United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1982
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the International Committee on the Red Cross should recognize the Red Shield of David of the Magen David Adom as an emblem: (1) meeting the membership requirements of the International Committee on the Red Cross; and (2) conforming with the appropriate Geneva Conventions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1982
Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to determine cost growth statistics and to compile status information on major civil acquisitions. Defines "major civil acquisitions" as all construction, acquisition, and procurement projects involving more than $50,000,000 in Federal funds. Directs OMB to require agencies to report, on a quarterly basis and for subsequent transmital to Congress, the data OMB needs to determine such statistics and compile such information, including: (1) the initial and current cost estimates of a project, with an explanation of any cost growth of 25 percent or more and a description of actions taken to control cost growth; (2) the originally estimated completion date and the actual or currently estimated date, with an explanation for any difference exceeding six months; and (3) any changes in the size or quantity of a project, with an explanation for the changes. Directs OMB to: (1) notify Congress whenever it determines that the cost of a project has increased or will increase by 25 percent or more (discounting inflation); and (2) provide Congress with certain information about project costs. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of additional funds for the project after such notification unless Congress enacts a joint resolution authorizing continued obligations and expenditures for one year.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1982
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to suspend the duty on certain high alumina fiber imported into the United States on or before September 30, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1982
Independent Contractor Tax Classification and Compliance Act of 1982 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of the tax on employment income. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number and scheduling of his work hours; (2) has no principal place of business provided rent-free by the service-receipient; (3) has substantial investment in his business (excluding vehicles) and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; and (4) performs services under a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibilities with respect to income and self-employment taxes. Provides that the criteria established by this Act shall not be applicable to agent-drivers, commission-drivers, full-time life insurance salesmen, home workers, and traveling or city salesmen who are statutorily designated as employees for purposes of social security taxation. Sets forth special rules for: (1) contracts entered into before January 1, 1983; and (2) determining control of scheduling work hours. Provides that the failure of an individual claiming independent contractor status to meet the criteria established by this Act shall not create an inference that such an individual is an employee or that the recipient of his service is an employer. Limits the applicability of the criteria established by this Act to questions of employment status arising under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, self-employment tax provisions, and withholding requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires a recipient of an independent contractor's services to file an information return disclosing payments made to such individual in excess of $600 per year. Requires persons who sell over $5,000 in consumer products to buyers on a buy-sell deposit-commission, or similar basis, to file a similar return. Requires individuals who file such information returns to furnish written statements to persons with respect to whom such information is reported which indicate the amount of payment reported. Provides penalties for failure to furnish information returns or statements. Requires the payment of a surcharge for multiple violations. Requires the withholding of tax on certain persons where the identifying number is incorrect or missing on any return filed by a service-recipient. Sets forth effective dates and transitional rules for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1982
Expands the membership of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to include three elected school board officials from different States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1982
Amends the Federal criminal code provision which prohibits Federal employees from receiving compensation for Government service from a source outside the Government to permit any Federal employee or officer who is injured during an attempted or actual assault, kidnapping, or assassination of the President, the Vice President, or a Member of Congress to receive contributions from charitable organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1982
Enterprise Zone Tax Act of 1982 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by this Act. Specifies that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits the designation of enterprise zones to 25 nominated areas per year. Limits the period during which such designations shall remain in effect. Specifies that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (with a population of at least 50,000) or 2,500 otherwise, or is within an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, or receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate enterprise zones on December 31, 1985 or three years after publication of regulations pertaining to such zones, whichever is later. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Requires that any property tax reduction effected by a local government under the terms of this Act be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. States that designation of an enterprise zone shall not give displaced persons from such an area any rights or benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions Policies Act of 1970. