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![Official portrait of Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000249_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
4,376 records where Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1980
Congratulates Polish workers on the successful completion of their strikes. Urges the Polish government to respect the agreement. Calls upon other nations to not interfere in Poland's internal affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate March 16 of each year as "Freedom of Information Day."
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1980
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise the eligibility requirements for adjustment assistance for workers and firms to make workers and firms eligible for such assistance if such firms provide essential parts or services, or supplies extracted minerals, to articles adversely affected by increased imports.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that States reduce the amount of unemployment compensation payable for any week to an eligible individual by the amount of certain retirement benefits received by such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1980
Authorizes the President to negotiate agreements with foreign governments limiting exports of automobiles and trucks to the United States. Terminates such authority and any agreements pursuant to such authority on July 1, 1985. States that action taken pursuant to such agreements shall not be treated as violating U.S. laws.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1980
Industrial Energy Efficiency and Fuel Conversion Tax Incentive Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional 20 percent investment tax credit for qualified industrial energy property. Provides for up to a three-year carryback and a one-year carryover of any excess credit amounts. Defines "qualified industrial energy property" as any depreciable equipment used by the taxpayer as an integral part of modification to, or replacement of, all or part of an existing facility, process, or item of equipment, but only if the modification or replacement results in the utilization of less energy per unit of output and does not increase the amount of oil and natural gas consumed. Requires such property either: (1) to result directly in energy savings; (2) to result in conversion to a substance other than oil or natural gas, or a derivative, as a fuel or feedstock; or (3) to be part of, physically attached to, or otherwise directly associated with such energy saving property. Limits such credit to: (1) 20 percent of the qualified investment; or (2) $55 for each barrel of energy saved by the investment. Defines barrel of energy as equal to 5,800,000 Btu's. Disallows such credit if it amounts to less than $11 for each barrel of oil or oil equivalent saved per year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1980
Small Business Securities Acts Amendments of 1980 - Title I: Amendments to the Investment Company Act of 1940 - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to define "eligible portfolio company" as any issuer which: (1) is organized under the laws of and has its principal place of business in any State or States; (2) is neither an investment company (not including certain small business investment companies) nor any other company specifically excluded from the definition of investment company under such Act; and (3) satisfies one of the following: (a) does not have outstanding securities which are eligible for margin purchase under Federal Reserve Board regulations; (b) is controlled by a business development company, including having an affiliated person who is a director of such eligible portfolio company; or (c) meets such other criteria as the Securities and Exchange Commission may establish. Defines "making available significant managerial assistance" to mean: (1) significant guidance and counsel concerning management, operations, or goals; (2) controlling influence over management or policy; or (3) investment. Defines "business development company" to mean any closed-end company which: (1) is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, any State or States; (2) is operated for the purpose of investing in the securities of certain companies; and (3) makes significant managerial assistance available to such companies. Deems a company's ownership of ten percent or more of an investment company's voting securities to be ownership by one person (rather than by all the shareholders) if at the time of the most recent acquisition the value of all securities owned by such company of all such investment company issuers does not exceed ten percent of its assets. Directs the Commission to prescribe regulations regarding beneficial ownership in situations of involuntary transfer. Exempts from such Act any closed-end company which: (1) elects to be treated as a business development company; or (2) proposes to make a public offering of its securities as a business development company and to subject itself to such Act within 90 days. Provides that a contract in violation of such Act (or a related rule) shall be unenforceable by either party or by certain third parties unless enforcement or denial of rescission (for partial or full performance) would be more equitable and not inconsistent with such Act. Stipulates that such enforceability provision shall not apply to the lawful part of an illegal contract to the extent it may be severed from such contract, or to preclude recovery against a person for unjust enrichment. Authorizes a qualifying investment company to elect to be regulated as a business development company by filing a notification of election with the Commission. Authorizes: (1) the Commission to prescribe the form and manner of such notification; and (2) a company to voluntarily withdraw its election. Prohibits a business development company from acquiring more than 30 percent of its assets in nonqualifying investments. Sets forth the catagories of qualifying investments. Requires that a majority of a business development company's directors be persons who are not interested parties of such company. Exempts a business development company from such requirements for 90 days (or longer if the Commission so allows) because of the death, disqualification, or resignation of any director(s). Prohibits certain controlling and noncontrolling persons related to a business development company (and certain affiliated persons) from knowingly: (1) selling any security or other property to such company (or a controlled company) unless the sale involves solely (a) securities of which the buyer is the issuer or (b) securities of which the seller is the issuer and which are part of a general offering to the holders of a class of securities; (2) purchasing from such company (or a controlled company) any security or other property except securities issued by the seller; (3) borrowing money or other property from such company (or a controlled company) except as permitted under such Act; and (4) effecting any joint transaction with such company (or a controlled company) in contravention of Commission rules. Authorizes: (1) the Commission, upon application, to permit exemptive relief from such prohibitions (excluding joint transactions); (2) such noncontrolling persons to engage in such prohibited transactions if the required majority (as defined in this title) of the directors or general partners so approve. Excludes from such prohibited transactions: (1) ordinary merchandise sales or purchases or a lessor-lessee relationship incident thereto; (2) acquisition of warrants, options, and (voting) securities purchase rights by a director, officer, general partner, or employee of such company pursuant to an executive compensation plan; and (3) borrowing of money under specified terms by such persons to buy securities pursuant to such plan. Requires the directors of, or general partners in, the business development company to establish procedures to monitor the possible involvement of persons (as set forth in this title) subject to such prohibited transactions. States that: (1) until the Commission adopts rules respecting such transactions those existing rules under such Act regarding closed-end investment companies shall apply; and (2) an ordinary fee or salary paid to a director, officer, or employee of a party to a transaction shall not be considered a "financial interest" or "participation" in such transaction. Permits a business development company to maintain a profit-sharing plan for its directors, officers, and employees if: (1) the plan has the approval of a majority of directors; and (2) the aggregate amount of benefits (paid or accrued) does not exceed 20 percent of such company's net income after taxes in any fiscal year. Stipulates that no plan may be established if such company has: (1) outstanding any option, warrant, or right issued as part of an executive compensation plan; or (2) an investment adviser registered under title II of such Act. Places restrictions on the remunerations that may be received by agents or brokers of a business development company in connection with the sale or purchase of property or securities. Stipulates that the Commission may permit a larger fee if so doing would be in the public interest. Includes specified affiliated persons within such restrictions. Prohibits a business development company from changing the nature of its business or withdrawing its election as such a company without the authorization of a majority of its outstanding voting securities or partnership interests. Applies specified provisions of such Act regarding incorporation, functions, capital structure, loans, distribution and repurchase of securities, records, and liability of controlling persons to a business development company, notwithstanding the exemption provided for in this Act. Title II: Amendments to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 - Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to define "business development company" as defined in title I of this Act except that: (1) the company does not have to be a closed-end company; (2) forty percent of such company's assets may be in nonqualifying investments; and (3) the securities may be purchased from any person. Excludes certain investment advisers to business development companies that have elected to be regulated under title I of this Act from registration requirements. States that no shareholder, partner, or beneficial owner of such a company shall be considered a client of such an adviser solely by virtue of his/her relationship with such company. Provides with regard to investment advisory contracts that a performance fee contract between an investment adviser and a business development company is permissible provided that such contract compensation does not exceed 20 percent of the realized capital gains of such company over a specified period of time or as of dates specified in the contract. Title III: Capital Formation - Omnibus Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1980 - Requires the Commission, in consultation with the Small Business Administration, to collect and make available to the public information regarding the capital formation needs and the problems involved with new and small, medium-sized, and independent businesses. Directs the Commission to conduct an annual Government-business forum relating to small business capital formation. