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United States · Official source
5,049 records where Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of February 28, 1982, through March 6, 1982, as National Construction Industry Week.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1981
Requests the President to designate the month of January 1982 as "National Cerebral Palsy Month."
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1981
Private Sector Opportunities Act - Amends title VII (Private Sector Opportunities for the Economically Disadvantaged) of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) to revise provisions for private sector programs. Makes eligible for participation in such programs unemployed or underemployed individuals who reside in designated enterprise zones. Retains the requirement that 95 percent of title VII funds be allocated among prime sponsors, but deletes a provision that the remainder of such funds be used by the Secretary of Labor to assist prime sponsors jointly establishing a single private industrial council and specified Native American entities in carrying out such programs. Retains other provisions for assistance to specified Native American entities. Permits prime sponsors to use such program funds for coordination with other economic development activities. Requires that descriptions of proposed private sector initiatives include provisions for training and placement activities in business concerns, especially in small businesses, and for involving, where feasible, community-based organizations. Requires that prime sponsor (or specified Native American, Alaskan, or Hawaiian entities) designate enterprise zones within their jurisdictions, as a condition for receipt of financial assistance under the program. Includes local economic development councils among those groups to which proposed plans for activities must be submitted for comment. Sets forth provisions for the designation of enterprise zones for purposes of the private sector program. Requires that prime sponsors and other specified entities consult with the appropriate private industrial council and, where feasible, with community-based organizations in designating any enterprise zone. Sets forth requirements for the types of urban and rural areas that may be designated as enterprise zones. Directs the Secretary to approve the designation of an enterprise zone submitted by a prime sponsor or other specified entity, unless the application information does not meet such requirements. Adds local economic development councils to those groups from which prime sponsors must appoint members of private industry councils. Directs that, in appointing such members from educational agencies and institutions, particular consideration should be given to persons with expertise in onsite, industry specific vocational education. Revises the list of activities that private-sector opportunities programs may include. Adds to such list the development of: (1) a small business intern program; (2) relationships between employment and training programs, educational institutions, community-based organizations, and the private sector; and (3) onsite, industry specific training programs supportive of industrial and economic development, in cooperation with State vocational education boards, if CETA title VII funds are supplemented, where feasible, by funds from other sources. Adds to such list the provision of on-the-job training subsidies on a declining ratio to wages over the period of training. Provides that program activities may include upgrading and retraining in accordance with CETA title II occupational upgrading and retraining programs. Limits to 15 percent that portion of title VII funds that may be used for such upgrading and retraining. Amends CETA title I administrative provisions to authorize the appropriation of necessary sums for fiscal years 1983 through 1985 to carry out the title VII private sector opportunities program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Alien Parental Amnesty Act of 1981 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to adjust the status to permanent resident of certain parents of children born in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Declares two 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 · 27 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which provide incentives for energy conservation and development of renewable energy sources should not be repealed or amended to reduce such incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1981
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to report to Congress in regard to the adequacy of certain airline industry practices and FAA rules and regulations concerning air quality aboard aircraft. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1981
Requests the President to designate the week beginning November 8, 1981, as "National Home Health Care Week."