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives Subtitle A - Credits for Employers and Employees - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a nonrefundable income tax credit for ten percent of the increase in payroll for all employees, taking into account a maximum of $15,000 in wages per employee. Allows such credit only for wages paid to employees who perform 90 percent of their services in work directly related to the conduct of the taxpayers' business located in the enterprise zone and who perform 50 percent of their services within such zone. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit for employers equal to 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such credit by ten percent a year beginning in the forth year after such designation. Requires a recapture of such credit for the early termination of such employees. Disallows a deduction for the portion of wages or salaries subject to such credit. Requires employers to furnish to each employee a written statement showing the amount of wages paid to such employee. Provides an income tax credit for enterprise zone employees equal to five percent of the first $9,000 of wages received each year. Phases out such credit in the last four years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for certain tangible property located in enterprise zones. Limits such credit to five percent for zone personal property and ten percent for new zone construction property, including rental property. Requires that the property subject to such credit be predominantly used in the zone, be purchased after zone designation, and not be acquired from relatives or related corporations. Requires the recapture of such credit upon early disposition of the property. Subtitle C: Reduction in Capital Grain Tax Rates - Eliminates the capital gains tax on property of corporations acquired after the enterprise zone designation and used in a zone business. Qualifies certain low-income rental housing located in an enterprise zone for such treatment. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of an enterprise zone has terminated. Exempts gain from the sale or expenses of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Expresses the sense of Congress that if the minimum tax is modified, enterprise zone capital gain will be excluded in computing minimum taxable income. Subtitle D: Extension of Carryover Periods - Extends the net operating loss and investment tax credit carryover period to the longer of 15 years or the duration of the enterprise zone designation for businesses operating in such zones. Subtitle E: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that rules relating to small issue tax-exempt industrial development bonds now in effect shall apply to bonds used to finance land or other depreciable property located in an enterprise zone, even if such rules are subsequently changed. Subtitle F: Sense of the Congress With Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions, to include qualified businesses (as defined in Title II of this Act), designating governments, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations which pertain to the carrying out of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve such request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in continuation of the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement (including the Davis-Bacon Act and Fair Labor Standards Act) or which would present a danger to the public health and safety. Provides that such waivers or modifications of rule shall remain in effect as long as the zone designations. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote the coordination of all enterprise zone programs and consolidate all periodic reports required under such programs into one summary report. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis and expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to and expedite applications for the establishment of parts of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that to the maximum extent practicable foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1982
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to prohibit importation of foreign excess property which has been disposed of by a Federal agency or certain property exported pursuant to U.S. military assistance or foreign military sales if such property was manufactured in the United States, unless the Secretary of Commerce determines that importation of such property would not have an adverse effect on U.S. markets. (Currently, the importation of such foreign excess property is prohibited, regardless of where the property was manufactured, unless the Secretary of Commerce (or the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to agricultural commodities) determines that it would relieve domestic shortages or otherwise benefit the U.S. economy.) Exempts property that is imported or certified to be reexported by a Federal agency. Declares that a violation of such prohibition may result in the suspension of authority to import such property for not more than three years.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1982
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to transfer from the Secretary of Commerce to the Administrator of General Services the authority to: (1) provide agencies with scientific and technological advisory services relating to automatic data processing and related services; (2) make recommendations to the President concerning the establishment of uniform Federal automatic data processing standards; and (3) conduct research on data processing computer and related systems.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1982
Declares that the United States should propose to the Soviet Union: (1) a long-term, mutual, and verifiable nuclear forces freeze at equal and sharply reduced levels; and (2) practical measures to reduce the danger of an accidental nuclear war and to prevent the use of nuclear weapons by third parties. States that the United States and the Soviet Union should channel their resources away from amassing nuclear armaments and towards fighting poverty, hunger, and disease. Declares that the United States should continue to work for balanced arms reductions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1982