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for fiscal years 1982-1985. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to authorize the Commission to cooperate with State securities regulatory associations to maximize uniformity in Federal and State securities regulation. Directs the Commission to conduct an annual conference, as well as other meetings as necessary, with such groups. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for fiscal years 1982-1985. Directs the Commission to try to reduce the costs incurred by small firms in raising capital through the issuance of securities. Title IV: Small Business Issuers' Simplification - Small Business Issuers' Simplification Act of 1980 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exempt from registration requirements an offer or sale to an "accredited investor" (as defined in this title) where the aggregate offering price does not exceed the limit under such Act and where there is no advertising or public solicitation. Title V: Small Offering Exemptions - Securities Small Offering Improvements Act - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to increase the aggregate value of securities which may be exempted from registration from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000. Amends the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 to: (1) increase the maximum aggregate amount of debt securities exempt from such Act; and (2) grant the Commission authority to lower the amount of debt securities under the revised ceiling amount that may be exempt from such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1980
Lee Metcalf Fair Employment Relations Resolution - Title I: Fair Employment Relations Board - Establishes as an office of the Senate, the Senate Fair Employment Relations Board to: (1) establish and publish policies and guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of rule XLII of the Standing Rules of the Senate; (2) supervise the actions of the Director and the operations of the Senate Fair Employment Relations Office; and (3) hear and determine complaints. Title II: Senate Fair Employment Relations Office - Establishes as an office of the Senate, the Senate Fair Employment Relations Office which shall develop procedures to implement the policies of the Board, gather information relating to Senate employment practices, and review procedures for the hearing and settling of complaints. Title III: Complaints of Violations of Equal Employment Opportunity - Provides for counseling and assistance through the Office, to any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against in violation of rule XLII. Sets forth the procedure for filing informal complaints based on employment discrimination, and for the informal settlement of such claims. Sets forth the procedure for filing formal complaints, and for conducting hearings on such claims. Provides for an appeal to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics of an adverse decision or order of the Board. Sets forth remedies available to individuals who have been discriminated against in violation of rule XLII. Title IV: Amendments to Standing Rules of the Senate - Amends rule XLII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, relating to employment practices, to provide that any complaint of violation of such rule be heard and settled by the Senate Fair Employment Relations Board in accordance with provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1980
Family Enterprise Estate and Gift Tax Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified credit against the estate and gift taxes from $47,000 to $155,800 by specified annual increments through 1985. Increases from $175,000 to $500,000, by specified annual increments through 1985, the minimum gross estate requiring filing of a return. Repeals the existing limitations on the marital deduction for gift and estate taxes. Increases from $3,000 to $6,000 the annual gift tax exclusion. Permits disabled individuals and those receiving social security benefits to meet existing material participation requirements with respect to the special use valuation of certain farms and other real property, if an individual has materially participated in the operation of the farm or business for five out of the eight years preceding the year in which he or she becomes disabled or eligible for such benefits. Permits the spouse of a decedent to meet such requirements if the spouse has actually managed the farm or business for ten years preceding the decedent's death, or takes over active management upon the decedent's death. Permits the owner of a woodland to qualify for the special use valuation if he or she has actively managed the property for ten years prior to death. Reduces from 15 to ten years the length of time a qualified property must be held following the decedent's death before it can be disposed of without incurring a recapture of estate tax benefits. Permits active management rather than material participation as a test for qualification for the estate for spouses, children under 21, students, and disabled individuals who receive property from a decedent who qualified for special use valuation. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the reduction of the value of qualified real property permitted for application of the special use valuation. Allows like kind exchanges of property without loss of special use valuation qualification. Allows net crop share rentals to qualify for the special use valuation as well as cash rentals. Authorizes the step-up basis of assets recaptured because of loss of the special use valuation. Repeals the requirement that an heir elect special treatment for involuntary conversions of qualified real property, thus making such treatment automatic upon such a conversion. States that gifts made within three years of a decedent's death shall be valued as of the time of transfer rather than as of the date of death. Authorizes an individual to elect to pay a gift tax rather than use the unified tax credit. Eliminates the alternative extension of time for payment of the estate tax where the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business. Allows installment payment election if the value of the interest in the closely held business is either 35 percent of the value of the gross estate, or 50 percent of the taxable estate. Allows payment of an installment within six months after the due date without penalty. Allows a disclaimer of an interest in property for estate tax purposes in specified circumstances where such disclaimer does not result in the passing of the interest concerned under the applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Provides for decreasing interest rate differentials between deposits or accounts in insured banks and those in savings and loan institutions. Prescribes maximum rates for savings and loan accounts in excess of 0.25 percent of the maximum rates for bank accounts decreasing to 0.05 percent until June 30, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1980
Declares seven named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1980
Consultant Reform Act of 1980 - Title I: Appointments - Establishes general statutory authority for the head of a Federal agency to appoint and fix the compensation of experts or consultants for temporary or intermittent services. Eliminates provisions of Federal law permitting an agency to procure such services by contract only when specifically authorized by appropriation or statute. Establishes the pay rate payable for GS-18 as the maximum pay rate for experts and consultants for all agencies. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations governing the employment of experts and consultants by Federal agencies. Requires each agency: (1) to submit to OPM a quarterly report on the number of days each consultant or expert is employed and the amount each individual is paid; and (2) to count such individuals as fractions of persons (depending on the number of hours they are employed) in administering any personnel ceiling. Prohibits an agency from initiating any action to obtain consultant or expert services by contract unless it has been certified that all reasonable steps have been taken to obtain such services by appointment. Title II: Contracts - Requires each Federal agency to transmit to the Secretary of Commerce a written notice describing: (1) any proposed contract in an amount exceeding $10,000, with specified exemptions; and (2) any contract modification that increases the contract award by $50,000 or more. Directs the Secretary to publish such notices in a specified publication of the Department of Commerce. Directs each agency to notify the Committees on Appropriations of each House of Congress concerning any such modification. Directs every Federal agency to maintain and make available to the public each month a list of contracts which were entered into during the preceding 24 months and for which contractors have not completed performance. Requires that such list disclose certain information concerning the contract, contractor, and Government employees responsible for awarding and administering the contract. Declares that all contracts, excluding contracts determined to be classified information for national security reasons, shall be considered public information. Specifies information concerning the qualifications and selection of a contractor which shall be available to the public upon request. Requires each agency report which is prepared by a contractor or which is derived from a contractor's report, to disclose certain information concerning the contract including: (1) the identity of the contractor; (2) the amount of the contract; and (3) the type of procurement process used to award the contract. Defines the term "organizational conflict of interest" as any situation in which a contractor has interests relating to work to be performed under a contract which may bias the contractor's judgment or result in an unfair competitive advantage to the contractor. Requires each contractor and each consultant or subcontractor used by such contractor to disclose any information relevant to any potential or existing organizational conflict of interest with regard to any contract for which such contractor is submitting a proposal or any proposed modification to an existing contract. Directs an agency, upon determining that such a conflict exists, to: (1) disqualify such contractor or the consultant or subcontractor from eligibility for award of the proposed contract; (2) modify the proposed contract to eliminate such conflict; (3) include in the agency records and transmit to Congress a statement concerning such conflict if the