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1981
Missing Children Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to collect and exchange information which would assist in the identification of unidentified deceased individuals, and the location of missing persons, including missing children.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to give first or fourth visa preference (sons and daughters of U.S. citizens) to an alien who was fathered by a U.S. serviceman after 1950 in Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Thailand, or the Philippines. Requires a five-year financial support guarantee signed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor. Allows the Attorney General to enforce such guarantee against the sponsor in a civil suit unless such sponsor dies or is adjudicated bankrupt.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Career Criminal Life Sentence Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish a mandatory life sentence for "career criminals." Defines "career criminal" to mean whoever commits a Federal or State robbery or burglary felony while using, threatening to use, displaying, or possessing a firearm, after having been twice convicted of a robbery or burglary felony. Expresses the intent of Congress that the United States should ordinarily defer to State prosecution under this Act. Permits Federal prosecution upon the determination of the Attorney General, in consultation with State or local officials, that there is a significant Federal interest and the State authorities are unlikely to secure a sentence of life imprisonment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Directs the Federal Bureau of Prisons to accept custody of convicts who are sentenced to life imprisonment under State habitual criminal statutes, upon application of a State, to the extent that space is available in the Federal prison system.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Declares that State prison authorities have an obligation to provide prisoners with a marketable job skill and basic literacy. Prohibits parole authorities from releasing State prisoners sentenced to two years' or more imprisonment unless this obligation has been met. Directs the U.S. Attorney General to set forth regulations to carry out this Act, including a determination of what constitutes "marketable job skill" and "basic literacy." Establishes a State Prison Vocational Skills Advisory Council to advise the Attorney General. Conditions Federal assistance for State prison programs on compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Expresses the objection of Congress to the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, conformal fuel tanks, AIM- 9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and aerial refueling aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1981
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide that certain fiduciary duties under such Act shall be deemed satisfied by investments in residential housing mortgages that provide adequate security and a reasonable rate of interest. Exempts from specified prohibitions under such Act the placing, investing, or purchase of a mortgage secured by residential housing property if such investment or sale: (1) is adequately secured; (2) is made in accordance with specific provisions regarding such loans set forth in the employee benefit plan; and (3) bears a reasonable rate of interest.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the exclusion of interest on mortgage subsidy bonds. Includes as an element of a good faith effort to satisfy such requirements a showing that the issuer of bonds conducts periodic audits and prosecutes any cases of fraud. Provides that an issuer's diligent effort to correct a failure to meet a particular requirement will cure such a failure. Revises the arbitrage requirements to increase the amount by which interest rates on tax-exempt mortgage subsidy bonds may exceed the interest rates on mortgages financed with such bonds. Specifies that issuers are not required to dispose of any investment and realize a loss in order to satisfy arbitrage restrictions. Repeals the registration requirements for bond issues. Revises requirements for residential rental property bond issues relating to the median income level of occupants and the term of the low-income occupancy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
National Bridge Improvement Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to revise the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program to concentrate Federal funding on bridges most in need of replacement and rehabilitation. Requires the establishment of guidelines for the distribution of such funds throughout the States. Directs the Secretary to review each State's compliance with national bridge inspection standards and to revise such standards to decrease the maximum time lapse between inspections. Declares that the Secretary, by January 1, 1983, shall implement a plan of action designed to achieve full compliance by State and local governments with national bridge inspection standards. Directs the Secretary to inventory all bridges maintained by Federal agencies. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the administrative actions taken under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1981
Extradition Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set forth new procedures governing the extradition of persons to and from the United States for alleged criminal activity. Authorizes only the Attorney General to initiate an extradition complaint (current law permits any authority of a foreign government to do so). Allows the Attorney General to request issuance of a summons rather than an arrest warrant. Permits release of a person pending the extradition hearing upon a showing of "special circumstances" to the court. Requires the court to impose conditions of release that will assure the person's appearance and the safety of the community and any other person. Provides for waiver of the extradition hearing and consent to removal. Permits either party to appeal the findings of the district court on a complaint of extradition to the U.S. court of appeals. Requires the appeal to be heard as soon as practicable. Disallows a habeas