Inspector General Amendments of 1982 - Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to establish an Office of Inspector General in the Departments of Defense, Justice, and the Treasury. Transfers to such Offices the functions of specified existing audit and investigation offices of such Departments. Specifies duties of each Inspector General which are in addition to duties prescribed under such Act. Prohibits any such Inspector General from including in a semiannual report to Congress information which is: (1) prohibited from disclosure by any law; (2) protected from disclosure by executive order; or (3) part of an ongoing criminal investigation that has not been included in a public record. Declares that no member of the Armed Forces shall be appointed as Inspector General of the Department of Defense. Places such Inspector General under the control of the Secretary of Defense. Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress an explanation of any determination to prohibit the Inspector General from conducting an investigation or audit or from issuing a subpoena. Declares that the Inspector General of the Department of Justice is not authorized to conduct audits or reviews concerning policy decisions of Department officials with respect to law enforcement, litigation, legal advice, and corrections. Requires such Inspector General to inform the Attorney General before issuing a subpoena. Prohibits the Inspector General of the Department of the Treasury, except when requested by the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, from reviewing policy decisions concerning law enforcement, banking regulatory, financial, monetary, tax, or international activities of the Department. Establishes the compensation for all Inspectors General at level IV of the Executive Schedule. Amends the Energy Security Act to change the compensation of the Deputy Inspector General of the United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation from level IV to level V of the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1982
Congressional Reports Elimination Act of 1982 - Title I: Eliminations - Repeals specified provisions of Federal law requiring certain Federal agencies, States, or the President to submit reports to Congress, the President, or the public. Title II: Modifications - Amends specified provisions of Federal law to: (1) discontinue requirements for reports to Congress; (2) combine such reports; (3) reduce the frequency or the contents of such reports; (4) change the dates for transmission of such reports; and (5) make technical changes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) express to the Soviet Union the United States' deep concern about the Soviet Union's depriving the Vashchenko and Chmykhalov families of religious freedom and refusing them permission to emigrate; (2) ensure that such families may reside in the U.S. embassy in Moscow until the Soviet Union authorizes their emigration; and (3) ensure provision of assistance for such families during their residence in the embassy.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1982
Artist's Tax Equity and Donation Act of 1982 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for the current fair market value of a literary, musical, or artistic composition created by the taxpayer and contributed to a charitable organization. Disallows a fair market value deduction for a contribution of property which was produced while the taxpayer was a Government officer or employee if such property arose out of the performance of the taxpayer's duties.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should invite the Soviet Union to begin nuclear arms negotiations regarding: (1) current or proposed strategic arms; and (2) control of nuclear proliferation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1982
Commodity Exchange Act Fraud Amendments of 1982 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to specify areas of exclusive Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Commission) jurisdiction, and to permit States to exercise jurisdiction over specified off-exchange transactions, including dealer options and leverage transactions. Requires registration of persons associated with commodity pool operators (CPOs) and commodity trading advisors (CTAs). Requires that the States be notified of any Commission registration application. Permits States to petition the Commission to suspend or revoke such applications. Eliminates the requirement that the Commission give notice before seeking a temporary restraining order. Authorizes State enforcement of State antifraud or commodity and security antifraud statutes, except against contract markets, clearinghouses, or floor brokers. Provides for information sharing with the States to facilitate enforcement proceedings. Makes specified criminal penalties applicable to all registrants. Provides for a private right of action under such Act in the United States district courts. Increases damages for failure to comply with a Commission reparation order.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) continue to express U.S. opposition to the forced exile of Ida Nudel; (2) urge the Soviet Union to provide her with adequate medical care and allow her to emigrate; and (3) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will consider the extent to which countries honor their commitments under international law when evaluating U.S. relations with such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special motor fuels any such fuels sold for use in certain taxicabs. Imposes requirements of registration for such exemption. Makes permanent the provision for refund of taxes paid on the sale of fuel for taxicabs. Amends the definitions of qualified taxicab services and qualified taxicab.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1982
Requests the President to designate the week of June 20 through June 27, 1982, as National Safety in the Workplace Week to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the American Society of Safety Engineers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1982