contract services can be obtained from no other person; (4) terminate the existing contract to be modified; or (5) modify the existing contract to mitigate the conflict and report thereon to Congress if termination is not in the best interest of the Government. Requires each agency to include with its requests for regular appropriations for each fiscal year an itemized statement of amounts requested for the procurement of goods and the procurement of services. Requires the Budget transmitted by the President to Congress each year to specify requests for new budget authority for an estimate of outlays by each agency for such procurement. Directs each agency head, by a specified date, to transmit to the Committees on Appropriations of each House an analysis of such requests and estimates. Requires each agency to include in its records regarding any completed contract totaling more than $50,000 and for which a report was prepared, an evaluation describing such report, the actions taken by the agency in response to such report, and a summary of the performance of the contractor. Directs an agency to consider an employee's compliance with agency rules and procedures applicable to contracting functions when: (1) evaluating the performance of a member of the Senior Executive Service; and (2) determining any pay increase for a supervisor or manager under the merit pay system. Requires the Director of OMB to apportion appropriations to Federal agencies in a manner which insures that no more than 20 percent of the total appropriations available to an agency in a fiscal year for procurement of goods and services may be obligated during the last two months of that year. Authorizes the Director to waive such spending limitation with regard to certain funds upon determining that such action is necessary to avoid a serious disruption of an agency program or operation, if the Director reports on such waiver to Congress. Requires the Director to report to Congress on the implementation, agency violations, impact, and continuation of such spending limitation. Exempts reserves established to comply with such a spending limitation from reporting requirements of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Requires the Director to promulgate a regulation establishing a data system for the collection and dissemination of information regarding Government procurement activities. Specifies information concerning each Government contract for the procurement of goods or services which must be included in the system. Directs the Director: (1) to make information within the system available to Congress, Federal agencies, and the public upon request; and (2) to submit to Congress quarterly and annual reports on Government procurement activities. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to require agencies to make information produced pursuant to a contract available to the public to the same extent as if produced by Government officials.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1980
Directs the Senate Finance Committee to report to the Senate by September 3, 1980, a responsible, targeted anti- inflationary tax cut to take effect in 1981. Directs the Democratic Task Force on the Economy to recommend to the Senate a comprehensive economic policy at the earliest possible date.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Urges the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to dismantle consumer credit controls and to discourage the provision of credit for speculative, nonproductive purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the inclusion of a separate agenda item on Palestinian women presents an intrusion of political issues into the Mid-Decade Conference for women. Declares that the U.S. delegation to the Conference should be instructed to oppose any resolutions which do not relate directly to the goals of the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1980
Deplores the Soviet violations with respect to Afghanistan. Joins calls for the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. Supports the imposition of penalties on the Soviet Union for its aggression. Urges continued action to draw attention to the Soviet violations and to prevent further Soviet incursions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the domestic automotive and truck industry. Declares it to be a goal of the United States to achieve technological superiority in the world automobile and truck industry. Advocates changes in economic, fiscal, and import policies in order to create adequate capital and produce a more favorable climate for the domestic automobile and truck industry.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional excise tax on imported automobiles manufactured in a foreign country imports of whose automobiles account for more than ten percent of the new automobiles sold in the United States for the most recent 12-month period for which data are available. Imposes such tax in each case also on parts or accessories sold in connection with such sales. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine for each quarter such tax in an amount equivalent to the nontariff barrier for the same quarter imposed by the foreign country of manufacture on United States automobiles exported to such country. Defines "nontariff barrier" as any practice or procedure of a country which unreasonably burdens, restricts, or discriminates against United States automobiles in such country's automobile market. Includes commodity taxes, inspection or testing procedures, product approval requirements, and road or other excise taxes. Authorizes the President to waive such excise tax for any quarter (up to four consecutive quarters at a stretch) with respect to automobiles manufactured by any person if he determines that such person is making a good faith effort to ameliorate the imbalance in automobile trade between the United States and the country in which such person is located: (1) by limiting exports of his automobiles to the United States; (2) by manufacturing automobiles in the United States; or (3) by complying fully with all treaties and agreements with the United States respecting automobile trade. Specifies circumstances under which such waiver may be extended. Grants the Congress a veto over any such Presidential waiver by way of a disapproval resolution. Describes the procedure for exercising such veto. Requires the appropriation of amounts equivalent to such excise taxes into the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund. Terminates the tax imposed by this Act after December 31, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1980
Repeals titles I, III, and IV of the Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act of 1966. (Title I provides for the civil commitment of narcotic addicts in lieu of criminal prosecution; title III permits such persons not charged with a crime to petition for civil commitment; and title IV authorizes the Surgeon General to establish outpatient services to treat drug addiction).
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1980
Farm Labor Contractor Act of 1980 - Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to exclude any labor union from the definition of "farm labor contractor" (thus exempting labor unions from coverage under such Act). Excludes also from such definition of "farm labor contractor" (but only grants a limited exemption from registration to): any farm, processor, cannery, gin, packing shed, or nursery which, whether or not for a fee, recruits, solicits, hires, furnishes, or transports migrant workers for its own operation, and its employees. Requires such entity and such employees to comply with specified obligations of farm labor contractors to ascertain and disclose certain information to each worker at the time the worker is recruited. Excludes also from such definition of "farm labor contractor" (thus exempting from coverage): (1) any farmer, processor, canner, ginner, packing shed operator, or nurseryman, regardless of the legal form of business organization, if he or she engages in any such activity individually on behalf of an operation owned and operated only by one or more members of his or her immediate family; (2) any employee of such entity who does not recruit, solicit, hire, furnish, or supervise migrant workers, but who may, at any one time, transport not more than two other employees in a vehicle owned or controlled by the entity for which the entity has complied with specified requirements as they pertain to vehicles; and (3) any farmer, processor, ginner, packing shed operator, or nurseryman that engages in such activity for its own operation, regardless of the legal form of business organization, which is owned and operated by one or more members of the same immediate family, or its employees, provided that not more than ten non-family employees performed agricultural labor for it on any single day during the preceding 12-month period. Makes the requirement that every farm contractor ascertain and disclose specified information to each worker at the time the worker is recruited applicable at the time the worker is hired, if the worker is not recruited. Makes inapplicable the requirement that a farm labor contractor inform a worker of the sums paid to such contractor on account of the labor of such worker, whenever a specified exempt entity pays agricultural workers directly by check. Requires that the itemized statement of wages and withholdings, which contractors are required to give workers, include a statement of net earnings. Requires that every farm, processor, cannery, gin, packing shed, or nursery, and its employees (as described in the limited exemption above): (1) deal only with properly registered farm labor contractors and comply with specified obligations (except registration) and prohibitions for farm labor contractors and with other specified requirements of such Act; (2) maintain a policy of insurance or show satisfactory proof of financial responsibility under such Act; (3) maintain all vehicles and housing in accordance with specified standards; (4) refrain from knowingly giving false or misleading information to migrant workers concerning the terms, conditions, or existence of agricultural employment; and (5) not fail, without justification, to comply with the terms of any working arrangements made with migrant workers. Makes penalty provisions of such Act applicable to such entities and their employees that have been granted such limited exemption from coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
