United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Ports Development and Assistance Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to study and prepare a feasibility report on the enlargement of the navigation improvements at each deep-draft harbor serving international shipping in the United States. Requires each port through the appropriate non-Federal port authority to submit an application to the Secretary for eligibility to participate in the reimbursement plan established by this Act. Sets forth the procedure for the review and approval of such applications by specified Senate and House committees within 90 days after submission, or, if not acted upon by the committees, by the Secretary of the Army. Makes the following ports eligible for such reimbursement: (1) Galveston Harbor, Texas; (2) Corpus Christi Harbor, Texas; (3) Brazos Island Harbor, Texas; (4) Norfolk Harbor and Channels, Virginia; (5) Brunswick Island Harbor, Georgia; and (6) Houston Ship Channel, Texas. Directs the Chief of Engineers, upon the enactment of a project authorization for port or channel improvements, to reimburse the local interests (non-Federal port authority), in accordance with this Act, for 75 percent of the funds expended by such interests to construct such portions of the project as are included in the approval project. Makes the authorization to reimburse local interests contained in this Act subject to appropriation, and shall expire three years from the issuance of appropriate Federal permits, unless local interests begin construction of any portion of the project within such three-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Health Programs Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Community and Migrant Health Centers - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1983 for community health centers. Directs that not more than: (1) two percent of such appropriations may be used for planning and development; nor (2) more than five percent for operations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe criteria for determining areas and population groups in need of community health centers. Requires an applicant to demonstrate, based upon such criteria, how a center will provide maximum services. Requires a health center grant recipient to: (1) provide for an annual audit; (2) file a report of such audit with the Secretary; and (3) maintain records as the Secretary requires. Directs the Secretary to review migrant health services provided by such centers and to report to Congress within six months of enactment of this Act. Authorizes specified appropriations for migrant health centers for fiscal years 1982 through 1983. Directs that not more than: (1) two percent of such appropriations may be used for planning and development; (2) five percent for operations; nor (3) more than ten percent for environmental health and sanitation contracts. Title II: Immunization of Children - Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for child immunization programs. Title III: Adolescent Pregnancy - Amends the Health Services and Centers Amendments of 1978 to authorize specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for adolescent pregnancy programs. Title IV: Family Planning - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for family planning programs of: (1) family planning services; (2) training; (3) research; and (4) information and education. Title V: Hypertension - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health an Office of Hypertension Coordination and Information. Requires such Office to report annually to Congress. Sets forth reporting requirements. Title VI: Health Services Block Grant - Consolidates current programs for sudden infant death syndrome, genetic screening, hemophilia, emergency medical systems, home health, venereal disease, hypertension, rat control, fluoridation, and lead paint poisoning prevention into a single block grant to the States. Requires: (1) the Secretary to recommend an allotment formula by October 1, 1982; and (2) relative population, per capita income, financial need, and State and local health expenditures to be considered in such formula. Prohibits more than ten percent of allotments to be used for salaries and expenses not directly involved in the delivery of health services. Requires: (1) each participating State to report annually to the Secretary describing how it will use such funds to meet health needs; and (2) the Secretary to transmit a program evaluation to Congress by October 1, 1983. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Title VII: Health Maintenance Organization - Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for health maintenance organization (HMO) grants and loans. Directs that development grants will be given only to those entities already receiving such funds. Authorizes $40,000,000 or more if necessary for the HMO Treasury fund. Requires such fund to maintain an annual balance of at least $5,000,000. Extends the loan guarantee programs for planning and for initial development through fiscal year 1984. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts for demonstration projects to evaluate the need for future Federal HMO assistance. Requires a report to Congress by January 1, 1984. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Modifies current HMO requirements to eliminate certain physician contracting provisions. Redefines "community rating system" to permit class-based rating on the basis of age, sex, marital status or family size. Increases the annual and aggregate amounts available for initial operating cost loans and loan guarantees. Extends such programs through fiscal year 1986. Eliminates the requirement that a specified percent of such funds as well as feasibility survey funds and planning funds be used in nonmetropolitan areas.
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 · 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 · 29 April 1981
Pharmacy Protection and Violent Offender Control Act of 1981 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish penalties for taking or attempting to take by force and violence or intimidation a controlled substance from a pharmacist. Establishes mandatory terms of imprisonment if any person is assaulted, killed, or maimed during commission of the offense. Requires the Department of Justice to include pharmacy crime data in its annual Uniform Crime Reports.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Federal- Aid Highway Improvement Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to increase the authorization of appropriations for the Interstate Highway System for fiscal years 1983 through 1990. Limits the obligation of such funds to specified objectives. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in making the revised estimate of the cost of completing the designated Interstate System for the January, 1983 report to Congress, to include only those costs eligible under such Act, as amended. Directs the Secretary to use specified apportionment factors in allocating funds for the Interstate System. Authorizes appropriations, for fiscal years 1982 through 1986, out of the Highway Trust Fund, for: (1) the Federal aid primary system in rural and urban areas; (2) forest highways; (3) public lands highways; (4) bridge replacement and rehabilitation; and (5) highway safety improvements. Prohibits a State from receiving less than one-half of one percent of the total apportionment for the Interstate System. Revises apportionments for the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Amends the Highway Safety Acts of 1973 and 1978 and the Federal-Aid Highway Acts of 1973 and 1978 to repeal the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) highway safety programs; (2) bridge reconstruction and replacement; (3) elimination of hazards; (4) rail highway crossings; and (5) bikeways. Directs that the unobligated balance of contract authority established by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1978 for the Great River Road and highway safety programs shall lapse September 30, 1981. Makes highway reconstruction eligible for Interstate System apportioned funds. Revises Interstate System resurfacing procedures and the Federal share thereof. Authorizes appropriations for mass transit projects substituted for highway projects for which approval has been withdrawn. Revises provisions concerning such substitution projects. Repeals appropriations for provisions related to the priority primary route program. Revises the Federal-aid urban and the Federal-aid rural highway programs. Replaces the pavement marking demonstration program with a highway safety improvement program. Makes assistance available from such program for: (1) highway safety improvements; (2) railway highway crossing projects; (3) highway-related safety requirements; and (4) implementation of the highway safety improvement program developed by each State pursuant to this Act. Reserves one-half of one percent of such funds for projects on Indian reservations. Directs each State to report to the Secretary on the progress of such highway safety improvement program. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on such progress. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of funds for the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Creates a Federal lands highway program consisting of forest highways, park roads, parkways, Indian reservation roads, and public lands highways. Directs the Secretary to expend sums necessary to carry out specified carpool and vanpool projects, including parking facilities. Directs that emergency financial assistance necessitated by natural disasters or catastrophic failures shall be authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund. Increases the authorization for such emergency assistance. Limits, to a specified sum, the amount of such assistance to any State. Increases the Federal share of such repairs or reconstruction. Revises apportionments for access highways to public recreation areas on certain lakes. Repeals the territorial highway program. Revises the scope and Federal share of the bicycle transportation program. Amends the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973 to allow limited truck traffic on the Highland Scenic Highway. States that such commercial use by trucks may be limited and controlled by permit. Allows the Secretary to discharge any of his responsibilities under such Act relative to the physical construction phase of Interstate resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, and reconstruction projects using certain certification procedures. