs; (4) special assistance for offenders, ex-offenders, and others; (5) dislocated workers programs; (6) labor market and occupational information; (7) a management information system; and (8) superior performance incentives. Directs Governors to publish: (1) proposed plans for uses of such funds 120 days before the program year and provide opportunity for comment to interested parties; and (2) final plans 80 days before the final period and submit them to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to approve or disapprove the plan within 30 days. Permits Governors to request specified hearings if they cannot reach agreement with the Secretary within another 30 days. Title II: National Job Training Programs - Part A: Native American Employment Training Programs - Sets forth provisions for Native American employment training programs that are basically similar to the current CETA programs for Native Americans, except for distribution of funds. Part B: Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Employment Training Programs - Sets forth provisions for migrant and seasonal farmworker employment training programs that are basically similar to the current CETA programs for migrant and seasonal farmworkers, except for distribution of funds. Part C: Research, Evaluation, Pilot Projects, and Technical Assistance - Sets forth provisions for research, evaluation, and training and technical assistance similar in part to current CETA provisions. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a comprehensive program of employment and training research; and (2) a program of experimental, developmental, and demonstration projects (but does not include current CETA provisions prohibiting such projects from experimenting with subsidized wages in the private sector or less than minimum wages). Directs the Secretary to : (1) provide for continuing evaluation of all programs, activities, and research and demonstration projects conducted under this Act; and (2) report annually to the Congress on employment and training programs (but does not require the annual evaluation plan currently required under CETA). Directs the Secretary to fund pilot projects to help eliminate artificial and other employment barriers faced by persons requiring special assistance. Prohibits funding any such pilot project for more than three years. Requires, in selecting pilot project fund recipients, that special consideration be given to community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness. Directs the Secretary to consult with appropriate State officials in providing training and technical assistance. Part D: Labor Market Information - Directs the Secretary to reserve, from specified set-aside funds, sums necessary to operate a Federal/State cooperative statistical labor market information program. Authorizes the heads of other Federal agencies to make specified funds available for such program. Directs the Secretary to maintain on a national, State, local, and other appropriate basis: (1) a comprehensive national system of labor market information; and (2) household budget data reflecting differences in location. Directs the Secretary to publish an annual report linking labor force status with earnings and income. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretaries of Commerce, Defense, the Treasury, Education, and the Director of the Office of Management and the Budget (OMB), to: (1) review and integrate national information systems; (2) maintain standardized definitions; and (3) provide technical assistance to the States for an occupational supply/demand information system. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Defense, to assure that such system will provide young persons with information on Armed Forces career opportunities. Directs the Secretary and the Director of OMB to assure that sufficient funds are available to provide Federal staff for coordination functions for the cooperative labor market information program. Requires, for eligibility for Federal financial assistance under this part, that Governors: (1) designate an organizational unit to manage a statewide comprehensive labor market/occupational supply and demand information system; (2) design such a system to meet specified guidelines; (3) standardize specified records and data to produce an employment/economic analysis; (4) assure that paperwork burdens are kept to a minimum; (5) disseminate labor market and individualized career information; and (6) conduct research and demonstration projects to improve the statewide information system. Directs the Secretary to reimburse the States for the costs of State labor market information programs from amounts available under this part. Allows States to combine, consolidate, or otherwise alter Federal administrative management information reporting requirements relating to employment, productivity, or training, if the Governor notifies each responsible Federal and State agency. Directs the appropriate Federal agency to approve such alteration within 60 days after receiving notice unless such agency can show that the essential purposes of the affected Federal law will not be met. Permits appeals of adverse decisions to the Director of OMB for final decision within 60 days. Title III: Administrative and General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and thereafter to carry out titles I, II, and III of this Act. Sets forth provisions for program years and availability of funds. Sets aside 22 percent of such funds for use by the Secretary as follows: (1) 66 percent of such amount for the CETA Job Corps; (2) ten and one-half percent for Indian programs; (3) ten percent for migrants and seasonal farmworkers programs; and (4) the remainder for administrative costs, research, pilot projects, and technical assistance and for the labor market information program. (Allots in title I the remainder of the amounts appropriated as follows: (1) seven percent to Governors' statewide programs; and (2) 71 percent for State programs and activities.) Requires that performance criteria be developed. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards to measure the increase in earnings and reductions in cash welfare payments resulting from participation in adult training programs. Allows each Governor to prescribe variations in such standards based on specific economic factors in the State and in service delivery areas. Directs the Secretary to prescribe variations in performance criteria for Native American and migrant and seasonal farmworker programs. Allows the administrator of funds in each service delivery area to develop local performance criteria for youth based on employment competencies recognized by the PIC and on placement and retention in employment. Directs the Governor and the Secretary to review such local performance criteria and competency standards. Requires that each SDA annual report specify the extent to which programs meet program criteria. Directs the Governor to use ten percent of funds allocated for statewide programs to provide incentive funding for exceeding performance criteria, including incentives for serving the hard to serve. Directs the Governor to provide technical assistance to programs not meeting performance criteria and to propose a reorganization plan if the failure persists for a second year. Authorizes the Governor to make specified changes relating to the PIC, delivery agencies, or administrator for the service delivery area, after opportunity for a fair hearing. Requires States to establish certain fiscal control and fund accounting procedures for Federal funds paid to recipients under titles I and V of this Act. Sets forth specified responsibilities of the Director of OMB and the Comptroller General of the United States. Requires recipients to keep records sufficient to permit reports and investigations under this Act. Directs the Secretary, and authorizes the Comptroller General, to carry out specified investigations. Requires States to make prescribed reports and maintain a management information system. Sets forth affirmative action provisions for contracts under this Act. Establishes a Commission on Employment and Productivity. Sets forth administrative provisions. Repeals the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), other than part B of title IV relating to the Job Corps. Title IV: Amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act (U.S. Employment Service) to provide for a transition to program year funding similar to that under this Act. Directs the Secretary to distribute funds under such Act to States on the basis of numbers of individuals in the civilian labor force. Provides that 25 percent of the State allotment be used for statewide programs and that the remaining 75 percent be suballocated to service delivery areas. Requires that each PIC (or, where there is no PIC, an official designated by the Governor) prepare a local plan for service delivery area use of such funds. Directs the State to prepare a consolidated State plan for approval by the Secretary. Sets forth permissible uses of funds for statewide and local programs. Authorizes the Secretary to establish performance standards which take into account the differences in priorities reflected in State plans. Sets forth fiscal control and fund accounting requirements. Sets forth provisions for recordkeeping, reports, and investigations. Title V: Dislocated Workers - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and thereafter to carry out this title. Allots such funds among States on the basis of numbers of long-term unemployed persons. Authorizes the Secretary to reallocate any amount which a State cannot use within a reasonable period of time. Authorizes States to establish procedures to identify substantial groups of workers who: (1) have been laid off, are eligible for or have exhausted entitlement to unemployment compensation, and are unlikely to return to their previous industry or occupation; and (2) are employed in operations or establishments which the employer has determined to shut down permanently. Directs States, with PIC assistance, to determine what job opportunities exist within or outside the local labor market area. Directs States to: (1) determine whether such retraining opportunities exist or could be provided within the area; and (2) make such information available to workers. Permits Federal funds provided to States under this title to be used to pay 50 percent of the dislocated workers assistance program. Sets forth permissible types of job training and related services under such program. Requires States to give an opportunity for applicants for funding of locally developed projects to carry out such program. Title VI: Coordination of Job Training Activities - Provides that PICs may be used for planning or advice for any Federal program relating to employment or training. Permits a Governor to combine two or more advisory councils whose functions relate to employment or training, or use one such council to perform additional functions, if essential elements regarding council composition are met, public notice is given, and appropriate Federal agency approval is received. Provides for appeals in cases of disapproval. Amends the Economy Act to permit each State agency to contract with any other State agency to perform services under Federally-assisted job training or related programs if the Governor determines that such a contract will promote efficiency.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1982
Acid Precipitation Accelerated Review and Reporting Act - Amends the Energy Security Act (title VII provisions also known as the "Acid Precipitation Act of 1980") to reduce the period covered by a comprehensive research plan from ten years to five years. Makes conforming amendments relating to implementation of, and authorization of appropriations for, the comprehensive research plan. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force to submit a final report, with detailed recommendations, within five years of enactment of the Energy Security Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit recommendations, to accompany the final report of the Task Force, for specific changes in law supported by scientific findings of the Task Force. Prohibits the Administrator from proposing or promulgating any rule to control sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide emissions if such rule would expand the Administrator's existing regulatory authority, before the final report is transmitted. Directs the Task Force to: (1) study fuel precombustion treatment and low-polluting combustion processes for reduction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions; and (2) solicit information from State agencies conducting acid deposition research.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1982
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of the Federal Trade Commission's final rule relating to used motor vehicles submitted to Congress on January 28, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit to $3,000 the amount of living expenses which Members of Congress may deduct from their incomes. Repeals the provision allowing such tax deduction without substantiation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1982