National Export Policy Act of 1980 - Title I: General Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and the purposes of this Act. Title II: Export Financing - Amends the Export - Import Bank Act of 1945 to direct the Export-Import Bank to adopt export finance programs comparable in structure to those extraordinary measures of official export credits offered by competing countries, until such financing is limited by international agreements. Requires the Bank to report annually to Congress as to whether any additional appropriations or any increases in its commitment authority or ceiling levels are necessary to carry out this Act. States that this Act shall not take effect until six months after enactment, unless the President defers the effective date for an additional six months. Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that the Export-Import Bank of the United States should facilitate, particularly in the presence of foreign officially-supported export credit competition, exports to countries: (1) having insufficient access to international credit facilities; (2) demonstrating reasonable economic progress; and (3) offering adequate formal assurances of repayment (currently, must offer sufficient likelihood of repayment). Increases the aggregate amount of loans and contractual liability of guarantees and insurance which may be outstanding at any one time. Requires such activities to be carried out through the Export Expansion Facility. Provides for the capitalization of such Facility. Establishes staggered, ten-year terms of office for the Bank directors. Declares that the House and Senate Appropriations Committees should consider limitations on Bank activities when considering appropriations for international trade activities rather than when considering foreign assistance activities. Title III: Export - Related Tax Policy - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the earned income exclusion for United States citizens working abroad, who are bona fide residents of a foreign country, from an annual rate of $20,000 to: (1) $50,000; or (2) $65,000, if such persons qualify as bona fide residents for certain specified periods. Allows separate exclusions to married individuals who are both working overseas, although one's excess exclusion cannot be used against income earned by the other. Waives the residency requirements to qualify for such exclusion for those required to leave a foreign country because of civil unrest, war, or similar adverse conditions precluding the normal conduct of business. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the foreign residency requirement with respect to the deduction for certain housing expenses of living abroad. Revises the formula for determining the base housing amount with regard to such deduction to make it 16 percent of the salary of a GS-14, step 1. Repeals similar deductions for cost-of-living differential, schooling expenses, home leave travel expenses, and residence in a hardship area. Provides that the foreign bad debt loss deduction shall not exceed the greater of 15 percent of the taxpayer's taxable income from exports, or two percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding at the close of the taxable year. Provides that the amount of bad debt losses that may be added to a bad debt reserve shall not exceed five percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding as of the close of the taxable year. Permits the amortization, based on a period of 60 months, of: (1) foreign market studies; (2) foreign marketing expenses; and (3) foreign patents. Permits an income tax deduction for currency fluctuation losses on export credit which have not been repaid by the end of the taxable year. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the six-month deadline for exempting exports from the manufacturer's excise tax for an additional 12 months if it is determined, after consultation with the Secretary of State, that exports were delayed because of war, civil unrest, or similar adverse conditions in a foreign nation. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to approve the duty-free entry of machinery, materials, and fuels to be used for the production of goods in a foreign trade zone if such goods are not subsequently entered into U.S. customs territory. Sets forth requirements before applications for such treatment will be approved. Makes such approval valid for six years. Requires the Foreign Trade Zones Board to include in its annual report to Congress a summary of activities and proposals to increase the use of foreign trade zones to expand U.S. exports. Makes banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Makes export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment. Title IV: Antitrust - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Directs the Attorney General to study whether: (1) U.S. business conduct to expand exports conflicts with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws. Requires the Attorney General to identify such conduct which would not warrant prosecution under the antitrust laws. Sets forth the procedures for describing such permissible conduct and disclosing such descriptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to intervene in such suits and to provide legal assistance to exporters. Prohibits prosecution under the antitrust laws of exporters who: (1) have notified the Attorney General of their intention to engage in such designated conduct; or (2) receive an approval, or no objection, from the Attorney General concerning proposed transactions. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress concerning implementation of this section. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws That Hinder Exports - Amends the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to change the name of such Act to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers of securities to keep their books and maintain a system of internal accounting controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Makes issuers liable for knowingly falsifying any books or for the intentionally wrongful maintenance or circumvention of the system of internal accounting controls. Requires only good faith efforts by issuers holding 50 percent or less of the equity capital to use their influence to cause transactions and dispositions of assets to be carried out consistent with such provisions. Repeals the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by issuers. Amends the Business Practices and Records Act to include issuers within the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by domestic concerns. Permits items of value to be given to foreigners in specified circumstances, including courtesy items, demonstration expenses, and payments lawful under the laws of the country of the intended recipient. Directs the Attorney General to issue guidelines specifying permissible conduct and arrangements associated with common types of export sales arrangements and business contracts and precautionary procedures creating a rebuttable presumption of compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Business Practices and Records Act Review Procedure to answer specific inquiries concerning enforcement of such Act. Requires the Attorney General to issue opinions regarding compliance. Makes such opinions final and binding on all parties if the conduct does not involve a violation. Requires annual reports to Congress by: (1) the Attorney General concerning actions taken pursuant to such Act; and (2) the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate agreements establishing standards of conduct for international business practices, a resolution procedure, and rates of commissions. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Requires Congress to review the Business Practices and Records Act after receiving the President's report. Requires an export competitiveness impact statement from any issuing authority taking significant action which could affect adversely U.S. exports or the international competitive position of the United States and its exporters. Expresses the sense of Congress that export paperwork must be reduced to encourage export sales. Requires all agencies to minimize paperwork and reporting requirements. Title VI: Export Awareness and Export Promotion Programs - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contracts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Small Business Export Expansion Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to permit participating lending institutions to take actions on behalf of the Administrator with respect to deferred participation loans. Empowers the SBA either directly or in cooperation with lending institutions, to extend credit for export purposes to enable small business concerns to develop foreign markets. Limits the extension of such credit to periods of 18 months or less. Sets a maximum of $750,000 which may be committed to any borrower from the business loan and investment revolving fund. Establishes within the Administration an Office of International Trade to promote sales opportunities for small business goods and services abroad. Requires such Office to: (1) provide small businesses with access to current and complete export information; (2) encourage greater small business participation in trade fairs, shows, missions, and other domestic and overseas export development activities of the Department of Commerce; and (3) assign full-time export development specialists to each Administration regional office. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with specified agencies, to establish an export promotion center in each of two regional offices of the Administration where field offices of the Department of Commerce and the Internal Revenue Service exist. Requires each such center to serve as a one- stop information center on Federal Government export assistance, financing programs available to small business, and other provisions of law governing exporting for small business. Requires: (1) a progress report on the implementation of such centers to the appropriate Congressional committees within six months of enactment of this Act; and (2) an evaluation, within two years after enactment, of the effectiveness of such centers in developing and expanding small business exports. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to qualified applicants to encourage the development and implementation of small business international marketing programs. Sets forth eligibility requirements for applicants. Prohibits the use of any Federal funds to directly underwrite any small business participation in foreign trade missions abroad. Requires each small business international marketing program to: (1) have a full-time staff director to manage program activities; (2) have access to export specialists to counsel and assist small business clients; and (3) establish an advisory board. Directs the Secretary to require, as a condition to any grant, that an additional amount equal to twice the amount of such grant be provided from sources other than the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to evaluate such programs to: (1) determine the impact of such programs on the small businesses assisted; (2) determine the amount of export sales generated by such businesses; and (3) make recommendations concerning continuation and/or expansion of the program. Requires the establishment of at least one small business international program within each region of the Department of Commerce. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration, to maintain a central clearinghouse for the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information between such programs. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with industrial corporations to develop foreign markets for their products. Requires the Secretary to direct specific market research for the products involved in foreign markets upon entering such agreements. Permits interested industrial corporations to submit a proposal incorporating specific marketing actions to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a marketing agreement after approving any such proposal. Requires repayment of the Federal share of the costs by the entity entering into such an agreement. International Education Programs Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of programs designed to promote linkages between such institutions and the American business community engaged in international economic activities. Requires higher education institutions to apply for such grants and contracts. Limits the amount of Federal assistance. Provides for an advisory board to consider the grants made, or contracts entered into, and to review programs established under this section. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. representative to any international organization to: (1) identify programs affecting the export of U.S. firms' services; (2) make available information concerning such programs; (3) establish programs to publicize export-related programs for services; and (4) modify those programs with an adverse effect on the export of services. Makes the Secretary of Commerce responsible for coordinating such programs. Directs the Department of Treasury to report to Congress concerning the feasibility of extending DISC treatment to the export of services. Title VII: Agricultural Exports - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to establish the Agricultural Export Credit Revolving Fund to be available for: (1) the export of, or aid in the development of foreign markets for, agricultural commodities; and (2) loans for the acquisition of facilities in foreign countries to improve the countries' capacities to handle agri-commodities exported from the United States. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress annually concerning the export credit sales program. Abolishes such fund effective October 1, 1983. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the ratio of credit extended by the Export-Import Bank for agricultural exports in comparison with the total amount extended be at least equivalent to the value of agricultural exports in comparison with total value of exports. Specifies exceptions to this requirement. Requests the President to take action to establish an International Wheat Exporting Commission which would establish an annual minimum world market price for wheat and prescribe export quotas. Requires the President to keep Congress informed about the establishment of such Commission and to report annually once such Commission is established. Title VIII: International Agreements - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the multilateral trade agreement be strongly implemented; and (2) the efforts must continue to secure a freer world trading environment. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a special export subsidy program for agricultural commodities to neutralize the effects of foreign export subsidy programs. Specifies the circumstances required before such program may be implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should enter negotiations for international codes of: (1) official export financing; (2) business conduct; (3) reciprocity of antitrust enforcement; and (4) fair trade in services. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Title IX: Government Support of Export Goals - Overseas Private Investment Corporation Act of 1980 - Establishes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) as an independent agency. Sets forth the duties of OPIC. Provides for the capital of OPIC to be paid in through the appropriation process and through transfer from OPIC's earned income. Sets forth the structure of OPIC with a Board of Directors, a President of the Corporation, an Executive Vice President of the Corporation, other officers and staff, and consultants. Authorizes OPIC to issue insurance to eligible investors covering new or existing investments protecting against specified risks. Authorizes OPIC to make arrangements with foreign governments or multilateral organizations for sharing liabilities. Limits the insurance that may be issued to a single investor. Authorizes OPIC to issue guarantees of loans and other investments. Sets forth limitations on such guarantees. Authorizes OPIC to make direct loans to privately owned or mixed publicly and privately owned firms for projects sponsored by or significantly involving United States small businesses or cooperatives. Limits the circumstances under which OPIC may acquire stock in any other corporation. Authorizes OPIC to initiate and support the identification, assessment, and promotion of private investment opportunities, with specified exceptions. Authorizes OPIC to administer special projects to provide private technical, professional, or managerial assistance in the development of human resources, skills, technology, capital savings, and intermediate financial institutions and cooperatives. Authorizes OPIC to engage in other insurance, reinsurance, and risk sharing activities with other insurance companies, financial institutions, persons, or groups. Limits the amount of reinsurance of liabilities which OPIC may issue. Limits the amount of maximum contingent liability pursuant to insurance or guarantees issued under this Act which may be outstanding at any one time. Establishes the: (1) Direct Investment Fund as a revolving fund to be available for direct investments; and (2) Insurance Reserve and Guaranty Reserve to be available for discharging liabilities. Authorizes appropriations to the investment and guaranty fund in specified circumstances. Authorizes OPIC to issue obligations in specified circumstances in order to discharge liabilities. Requires that all revenues and income transferred to or earned by OPIC be available to carry out OPIC's purposes. Directs OPIC to determine that suitable arrangements exist for protecting OPIC's interests in connection with any insurance, guaranty, or reinsurance issued under this Act. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States for the full payment and performance of previous obligations. Sets forth conditions with respect to insurance, guaranty, and reinsurance coverage under this Act concerning fees, time limits, fraud, and settlement of disputes. Sets forth administrative provisions and duties applicable to OPIC. Requires OPIC to undertake to broaden the participation of United States small business, cooperatives, and other small investors in the development of small private enterprise in less developed friendly countries or areas. Directs OPIC to report annually to Congress concerning its operations. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to define "eligible investor" in terms of this Act with respect to housing guarantees. Repeals provisions: (1) prohibiting the transfer of OPIC funds between accounts; (2) authorizing the President to deny assistance to any less developed country which fails to enter into an agreement to institute the investment guaranty program; and (3) establishing OPIC. Stipulates that nothing in this part shall be construed as terminating any of OPIC's statutory authority. Requires the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees any necessary technical or conforming amendments. Declares that the potential for U.S. exports shall be a primary decisionmaking factor in considering which projects to include in U.S. foreign aid programs. Requires the Director of the International Development Cooperation Agency (IDCA) to transfer the functions of the Office of Reimbursable Development from the Agency for International Development to an independent functional status within the IDCA. Declares that the Office of Management and Budget should assure that adequate budget allocations are made available to carry out the programs prescribed in this Act. Declares that the Department of Justice should do what it can to facilitate procedures for exporters. Declares that the Small Business Administration should: (1) be aware of the benefits of export to small business development; and (2) use every opportunity to provide information and assistance to potential exporters. Declares that the U.S. ability to export coal, nuclear power fuels, and other energy materials in a reliable manner should be a key consideration. Directs congressional committees to include in their reports the effect of the bill or resolution on the international competitiveness of the United States. Creates a National Export Council to: (1) serve as a national advisory body on matters relating to United States export trade; (2) act as a liaison among the communities represented by its membership; and (3) provide advice on Federal plans and actions that affect export promotion and development policies which have an impact on those communities represented by its membership. Requires the Council to make an annual report to the President and the Congress on its activities. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to appoint commercial ministers, counselors, and attaches with the rank and privileges of other ministers, counselors, and attaches in U.S. embassies and consulates, to: (1) provide trade and commercial services; (2) engage in the promotion of U.S. exports; (3) file semiannual reports to the Secretary on market, industrial, and commodity conditions in their districts and on the implementation of multilateral and bilateral trade agreements; and (4) maintain current data on the commercial standing and capacity of foreign firms within their districts. Provides for domestic assignment, office logistics, allowances and benefits of such ministers, counselors, and attaches. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress with any recommendations concerning: (1) the organization of international trading and financing programs in the United States; (2) the effectiveness of foreign export promotion programs; and (3) the trade activities of specified Federal agencies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the appropriate congressional committees should review periodically the trade organization of the U.S. Government.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1980