White House Conference on Productivity Act - Title I: Findings - States the findings of Congress concerning U.S. productivity. Title II: The White House Conference on Productivity - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on Productivity, within one year, to develop recommendations to stimulate the U.S. productivity improvement rate. Lists the policy options the Conference shall consider. Requires the Conference to submit a report to the President. Requires the report to be made public. Directs the President to transmit to the Congress recommendations for legislative action to implement recommendations in the report. Title III: Administration - Provides for the administration of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should take no action to accelerate the decontrol of wellhead natural gas prices.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the February meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to tell the Commission that the Soviet Union should stop harassing Soviet Jews and should allow its citizens to practice their religion and to emigrate. Urges the Soviet Union to comply with its human rights obligations. Urges the President to: (1) express to the Soviet Union U.S. opposition to harassment of Soviet citizens and to prohibitions of emigration; and (2) reiterate that the United States will consider the extent to which other nations honor their commitments under international law when evaluating its relations with such nations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Lech Walesa and others detained by Poland's government for political reasons should be released. Declares that Lech Walesa and other Solidarity members should be permitted to: (1) participate in negotiations concerning the future of Solidarity; (2) comment on the situation in Poland; and (3) travel freely.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1982
Competition in Contracting Act of 1982 - Title I: Amendments to Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to revise the procedures for soliciting and awarding bids for Government contracts. Requires executive agencies (excluding military departments, the Coast Guard, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to use competitive procedures in making purchases and contracts for property and services. Directs agencies to solicit a sufficient number of bids, without bias, to achieve effective and efficient competition. Permits agencies to use noncompetitive procurement procedures only when: (1) there is only one source of the property or services needed; (2) the delay involved in using competitive procedures would seriously injure the Government; (3) it is necessary to award the contract to a particular source to maintain an essential industrial capacity in the United States or to achieve national industrial mobilization; (4) an agreement with a foreign government requires such procedures; (5) a statute requires that the procurement be made through another agency or a specific source; or (6) disclosure of an agency's needs to more than one source would compromise the national security. Requires that each solicitation for bids disclose: (1) the factors the agency will use in evaluating bids; (2) the agency's objectives in procuring the property or services; (3) whether the bids will be evaluated with or without discussion; and (4) the time and location for the opening of bids. Requires each agency to evaluate bids on the basis of price and other appropriate factors. Permits an agency to discuss bids with bidders when necessary before awarding a contract. Prohibits discussion if the Government's needs and the terms of the contract are sufficiently described to permit: (1) sources to prepare and submit bids on an informed and timely basis; and (2) the agency to evaluate all bids on a common and timely basis. Directs an agency to notify all bidders when procurement is awarded. Requires an agency to direct the Secretary of Commerce to publish a notice of: (1) the agency's intention to use competitive procedures to purchase property or services costing over $25,000; (2) the agency's intention to use noncompetitive procedures to procure property or services costing over $75,000; or (3) an actual purchase or contract award exceeding an amount specified by the Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy. Requires such a notice for noncompetitive procurement to be published at least 30 days before the contract is awarded and to include: (1) the names of sources to be solicited; (2) the property or services to be procured; (3) the estimated value of the procurement; and (4) a statement that any person may submit bids within 30 days. Exempts certain procurement activities from such notice requirements. Requires agencies to maintain records of noncompetitive procurements during each fiscal year. Declares that such records shall include a justification of each use of competitive procedures and shall be available to any Member of Congress. Title II: Amendments to Title 10, United States Code - Revises procurement procedures for military departments, the Coast Guard, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to correspond with procurement procedures for executive agencies under title I of this Act. Title III: Applicability - Declares that this Act shall become applicable 60 days after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1982
Orphan Drug Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to exempt from such Act drugs intended solely for drug treatment investigations. Defines "drug treatment investigation" as an investigation of a drug which involves human participants with a rare disease or condition. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an interagency committee known as the Committee on Orphan Drug Development. Makes it the function of such committee to promote the development of drugs for rare diseases or conditions (orphan drugs). Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit to the Committee an annual report on the rare disease and condition research activities of NIH. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to the Committee an annual report on the use of the tax credit for experimental expenses. Requires the Committee to report by June 1 of each year to the appropriate congressional committees on its activities and the results of its evaluations, including the report submitted by NIH and the Secretary of the Treasury. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified experimental expenses incurred while researching orphan drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Reciprocal Trade and Investment Act of 1982 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to submit to the President an annual study of the practices of each designated major trading country that: (1) deny benefits to the United States under a trade agreement; or (2) deny to the United States substantially equivalent commercial opportunities with respect to U.S. products that are internationally competitive. Directs the President to submit such study to the appropriate congressional committees and to propose actions to redress any imbalance caused by such practices. Directs Federal agencies to furnish information and other assistance to carry out such study. Adds to the findings upon which the President can base U.S. responses to foreign trade practices. Directs the President to act upon finding that a foreign practice denies to the United States commercial opportunities substantially equivalent to those offered by the United States. Authorizes the President to take action against the foreign entity's investments. (Current law limits the President to taking action against the foreign entity's products or services.) Requires the President to take into account U.S. trade agreement obligations in determining whether to take any action to enforce U.S. trade rights or respond to a foreign trade practice. Includes foreign direct investment by U.S. citizens or nationals within the definition of commerce and commercial opportunites. Authorizes the House Ways and Means Committee or the Senate Finance Committee to file a resolution with the USTR requesting the President to take action to enforce U.S. trade rights or respond to foreign trade practices. Directs the USTR to consult with the International Trade Commission (ITC) on: (1) the economic impact of the USTR's legislative recommendations; and (2) the foreign practices which caused the USTR to investigate. (Current law authorizes the USTR to consult with the ITC on the economic impact of proposed action with respect to the foreign product or service.) Directs the USTR to make preliminary recommendations to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee on the options the President is considering if dispute settlement procedures fail. Requires such recommendations to be made within 180 days of a finding that presidential action is needed to enforce U.S. trade rights or to respond to a foreign trade practice. Directs the President to negotiate international agreements to end restrictions on foreign direct investment. Includes restrictions on foreign direct investment among the barriers to international trade that may authorize the President to enter trade agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the Interstate Commerce Commission should temporarily refrain from granting applications for motor carrier operating authority filed by foreign companies or by companies controlled by foreign nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1982
Amends the Second Liberty Bond Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to fix the investment yield on any United States savings bond at a yield which makes such bond competitive with comparable investments. Prohibits the investment yield on such bonds from exceeding 85 percent of the average investment yield for the most recent auction (before the week in which the certificate is issued) of United States Treasury bills with maturities of 52 weeks.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1982
States that the budget and appropriations for FY 1982 of the Internal Revenue Service's taxpayer's assistance program shall not be reduced below the level required to permit 100 percent response and service by the IRS to all taxpayers requesting such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1982
Trade in Services Act of 1982 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require that principal U.S. negotiating objectives in trade agreement negotiations shall be to: (1) reduce barriers to U.S. service sector trade in foreign markets; (2) modify practices which distort international trade in services; and (3) develop internationally agreed rules that are consistent with U.S. commercial policies and that will help ensure open international trade in services. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to pay particular attention to the interests of the States and consult regularly with representatives of the States in negotiations concerning barriers to international trade in services. Prohibits the USTR from entering negotiations involving a service sector regulated by the States unless the USTR has developed negotiating objectives with representatives of the States. Requires the USTR to inform the service sector advisory committees established by the Trade Act of 1974 of prospective trade negotiations to reduce trade barriers. Requires the USTR to develop negotiating objectives with such committees before entering the negotiations and to consult with the committees during the negotiations. Requires the USTR to consult with interested congressional committees on such negotiations. Requires the USTR to present a proposed negotiating program and an analysis of U.S. negotiating interests to such congressional committees within 45 days after enactment of this Act. Authorizes the President to impose duties or other import restrictions on suppliers of services in order to respond to unfair foreign trade practices. Requires the USTR, before the President imposes such duties or import restrictions, to consult with Federal and State agencies that regulate the services involved. Directs the USTR to coordinate U.S. policies concerning trade in services. Requires Federal agencies regulating service sector industries to notify the USTR and seek the advice of the USTR on certain pending matters relating to international trade in services. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish in the Department of Commerce a service industries development program. Sets forth the purposes of such program. Directs the USTR and the Secretary to advise State governments on U.S. policies on international trade in services. Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. authorities responsible for regulating a service sector should, in developing their market access policies, consider the extent to which U.S. suppliers are accorded access to foreign markets. Requires Federal agencies regulating a service sector, when considering a rule that may affect the access of a foreign supplier to the U.S. market, to: (1) consider information concerning the market access accorded U.S. suppliers in the home market of the foreign suppliers that may be affected; and (2) indicate the extent to which any action taken with regard to such rule promotes fairness in international trade. Authorizes such agencies to impose such restrictions on foreign access to the U.S. market for such service sector as may be appropriate to promote fairness in international service sector trade. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1982