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a temporary heroin program under which confiscated heroin shall be made available to pharmacies of qualified hospitals for dispensing to cancer patients for the relief of pain. Sets forth application requirements for such program for qualified hospitals designed to protect against the diversion of distributed heroin into illicit channels. Authorizes the Secretary to import opium to manufacture heroin, if amounts confiscated are insufficient to meet the needs of qualified hospitals. Amends specified provisions of law to conform to provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources within specified time periods on the activities under the temporary heroin program. Requires the Director of the National Cancer Institute to secure an exemption from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for heroin to be used in certain investigations by the Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to extend from August 6, 1982, to August 6, 1984, the current preclearance requirements (under which jurisdictions covered through the triggering mechanism must submit proposed electoral changes to the Department of Justice). Establishes a new standard for jurisdictions to "bail-out" of these requirements effective August 6, 1984. Permits political subdivisions of covered States to bail-out independently of the State. Conditions a declaratory judgment for bail-out on the jurisdiction's showing that it and all its political subdivisions have met the bail-out requirements for a ten-year period prior to the filing of the suit. Includes among the requirements for bail-out that: (1) no test or device has been used to discriminate on account of race, color, or language; (2) no actions alleging voting discrimination are pending or have gone to final judgment; (3) no Federal examiner has served in the jurisdiction seeking bail-out; (4) the jurisdiction and all its subdivisions have complied with the preclearance requirements; and (5) the jurisdiction and its subdivisions have taken affirmative steps to protect voting rights. Stipulates that lawsuits filed during pendency of the bail-out litigation will not bar bail-out. Subjects the jurisdiction to the preclearance requirements if any such lawsuit alleging voting violations is successful after bail-out. Restates the prohibition against voting discrimination to include as a violation conduct which has the effect of discrimination. Stipulates that the failure of a minority to be proportionately represented does not itself constitute a violation. Extends the bilingual election requirements from August 6, 1985, to August 6, 1992. Declares that nothing in the Voting Rights Act shall be construed to permit assistance within the voting booth, unless the voter is blind or physically incapacitated.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 (Bankruptcy) of the United States Code to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's inability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case upon the motion of any party in interest filed prior to the conclusion of the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title because he is able to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties as may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in consumer goods property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of estimated income and expenses for the year following filing of his petition. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Presumes nondischargeable any debt which was incurred on or within 45 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows for rebuttal of such presumption. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge and of any reaffirmation of debt. Limits the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of the filing of the petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence within thirty days after the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where a reasonable portion of unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan, but was prevented from so doing by unforeseen cirucmstances.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to revise the method of funding State vocational rehabilitation services for individuals receiving disability, widow's, widower's, or supplemental security income benefits. Authorizes appropriations to enable the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments to States for the costs of such services. (Currently funds for such payments are transferred from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund.) Requires a specified sum to be allocated among the States for such payments for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 according to the ratio of the number of individuals rehabilitated and terminated as beneficiaries in each State compared with the number of rehabilitated beneficiaries terminated in all States during fiscal years 1981 and 1982, respectively. Requires the amount paid to each State to be increased or decreased in succeeding fiscal years by the percentage increase or decrease in the number of rehabilitated beneficiaries terminated.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual to elect hospice care, in lieu of certain other benefits, during two periods of 180 days each during the individual's lifetime. Provides for full reimbursement of reasonable costs to a hospice program, subject to a ceiling. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the hospice reimbursement method. Defines hospice care as including items and services furnished to the terminally ill in their homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short term inpatient basis.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Americans want an early, peaceful, and popularly supported resolution of the issues that led to the imposition of martial law in Poland; (2) Americans deplore the imposition of martial law in Poland, the suspension of workers' rights, and the arrests of Solidarity leaders; (3) recent events call into question the suitability of further assistance for Poland: (4) the Polish people have the right to resolve their problems without outside interference; (5) the support of Americans for continued U.S. dealings with Poland's present government will relate to the degree to which that government avoids violence and demonstrates its respect for Solidarity and its commitment to continuing reforms; (6) the President and the Secretary of State should continue to stress this U.S. position; and (7) the Administration should consult with our allies to develop a concerted and sustained response to the threat to the democratization process in Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