Omnibus Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1980 - Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission, in consultation with the Small Business Administration, to analyze and make public information regarding the capital formation and the problems and costs involved with new, small, medium-sized, and independent businesses. Directs the Commission to conduct an annual Government-business forum to review problems and programs relating to small business capital formation. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1981-1985. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to authorize the Commission to cooperate with State securities regulatory associations to effectuate greater uniformity in Federal-State securities matters. Directs the Commission to conduct an annual conference regarding such purpose. Directs the Commission to identify and reduce the costs of raising capital by small companies with aggregate outstanding securities and other indebtedness of not more than $25,000,000. Limits the liability of an attorney, accountant, or other independent professional for an act or omission in the course of performing services for a small business' public securities offering.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Title I: Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Title II: Export Trade Associations - Export Trade Association Act of 1980 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Title III: Taxation of Export Trading Companies - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to limit the amount of all State and local severance taxes or fees on coal mined on Indian or Federal lands and shipped in interstate commerce to any powerplant or major fuel-burning installation or on improvements or other rights, property, or assets connected with the production of such coal. States that such tax shall not exceed a total of 12 1/2 percent of the value of such coal produced during a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that social security benefits should remain exempt from all taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1980
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the enactment of a withholding tax on interest and dividend payments would be detrimental to the economic well-being of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Michigan Wilderness Act of 1980 - Designates certain lands within the National Forest System in Michigan as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Corrupt Horseracing Practices Act of 1980 - Prohibits the following conduct with respect to horseracing: (1) the entering of a horse in a race by its owner or trainer who knows or should know that the horse is drugged or numbed; (2) the drugging or numbing of a horse with reason to believe that it will compete in a race; and (3) the willful failure by the operator of a horseracing facility to disqualify or prohibit a horse from racing if such individual has been notified in accordance with this Act that such horse is drugged or numbed, was not available for testing, or has been suspended from racing. Sets forth the penalties for such acts, and provides increased penalties for second offenses, use of a dangerous weapon in committing such offenses, and the interference with duties or the falsification of records required by this Act. Provides for the disqualification of offenders from horseracing activities and the suspension of a drugged or numbed horse from racing, in accordance with specified procedures. Grants the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration certain investigatory and other powers with respect to such offenses. Requires operators of horseracing facilities to comply with recordkeeping requirements established by the Administrator and to furnish testing space and facilities. Directs the Administrator to: (1) exempt from this Act any State which has enacted a comparable program; and (2) submit biennial reports to Congress on matters covered by this Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act. Permits the Administrator thereafter to assess fees upon operators of horseracing facilities to meet the costs of this Act. Amends the Federal criminal code to include the offenses of this Act in the existing prohibition against interstate and foreign commerce in aid of racketeering enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Extends the condolences of the Senate to the families of the eight American servicemen who lost their lives during the mission to rescue the hostages in Iran. Declares the sense of the Senate that the President order the American flag to be flown at half-mast on all government grounds from May 4 through May 11, 1980, as a mark of respect for such servicemen.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1980
Paperwork Elimination and Control Act of 1980 - Includes independent regulatory agencies within the definition of the term "agency" for purposes of provisions of Federal law regarding the coordination of Federal reporting services. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to provide for increased communication between the Government and the small business community with respect to Federal information collection activities. Directs the Director to require each agency to include on each of its information collection forms: (1) the expiration date of such form; (2) a registration number; (3) a statement as to whether the information collection is required by law, voluntary, or a requirement for obtaining a benefit administered by the agency; and (4) the name and toll-free telephone number of an agency representative who shall be designated by the agency head to provide assistance concerning the agency's information collection activities. Requires the Director to consult with the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration and to establish guidelines which provide for: (1) differing information collection requirements that take into account the resources available to small businesses; (2) exemptions to small business from certain requirements; and (3) consolidated or simplified requirements for small businesses. Requires the Director to develop and maintain a Federal Business Requirements Locator System to serve as the authoritative register of all Government information collection and recordkeeping requirements. Directs the Director to: (1) promulgate rules requiring each agency head to submit a data profile of each existing and proposed information collection and recordkeeping requirement; (2) compare submitted data profiles to profiles in the System and notify agency officials and members of the public, upon request, of the results; and (3) provide any person, upon request, with a list of requirements applicable to a certain type of business. Requires the use of data profiles to: (1) identify duplicative requirements; (2) locate existing information and promote agency sharing of information; (3) provide a central coordination mechanism for information collection activities; (4) catalog requirements by types of industries; and (5) monitor the total requirements imposed on the public by Government so that such paperwork may be reduced. Directs the head of each agency to submit, annually, an analysis of the agency's information collection activities to the Director with the agency's request for appropriations submitted under the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921. Requires the Director to publish in the Federal Register: (1) a summary of such analysis with a notice soliciting public comments; (2) a summary of comments received; and (3) a statement explaining the Director's determination regarding any issue raised by a comment disagreeing with data or conclusions of the analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1980 - Authorizes States with approved unemployment compensation laws with extended compensation provisions to enter into and participate in (and to terminate upon 30 days' written notice) agreements with the Secretary of Labor that State agencies will make emergency compensation payments. Declares eligible for such payments individuals who have exhausted all rights to regular or extended State compensation, who have no rights to State or Federal compensation, and who are not receiving Canadian compensation for any week of unemployment which begins in an emergency benefit period and the individual's eligibility period or begins in an individual's additional eligibility period. Prohibits such payments for any week of unemployment which begins more than two years after the end of the benefit year for which the individual exhausted regular compensation rights. Declares that an emergency benefit period shall: (1) begin with the third week after a week for which there is a State "emergency on" indicator (when the rate of insured unemployment in such State for such week and the immediately preceding 12 weeks equaled or exceeded five percent); and (2) end with the third week after the first week for which there is a State "emergency off" indicator (when the rate of insured unemployment in such State for such week and the immediately preceding 12 weeks is less than five percent). Requires that, in the case of any State, no emergency benefit period shall last for a period of less than 13 consecutive weeks. Requires that the amount of emergency compensation payable to any individual for any week of total unemployment be equal to the regular compensation payable during the benefit year under State law. Requires that, under such agreements, States establish an emergency compensation account for each eligible applicant, in an amount equal to the lesser of 50 percent of the total amount of regular compensation payable to such applicant's most recent benefit year or 13 times the average weekly benefit amount for such year. Requires that each State which has entered into such agreement be paid an amount equal to 100 percent of the emergency compensation paid to individuals by the State pursuant to such agreement. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make such payments to each State in sums certified by the Secretary of Labor. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act. Provides penalties for individuals involved in misrepresentation with regard to such emergency payments. Authorizes States to require individuals to repay amounts of emergency compensation to which they were not entitled, and to waive such repayments in cases where the individual was without fault and where repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience. Authorizes States to deduct such amounts to be repaid from various types of unemployment compensation payable to such individual and administered by State agencies. Limits any single deduction to no more than 50 percent of the weekly benefit amount from which such deduction is made. Requires notice and opportunity for a fair hearing for an individual, and an appropriate review, before such deductions are made.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for two years the time by which a corporation, which has sustained substantial losses prior to January 1, 1976, and which has dismissed substantially all its employees before April 15, 1977, must liquidate in order to exempt a taxpayer who holds at least a ten percent interest in such corporation from the application of the foreign loss recapture rules enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1980
Requests the President to designate the week beginning April 13, 1980, as "National Dance Week."