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for the inspection of construction and repair projects (currently, directs the Secretary to make a final inspection). Removes the limit on appropriations for defense access roads. Revises the Secretary's authority with regard to a State's failure to maintain projects under its jurisdiction. Limits funds for research and planning to specified amounts. Specifies the Federal share of such funding pursuant to certain criteria. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, powers, and duties of the Appalachian Regional Commission related to the Appalachian Development Highways System. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for such Highway system for fiscal years 1982 through 1986. Increases the Federal share for such Highway system. Prohibits employment discrimination in such projects on account of sex. Authorizes the Secretary, in cooperation with other departments and State agencies, to develop and administer training and assistance programs in connection with any program under this Act in order to enable minority businesses to compete on an equal basis for contracts. Directs the Secretary to deduct, from apportionments made by this Act, specified sums for the administration of such programs. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with the Secretaries of Defense and of the Interior, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and other agency heads as appropriate to minimize duplication, paperwork, and delays in the development and approval of projects under this Act. Sets forth criteria for such agreements. Revises the Federal share available for projects under the Federal-aid rural program and the Federal-aid urban program. Limits obligations for Federal-Aid highways and sets forth an allocation formula for such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Establishes a Special Joint Committee on the Centennial of the Birth of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Directs that such committee be composed of sixteen Members of the Congress. Directs that such committee shall prepare an overall program for nationwide observances and make comprehensive plans for commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, including a joint session of Congress to be held on January 29, 1982. Provides that such committee shall terminate not later than April 30, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Coastal Barrier Resources Act - Declares the findings and intentions of Congress in regard to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the coastal barriers along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Establishes the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System) which shall consist of specified undeveloped coastal barriers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Requires that certain coastal barrier maps shall be available for public inspection through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide copies of such maps to the chief executive officer of: (1) each State and political subdivision in which a System unit is located, and (2) each affected Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to make necessary modifications to such maps and to notify specified Congressional committees of the same. Limits, to specified projects, Federal expenditures on such projects or financial assistance for purposes within the System. Lists those projects eligible for financial assistance. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify annually to Congress that the Federal agencies concerned have complied with the provisions of this Act. Declares that no provision of this Act shall be construed to invalidate any provision of State or local law. Sets forth the contents of reports to be filed by the Secretary with specified Congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Excludes from determinations of authorized end strengths and grade limitations of the Department of Defense or the military departments retired officers of the armed forces recalled to active duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Declares that the Senate urges: (1) the Civil Aeronautics Board and other Federal agencies to refrain from any extraordinary action in regard to the proposed merger between Texas International Airlines and Continental Airlines; and (2) the Board to proceed with consideration of such merger under its regular procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Adoption Identification Act of 1981 - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 to provide for a voluntary adoption identification demonstration program whereby adoptees and their biological relatives may voluntarily locate one another through a centralized network system. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish such a system by grant or contract with public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on such system. Prescribes standards, procedures, and other requirements for such system. Permits such system to include the operation of similar statewide adoption identification computer systems in States which choose to participate in the system and agree to: (1) coordination with the national system; (2) State financial participation; and (3) consistent standards and procedures. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for fiscal years 1982 through 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend, through fiscal year 1982, the authorization of appropriations to carry out all but specified provisions of such Act. Requires that the sums authorized for fiscal year 1982 be allotted to each State based on such State's needs as a percentage of the total national needs. Extends through fiscal year 1982 the program under such Act which provides grants to States for eligible treatment works. Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, at the request of the Governor of a State, to set aside from funds authorized under such Act for fiscal year 1982 not more than three percent of funds allotted to such State for such grants to be available only for increasing grants for construction of treatment works from 75 percent to 85 percent, and to set aside not more than four percent of such funds to be available only for alternatives to conventional sewage treatment works for municipalities having a population of 3,500 or less, or for the highly dispersed sections of larger municipalities, as defined by the Administrator. Limits such grants for treatment works to the following categories of projects: (1) secondary treatment or more stringent treatment, or any cost-effective alternative thereof; and (2) new interceptors and appurtenances. Authorizes the Administrator, from sums authorized for each fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 1981, to reserve from the allotment for each State for each such fiscal year an amount not to exceed one percent of the sum of the unexpended obligations and the unobligated allotment available to such State as of the first day of such fiscal year, or $400,000, whichever is greater. Repeals the provision under which the Administrator is authorized to pay the Federal share of the cost of advanced construction on publicly owned treatment works in cases where a State allotment has been obligated under specified provisions. Permits the Administrator to retain the authority to pay such eligible obligations in such amounts as the Administrator considers appropriate. Prohibits any grant, other than for facility planning and the preparation of construction plans and specifications, to be made under such Act to construct that portion of the treatment works providing reserve capacity. Makes the Administrator responsible for determining the size and capacity of the treatment works eligible for a grant under such Act. States that the determination of the priority to be given projects within each State shall be made by that State. Requires each State, in determining such priority, to give highest priority to projects which: (1) demonstrate that significant public health or water quality benefits will be achieved; and (2) will directly benefit communities having urban-industrial concentrations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
