United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to give first or fourth visa preference (sons and daughters of U.S. citizens) to an alien who was fathered by a U.S. serviceman after 1950 in Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Thailand, or the Philippines. Requires a five-year financial support guarantee signed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor. Allows the Attorney General to enforce such guarantee against the sponsor in a civil suit unless such sponsor dies or is adjudicated bankrupt.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of the presence of the bald eagle on the official seal of the United States of America. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination applicable to first-class mail up to one ounce in weight. Directs that such stamp shall be issued during the week of June 20, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Expresses the objection of Congress to the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, conformal fuel tanks, AIM- 9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and aerial refueling aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Geothermal Energy Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the percentage depletion allowance for any geothermal energy source (currently, such energy must be in "deposits"). Qualifies for the residential energy credit and the investment tax credit all of the equipment of a system using both geothermal energy and a source not eligible for a credit if geothermal energy provides more than 80 percent of the energy for which the system was designed. Allows such credits for portions of such systems which produce, distribute, or use a source of energy which is at least 50 percent geothermal energy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1981
Social Security Amendments of 1981 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to permit the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund to borrow funds from the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund or the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund whenever the assets of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund are less than 20 percent of its disbursements for the 12 months preceding the borrowing. Provides for repayment of any such loan. Requires the Board to report to Congress on any funds borrowed. Amends titles II and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of one representative of employers, one representative of employees, one representative of beneficiaries, and one individual highly qualified in the management of investment funds. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to prohibit the inclusion of receipts and disbursements of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and receipts from the taxes on employers, employees, and self-employment income in the totals of the Federal budget. Exempts such receipts and disbursements from any general statutory limitation on Federal budget outlays and from the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974 (except impoundment control provisions). Requires the President to transmit to Congress requests for new budget authority and estimates of outlays and revenues for the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund separately from the Federal budget, beginning in fiscal year 1983. Requires separate budget provisions for such Trust Fund in any concurrent resolution on the budget being considered by Congress, beginning in fiscal year 1984. Prohibits the inclusion of provisions relating to receipts and disbursements of such Trust Fund in any reconciliation bill. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to prepare separate statements of expenditures for such Trust Fund. Amends title II of the Social Security Act to direct the Treasury to implement procedures for identifying social security benefit checks issued under title II which have not been negotiated within 365 days and to credit the appropriate social security trust fund on a monthly basis for the amount of all unnegotiated benefit checks drawn on such trust fund. Requires the Secretary to pay a benefit check presented for payment after it has been credited to one of the trust funds if it is otherwise proper. Authorizes the issuance of a currently dated benefit check to an individual who did not negotiate the original benefit check and who surrenders such check for cancellation if it is necessary to effect proper payment of benefits. Authorizes appropriations to reimburse the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for the total amount of unnegotiated benefit checks.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1981
Hunger Elimination and Global Security Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should make development of poor countries and the eradication of poverty and hunger the primary objective of U.S. foreign policy. Directs the President to designate certain foreign aid programs as Hunger Relief and Prevention Assistance. Title I: Public Law 480 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to replace the provision describing self-help programs developed under agreements for the sale of farm products for foreign currency and long-term-dollar-credit. Requires such agreements to describe the self-help programs and to provide for the termination of the agreement or adjustment of its credit terms whenever the President finds that the program is not being carried out as specified in the agreement. Prohibits termination or credit adjustment of such an agreement if the President reports to Congress that: (1) such action would threaten U.S. security; or (2) the program was not carried out because of circumstances beyond the control of the recipient country. Requires the self-help measures to be sufficiently described so that the primary beneficiaries of the agreement will be needy people. Defines "needy people." Requires such measures to be in addition to measures that the recipient country would otherwise have