States that the Federal Government should promote energy conservation through low-income weatherization assistance, energy conservation information programs, and funding of energy conservation research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Sets forth the Institute's research and training functions and arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases program plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Institute, to operate multipurpose arthritis and musculoskeletal disease research centers. Requires annual evaluations of such centers. Authorizes specified appropriations for such centers for fiscal years 1983-1985. Directs the Secretary to establish an arthritis and musculoskeletal disease Coordinating Committee, which shall meet at least four times a year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Entitles Civil Air Patrol Cadets 18 years of age or older to the same compensation for disability or death which is available to Civil Air Patrol senior members. Increases the amount of such compensation available to both.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Black Lung Benefits and Revenues Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 regarding eligibility and benefits on claims filed after enactment of this Act to: (1) eliminate restrictions on the Department of Labor's use of second opinion X-rays; (2) eliminate specified presumptions of black lung presence; (3) eliminate the presumption of eligibility for survivors of specified miners who died on or before March 1, 1978; (4) make only third -party affidavits sufficient to establish survivors' claims where there are no other supporting medical records; (5) limit survivors' benefits to cases where the miner died from black lung; (6) make previously determined eligible survivors' claim liable for revalidation; (7) apply excess earnings under the Social Security Act to offset specified black lung disability payments; and (8) set black lung benefit levels at 37 1/2 percent of the monthly pay for Federal employees in grade GS-2, step 1. Directs the Secretary of Labor to undertake studies of: (1) black lung disease; and (2) benefits available under such Act and under other assistance programs and to report those findings and recommendations to Congress within 18 months. Eliminates the obligation of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund to pay retroactive benefits in cases of operator nonpayment on claims filed after enactment of this Act. Provides that interest charges shall be made at the same rate as for other overdue debts owed to the Government, including retroactive payments based on final adjudications of operator liability. Makes such Fund liable (rather than the operators) for specified reopened claims subsequently approved. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on coal sold by a producer from: (1) 50 cents per ton to $1 per ton for coal from underground mines, and (2) 25 cents per ton to 50 cents per ton for coal from surface mines. Increases the maximum amount of such tax from 2 percent to 4 per cent of the price at which a ton of coal is sold by the producer. Terminates such increase as of December 31, 1995, or earlier if both Houses of Congress do not disapprove a recommendation of earlier cutoff by the Trustees of the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that members of the National Guard and Reserve should be granted time off from their jobs for military training, exclusive of earned vacation, and given equal consideration for job benefits and promotions as other employees.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 1981
United States Academy of Peace Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace as an independent nonprofit corporation. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace. Authorizes the Academy to establish: (1) a Center for International Peace; and (2) a United States Medal of Peace and other medals or honors. Subjects the Academy to specified freedom of information requirements. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel actions of the Academy or financial assistance by the Academy. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for an Academy buildings and grounds capitalization fund. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal years 1983 and 1984 for Academy programs and administration.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp to honor the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination applicable to first-class mail up to one ounce in weight. Directs that such stamp shall be issued on November 11, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Requests the President to designate February 22, 1982, as a day of national celebration in honor of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States and Japan should exert maximum efforts to resist Soviet challenges to Asia; (2) Japan should make a greater contribution to its own defense; and (3) Japan's defense expenditures should be at least one percent of its gross national product.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1981
Directs the President in cooperation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to exercise appropriate authorities to assure an adequate flow of credit to small borrowers at affordable prices. Directs the President to take appropriate actions to limit the large-scale diversion of credit to nonproductive uses. Directs the President in cooperation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to take noninflationary actions necessary to reduce interest rates. Directs the President to report to Congress within 30 days concerning the effect of his actions in protecting an adequate flow of affordable credit to small borrowers and reducing excessive interest rates.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Expresses the disapproval by the Senate of the proposed deferral of budget authority for the Veterans' Administration health-care facility construction while the Administration considers alternative methods for providing readily available quality medical care for eligible veterans as set forth in a special message transmitted by the President to the Congress under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which provide incentives for energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources should not be repealed or amended to reduce such incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Amends the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980 to declare that the Fugitive Felon Act applies to State felony parental kidnapping cases without restriction, notwithstanding any other provision of law. Directs the Attorney General to eliminate within 30 days of enactment all guidelines that limit the application of the Fugitive Felon Act to such cases, including those requiring information that the child is in physical danger. Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the Justice Department's compliance with this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Randolph, Jennings [D-WV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000046_200.jpg)