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs from March 1, 1982 through February 28, 1983, to: (1) employ personnel; (2) utilize the services of department or agency personnel on a reimbursable basis; and (3) procurement of consultant services. Authorizes the Committee to study or investigate: (1) the efficiency and economy of all branches of government, including national security and energy management; (2) the extent to which improper activities take place in the labor-management field; (3) organized crime utilization of interstate and international commerce and the adequacy of Federal and State laws to prevent such operations; (4) civil and criminal disorder; and (5) all other aspects of lawlessness.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to extend from August 6, 1982, to August 6, 1984, the current preclearance requirements (under which jurisdictions covered through the triggering mechanism must submit proposed electoral changes to the Department of Justice). Establishes a new standard for jurisdictions to "bail-out" of these requirements effective August 6, 1984. Permits political subdivisions of covered States to bail-out independently of the State. Conditions a declaratory judgment for bail-out on the jurisdiction's showing that it and all its political subdivisions have met the bail-out requirements for a ten-year period prior to the filing of the suit. Includes among the requirements for bail-out that: (1) no test or device has been used to discriminate on account of race, color, or language; (2) no actions alleging voting discrimination are pending or have gone to final judgment; (3) no Federal examiner has served in the jurisdiction seeking bail-out; (4) the jurisdiction and all its subdivisions have complied with the preclearance requirements; and (5) the jurisdiction and its subdivisions have taken affirmative steps to protect voting rights. Stipulates that lawsuits filed during pendency of the bail-out litigation will not bar bail-out. Subjects the jurisdiction to the preclearance requirements if any such lawsuit alleging voting violations is successful after bail-out. Restates the prohibition against voting discrimination to include as a violation conduct which has the effect of discrimination. Stipulates that the failure of a minority to be proportionately represented does not itself constitute a violation. Extends the bilingual election requirements from August 6, 1985, to August 6, 1992. Declares that nothing in the Voting Rights Act shall be construed to permit assistance within the voting booth, unless the voter is blind or physically incapacitated.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual to elect hospice care, in lieu of certain other benefits, during two periods of 180 days each during the individual's lifetime. Provides for full reimbursement of reasonable costs to a hospice program, subject to a ceiling. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the hospice reimbursement method. Defines hospice care as including items and services furnished to the terminally ill in their homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short term inpatient basis.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1981
Controlled Substances Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to eliminate the distinction between penalties for dealing in narcotic and nonnarcotic drugs listed in schedules I and II.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Sets forth the Institute's research and training functions and arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases program plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Institute, to operate multipurpose arthritis and musculoskeletal disease research centers. Requires annual evaluations of such centers. Authorizes specified appropriations for such centers for fiscal years 1983-1985. Directs the Secretary to establish an arthritis and musculoskeletal disease Coordinating Committee, which shall meet at least four times a year.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that members of the National Guard and Reserve should be granted time off from their jobs for military training, exclusive of earned vacation, and given equal consideration for job benefits and promotions as other employees.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1981
Amends the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act to increase the authorized civil and criminal penalties for violations. Extends the current reporting requirement to include persons attempting to transport monetary instruments into or from the United States. Raises from $5,000 to $10,000 the amount transported which triggers the reporting requirement. Revises the forfeiture provision to subject monetary instruments to seizure only if the person required to file a report knowingly fails to do so. Authorizes a customs officer to make a warrantless search and seizure of any vehicle, vessel, aircraft, envelope, or other container based on reasonable cause that a monetary instrument is being transported for which a report is required. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a reward for original information leading to a recovery of at least $50,000 by way of criminal fine, civil penalty, or forfeiture.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1981
Restricts the authority of the head of a defense agency to award a sole-source contract. Permits the Secretary of Defense to waive specified requirements in the interests of national security. Excludes from such restrictions classified procurements and the procurement of utility services, perishable commodities, emergency and other specified procurement situations. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on specified sole-source contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 1981