National Export Policy Act of 1981 - Title I: General Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and the purposes of this Act. Title II: Export Financing - Amends the Export - Import Bank Act of 1945 to establish staggered, ten-year terms of office for the Bank directors. Requires the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to consider limitations on Bank activities when considering appropriations for international trade activities rather than when considering foreign assistance activities. Title III: Export - Related Tax Policy - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the earned income exclusion for citizens working abroad, who are bona fide residents of a foreign country, from an annual rate of $20,000 to $50,000 plus 50 percent of such individual's compensation which exceeds $50,000 but does not exceed $75,000, if such persons qualify as bona fide residents for certain specified periods. Allows separate exclusions to married individuals who are both working overseas, although one's excess exclusion cannot be used against income earned by the other. Provides a tax exclusion for such individuals for the amount by which such individual's housing expenses exceed 16 percent of a GS-14, step 1 salary level for a Federal employee. Permits such individuals to include in the computation of housing expenses the costs of a second foreign household if such individual's family resides outside the United States but not with the individual because of adverse living conditions where the individual resides. Repeals similar deductions for cost-of-living differential, schooling expenses, home leave travel expenses, and residence in a hardship area. Excludes from an employee's gross income any lodging furnished the employee by an employer in a camp which meets specified requirements. Repeals the current provisions relating to deductions for certain expenses of living abroad. Provides that the foreign bad debt loss deduction shall not exceed the greater of 15 percent of the taxpayer's taxable income from exports, or two percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding at the close of the taxable year. Provides that the amount of bad debt losses that may be added to a bad debt reserve shall not exceed five percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding as of the close of the taxable year. Permits the amortization, based on a period of 60 months, of: (1) foreign market studies; (2) foreign marketing expenses; and (3) foreign patents. Permits an income tax deduction for currency fluctuation losses on export credit which have not been repaid by the end of the taxable year. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the six-month deadline for exempting exports from the manufacturer's excise tax for an additional 12 months if it is determined, after consultation with the Secretary of State, that exports were delayed because of war, civil unrest, or similar adverse conditions in a foreign nation. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to approve the duty-free entry of machinery, materials, and fuels to be used for the production of goods in a foreign trade zone if such goods are not subsequently entered into U.S. customs territory. Sets forth requirements before applications for such treatment will be approved. Makes such approval valid for six years. Requires the Foreign Trade Zones Board to include in its annual report to Congress a summary of activities and proposals to increase the use of foreign trade zones to expand U.S. exports. Makes banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Makes export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment. Title IV: Antitrust - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Permits automatic certification of existing associations. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an Office of Export Trade. Requires such Office to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on all East-West trade transactions requiring validated licenses and on the role of U.S. export trading companies in such trade. Grants a temporary exemption from the Sherman Act antitrust provisions for existing associations. Requires, with specified exceptions, that all applications for certification be kept confidential. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force, seven years after enactment, to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Directs the Attorney General to study whether: (1) U.S. business conduct to expand exports conflicts with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws. Requires the Attorney General to identify such conduct which would not warrant prosecution under the antitrust laws. Sets forth the procedures for describing such permissible conduct and disclosing such descriptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to intervene in such suits and to provide legal assistance to exporters. Prohibits prosecution under the antitrust laws of exporters who: (1) have notified the Attorney General of their intention to engage in such designated conduct; or (2) receive an approval, or no objection, from the Attorney General concerning proposed transactions. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress concerning implementation of this section. Authorizes appropriations for the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce for carrying out the simplification of antitrust procedures. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws That Hinder Exports - Changes the name to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require securities issuers to maintain an internal accounting system that provides reasonable assurance that specified accountability and accuracy goals are met. Establishes the degree of previous knowledge necessary to find liability for violations of the accounting standards. Requires only good faith efforts at ensuring compliance by issuers who hold 50 percent or less of the equity of domestic or foreign firms. Transfers from the Security and Exchange Commission to the Department of Justice jurisdiction to enforce the antibribery prohibitions of the FCPA with respect to issuers. Changes the jurisdictional basis of the current corrupt practices prohibition to prohibit bribery "with respect to activities in interstate or foreign commerce" (currently, the basis is use of the mails or interstate commerce "in furtherance" of bribery). Prohibits payments or promises made "directly or indirectly" by a domestic concern to a foreign official if they are made to influence a foreign official's act or induce such an official to violate a legal duty. Prohibits domestic concerns from directing or authorizing such payments. Exempts from such prohibition any payment to a foreign official to facilitate or expedite performance of official duties which is customary in the country where made. Enumerates additional exemptions, including items of value given in return for hospitality or in token of regard and esteem, and marketing or demonstration expenses pertaining to the business presentation. Empowers the Attorney General to undertake any civil investigation which is necessary to enforce the Act. Makes the provision in the Business Practices and Records Act the exclusive Federal law authorizing Federal proceedings against a domestic concern for using the mails or any instrumentality of interstate commerce to violate such Act. Requires an interagency task force to issue guidelines specifying permissible conduct and arrangements associated with common types of export sales arrangements and business contracts and precautionary procedures creating a rebuttable presumption of compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Business Practices and Records Act Review Procedure to answer specific inquiries concerning enforcement of such Act. Requires the Attorney General to issue opinions regarding compliance. Makes such opinions final and binding on all parties if the conduct does not involve a violation. Requires annual reports to Congress by: (1) the Attorney General concerning actions taken pursuant to such Act; and (2) the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate agreements establishing standards of conduct for international business practices, a resolution procedure, and rates of commissions. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Requires Congress to review the Business Practices and Records Act after receiving the President's report. Directs the President to report to Congress on the legal and practical consequences of specific action that the United States could take under existing law to: (1) promote international cooperation to prevent bribery of foreign officials, candidates, or parties in third countries; and (2) encourage persons or businesses operating in foreign countries to refrain from bribing foreign officials, candidates, or parties to the disadvantage of U. S. industry. Requires the report to contain recommendations for new legislation and an analysis of the potential effect on U. S. interests of the corruption of foreign officials and political leaders. Requires an export competitiveness impact statement from any issuing authority taking significant action which could affect adversely U.S. exports or the international competitive position of the United States and its exporters. Expresses the sense of Congress that export paperwork must be reduced to encourage export sales. Requires all agencies to minimize paperwork and reporting requirements. Title VI: Export Awareness and Export Promotion Programs - Export Trading Company Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies by providing information and by facilitating contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate Congressional committees with their recommendations concerning implementation of this Act, related changes in U.S. law, and effects of ownership of U.S. banks by foreign banking organizations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for such initial investments and operating expenses. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees for expansion to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available. Directs the Board of Directors to try to insure that a major share of such guarantees promotes exports from small, medium-size, and minority businesses or agricultural concerns. Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration to extend credit to finance export assistance. Sets a maximum of $750,000 which may be committed to any borrower from the business loan and investment revolving fund. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into cooperative agreements with industrial corporations to develop foreign markets for their products. Requires the Secretary to direct specific market research for the products involved in foreign markets upon entering such agreements. Permits interested industrial corporations to submit a proposal incorporating specific marketing actions to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a marketing agreement after approving any such proposal. Requires repayment of the Federal share of the costs by the entity entering into such an agreement. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such agreements. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. representative to any international organization to: (1) identify programs affecting the export of U.S. firms' services; (2) make available information concerning such programs; (3) establish programs to publicize export-related programs for services; and (4) modify those programs with an adverse effect on the export of services. Makes the Secretary of Commerce responsible for coordinating such programs. Directs the Department of Treasury to report to Congress concerning the feasibility of extending DISC treatment to the export of services. Title VII: Agricultural Exports - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to establish the Agricultural Export Credit Revolving Fund to be available for: (1) the export of, or aid in the development of foreign markets for, agricultural commodities; and (2) loans for the acquisition of facilities in foreign countries to improve the countries' capacities to handle agri-commodities exported from the United States. Authorizes appropriations for such Fund for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress annually concerning the export credit sales program. Abolishes such fund effective October 1, 1984. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the ratio of credit extended by the Export-Import Bank for agricultural exports in comparison with the total amount extended be at least equivalent to the value of agricultural exports in comparison with total value of exports. Specifies exceptions to this requirement. Title VIII: International Agreements - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the multilateral trade agreement be strongly implemented; and (2) the efforts must continue to secure a freer world trading environment. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a special export subsidy program for agricultural commodities to neutralize the effects of foreign export subsidy programs. Specifies the circumstances required before such program may be implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should enter into negotiations for international codes of: (1) official export financing; (2) business conduct; (3) reciprocity of antitrust enforcement; and (4) fair trade in services. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Title IX: Government Support of Export Goals - Overseas Private Investment Corporation Act of 1981 - Establishes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) as an independent agency. Sets forth the duties of OPIC. Provides for the capital of OPIC to be paid in through the appropriation process and through transfer from OPIC's earned income. Sets forth the structure of OPIC with a Board of Directors, a President of the Corporation, an Executive Vice President of the Corporation, other officers and staff, and consultants. Authorizes OPIC to issue insurance to eligible investors covering new or existing investments protecting against specified risks. Authorizes OPIC to make arrangements with foreign governments or multilateral organizations for sharing liabilities. Limits the insurance that may be issued to a single investor. Authorizes OPIC to issue guarantees of loans and other investments. Sets forth limitations on such guarantees. Authorizes OPIC to make direct loans to privately owned or mixed publicly and privately owned firms for projects sponsored by or significantly involving small businesses or cooperatives. Limits the circumstances under which OPIC may acquire stock in any other corporation. Authorizes OPIC to initiate and support the identification, assessment, and promotion of private investment opportunities, with specified exceptions. Authorizes OPIC to administer special projects to provide private technical, professional, or managerial assistance in the development of human resources, skills, technology, capital savings, and intermediate financial institutions and cooperatives. Authorizes OPIC to engage in other insurance, reinsurance, and risk sharing activities with other insurance companies, financial institutions, persons, or groups. Limits the amount of reinsurance of liabilities which OPIC may issue. Limits the amount of maximum contingent liability pursuant to insurance or guarantees issued under this Act which may be outstanding at any one time. Establishes the: (1) Direct Investment Fund as a revolving fund to be available for direct investments; and (2) Insurance Reserve and Guaranty Reserve to be available for discharging liabilities. Authorizes appropriations to the investment and guaranty fund in specified circumstances. Authorizes OPIC to issue obligations in specified circumstances in order to discharge liabilities. Requires that all revenues and income transferred to or earned by OPIC be available to carry out OPIC's purposes. Directs OPIC to determine that suitable arrangements exist for protecting OPIC's interests in connection with any insurance, guaranty, or reinsurance issued under this Act. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States for the full payment and performance of previous obligations. Sets forth conditions with respect to insurance, guaranty, and reinsurance coverage under this Act concerning fees, time limits, fraud, and settlement of disputes. Sets forth administrative provisions and duties applicable to OPIC. Requires OPIC to undertake to broaden the participation of small business, cooperatives, and other small investors in the development of small private enterprise in less developed friendly countries or areas. Directs OPIC to report annually to Congress concerning its operations. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to define "eligible investor" in terms of this Act with respect to housing guarantees. Repeals provisions: (1) prohibiting the transfer of OPIC funds between accounts; (2) authorizing the President to deny assistance to any less developed country which fails to enter into an agreement to institute the investment guaranty program; and (3) establishing OPIC. Declares that nothing in this part shall be construed as terminating any of OPIC's statutory authority. Requires the President of OPIC to submit to the appropriate Congressional committees any necessary technical or conforming amendments. Declares that the potential for U.S. exports shall be a primary decisionmaking factor in considering which projects to include in U.S. foreign aid programs. Declares that the Office of Management and Budget should assure that adequate budget allocations are made available to carry out the programs prescribed in this Act. Declares that the Department of Justice should do what it can to facilitate procedures for exporters. Declares that the Small Business Administration should: (1) be aware of the benefits of export to small business development; and (2) use every opportunity to provide information and assistance to potential exporters. Declares that the U.S. ability to export coal, nuclear power fuels, and other energy materials in a reliable manner should be a key consideration. Directs congressional committees to include in their reports the effect of the bill or resolution on the international competitiveness of the United States. Creates a National Export Council to: (1) serve as a national advisory body on matters relating to United States export trade; (2) act as a liaison among the communities represented by its membership; and (3) provide advice on Federal plans and actions that affect export promotion and development policies which have an impact on those communities represented by its membership. Requires the Council to report annually to the President and the Congress on its activities. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to appoint commercial ministers, counselors, and attaches (with the rank and privileges of other ministers, counselors, and attaches in U.S. embassies and consulates) to: (1) provide trade and commercial service; (2) engage in the promotion of U.S. exports; (3) file semiannual reports to the Secretary on market, industrial, and commodity conditions in their districts and on the implementation of multilateral and bilateral trade agreements; and (4) maintain current data on the commercial standing and capacity of foreign firms within their districts. Provides for domestic assignment, office logistics, allowances, and benefits of such ministers, counselors, and attaches. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress with any recommendations concerning: (1) the organization of international trading and financing programs in the United States; (2) the effectiveness of foreign export promotion programs; and (3) the trade activities of specified Federal agencies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the appropriate congressional committees should review periodically the trade organization of the U.S. Government.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the capital expenditure limit for certain small issues of bonds used in connection with urban development action grant programs for purposes of the tax exclusion of interest on such bonds. Amends the Revenue Code of 1978 to change the effective date for such increase.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivors' Benefits Act of 1981 - Title I: Veterans' Disability Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' compensation for: (1) wartime disability compensation; or (2) additional compensation for dependents; and (3) clothing allowances paid to certain disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation for: (1) a surviving spouse; (2) surviving children; and (3) supplemental children's benefits. Title III: Effective Date - States that the provisions of this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Extends from December 31, 1981, to September 30, 1982, the authority of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to contract for hospital care or medical services in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands without reference to patient loads or incidence of provision of medical services for veterans treated by the Veterans' Administration in the contiguous 48 states.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to direct the Legal Services Corporation to make available substantial funds to provide the opportunity for legal assistance to be furnished by private attorneys. Authorizes appropriations for the Corporation in the amount of $321,300,000 for fiscal year 1982 and necessary sums for fiscal years 1983 and 1984.