taken. Directs the President to verify that such measures are being carried out and to report to the appropriate congressional committees on such verification and on the additional nature of such measures. Title II: Multilateral Development Banks - Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to work within certain multilateral development banks to establish a requirement that not less than 50 percent of such banks' lending must benefit needy people. Requires the Secretaries of State and Treasury to report to Congress annually on establishing such requirement. Title III: World Food Security - Directs the President to encourage other grain exporting countries to establish their own food security reserves or take other measures that complement the U.S. food security reserve. Directs the President to report to Congress on actions taken with respect to such food security reserves. Directs the President to negotiate with other countries and with certain organizations to try to ensure that the benefits of the food financing facility recently approved by the International Monetary Fund be directed to effect the maximum feasible reduction in hunger and malnutrition. Directs the President to report to Congress on such negotiations. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the Secretary of Commerce from imposing export controls on food if such controls would cause measurable malnutrition in the countries against whom the controls are proposed unless the President determines such controls are necessary to protect U.S. national security. Title IV: Basic Human Needs Agreement - Requires a Basic Human Needs Agreement between the United States and a foreign country before the foreign country may receive bilateral development assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Exempts from such requirement assistance for narcotics control, disaster relief, or peacekeeping operations. Sets forth the goals of such agreements. Title V: Relief and Prevention of Starvation - African Assistance and Hunger Prevention Act - Requires at least 50 percent of all U.S. international development assistance funds beginning in fiscal year 1983 to be used to finance productive facilities primarily for the absolutely poor. Defines the "absolutely poor." Requires special emphasis to be placed on alleviating hunger in sub-Saharan Africa and on the role of women in farm production in that region. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to earmark for the food for development program a specified percentage of the aggregate value of all agreements entered into under the program for the sale of farm products for foreign currency and long-term-dollar-credit. Requires certain commodities and funds to be used to establish grain reserves in famine prone African nations or to otherwise prepare for food shortages in those nations. Title VI: General Provisions - Expresses the sense of Congress that the President, acting through the Director of the Peace Corps, should emphasize projects to alleviate hunger and malnutrition by encouraging agricultural self-sufficiency in countries where Peace Corps volunteers are serving.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
Title I: Policy - Expresses the need to establish and maintain a uniform Federal policy for the management and use of the results of federally sponsored science and technology research and development. Title II: Implementation - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate, direct, and review the implementation and administration of this policy through consultation with Federal agencies and departments. Authorizes the Secretary to assist agencies in promoting licensing, utilization, and protection of Federal inventions both here and aboard and to receive fees and royalties. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on these activities, including relevent statistical data and recommendations. Terminates the authority of the Secretary under this Act seven years after enactment. Title III: Allocations of Rights-Government Contractors - Grants each agency title to any invention made under contract with that agency upon certification to the Secretary that the services of the contractor are for the operation of Federal research centers, if necessary to protect intelligence activities, or to further the policy of this Act. Requires Federal agency research contracts to: (1) require periodic written reports on the commercial utilization of the invention; (2) reserve to the United States at least an irrevocable, nonexclusive, nontransferable, paid-up license to make, use, and sell the invention; and (3) employ a single patent rights clause, detailing the time limits and obligations of each party for moving on the invention. Grants the contractor the right to retain title to the invention, subject to the right of the Federal agency to require its commercial utilization through licensing specified terms. Permits an agency to waive its rights if to do so would be in the public interest. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Expresses the objection of Congress to the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, conformal fuel tanks, Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and aerial refueling aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a specially struck gold medal to the widow of Roy Wilkins. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980, as amended by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, to repeal the termination date for the partial tax exclusion of dividends and interest. Increases the amount of such exclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Secretary of Commerce dealing with the Federal consistency provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Directs the President to immediately begin consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the purpose of modifying the Board of Governors' monetary policy to significantly reduce interest rates within the next 90 days. Requires such consultations to include modifications in the areas of: (1) reserve requirements; (2) Federal Open Market Committee activities; and (3) the Federal Reserve discount rate.