United States Academy of Peace Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace as an independent nonprofit corporation. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace. Authorizes the Academy to establish: (1) a Center for International Peace; and (2) a United States Medal of Peace and other medals or honors. Subjects the Academy to specified freedom of information requirements. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel actions of the Academy or financial assistance by the Academy. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for an Academy buildings and grounds capitalization fund. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal years 1983 and 1984 for Academy programs and administration.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth new criteria for the disclosure of tax return information to Federal law enforcement officials. Revises the definition of tax return information and investigative nonreturn information. Defines "investigative return information" as tax returns of all taxpayers and underlying records and information submitted in support of such returns. Defines "investigative nonreturn information" as all information obtained by the Internal Revenue Service which is not encompassed in the definition of investigative return information, including corporate books and records and information about taxpayers obtained from third parties. Requires an ex parte Federal court order for the disclosure of investigative return information to Justice Department officials for use in preparing any administrative, judicial, or grand jury proceeding involving the enforcement of a specific Federal criminal statute (but not involving tax administration) or in an ancillary proceeding involving the United States or for purposes of locating a fugitive from justice. Specifies the grounds for granting an ex parte order. Authorizes Justice Department officials who have obtained investigative return information pursuant to a court order to disclose such information to other government officials or potential witnesses crucial to a criminal investigation or needed for the preparation of criminal proceedings. Grants the Secretary of the Treasury discretion to refuse disclosure of investigative return or nonreturn information if he determines and certifies to the court granting the ex parte order (in the case of return information), that such disclosure would identify a confidential informant or seriously impair a civil or criminal tax investigation. Requires the Secretary to disclose investigative return information to Justice Department officials as soon as practicable after the issuance of the ex parte order. Permits the disclosure of investigative nonreturn information upon the written request of a head of a Federal agency, the Inspector General of such agency, or certain officials of the Justice Department for use in Federal grand jury proceedings, or in preparation for any administrative, judicial, or grand jury proceedings. Sets forth the information which such request must contain. Permits officials who have obtained investigative nonreturn information to disclose such information to other government personnel or potential witnesses crucial to a criminal investigation or needed for the preparation of criminal proceedings. Directs the Secretary to disclose in writing to appropriate Federal officials investigative nonreturn information (other than information which would identify a confidential informant or seriously impair a tax investigation) which may indicate a violation of Federal criminal laws. Directs the Secretary, when making a recommendation to the Justice Department for prosecution of a criminal tax violation, to disclose return or nonreturn information obtained during the tax investigation which indicates a violation of Federal criminal law. Allows information disclosed under the provisions of this Act to be entered into evidence in nontax judicial or administrative proceedings or in any ancillary proceedings to which the United States is a party. Limits such disclosure to the extent required by applicable discovery requirements. Prohibits admission of such evidence into evidence if the Secretary determines that it would identify a confidential informant or seriously impair a tax investigation, unless a court otherwise directs disclosure. Directs the Secretary, in specified emergency circumstances, to disclose return or nonreturn information to the extent necessary to apprise appropriate Federal officials of such emergency. Permits the Internal Revenue Service to assist the Department of Justice or any other Federal agency in joint tax and nontax investigations of criminal matters which may involve tax violations. Permits Federal officials to apply to a Federal court for permission to disclose to appropriate State officials any investigative return or nonreturn information which may indicate a violation of a State felony statute. Sets forth the factors which the court must consider in authorizing such disclosure. Permits the disclosure of investigative return and nonreturn information to a foreign government which has a treaty with the United States for the exchange of tax information in nontax criminal matters. Requires a Federal judge or magistrate to determine whether the information is relevant to the criminal investigation. Permits the disclosure of investigative return and nonreturn information to Federal intelligence agencies upon the certification of the Attorney General that such information is sought exclusively for use in foreign intelligence collection or a foreign counterintelligence investigation. Sets forth additional factors which the Attorney General must consider in making his certification. Allows as an affirmative defense to a prosecution for the unauthorized disclosure of return or nonreturn information that such disclosure resulted from a good faith, but erroneous, interpretation of the requirements of this Act. Enlarges the remedy of a taxpayer aggrieved by an unauthorized disclosure of returns or return information to permit suit for civil damages against the Federal agency responsible for the disclosure. Permits direct suit against nonemployees of a Federal agency who are responsible for an unauthorized disclosure. Expands the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to examine the books of a taxpayer and certain witnesses to permit the Secretary to make inquiries regarding possible criminal tax violations. Revises procedures for challenging Internal Revenue Service third-party summonses to permit third-party recordkeepers to file a motion in Federal court to quash such summonses. Allows an appeal of an order denying a motion to quash only as part of an appeal from a final order. Grants the U.S. magistrate jurisdiction over all proceedings involving third-party summonses.
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