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 · 2 April 1981
Commends Secret Service Agents Timothy McCarthy and Jerry Parr and Metropolitan Police Officer Thomas Delahanty for their performance in the line of duty with respect to the assassination attempt on the life of the President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Immigration and National Security Act of 1981 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) increase the size of the Border Patrol and improve its technology and equipment; (2) establish an alien identification card system; and (3) report to the President and Congress regarding such matters within one year of enactment of this Act. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit annual immigration to 350,000 (presently 270,000). Gives admission priority to immediate family members. Provides that in an emergency the President may, after appropriate consultation with Congress, reallocate available immigrant visas or use visas available for the succeeding fiscal year. Requires the President to report annually to Congress concerning the projected number of admissions (including immediate relatives, refugees, parolees, and immigrants). Requires such report to include a determination by the Secretary of Labor regarding the effect of such admissions on U.S. employment. Revises asylum provisions to: (1) require an applicant to show the qualifying conditions (of persecution) that existed prior to departure from his or her country; (2) define "entry into the United States" for an applicant involved in an exclusion or deportation proceeding; and (3) direct the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretaries of State and Health and Human Services, to prepare plans for processing applicants, including establishing reception centers outside the United States. Restricts the exercise of the Attorney General's parole authority to a case-by-case basis. Authorizes the Attorney General to permit certain aliens who entered the United States illegally before January 1, 1978, to remain as immigrants. Prohibits the knowing employment of illegal aliens. Provides civil and criminal penalties for violations. Directs the Attorney General: (1) to include such enforcement efforts in his annual report; and (2) in cooperation with the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services develop a phased prevention program whose main elements include affirmation of U.S. citizenship, verification of social security records, and issuance of new social security cards. Directs the Attorney General to prescribe a uniform schedule of immigration-related fees and charges. Authorizes necessary appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Emergency Home Purchase and Inventory Reduction Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers an income tax credit equal to five percent of the purchase price of a new principal residence. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $5,000. Specifies that such credit shall be available with respect to only one residence of the taxpayer. Requires the recapture of credit amounts for the purchase of a new principal residence if such residence is sold within 36 months after the date of acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1981
Amends the Military Selective Service Act to direct the President to begin the registration and classification of persons under such Act. Permits the induction of such persons into the armed forces through September 30, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 - Repeals provisions of Federal law prohibiting commerce in wildlife and fish (the Lacey and Black Bass Acts). Sets forth prohibitions against trade in any fish or wildlife taken or possed in violation of Federal, Indian tribal, State, or foreign law. Adds a new prohibition against trade in plants which are subject to State conservation of species laws. Increases the maximum civil penalties for violations to $10,000 (currently, $5,000 under the Lacey Act and $200 under the Black Bass Act). Establishes a strict liability penalty of up to $250 for transporting fish or wildlife in violation of the labeling requirements. Increases the maximum criminal penalties to a $20,000 fine and/or five years' imprisonment (currently, $10,000 and/or one year under the Lacey Act and $200 and/or three months' imprisonment). Stipulates that a conviction under this Act shall require only proof that the defendant knew there was conduct in violation of the underlying law, treaty, or regulation. Subjects all fish, wildlife, or plants traded in violation of this Act to forfeiture to the United States, regardless of the culpability requirements for civil penalties or criminal prosecution. Stipulates that vehicles and equipment shall be subject to such forfeiture only if the owner or conductor was a consenting party to the illegal act. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Treasury, the Interior, Commerce, and Transportation to utilize by agreement the personnel and facilities of any Federal or State agency or Indian tribe to enforce this Act. Permits any person authorized to enforce this Act to carry firearms, make an arrest without a warrant on reasonable grounds, execute and serve warrants, detain and inspect a vehicle or package upon entering or prior to leaving the United States, or hold a seized item pending the disposition of proceedings. Directs that, beginning in fiscal year 1982, the Secretaries of the Interior, the Treasury, or Commerce shall pay rewards to persons who furnish information leading to a conviction, assessment, or forfeiture for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce to promulgate jointly regulations to implement the labeling requirements of this Act (governing packages containing fish or wildlife in interstate or foreign commerce) in accordance with existing commercial practices. Grants jurisdiction to the Federal district courts for actions arising under this Act. Transfers from the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe requirements and issue permits for the importation of wild animals and birds under humane and healthful conditions. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to direct the payment of rewards for information leading to a conviction, assessment or forfeiture (currently, such payments are discretionary).