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Benedict Scott be released from prison in the Soviet Union and be allowed to emigrate. Urges the President and other officials to express at each opportunity U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Benedict Scott.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for carrying out the activities of the Legal Services Corporation in the amount of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Directs the Corporation to make funds available for legal assistance furnished by private attorneys.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that the duty to bargain collectively includes bargaining with respect to retirement benefits for retired employees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1981
Establishes within the National Institutes of Health the Office of Drugs of Limited Commercial Value under the direction of the Director of the National Institutes of Health. Establishes within the Office an advisory council to advise the Director and make recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services respecting the time required for drug approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance to entities for the development of drugs of limited commercial value, defined as a drug for a condition or disease of low incidence, to undertake the development of such drugs, undertake studies to determine the potential and need for specific drugs, and coordinate the efforts of public and private entities engaged in the development of such drugs. Requires the submission and approval of an application containing the scientific basis for the development and the proposed therapeutic use of the drug and other specified information before financial assistance is provided. Requires each entity receiving funds to keep specified records. Requires the Director to report to Congress within two years on the effectiveness of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1981, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over: (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual of an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1981
Petroleum Disruption Management Act of 1981 - Title I: Sequential Management Authority and Activation - Directs the President to prescribe (and transmit to Congress for approval) four petroleum disruption management programs: (1) a Strategic Petroleum Reserve distribution program; (2) a private dedicated reserve program (PDR); (3) a national crude oil sharing program; and (4) a petroleum product disruption management program. Prohibits approval of a program unless each House of Congress, within 30 days of transmittal of a program, passes a resolution approving the program. Requires the President to submit a revised program if any program is not approved. Provides for the activation of a program whenever the President determines that a substantial or severe crude oil or energy supply disruption or interruption exists or is imminent, or a program is necessary in order to comply with the international energy program, and an approving joint resolution is passed within six days of transmittal. Limits such programs to 120 days duration. Permits the President to request successive 120-day extensions. Title II: Private Crude Oil and Petroleum Product Storage Incentives - Directs the President to report on the advisability and alternative means of: (1) reducing the tax liability of persons who draw down crude oil and petroleum product reserves during oil supply disruptions; and (2) providing tax or other incentives for the construction of private-sector oil and petroleum product storage facilities and the maintenance of increased private-sector crude oil or petroleum product reserves. Title III: Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Private Dedicated Reserve Distribution - Authorizes the President to distribute crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, upon a determination that a substantial crude oil disruption exists, in amounts not in excess of 300,000 barrels daily for no more than 90 days annually. Provides for such distributions on a pro rata basis. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prohibit the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan from becoming effective unless each House of Congress passes a resolution approving the Plan within 30 days of the Plan's transmittal to Congress. Requires that during a substantial crude oil disruption allocation shall be as provided for in this Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress a report evaluating the expansion of the physical capacity of the Reserve through the use of temporary storage facilities. Directs the President to promulgate a rule establishing a PDR. Requires the rule establishing the PDR to: (1) provide for the equitable distribution of crude oil at competitive prices; (2) require designated refiners to provide crude oil to any qualified refiner experiencing a supply disruption; (3) distribute crude oil to such qualified refiners to permit them to operate at 95 percent of the national utilization rate; (4) provide that the obligation of each designated refiner to sell crude oil to qualified refiners shall be a given percentage of each designated refiner's average crude oil runs to distallation units during the previous 12 months; and (5) provide that the price paid by a qualified refiner will not exceed a stated level. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report determining the minimum volume of reserves to be maintained in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and analyzing the advisability of distributing crude oil from the Reserve in lieu of activating the PDR. Title IV: National Crude Oil Sharing Program - Directs the President to promulgate a rule establishing a national crude oil sharing program. Requires the rule establishing such program to: (1) provide for the equitable sharing of crude oil at competitive prices among all regions during a severe disruption; (2) require refiners to offer for sale any crude oil supplies that would permit their refineries to operate in excess of the national utilization rate; (3) assure that refiners are able to purchase sufficient crude oil to permit operation at the national utilization rate; (4) provide that the price paid by a refiner will not exceed the weight-averaged price during the previous 60-day period; (5) provide for directives requiring a refiner to adjust the percentage yield of a refined petroleum product in order to increase output of that product in a time of short supply; and (6) provide for the adjustment of the quantities of crude oil allocated among refiners so as to ensure desired production levels. Title V: Petroleum Product Programs - Directs the President to promulgate a standby regulation which when implemented will provide for the mandatory allocation of refined petroleum products produced in or imported into the country in amounts specified in and at ceiling prices specified in such regulation. Requires the standby regulation to provide for: (1) protection of public health, safety, and welfare (including maintenance of residential heating), and national defense; (2) maintenance of all public services; (3) maintenance of agricultural operations; (4) preservation of an economically sound and competitive petroleum industry; (5) equitable distribution of refined petroleum products at equitable prices; (6) allocation of refined petroleum products necessary to explore for and extract fuels and minerals; (7) economic efficiency; and (8) minimization of economic distortion. Requires the standby regulation, in specifying prices, to provide for a dollar-for-dollar pass through of net increases in the cost of crude oil and refined petroleum products at all levels of distribution from the producer to the retail level. Requires such regulation to provide for the establishment of a State set-aside program for refined petroleum products to be activated on a State-by-State basis. Provides that authority to carry out any rationing contingency plan under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act shall expire when this Act becomes effective. Title VI: Establishment of Advisory, Data Collection and Coordination Functions - Directs the President to establish: (1) an Energy Emergency Council, to be composed of members of the executive branch, to advise the President on matters relevant to the implementation of this Act and the activation and management of its programs; and (2) an Energy Advisory Committee, to consist of members of the petroleum industry and consumers, to advise the President and the Council on matters relevant to the implementation of this Act and the activation and management of its programs. Directs the Council, after consultation with the Committee, to evaluate the current energy information collection and monitoring systems within the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to inform the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration whether the energy information now being collected is sufficient, whether changes are needed, and if so, to direct the Administrator to make the necessary changes. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report examining the standards for activation of the programs. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth provisions relating to administration and enforcement, including: (1) application of provisions of the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 to regulations, orders, and Presidential actions undertaken pursuant to this Act; and (2) setting forth monetary penalties for violations of this Act. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to include any rule, regulation, or order issued under this Act in adjustment provisions to prevent special hardship or inequity. Extends, until October 1, 1989, the authority for international voluntary agreements with respect to the International Energy Program under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Terminates this Act on October 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination used for first-class mail up to one ounce in weight and shall be placed on sale on March 12, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Airline Deregulation Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to modify the definition of "ticket agent" as used in such Act. Directs air carriers to file with the Civil Aeronautics Board until December 31, 1982, individual and joint fares and charges, classifications, rules, and services for or in connection with interstate and overseas passenger air transportation. Requires that such filings shall be made to the Secretary of Transportation between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 1984. Prohibits air carriers and ticket agents from charging or collecting greater or less or different compensation than that specified in such filings. Transfers the authority of the Board relating to foreign air transportation to the Department of Transportation. Accelerates to January 1, 1983, the transfer of specified authority of the Board. Allows the Board to approve any contract or agreement that reduces or eliminates competition if it finds that the contract or agreement is necessary to secure important public benefits, including the marketing and sale of transportation through ticket agents. Sets forth the expiration dates for specified authority of the Secretary relating to contract approvals. Revises the expiration date and contents of the Secretary's (formerly the Board's) report to Congress concerning the implementation of such Act. Prohibits the Board from issuing any final order or rule in regard to agreements among air carriers and agreements among foreign air carriers insofar as those agreements provide for the accreditation and supervision of travel agents. Directs the Board to forward the recommendations and analyses concerning such proceedings to the Secretary for final disposition. Prohibits the Board and the Department from attaching an expiration date on any certificate of public convenience and necessity. Deletes provisions concerning the issuance of such certificates for temporary authority to provide air transportation. Permits an air carrier to file an application with the Secretary seeking to revoke a temporary or experimental certificate to engage in foreign air transportation. Directs the Secretary to grant such application according to specified criteria. Requires that each air carrier or foreign air carrier shall keep on file with the Board after January 1, 1983, the established divisions of all joint rates, fares, and charges for air transportation in which such carrier participates.