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1980
Designates the week of September 21 through 27, 1980, as "National Cystic Fibrosis Week."
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Legal Services Corporation Act Amendments of 1980 - Authorizes appropriations for the Legal Services Corporation for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Congratulates the members of the 1980 U.S. Winter Olympic team, its coaches and officials for a job well done. Recognizes the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Lake Placid Olympic Organizing Committee and the people of the Lake Placid area for their successful efforts in organizing and producing the XIII Winter Olympic Games.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the month of February as "National Snowmobiling Month."
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1980
Designates February 26, 1980, as a national day of prayer, meditation, and unity if the hostages being held in Iran are not released by February 25, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1980
International Education Programs Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a new title VI of such Act: "International Education Programs." Establishes International and Foreign Studies Programs under HEA. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to or contracts with institutions of higher education for establishing, strengthening, and operating graduate and undergraduate centers for modern foreign language studies, foreign area studies, international studies, and the international aspects of professional and other fields of study. Authorizes grants to such centers to maintain important library collections. Authorizes stipends to individuals undergoing advanced training at such centers. Authorizes grants for advanced international studies centers and for undergraduate international studies and foreign language programs to institutions of higher education, combinations of such institutions, and private nonprofit agencies and organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct research and studies to contribute to such programs and the International Understanding programs established by this Act under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Directs the Secretary to publish an annual report on such matters. Directs the Secretary to make excellence the criterion of such grants and, consistent with such criterion, to seek an equitable distribution of such funds throughout the Nation. Directs the Secretary to convene meetings of an advisory board on the conduct of such HEA programs and the ESEA International Understanding programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such HEA International and Foreign Language programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Establishes Business and International Education Programs under HEA. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and contracts with institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of programs designed to promote linkages between such institutions and the American business community engaged in international economic activities. Limits the Federal share to 50 percent of the cost of such program for each fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to: (1) convene meetings of an advisory board on the conduct of such programs; and (2) publish an annual report on such matters. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the HEA Business and International Education Programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish International Understanding programs under an "International Understanding Act." Authorizes the Secretary to stimulate, by grant or contract, educational programs to increase the understanding of students and the public in the U.S. about the cultures and actions of other nations in order to better evaluate the international and domestic impact of major national policies. Allows such assistance to be made: (1) to any public or private agency or organization; (2) for inservice training and for compilation and dissemination of information and resources, but not for equipment acquisition or facility remodeling; (3) for programs at all levels, including community, adult, and continuing education; and (4) for critically important foreign language instruction by local educational agencies. Authorizes appropriations for the ESEA International Understanding programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Repeals the foreign studies and language development program of the National Defense Education Act of 1958 and the grant programs for advanced and undergraduate international studies of the International Education Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1980
Arson-for-Profit Act of 1980 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for whoever maliciously and intentionally damages or destroys, attempts to damage or destroy, or arranges the destruction or attempt to damage commercial property by means of fire in exchange for anything of value. Grants the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury authority to investigate such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1980
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 to the legation of Lithuania in the United States. Authorizes the Charge d'Affaires of such legation to administer such funds for the operation of the legation and compensation of personnel. Stipulates that the diplomatic corps of such legation must be of Lithuanian parentage and may not be U.S. citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to the Michigan Job Development Authority (a Michigan public corporation) the lands and improvements comprising the Michigan Army Missile plant in Sterling Heights, MaComb County, Michigan. States that such Authority shall: (1) construct two buildings for the United States at the Detroit Arsenal, Warren, Michigan; (2) pay to the United States relocation costs; and (3) pay to the United States any difference between the value of the property conveyed by the United States to the Authority, and the building constructed by the Authority for the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Expresses the gratitude of the Senate for the forceful action of Colonel Ishmail Kahn and Mr. Bill Hamidullah in repelling the attackers of the International School of Islamabad in Pakistan.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1980
Requests the President to designate February 10, 1980, as "Energy Awareness Day."
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that social security benefits should remain exempt from all taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Expresses the Senate's support for efforts to win the freedom of the hostages in Iran. Calls upon all nations to join in cooperative efforts to restrict relations with Iran. Declares that: (1) any trial or public exploitation of the hostages would be viewed as added provocation; and (2) the American people will not be diverted from their determination that the hostages be freed.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1979
Regulatory Flexibility and Administrative Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: The Management, Planning, and Analysis of Regulatory Functions - Defines the term "major rule" as an agency rule that is estimated will have an annual effect on the economy of $100,000,000 or more or otherwise will have a major impact. Establishes the Regulatory Policy Board which shall: (1) publish a semiannual Calendar of Federal Regulations containing information on all major rules to be developed or considered by agencies during the next year; (2) identify overlapping and duplicative agency rules; (3) monitor agency compliance with this Title; (4) organize interagency reviews of selected initial regulatory analyses of major rules; and (5) develop methods to reduce duplicative reporting requirements imposed by Federal, State, and local governments. Requires the Executive Director of such Board: (1) in consultation with the Director of the Federal Register, to develop categories for the classification of all agency rules; (2) to compile the classifications of rules which shall be submitted and updated annually by each agency into a comprehensive index of all agency rules; and (3) to publish in the Federal Register instructions for public access to such index. Directs any agency which collects, prepares, or maintains information pertaining to Federal regulatory activities to supply the Board with such information upon request. Requires each regulatory agency: (1) to publish in the Federal Register a semiannual regulatory agenda containing a list of rules the agency expects to propose or promulgate and a description of the areas of regulatory inquiry which the agency will consider during the next year; (2) to solicit public comment on such agenda; (3) to include in the notice of a rulemaking or judicatory proceeding the date by which the agency intends to complete such proceeding; and (4) to notify the public and the Executive Director of any failure to meet such a deadline, of the new completion date, and of the reasons for such a failure. Directs an agency, whenever it is required to publish general notice of a proposed major rule, to prepare and make available to the public an initial regulatory analysis which: (1) describes the need for the rule; (2) describes compliance requirements of the rule; (3) identifies existing duplicative rules; (4) describes alternative approaches for accomplishing the objective of the proposed rule; and (5) describes the economic, health, safety, and environmental effects of the rule. Requires that each agency prepare for each adopted major rule a final regulatory analysis which includes a summary of public comments received on the initial analysis and a justification of the selection of the final rule. Directs each agency to include in the general notice of any proposed rule an initial regulatory flexibility analysis which: (1) describes any adverse economic impact of the rule on individuals, small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions; and (2) discusses alternative regulatory approaches such as varying compliance requirements depending on the resources of the person affected by the rule. Requires each agency to prepare for each final rule a final regulatory flexibility analysis which summarizes comments received on the initial analysis and justifies the selection of the final rule. Specifies techniques through which the head of an agency promulgating a rule shall assure that persons adversely affected by the rule are provided an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking proceeding. Prohibits any Federal agency from: (1) regulating or licensing entry under a scheme when such entry is limited; (2) setting levels for or otherwise controlling the prices, production, or distribution of goods or services; or (3) controlling the terms of agreements among providers and purchasers of goods or services, unless the agency finds such an action to be the least anticompetitive alternative for achieving a statutory goal. Specifies exceptions to the applicability of such prohibition. Requires each agency to establish procedures for notifying the Attorney General of any plans for such an action. Requires each agency to prepare a list of all major rules promulgated by that agency and to publish in the Federal Register a draft schedule for the review over a five-year period of its rules, policies, and practices. Sets forth guidelines for selecting such precepts to review. Directs each agency to publish a final review schedule within one year of the effective date of this Act. Requires that each agency announce the review date for each major rule upon its publication. Requires each agency to publish an assessment of each precept reviewed including a statement of the benefits, adverse effects, costs of such precept, and a determination as to whether the precept should be rescinded, amended, or continued without change. Directs the President to transmit to Congress: (1) an evaluation of the effectiveness of this procedure for reviewing agency precepts; and (2) legislative recommendations for establishing another five-year review period. Requires the Regulatory Policy Board to report to the President and Congress on the regulatory activities of Federal agencies during each of the five fiscal years after the enactment of this Act. Specifies the contents of such report, including an evaluation of agency compliance with this Act. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, for each of the first three fiscal years after enactment of this Act, to monitor agency compliance with regulatory analyses requirements of this Act. Title II: Improving the Efficiency of Administrative Proceedings - Eliminates the exemption from public notice and comment requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act for agency rulemaking concerning Federal loans, grants, and benefits. Exempts from such requirements emergency rules and rules governed by short term statutory or judicial deadlines, provided that an agency complies with such requirements after publication of such a rule when appropriate. Requires each agency: (1) to include in the general notice of proposed rulemaking statements soliciting alternative approaches to the regulatory objective and describing the paperwork requirements of the proposed rule; (2) to resolve controversies concerning proposed major rules through oral or written procedures including informal public hearings, expert advisory councils, and the presentation of witnesses; and (3) to include a response to issues raised by public comments with the statement of the basis and purpose of a final rule. Requires each agency to maintain a file of information on each rulemaking proceeding. Specifies the contents of such file which include: (1) any information which the agency is required to make public; and (2) a record of the source, recipient, and content of any communication with an agency official regarding a proposed major rule. Reorganizes provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act governing adjudication and rulemaking proceedings required by statute to be determined on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing. Declares that if the presiding employee at such a hearing becomes unavailable, another qualified employee shall conclude the hearing. Enumerates the powers of such a presiding employee. Authorizes such employee to cross-examine witnesses and to request the agency to consider and act on interlocutory appeals when action on such appeals would expedite final agency action. Directs such employee to: (1) oversee the expeditious completion of such hearing; and (2) provide a concise record of the important matters of the proceeding. Provides two levels for conducting such adjudication and rulemaking proceedings. Establishes a "general hearing process" which applies to: (1) any rulemaking, ratemaking, or licensing proceeding except a proceeding to withdraw, suspend, or revoke a license or a proceeding before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (2) a proceeding to determine an initial claim of a party, other than an individual, for a subsidy, right, or other benefit; and (3) any other proceeding which the agency determines does not require a "formal hearing" for a fair disclosure of all material facts. Requires a "formal hearing": (1) for all other proceedings required by statute to be determined on the record; and (2) when there is a genuine and substantial dispute of fact in a general hearing which cannot be resolved without formal cross-examination and upon which the decision of the agency is likely to depend. Requires, in any general hearing proceeding, the conduct of a hearing to afford parties an opportunity to submit written data, and, at the request of any party, an opportunity for oral argument. Prohibits any agency employee who performs investigative or prosecuting functions for the agency in such a proceeding from participating in the decision making process of that proceeding. Authorizes the presiding employee at a formal hearing to: (1) rule on offers of proof and relevant evidence; (2) require written testimony and arguments when oral testimony is not required; and (3) upon request, to issue a decision prior to completion of the hearing if there is no substantial dispute of fact. Prohibits any employee presiding over a formal hearing or participating in any decision or review of a decision of such a hearing from: (1) making ex parte communications; or (2) being responsible to an employee or agent performing investigative or prosecuting functions for an agency. Allows: (1) members of employee boards of review to consult with each other; and (2) persons advising a presiding employee to consult with each other and with the presiding employee. Authorizes each agency to establish employee review boards to review the decisions of presiding employees. Directs each agency to specify the conditions under which it will accept an appeal of the decision of such a board or presiding employee. Authorizes an agency to subpoena any person or evidence as necessary in any general or formal hearing proceeding. Sets forth: (1) the civil penalty for persons who fail to comply with a subpoena; and (2) the judicial procedure for enforcement of such a subpoena. Requires each agency to maintain a public file of significant material concerning the major stages of a proceeding. Permits an action to be brought in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the review of an agency rule if there is no applicable special statutory review proceeding. Requires the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to recruit for administrative law judge positions among all groups of qualified persons. Directs the Chairman, in cooperation with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to examine, rank, certify, and register eligible candidates for such positions. Requires the Conference to certify the names of the ten highest ranked candidates to an agency requesting candidates for such a position. Limits to 350 the number of administrative law judges which may be appointed to positions in the GS-16, GS-17, and GS-18 levels of the General Schedule. Directs the Chairman to select administrative law judges to be detailed from one agency to another upon the consent of the transferring agency and the judge selected. Establishes the Administrative Law Judge Career Service consisting of judges appointed under this Act. Title III: Review of the Effectiveness of and Continuing Need for Government Regulation - Directs the President to establish a Committee on Regulatory Evaluation to advise the President concerning the reform of regulation by Federal agencies. Specifies the composition of the Committee and the compensation of Committee members. Requires the Committee to meet at least twice a year. Directs Congress to evaluate according to a specified schedule the regulatory functions of certain agencies and any reform legislation or report transmitted by the President concerning each such agency. Requires the Committee to examine each agency scheduled for review and to submit to the President any recommendations for legislation for reforming such agency. Directs the President, prior to the scheduled date for congressional review of an agency, to submit to Congress a report and any proposed legislation concerning the regulatory reform of that agency. Requires that such report: (1) examine the impact of each agency's regulatory activities; (2) compare the agency's regulatory policies to those of other agencies; and (3) explain in detail the proposed regulatory reforms or the reasons for not proposing a regulatory reform bill. Sets forth House and Senate procedure for considering such reform legislation. Title IV: The Administrative Conference of the United States - Changes the term of office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to a four year term which coincides with the term of the President. States that at least one-fourth of the members of the Conference appointed by the Chairman shall be representatives of regulated interests. Directs the Conference to establish a Committee on Administrative Procedure to draft procedural rules for agency rulemaking proceedings and adjudications. Requires that such rules be designed to enhance public participation in agency proceedings. Title V: Miscellaneous - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1979
Calls upon all followers of Islam to prevail upon their brethren to: (1) release the American hostages held in Iran; and (2) until they are released, permit them to worship regularly in accordance with their religious faiths and meet with clergy of their faiths.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979
Directs the United States Postal Service, in cooperation with election agencies: (1) to make available to the public envelopes within which requests for absentee ballots may be mailed free of postage to an election agency; and (2) to provide the election agencies with envelopes which may be used by persons requesting absentee ballots for the postage-free return of such ballots. States that this Act does not apply to mail transmitted under provisions of the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 or the Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act of 1975. Authorizes $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1980 and 1981 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1979
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to permit the inclusion of a manufacturer's imported automobiles with its domestically-produced automobiles for model years 1980 through 1986 for purposes of determining such manufacturer's compliance with the average fuel economy standards required under this Act, where the average fuel economy standard is dependent upon reasonably selected technology which is not within the ability of such manufacturer to develop.