corpus petition or other appeal unless the court finds grounds that could not previously have been presented. Permits release of a person who has been found extraditable pending appeal upon a showing of "special circumstances" to the court of appeals (current law does not authorize such release). Authorizes the Secretary of State to decline to order the surrender of a person who has been found extraditable if the Secretary determines that the foreign state seeks extradition for a political offense. Prohibits any court from making such a determination. Authorizes the temporary extradition to the United States of a person whose delivery has been conditioned by a foreign state on such person's return to its custody. Codifies other current practices with respect to hearing and notice requirements for extradition proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Criminal Code Reform Act of 1981 - Title I: Codification, Revision, and Reform of Title 18 - Amends title 18 of the U.S. Code, the Federal criminal code. Subdivides such title into the following parts: (1) general provisions and principles; (2) offenses; (3) sentences; (4) administration and procedure; and (5) ancillary civil proceedings. Part I: General Provisions and Principles - Sets forth the general purpose and application of title 18, general principles of criminal liability, and over 100 general definitions. States that the existence of Federal jurisdiction is not an element of any offense. Provides that particular offenses may include separate jurisdictional requirements. Enumerates factors which Federal law enforcement officers should consider in determining whether to exercise jurisdiction concurrently with a State. Directs the Attorney General to consult with State and local governments on the exercise of Federal jurisdiction and to report annually to Congress on the extent of this exercise. Permits information obtained in the exercise of Federal jurisdiction to be shared with State or local law enforcement officers exercising concurrent jurisdiction. Declares that Federal jurisdiction is not generally preemptive of State jurisdiction, but enumerates offenses with respect to which the Attorney General may order preemption. Decreases from 78 to four the mental states for criminal culpability ("intentional", "knowing", "reckless", and "negligent"). Sets forth general rules for criminal complicity. Makes a person who facilitates completion of an offense by providing substantial assistance liable as a facilitator. Codifies the rule making a coconspirator liable for the reasonably foreseeable criminal conduct of another person (the "Pinkerton doctrine"). States as a general principle that the Federal courts shall determine bars to prosecution, defenses, and affirmative defenses in accordance with common law. Sets forth a general statute of limitations of five years for a felony or misdemeanor and one year for an infraction (currently such limits vary with the offense). Permits an extended period for certain concealable offenses, such as fraud or misconduct in office. Reduces generally from 18 to 17 years the age of responsibility for adult criminal conduct. Permits the prosecution of individuals under the age of 17 for crimes of violence and certain narcotics offenses. Part II: Offenses - Organizes offenses by the following types (rather than alphabetically as under current law): (1) offenses of general applicability, including attempt, conspiracy, and solicitation; (2) offenses involving national defense; (3) offenses involving international affairs; (4) offenses involving government processes; (5) tax offenses; (6) offenses involving individual rights; (7) offenses against the person; (8) offenses against property; and (9) offenses involving public order, safety, health, and welfare. Replaces the particularized penalties for specific offenses in current law with general penalty provisions specifying: (1) terms of imprisonment based on five classes of felonies (A to F); three classes of misdemeanors (A to C); and an infraction; and (2) levels of fines according to the type of offense and defendant (individual or organization). Repeals the Logan Act (prohibiting private communication with a foreign government to influence foreign policy), the Smith Act (prohibiting advocating the overthrow of the Government), and the current prohibition against spreading false information during wartime with intent to aid the enemy. Includes among new Federal offenses: (1) general attempt and solicitation; (2) engaging in para-military activity for the purpose of taking over a government agency; (3) conspiring in the United States to kill, maim, or kidnap a foreign official; (4) obstructing a government function by fraud or by physical interference; (5) a general crime of false swearing; (6) failing to keep a Government record with intent to defraud in connection with benefits provided by a Federal program; (7) speculating on official action or information; (8) a series of offenses covering election fraud; (9) possession of an eavesdropping device; (10) possession of burglar's tools; (11) trafficking in stolen property; and (12) operating a racketeering syndicate. Revises numerous offenses, including the following changes. Adds a new "renunciation" defense to the offense of conspiracy and to the new offenses of attempt and solicitation. Limits the offense of "impairing military effectiveness" to time of war or national defense emergency or where a major weapons system or means of defense against large scale enemy attack is impaired. Revises "criminal contempt" to impose a maximum prison sentence of six months and a fine of $10,000 for an individual and $100,000 for an organization (current law imposes no such limits). Modifies "obstruction of justice" to detail prohibited activities with respect to tampering with a witness, victim, or informant. Changes the offense of "bail jumping" to vary the penalties according to the category of offense. Makes an oral false statement to a Government official an offense only where: (1) the speaker knows the official is a law enforcement officer; and (2) the statement is volunteered or made after the speaker has been advised that making a false statement is an offense. Requires corroborating evidence that the offender made the alleged statement. Adds a new defense of retraction to the offense of "making a false statement." Revises "tax evasion" to eliminate the net tax deficiency requirement. Modifies "civil rights offenses" to: (1) include all "persons" (current law protects "citizens"); (2) allow for a single offender (current law requires a conspiracy); and (3) eliminate the specific intent requirement. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (current law includes race, color, religion, or national origin) in violation of a person's right not to be subject to sex discrimination. Extends Federal jurisdiction over any contract murder involving interstate commerce, homicide committed on a railroad vehicle operating in commerce, or murder of a U.S. Secret Service protectee. Revises various sex offenses to eliminate distinctions as to the sex of the offender or victim. Includes additional acts in the offense of rape. Makes punishable the rape of one spouse by the other, but applies the interspousal exemption for lesser sex offenses. States that corroboration of the victim's testimony is not required. Provides, with respect to sexual abuse of a minor, that the victim must be less than 16 years old and at least three years younger than the offender. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over the offense of arson and aggravated property destruction where the offense is committed on an energy facility. Extends Federal jurisdiction over the robbery of controlled substances from a pharmacy. Consolidates numerous theft statutes under current law. Varies the penalties with the value and type of property stolen. Reduces the penalty for the temporary taking of a motor vehicle by a juvenile. Revises the crime of "executing a fraudulent scheme" to cover pyramid sales schemes. Extends Federal jurisdiction to include: (1) trafficking in a substance that is represented to be a controlled substance; (2) soliciting property in a passenger terminal; and (3) obtaining at least $100,000 in insurance proceeds through the offense of arson. Extends Federal jurisdiction over the counterfeiting of securities or bonds issued by an organization or State or local government. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over commercial bribery affecting Federally- funded programs. Extends the scope of labor bribery to include bribery involving union membership procedures and work placement. Revises "loansharking" to add as a new offense an extension of credit over $100 in value carrying an annual interest rate exceeding the higher of 45 percent or twice the interest rate on U.S. obligations. Establishes a mandatory two-year minimum sentence for trafficking in an opiate unless the court finds specified mitigating circumstances. Increases the authorized term of imprisonment for trafficking in large amounts of an opiate or phencyclidine (PCP). Increases the fine for trafficking in large amounts of marihuana. Limits the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to crimes of violence. Expands this crime to include displaying any destructive device or other dangerous weapon or imitation thereof. Establishes a mandatory two-year minimum sentence unless the court finds specified mitigating circumstances. Narrows the applicability of "riot offenses" by: (1) requiring the actual occurrence of a riot; and (2) defining "riot" as involving at least ten persons (three in current law). Conforms the definition of "obscene material" to Supreme Court decisions for purposes of the offense of "disseminating obscene material." Defines "community" standards as those in the Federal district in which the obscene material is disseminated. Part III: Sentences - Sets forth a new sentencing structure applicable to a defendant who is found guilty of an offense under any Federal statute. Permits an individual to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment or probation and a fine, and to receive additional sanctions, including: (1) forfeiture for certain racketeering crimes; (2) an order of notice to victims of crimes in cases involving fraud or deceptive practices; or (3) an order of restitution in cases involving bodily injury or property damage. Permits an organization to receive these penalties, with the exception of imprisonment. Specifies factors to be considered by a sentencing court, including the guidelines and policy statements issued by the United States Sentencing Commission. Requires the court to impose a sentence within the range set forth by the Commission unless aggravating or mitigating circumstances exist that were not adequately considered by the Commission in formulating the guidelines. Requires the court to state in open court at the time of sentencing the reason for imposing a sentence at a point within the prescribed range, or the specific reason for imposing a sentence outside of such range. Authorizes the imposition of a term of probation, unless specifically prohibited, for all but the most serious class of felonies. Requires as a mandatory condition of probation that a defendant not commit another crime. Enumerates 20 discretionary conditions. Sets forth a fine schedule for the categories of offenses generally at higher levels than current law. Includes higher maximums for organizational defendants. Directs the court to consider the defendant's financial status in determining the amount of a fine and the method of payment. Sets maximum terms of imprisonment for five classes of felonies (A to F), three classes of misdemeanors (A to C), and an infraction (five day maximum). Allows the court, in imposing a sentence in excess of one year, to include a term of supervised release after imprisonment. Excludes capital punishment as an authorized penalty, but leaves unaffected the current death penalty provision for aircraft hijacking. Eliminates the parole system. Permits a defendant to petition for a sentence reduction upon a showing of extraordinary and compelling reasons. Limits this motion for defendants who are sentenced to five or more years of imprisonment. Part IV: Administration and Procedure - Amends the wiretapping law to restrict the interception of communications without a court order in emergency situations to the offenses of treason, sabotage, espionage, or an offense involving risk of death (current law limits it to conspiracies involving national security or organized crime). Establishes new procedures requiring authorization for investigative use of a "call register" (a mechanical device which records numbers dialed on the telephone line to which it is attached). Leaves generally unchanged the rules respecting venue for offenses committed in more than one district. Limits the prosecution of disseminating obscene material to the districts where the material was disseminated or the offense was completed (current law allows prosecution in any district through which the material moves). Replaces the Bail Reform Act of 1966 with new bail procedures. Authorizes a judicial officer to consider the safety of any person or the community when making pretrial release determination. Eliminates execution of a money bond as a condition for pretrial release. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the pretrial detention of a person upon finding that: (1) no condition will reasonably assure his appearance, and the safety of any other person and the community; and (2) there is a substantial probability that the person committed the offense. Permits a judicial officer to order the temporary detention (up to ten days) of a person who is presently on release, if no conditions will assure his appearance and the safety of the community. Permits a defendant to be released after conviction and pending appeal only upon a showing that: (1) he is not likely to flee or pose a danger to another person or property; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Establishes a new intake screening requirement for juvenile cases for the purposes of considering alternatives to prosecution. Authorizes a special verdict of "not guilty only by reason of insanity" for any criminal defendant who raises the issue of insanity by notice as currently provided. Establishes a new civil commitment procedure for persons found not guilty only by reason of insanity. Permits in a felony or class A misdemeanor case, unless contrary to a plea agreement, a defendant to appeal a sentence greater than the maximum allowed under the Sentencing Commission's guidelines, or a sentence including an order of notice or restitution. Permits the Government, with the personal approval of the Attorney General or the Solicitor General, to appeal a sentence less than the applicable minimum. Treats criminal fine judgments as tax liens. Part IV: Ancillary Civil Proceedings - Consolidates and enumerates 24 offenses for which the Attorney General may initiate civil forfeiture proceedings. Establishes in the Treasury a Victim Compensation Fund from which victims of Federal offenses may be compensated upon filing a claim with the United States Victim Compensation Board established by this Act. Title II: Amendments to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence - Makes a number of specific amendments to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence. Title III: Amendments to Title 28 United States Code - Establishes the United States Victim Compensation Board to administer the victim compensation program created by this Act. Establishes as an independent body in the judicial branch the United States Sentencing Commission to establish sentencing policies and practices for the Federal criminal justice system. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth general provisions including that this Act shall take effect, with specified exceptions, 30 months after the date of enactment. Title V: Technical and Conforming Amendments Cross-Referenced in Title 18 - Makes technical and conforming amendments. Title VI: Codification and Revision of Title 18 Appendix Reenactment and Redesignation of Former Sections of Title 18 - Transfers certain offenses contained in current title 18 to a new title 18 Appendix. Title VII: Technical and Conforming Amendments to Provisions Outside Title 18 and Title 18 Appendix - Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Establishes the President's Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Authorizes the President to appoint members of the Commission. Provides that members shall receive no compensation for their services. Requires Federal departments and agencies to cooperate with the Commission in planning commemorative activities. Requires the Commission to: (1) investigate and evaluate ways of commemorating the two hundredth anniversary of the Constitution of the United States; (2) plan and coordinate commemorative observances and activities; (3) encourage and provide educational programs concerning the issues and individuals involved in framing the Constitution; and (4) promote through scholarly studies an understanding of the contributions of the Constitution to the American political system. Directs the Commission to report to the President and to Congress not later than two years after the enactment of this Act. Terminates the Commission thirty days after the submission of the report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Delays until 1983 the application of Revenue Ruling 81-216 which denies a tax exclusion of the interest on multiple lots of $1,000,000 each of industrial development bonds that are pooled and issued as one bond.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Grants a Federal charter to the National Federation of Music Clubs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Expresses the objection of Congress to the proposed sale to Saudi Arabia of airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, conformal fuel tanks, Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and aerial refueling aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1981