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Low-Income Fuel and Weatherization Supplementary Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to assist households with incomes below a specified level to meet home energy costs. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 to carry out such program 100 percent of all funds received by the Federal Government from collections and settlements for fuel overcharges, less all identifiable legitimate claims for such overcharges. Grants to the Governor of a State the discretion to allocate such grants as needed. Allocates funds for States, U.S. territories and possessions, and Indian tribes. Requires that a reasonable amount of such funds be reserved by each State for energy crisis intervention. Requires a State to submit to the Secretary an application for each fiscal year. Conditions allotments after the first fiscal year in which a State receives funds on the holding of public hearings in such State on the use and distribution of such funds. Requires that an applicant State agree to: (1) use such funds in accordance with this Act; (2) describe the households eligible for home energy assistance and give priority to certain households; (3) conduct outreach activities to inform people of the availability of such assistance; (4) coordinate activities with similar State and Federal programs; (5) describe the amount of assistance to be provided to participating households; (6) give special consideration in designating local administrative agencies to local public or private nonprofit agencies receiving funds under any other low-income energy assistance or weatherization program; (7) establish notification procedures in connection with direct payments by the State to home energy suppliers; (8) treat owners and renters equitably under the program under this Act; (9) use a maximum of ten percent of the State allotment for administrative expenses; (10) provide for fiscal control and fund accounting procedures and prepare an annual audit of expenditures under such program; and (11) cooperate with any Federal investigations pursuant to this Act. Requires the State to repay to the United States any amounts not expended under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to offset such amounts against future grants to such State. Prohibits exclusion from participation in, or denial of benefits from, any program or activity funded under this Act on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. Directs the Secretary to withhold funds from any State which does not use its allotment in accordance with this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding funds from a State for a minor failure to comply with this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct investigations in States to evaluate and insure compliance with this Act. Prohibits the use of grants under this Act for the purchase or improvement of land or for the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement of any building or facility, except under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the parties to the major league baseball strike should enter into round-the-clock negotiations to reach a settlement.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit the National Credit Union Administration Board to authorize a merger or consolidation of an insured credit union which is insolvent or is in danger of insolvency with any other insured credit union. Permits the Board to authorize a purchase and assumption by an insured credit union of all or any part of the assets and liabilities of any other insured credit union which is insolvent or in danger of insolvency if the Board is satisfied that any emergency requiring expeditious action exists with respect to such credit union and that other alternatives are not reasonably available.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1981
Airline Subsidy Reduction Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Civil Aeronautics Board from paying any compensation to an air carrier for the transportation of mail: (1) to or from specified airports; and (2) between points within the State of Alaska. Directs that rates of compensation paid for such transportation shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of a specified local service class subsidy rate. Alters the date after which an air carrier may file an application with the Board to have such compensation terminated. Directs the Board and the Secretary of Transportation, by January 1, 1982, to report to Congress on the possibility of limiting subsidy payments for small community air service. Sets forth the effective dates of various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Regulatory Negotiation Act of 1981 - Title I: General Provisions - Defines a "regulatory negotiation commission" as a group formed voluntarily by private individuals to study one or more regulatory issues. Declares that the group shall be composed of representatives of the major positions on the regulatory issues and shall attempt to negotiate a consensus on recommendations for regulatory policy. Title II: Funds for Regulatory Negotiation Commissions - Directs the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to establish a pilot program to provide funds