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1981
Title I: Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies by providing information and by facilitating contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate Congressional committees with their recommendations concerning implementation of this Act, related changes in U.S. law, and effects of ownership of U.S. banks by foreign banking organizations. Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to exempt from specified requirements of the Federal Reserve Act any loan or extension of credit made by a national or State bank to an export trading company affiliate if such exemption is necessary to finance an affiliated export trading company and does not expose the bank to undue financial risks. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for a remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Authorizes up to $10,000,000 to be appropriated for initial investments and operating expenses for each of fiscal years 1982-1986. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees for expansion to export trading companies or exporters when adequate financing is not otherwise available. Requires such loan guarantees to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories. Directs the Board of Directors to try to insure that a major share of such guarantees promotes exports from small, medium-size, and minority businesses or agricultural concerns. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to subsidize the employment of export managers by small business manufacturing firms which have not previously been substantial exporters. Limits such grants to the lesser of: (1) 50 percent of the expenses related to employing a full-time export manager for one year; or (2) $40,000. Sets forth the requirements for an application by a firm for such grant and the factors the Secretary shall consider in making such grants. Authorizes appropriations for each of fiscal years 1982-1984 to carry out this grant program. Directs the Secretary to evaluate this program and to submit such evaluation and any recommendation to Congress by a specified date. Title II: Export Trade Association - Export Trade Association Act of 1981 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the trade, activities and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Permits automatic certification for existing associations. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Requires firms to report changes in membership, export trade activities, or methods of operation to the Secretary and to apply for an amendment of their certificates. Directs the Secretary to revoke a firm's certificate if it does not comply with the requirements for an antitrust exemption or to amend such certificate so that it does comply with such requirements. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate certification. Provides for judicial review of such actions. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish certification guidelines. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an Office of Export Trade. Requires such Office to report annually to the appropriate Congressional committees on all East-West trade transactions requiring validated licenses and on the role of U.S. export trading companies in such trade. Requires, with specified exceptions, that all applications for certification be kept confidential. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force, seven years after enactment, to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Makes the amendments of the Webb-Pomerene Act set forth in this Act effective with regard to existing associations only at such time as such associations elected to be certified.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest or dividends earned on savings deposits which are used by the deposit institutions for residential mortgage lending purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Oil Spill Liability and Compensation Act of 1981 - Title I: Oil Spill Liability and Compensation - Subjects the owner or operator of a vessel or facility to liability for oil discharged in violation of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (unless the discharge was caused as an act of God, war, or by a third party). Causes such owners and operators to be liable for: (1) all actual costs of removal incurred by the United States or a State under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Intervention on the High Seas Act, or the Deepwater Port Act of 1974; (2) any removal costs incurred by any person, as removal is defined under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (3) specified damages for economic loss or loss of natural resources resulting from such a discharge. Limits such liability, but stipulates than an owner or operator shall be liable for all damages and removal costs in the case of: (1) willful misconduct or negligence; (2) violation of applicable safety, construction, or operating standards or regulations; (within the knowledge or privity of the owner or operator); or (3) a refusal to provide reasonable cooperation and assistance requested by a responsible official. Provides that owners or operators subject to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act shall bear all costs of removal. Authorizes the President to establish additional limitations on liability for certain facilities; and, from time to time, to increase established limitations to reflect specified factors. Provides for third party liability. Directs that money in the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (established in title II of this Act) be used for, among other things: (1) payment of removal costs; and (2) related research. Sets forth procedures for asserting claims against the Fund. Requires any claimant, prior to asserting a claim, to present the claim to the owner, operator, or guarantor of the vessel or facility from which the oil was discharged. Directs the President to: (1) prescribe forms and procedures for filing claims; and (2) attempt to arrange a settlement. Authorizes the President to establish and to pay a claim or to submit a claim to a Board of Arbitrators. Permits a claimant, dissatisfied with an award, to appeal to the Board of Arbitrators. Requires the owner and operator of any offshore vessel and/or facility to establish and maintain stated levels of financial responsibility sufficient to satisfy claims. Title II: Trust Fund Establishment and Collections - Establishes the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Provides that the Fund shall consist of: (1) amounts derived from an additional petroleum tax of 1.3 cents per barrel, imposed by an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code; (2) amounts recovered under title I of this Act; (3) penalties imposed under title I of this Act or under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and other unobligated funds available under such Act; (4) all assets of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund; (5) all assets of the Deepwater Port Liability Fund; and (6) all assets of the Offshore Oil Pollution Compensation Fund established under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978. Establishes a minimum amount of $30,000,000 to be maintained in the Trust Fund. Establishes the order in which unpaid claims are to be paid. Limits the liability of the United States to the amount in the Trust Fund. Provides for Trust Fund borrowing, as repayable advances, from the General Fund of the Treasury. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth effective dates and conforming amendments. Directs the President, in cooperation with the Comptroller General, to study possible incentives for safer operation of vessels and facilities to prevent oil discharges, and to report to the Congress by July 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide medical assistance to: (1) any woman whose resources do not exceed specified limitations, for care and services provided during pregnancy and during the 60 day period beginning on the last day of such pregnancy; and (2) any child born as a result of such pregnancy, until the end of such 60 day period.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Urges the President to extend for three years the orderly marketing agreements between the United States and Taiwan and between the United States and South Korea which limit the exportation from Taiwan and South Korea of nonrubber footwear to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1981
Enhanced Oil Recovery Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the windfall profit tax domestic crude oil produced by the holder of an interest in a front-end tertiary project on a qualified property for the period from the acquisition of the interest (or January 27, 1981, whichever is later) until the windfall profit tax that would be imposed equals the amount of the allowed expenses paid or incurred on or after April 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1981
Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate: (1) minimum standards for the accreditation of educational programs to train individuals to perform radiologic procedures; (2) minimum standards for the certification of persons who administer radiologic procedures; and (3) Federal radiation guidelines with respect to radiologic procedures. Directs the Secretary to provide a model law for radiologic procedure safety to the States, which makes it unlawful for non-certified individuals to perform radiologic procedures and limits educational requirements for certification to accredited programs. Requires the Secretary to reduce financial assistance under the Public Health Service Act to States which fail to meet the minimum Federal standards within three years of the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt specific assistance in the public interest. Applies standards promulgated under this Act to all Federal agencies but directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to prescribe regulations making the standards applicable to veterans' facilities. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on the regulations promulgated under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Veterans' Administration Health Care Amendments of 1981 - Entitles the United States to recover the costs of certain medical care and services furnished to a veteran for a non-service-connected disability when such disability is covered by another form of insurance or compensation. Sets forth the formula and procedure for the United States' recovery against the insurer or other entity. Subrogates the United States to the rights of such veteran. Extends for one year the period during which funds appropriated for the establishment of a new State medical school may be expended. Amends the Veterans Health Programs Extension and Improvement Act of 1979 to permit the expansion of the scope of the epidemiological study of the health effects of Agent Orange to include an evaluation of the long term adverse health effects in humans serving in the armed forces of the United States in Vietnam during the Vietnamese conflict or other factors involved in such service, including exposure to other herbicides, chemicals, medications, or environmental hazards or conditions. Permits the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to expand the scope of the literature analysis and review to include an analysis and review of the literature covering other studies relating to the effects of such factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations establishing guidelines, standards, and criteria for resolving claims for benefits based on exposure to Agent Orange and such other factors during such conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Antiterrorism Act of 1981 - Directs the President to report biannually to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on acts of international terrorism or within 60 days of an incident affecting U.S. citizens or property. Directs the President to submit to Congress a list of nations which have demonstrated a pattern of support for international terrorism. Specifies sanctions to be imposed upon such nations, including: (1) denial of foreign assistance; (2) an embargo on the sale of any defense articles or extension of credit under the Arms Export Control Act; (3) denial of an export license with respect to commodities or technical data which would enhance any such nation's military or terrorist capabilities; (4) disallowance of duty-free treatment under the Trade Act of 1974; and (5) denial of entry to nationals for the purpose of education in subjects having military application. Provides a Congressional veto procedure by concurrent resolution regarding a Presidential request to remove a foreign state from the list. Permits the President to suspend application of these sanctions in the interests of national security after consulting with the appropriate Congressional committees. Authorizes the President to exercise other appropriate sanctions. Directs the President to submit biannually to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a Report on Federal and International Capabilities to Combat Terrorism, which includes a comprehensive and specific review of Federal antiterrorism organization, policies, and activities. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to assess the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports and report such assessments to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary, after notifying the appropriate foreign authorities, to restrict operations at foreign airports failing to bring their security measures to the standards and recommendations set forth at the Montreal Convention on International Civil Aviation. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to foreign governments for promoting aviation security. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for such purpose. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to empower the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to authorize FAA employees to carry firearms in connection with their air transportation security duties and to make arrests. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure more effective cooperation in combating international terrorism and to develop standards and programs to insure the full implementation of the provisions of the Montreal Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation. Amends the Federal criminal code to redefine the offense of "destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities" to, among other revisions: (1) prohibit communicating false information which endangers any aircraft in flight; (2) prohibit any act of violence against any individual on an aircraft which is likely to endanger the aircraft in service; and (3) define "in service" to mean pre- and post-flight ground preparation. Establishes criminal penalties for whoever commits an offense in violation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation and is afterward found in the United States. Establishes a new Federal crime of "imparting or conveying threats" to commit an act which would constitute the felony of aircraft sabotage if executed. Amends the Federal Aviation Act to establish civil penalties for conveying false information regarding aircraft crimes and concealing a deadly weapon while boarding an aircraft. Makes any person who willfully and maliciously conveys false information criminally liable.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Export of Hazardous Wastes Control Act of 1981 - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to permit the export of hazardous wastes from the United States only pursuant to a validated export license. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue a license only: (1) after consultation with specified Federal officials; and (2) if the Secretary is satisfied that the importing country's government has been fully informed about, and agrees to, the shipment. Makes such conditions applicable to all exports of hazardous wastes. Directs the Secretary to list annually for Congress: (1) hazardous wastes for which validated export licenses are required; (2) the number and type of applications received for the export of such wastes; and (3) hazardous wastes for which export licenses were granted.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Airline Deregulation Act Amendments of 1981 - Repeals specified provisions of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 that repealed rate-setting, division of rates, and through service provisions of such Act. Transfers authority over such provisions from the Civil Aeronautics Board to the Secretary of Transportation as of January 1, 1983. Transfers to the Secretary, as of December 31, 1981, authority over terminations, reductions, and suspensions of air carrier service. Directs the Secretary to give priority to applicants who apply for aircraft loan guarantees for the purchase of limited seating airplanes. Terminates the authority of the Secretary with regard to aircraft loans and loan guarantees 12 years after the date of enactment of this Act. Increases to 180 days the notice required before an air carrier may terminate, suspend, or reduce specified air transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named hospital in full satisfaction of a claim against the United States to reimburse such hospital for settlements made in civil suits brought against the hospital as a result of such hospital carrying out a program of the Department of Health and Human Services.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the manufacture, importation, installation, offer to sell, rent, or lease, or other distribution of telephone receivers or similar equipment manufactured after the date of enactment of this Act for use in connection with any interstate or foreign communication, unless such receiver or equipment is designed and manufactured to permit telephone reception by means of hearing aids with inductive receptors.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Equal Access to Communications Act of 1981 - Title I: Access to Government - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, after consultation with specified organizations with special knowledge of the problems of deaf persons, to select at least five Federal agencies with which deaf persons have the greatest need for communication and have installed in each such agency and its regional offices a device which permits two-way communication of textual messages in alphanumeric form by telephone lines. Directs the Secretary to select an additional 100 locations for installation of such devices which shall be available to deaf people for their use in communicating with the agencies selected under this Act and with Members of Congress who choose to install such a device. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information about the availability of such devices as widely as possible to local organizations of the deaf. Directs that at least one employee be available during normal working hours at each location where such devices are located to assist deaf persons in the use of such devices. Authorizes appropriations for the above activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to any State or local government for installing telecommunications devices for the deaf in government agencies and other locations in a program to be identical to the Federal program established by this Act. Sets the level of such grants at 75 percent of the cost of installing and operating such devices. Authorizes annual continuing grants for such purposes. Requires the Secretary to seek the cooperation of the Administrator of General Services in having transferred to States any telecommunications devices for the deaf categorized as Federal surplus property. Authorizes appropriations for such grant and transferral programs. Requires that any Member of Congress making a written request for a telecommunications device for the deaf be provided with one. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to install such a device at the central switchboard in the United States Capitol. Requires at least one employee trained in the use of such device for the deaf to be available during normal working hours to provide assistance to deaf persons. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress within two years after the installation of the first device under this Act describing the effectiveness of the programs established by this Act and making recommendations on the continuation and expansion of such programs. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for an amount not to exceed $200 equal to 75 percent of the expenses paid by deaf or speech-impaired individuals for the use of toll telephone service by means of teletypewriters. Allows an income tax deduction for 50 percent of the expenses incurred by blind, deaf, or speech impaired individuals in purchasing or installing a teletypewriter. Limits the amount of such deduction to $200 for each teletypewriter.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