to create and operate five regulatory negotiation commissions during fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Requires the Chairman to publicize the availability of such funds for commissions on regulatory policy in the areas of health, safety, and the environment. Sets forth: (1) the required contents of applications for funding; (2) the criteria for approving a commission to receive funds; and (3) restrictions on the use of funds. Prohibits the Chairman from approving an application unless the Chairman is satisfied that the major interests will be represented or allowed to participate in the commission's activities. Directs each funded commission to issue a final report outlining areas of consensus, areas of disagreement, and recommendations. Requires a Federal agency to send an observer to any public meeting of a funded commission at the commission's request. Authorizes the observer to make suggestions to the commission and to report to his or her agency on commission activities, but not to represent the agency or negotiate policy. Directs agencies to transmit comments on commission reports to Congress for potential review and action and to consider seriously the recommendations of any commission not funded under this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous - Exempts regulatory negotiation commissions from provisions of Federal law governing ex parte communications with an agency, specified provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Requires the Chairman to report to Congress on the pilot program established under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the exclusion of interest on mortgage subsidy bonds. Repeals provisions which allow tax-exempt status for such bonds if 95 percent of the mortgages financed by such issues are in compliance with stated requirements. Provides that a showing that the issuing authority has tried in good faith to satisfy all requirements will cure a failure to meet any particular requirement if such failure is corrected within a reasonable time after its discovery. Allows bondholders to rely upon an issuer's good faith covenant as to compliance. Revises the new homeowner requirements to allow eligibility for bond-financed mortgages for persons who are residing in substandard housing or who have lost their homes because of natural disasters or governmental action. Changes the method of determining the average area purchase price for purposes of the purchase price requirements for bond-financed mortgages. Specifies that the average area purchase price shall not include residences which are not typically financed through normal real estate mortgage loans and that such prices may be determined separately for new and previously occupied homes. Revises the arbitrage requirements to increase the amount by which interest rates on tax-exempt mortgage subsidy bonds may exceed the interest rates on mortgages financed with such bonds. Changes the method of determining the yield on an issue. Specifies that issuers are not required to dispose of any investment and realize a loss in order to satisfy arbitrage restrictions. Allows two or more qualified mortgage bond issues of a single issuer to be combined for purposes of determining compliance with arbitrage requirements. Permits issuers to maintain a reasonable reserve against investment losses and to allocate credits or payments between eligible mortgagors. Exempts mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration from certain mortgage assumption requirements. Includes energy impacted areas within the definition of targeted areas for purposes of the special treatment of targeted area residences. Transfers to the States the authority to designate areas of chronic economic distress. Limits the designation of areas of chronic economic distress to 25 percent of the geographic area within a State. Redefines statistical areas to include two or more statistical areas combined. Repeals the registration requirements for bond issues.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest on industrial development bonds the proceeds of which are to be used to provide for the construction, reconstruction, erection, or acquisition of a beverage container facility used in connection with a law prohibiting or discouraging the sale of beverages in nonreturnable containers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns) of the interest earned on an All Savers Certificate in taxable years 1981, 1982, and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Airport and Airway Revenue Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the rate of tax imposed on fuel used in noncommercial aviation. Extends such tax to October 1, 1985. Reduces the airline ticket tax for individual travel from eight to three percent and the tax on the transportation of property from five to two percent. Extends the latter tax to September 30, 1985. Reinstates, and increases the rate of, the tax on the use of international travel facilities. Extends, to October 1, 1985, the tax on the taxable use of civil aircraft in commercial aviation. Amends the Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1970 to continue the transfers of such taxes to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund until October 1, 1985. Extends, to such date, the availability of Trust Fund assets for specified expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Entitles an air traffic controller to training if such controller: (1) is not a supervisor; (2) has completed at least eight years of service; (3) is not eligible for immediate retirement; (4) notifies the appropriate review board of any intention to apply for training; (5) submits an application which sets forth a proposed training program and includes a physician's certification that such employee is suited for training; (6) notifies the Secretary of an intention to participate in an approved training program; and (7) is to be removed from duty by the Secretary of Transportation because of medical disqualification, inability to maintain technical proficiency, or physical or mental health requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate Department of Transportation employees as regional career counselors who shall assist controllers in developing training programs; and (2) establish regional review boards to consider applications for training and evaluate training programs to determine whether such programs will result in successful training and job placement. Prohibits such a board from approving any program the duration of which exceeds two years. Requires that a controller, on request, receive assistance in being placed in a vacant position in another agency upon completion of training. Requires the Secretary to reimburse a controller for the expenses of approved training.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Olympic Coin Act of 1981 - Declares the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to provide for the minting of coins to commemorate the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games; and (2) to help finance those games without the use of tax revenues. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint: (1) not more than 30,000,000 copper-nickel clad coins with a face value of one dollar; (2) not more than 22,400,000 silver coins with a face value of ten dollars; (3) not more than 2,400,000 gold coins with a face value of fifty dollars; and (4) not more than 1,600,000 gold coins with a face value of one hundred dollars. Specifies the size and weight of such coins. Specifies that the designs of such coins shall be determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. Sets certain minting specifications for such coins. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee which shall provide for the implementation of the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to furnish such coins to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee at a price agreed to pursuant to such implementation agreement. Provides that all coins minted shall be delivered to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for distribution and sale to the public in accordance with the terms of the implementation agreement. Sets the delivery date for each series of coins. Provides that all proceeds received by the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee from the commercial sale of such coins shall be used for the purpose of staging and promoting the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and assisting the U.S. Olympic Committee and amateur athletics. Provides that all coins authorized by this Act shall be legal tender. Directs that no coins shall be minted pursuant to this Act after December 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Urban and Rural Revitalization Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of revitalization areas, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Commerce, by local governments which agree to take actions designed to stimulate the development of business and jobs in the area. Increases from 15 to 100 the permissible number of shareholders in a subchapter S corporation which is a qualified business within the meaning of this Act. Defines "qualified business" as a trade or business which is actively conducted in a revitalization area and whose work force is at least half comprised of residents of such an area. Allows accelerated depreciation for qualified businesses under the straight line method by using: (1) for aggregate bases of $500,000 or less, a three year useful life; and (2) for aggregate bases exceeding $500,000, a ten year useful life (in the case of buildings or structural components) or a three year useful life for other property. Allows the full investment tax credit for such property despite election of accelerated depreciation. Reduces the alternative tax on corporate capital gains and increases the capital gains deduction. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of a revitalization area has terminated. Permits any qualified business to elect to use the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting without regard to any inventory requirements. Allows an income tax credit for 12 percent of the wages paid during the taxable year to individuals who are employed in, and residents of, a revitalization area. Limits the wages considered for purposes of such credit to $15,000 for any individual.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Motor Vehicle Tax Repeal Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on the sale of trucks, tractors, and parts and accessories for such vehicles. Permits the refund or crediting of taxes paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer on items sold after January 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Expanded Ownership Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish, without expiration dates, an investment tax credit percentage income tax for contributions by an employer to a tax credit employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Sets the amount of such credit at a sum equal to the lesser of: (1) the aggregate value of employer securities transferred for the taxable year to a tax credit ESOP; or (2) one percent of the aggregate compensation paid or accrued during the taxable year to all employees under such a plan. Includes amounts of the credit as part of the investment tax credit amount. Denies business expense, production of income expense, or contribution to deferred-payment plan deductions for amounts required to be transferred to a tax credit ESOP. Allows an employer to take advantage of the investment tax credit even though he or she contributes employer securities to an ESOP with an aggregate value of less than one percent of the qualified investment. Allows an income tax deduction for employer contributions to an ESOP which are applied to the repayment of principal and interest on a loan incurred for the purpose of acquiring qualifying employer securities. Limits the deductible amount for principal contributions to 25 