National Harbor Improvement Act of 1981 - Establishes the Interagency Harbor Development Task Force to: (1) review feasibility studies of and prepare reports on harbor improvements; and (2) develop national harbor development plans for five-, ten-, and fifteen-year periods. Sets forth criteria to be observed by the Chief of Engineers in evaluating the desirability of a proposed project. Specifies that the feasibility study of a proposed project shall be conducted by the District Engineer for the district in which such project is to be undertaken. Directs the Chief of Engineers, within 18 months after the date of the beginning of such study, to transmit such study to the Task Force. Directs the Task Force to review such study, including comments thereon by interested States and agencies, and examine means of financing such project. Directs the Task Force, within 45 days of receipt of such feasibility study, to report its findings and recommendations to the President. Directs the President, within 90 days of receipt, to transmit such report to specified Congressional committees. Provides for veto of proposed harbor improvement projects described in such report by disapproval of either House of Congress within 45 days. Sets forth procedures by which such disapproval shall be considered. States that advanced engineering and design work on an authorized project shall be completed by a specified date. Directs the President to submit to Congress in his budget request for the fiscal year following completion of such work a request for funds for construction of such project. Specifies the Federal share of such construction costs. Directs the Federal Government to assume all operation and maintenance costs of such projects for a specified period of time. Decreases the Federal share of such costs to a certain level according to a specified schedule. Authorizes appropriations, with specified limitations, to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Public Buildings Act of 1980 - Title I: General Authorities - Gives the Administrator of General Services (GSA), acting through the Public Buildings Service, sole authority to acquire, design, construct, lease, manage, maintain, repair, renovate, and assign space in public buildings. Establishes in GSA a Public Buildings Service to be headed by a Commissioner of Public Buildings. Creates the position of Supervising Architect to supervise all design activities of the Public Buildings Service. Permits the Administrator to delegate any of the aforementioned authorities to an agency head with respect to the public buildings needs of such agency. Requires the Administrator to annually report to Congress concerning activities undertaken to meet the public buildings needs of Federal agencies. Specifies lists to be included in such report. Requires the Administrator to maintain specified information in order to keep Congress fully informed. Directs the Administrator to require, prior to executing any lease or other contract which would obligate funds in excess of $10,000 authorized pursuant to this Act, a certification from the owner of the space to be leased or the contractor. Requires such certification to include statements and declarations that such owner or contractor, or any of his officers or principal employees: (1) has no business or employment relationship or interest or holding which constitutes a conflict of interest; (2) has not offered or promised anything of value to a public official with the intent to influence any official act or to induce the official to perform any act in violation of his lawful duties; (3) has not been debarred or suspended from the award of public contracts; (4) has not had a public contract terminated for default; and (5) has not been convicted, within ten years prior to the date of the solicitation, of, or is not currently under indictment for or otherwise charged with, specified offenses. Makes the Administrator responsible for the interpretation of all contracts entered into to carry out this Act. Requires the GSA to furnish to specified Congressional committees, by April 30, 1982, a survey report describing all of the steam generating units it owns or operates with a heat input rate of 50 million Btu/hour or greater. Sets forth the information such report shall contain. Repeals the Public Buildings Act of 1959. Title II: Locations for Federal Agency Offices - Requires the headquarters offices of each Federal agency to be located in the National Capital region. Requires regional, district, area, or local Federal agency offices to be centrally located or within easy transportation access of the populations they serve or other offices with which they must maintain frequent communication. Requires other Federal agency offices to be distributed throughout the country generally in proportion to the geographic distribution of the population. Sets forth criteria to be used in locating, planning for, and consolidating the public buildings needs of Federal agencies. Permits agency heads and the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to appeal locations assigned by the Administrator. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall require the relocation of any office from its present location. Title III: Design and Management of Public Buildings - Sets forth requirements for the design and maintenance of public buildings, including quality of architecture, energy efficiency, conformity with existing buildings, furnishings, and parking facilities for motor vehicles and bicycles. Requires the head of the agency concerned to: (1) submit standards assuring compliance with the minimum requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; and (2) prescribe regulations to assure conformity with such standards. Requires that the annual plan to Congress include a schedule for making all existing public buildings conform with such standards and regulations. Authorizes the Administrator, upon the request of local and State officials, to name a public building after, and establish a memorial therein in honor of, any person who has made notable contributions to government, science, industry, education, the arts, or other fields of human endeavor. Title IV: Mixed Use and Adaptive Use in Public Buildings - Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act of 1976 to direct the Administrator to design, construct, and lease out space for commercial, cultural, educational, and recreational activities. Sets forth conditions for space so leased. Repeals provisions requiring the Administrator to: (1) identify existing buildings of historic, architectural, or cultural significance suitable for meeting Federal public buildings needs; and (2) notify Congress of the use or nonuse of such buildings. Title V: Exhibitions and Works of Art - Federal Building Enhancement Act of 1981 - Directs the Administrator to: (1) acquire works of art by living American artists to be exhibited in Federal buildings; (2) develop exhibitions for Federal buildings that reflect the heritage or development of the United States; and (3) commission works of art by American artists for Federal buildings. Sets forth standards such works of art and exhibitions shall meet. Requires the Administrator to avoid the development of an official style in architecture or art. Authorizes the Administrator to use one-half of one percent of the sums available for the construction, repair, and acquisition of public buildings for such purposes and one-twentieth of one percent of the sums available for the lease of buildings for such purposes. Title VI: Architectural Services - Directs the Administrator to employ architects, designers, and urban planners to prepare, under the supervision of the Supervising Architect, plans for such public building projects as the Commissioner of Public Buildings may designate. Requires those architectural designs not prepared in accordance with the above to be procured in accordance with the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and requires a design competition between at least three qualified architectural firms, with respect to at least half of the projects expected to cost more than $5,000,000. Directs the Administrator to make public the reasons for the selection made. Requires that firms participating in such competition receive no more than one-half of one percent of the expected project costs. Title VII: Leasing - Specifies that within the next ten years at least 60 percent, and within 20 years no fewer than 75 percent, of Federal employees shall have their principal offices in public buildings, with such percentage being maintained uniformly throughout the country. Prohibits the Administrator from contracting for the construction of any building other than one Government-owned except under specified circumstances. Prohibits leasing space for specified Federal functions unless necessary to meet immediate and urgent requirements. Exempts buildings leased pursuant to this Act from provisions requiring money consideration and limiting the amount of rent. Prohibits rental rates from exceeding current commercial rates for space of nearest comparable quality. Requires the Administrator to publicly solicit competitive bids to procure space by lease for the Government. Directs the Administrator to provide a copy of the lease agreement to the highest ranking official of each Federal agency in leased buildings. Title VIII: Congressional Authorization - Directs the Administrator to submit annually to Congress a program of necessary projects and actions for the coming fiscal year. Directs the Administrator: (1) to certify that public hearings have been held or the opportunity for same afforded for each major project in such report; and (2) to provide a final environmental impact statement for such projects. Prohibits the obligation of any appropriation for a public building without Congressional authorization. Requires appropriations for the cost of completion of any public building or the total cost of a lease before construction may commence or a lease entered. Authorizes appropriations to the Public Buildings Service for fiscal year 1982 with specified amounts earmarked for: (1) the construction, acquisition, or renovation of public buildings in specified localities; (2) alteration of leased buildings and lease agreements; (3) planning and preliminary design of projects; (4) real property operations; (5) program direction; and (6) other obligations. Reserves a portion of such funds for unanticipated changes and requires the submission of an explanatory statement on such changes to specified Congressional committees before such funds may be obligated. Authorizes the Administrator to increase expenditures or decrease the amount of space to be constructed, up to specified limits, if the project costs exceed the estimated maximum cost authorized . Directs the Administrator to report to specified Congressional committees. Requires Congressional approval of any other action. Title IX: Public Building Financing - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require rates and charges for public buildings and buildings leased on behalf of the United States to be established annually at a level approximating commercial rates, but not less than the costs of providing space and services. Authorizes the Administrator to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury in order to finance the acquisition, construction, or renovation of any public building. Provides for payment of principal and interest on such obligations from the fund for real property management. Title X: Miscellaneous - Makes this Act effective October 1, 1981.