percent of the compensation otherwise paid or accrued to all employees under the plan for the taxable year. Exempts such an ESOP from the limitations otherwise imposed on annual additions to an employee stock ownership plan. Increases the permissible deduction for employer contributions made to both a stock bonus trust and a profit sharing trust if the additional amount deductible is attributable to a contribution of employer stock or amounts used for the acquisition of such stock. Allows an income tax deduction for cash dividends paid with respect to employer stock which is held by a tax credit ESOP or by a former employee or a beneficiary to whom the stock was distributed from a tax credit ESOP or an ESOP. Extends the partial exclusion for dividends received to such amounts. Excludes from the gross income of an ESOP or a tax credit ESOP participant any lump-sum distribution of employer securities (not to exceed $25,000) made from a qualified trust which is part of an ESOP or a tax credit ESOP. Deems contributions, bequests, or similar transfers of employer securities, under certain conditions, to an ESOP or to a tax credit ESOP as a deductible charitable contribution. Provides for nonrecognition of any long-term capital gain from the sale of small business stock to an ESOP, a tax credit ESOP, or a specified type of consumer cooperative, except to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of small business stock or small business investment company stock purchased by the taxpayer within 18 months after the date of such sale. Reduces the basis of such stock by the amount not recognized as gain. Prescribes a three-year statute of limitations for the assessment of any deficiency attributable to gain realized by the sale of small business stock. Relieves an estate of liability for payment of the estate tax to the extent that amounts of the tax are attributable to employer securities transferred to an ESOP pursuant to a written agreement guaranteeing that the tax will be paid by the plan in an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount of the tax imposed upon the acquired employer securities; or (2) the amount of the tax imposed on the gross estate reduced by the sum of allowable credits. Permits the payment of such tax in installments. Exempts such transfers from the tax on prohibited transactions. Permits the use of nonvoting stock in tax credit employer stock ownership plans. Permits a tax credit ESOP, where ownership of all outstanding employer securities is restricted to employees, to distribute benefits in cash although it does not permit a participant to exercise the right to demand that benefits be distributed in employer securities. Allows a stock bonus plan which distributes benefits in cash to qualify as a deferred compensation plan if benefits may be distributed in the form of any securities of the employer held by a tax credit ESOP. Allows financial institutions whose securities are not readily tradable to reduce the period for exercise of a put option to a period of at least 60 days following the date of distribution of employer stock and an additional such period in the following plan year. Permits a trust which is part of an ESOP or a tax credit ESOP to be a shareholder in a subchapter S corporation. Permits distributions from a tax credit ESOP of employer securities allocated to a participant's account in the case of a sale of the assets of a division or a sale of the stock of a subsidiary and the transfer of the participant to the employment of the acquiring entity. Includes provision of cafeteria plan benefits in qualified cash or deferred arrangements, for purposes of applying participation and discrimination standards to profit-sharing or stock bonus plans.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Anatoly Shcharansky be released from prison in the Soviet Union, be given proper medical treatment, and be permitted to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and the U.S. delegation to the Madrid Conference on Security and Cooperation to continue to express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Delinquent Payments Act of 1981 - Requires Federal agencies to pay interest on overdue payments to businesses for property or services. Specifies the procedure for computing such interest. Requires an agency to pay any such interest charges out of funds appropriated for its programs. Allows an agency to take advantage of an early payment discount only if payment is made within the time specified by the business. Directs each agency to report to Congress annually on interest payments made during the fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Product Liability Risk Retention Act of 1981 - Defines "risk retention group" to mean any corporation or insurance company formed under State law which: (1) is organized for the primary purpose of assuming and spreading product liability or completed operations liability risk exposure; (2) is chartered or licensed as an insurance company under State law; (3) does not exclude members for competitive advantage; and (4) consists of members whose principal activity is the manufacture, design, distribution, packaging or sale of a product. Defines "purchasing group" to mean any group of persons which has as one of its purposes the purchase of product liability or completed operations insurance on a group basis. Exempts risk retention groups and purchasing groups from State laws which prohibit, regulate, or otherwise discriminate against such groups. Enumerates requirements which a State may impose on a risk retention group, including compliance with unfair claims settlement practices laws, payment of taxes, and reporting requirements. Authorizes a State to license an agent or broker for a purchasing group. Stipulates that the ownership interests of members in a risk retention group shall not be considered securities or an investment company for purposes of the Federal securities laws or State blue sky laws.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000249_200.jpg)