Floral Research and Consumer Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue research and promotion orders for the plant trade. Prescribes administrative procedure for such orders. Requires the Secretary to appoint a "Floraboards" composed of not more than 75 producers and importers nominated by certified organizations. Requires such Floraboard to develop plans and projects subject to the Secretary's approval. Provides for assessments on the sale of flowers and plants to defray administrative costs. Specifies the terms an order may contain. Requires approval of an order by a referendum of producers. Requires the Secretary to suspend or terminate an order on his own initiative, or at the behest of a referendum, under certain circumstances. Exempts certain producers and importers from coverage. Provides for assessment refunds and review of orders upon petition. Vests the district courts of the United States with enforcement jurisdiction. Sets forth criteria for the certification of producer and importer organizations. Enumerates investigative and legal powers of the Secretary with respect to Floraboard orders. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Nuclear Property Insurance Act of 1981 - Establishes in the Treasury a Nuclear Property Insurance Fund to pay insurance claims made by licensees of nuclear powerplants who enter into insurance agreements under this Act and the costs of necessary remedial action at Three Mile Island Unit 2. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide insurance policies to licensees of nuclear powerplants to supplement insurance available from private sources. Requires that such policies provide for payment from the fund when the costs of remedial action associated with onsite property damage caused by a single nuclear accident exceed the greater of two specified amounts. Sets a ceiling on such insurance payments. Permits the Secretary to require proof of loss or damage before paying any claim. Prohibits the issuance of an operating license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a nuclear powerplant unless the licensee is insured by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to prescribe insurance premium rates and coverage schedules to provide sufficient revenue for the fund. Sets a minimum aggregate amount of premiums to be paid by all licensees insured by this Act. Requires the Secretary to maintain an actuarially sound reserve in the fund in order to pay insurance claims. Requires insured licensees to pay additional assessments if the Secretary becomes obligated under any insurance agreement for any claim in excess of the amount in the fund. Directs the Secretary to coordinate activities of the Federal agencies involved with the clean-up of Three Mile Island Unit 2 and to prepare a contingency plan to protect public health and safety and maintain service continuity if the General Public Utilities Corporation cannot carry out its responsibilities in connection with Three Mile Island Unit 2. Directs the Secretary to reimburse the General Public Utilities Corporation from the fund for 75 percent of the uninsured costs incurred by the Corporation after the enactment of this Act for remedial action associated with onsite property damage at Three Mile Island Unit 2 if: (1) there is a joint plan by Pennsylvania and New Jersey to insure that the Corporation continues utility service and achieves economic stability; and (2) the Corporation agrees to pay the Secretary premium surcharges to recover 50 percent of the Secretary's costs. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance to the NRC to expedite licensing and regulatory procedures for remedial actions with respect to Three Mile Island Unit 2; (2) provide technical and planning assistance to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and the Corporation for the joint plan; and (3) arrange with the Corporation to use data valuable in understanding and enhancing nuclear powerplant safety. Subrogates the Secretary to all rights and claims of an insured licensee against a third party for costs for which the Secretary provides insurance coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980, as amended by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, to repeal the termination date for the partial tax exclusion of dividends and interest. Increases the amount of such exclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional excise tax on cigarettes. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to appropriate revenues from such additional tax to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Bail Reform Act of 1981 - Repeals the Bail Reform Act of 1966 and sets forth new bail procedures. Eliminates execution of a money bond as a condition for pretrial release. Authorizes a judicial officer to consider the safety of any person or the community when making a pretrial release determination. Establishes as a mandatory release condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during release. Expands the discretionary release conditions to include that the defendant: (1) maintain employment or an educational program; (2) avoid contact with an alleged victim or potential witness; (3) report to a law enforcement or pretrial service agency; (4) comply with a curfew; (5) refrain from possessing a firearm or use of alcohol or narcotic drugs; (6) undergo medical treatment; (7) forfeit designated property upon failure to appear; and (8) return to custody at specified hours. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the detention for up to ten days of a person who is presently on pretrial release for a felony under Federal, State, or local law or on probation or parole or release pending sentencing or appeal for any offense, if no conditions will assure his appearance and the safety of the community and any other person. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the pretrial detention of a person upon finding that: (1) no condition will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the safety of any other person and the community; and (2) there is a substantial probability that the person committed the offense. Requires that a detention hearing be held in any case involving: (1) a crime of violence; (2) any offense punishable by life imprisonment or death; or (3) a narcotics offense punishable by at least ten years imprisonment. Permits the Government or the court to move for a detention hearing in any other case involving: (1) a serious risk of flight or obstruction of justice; or (2) any felony committed after the person has been convicted of two or more offenses for which a hearing is mandated. Enumerates additional factors to be considered by the judicial officer in making a release determination, including the defendant's past conduct, history of drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and the nature and seriousness of the danger to the community or any person. Requires the detention of a person who has appealed his conviction unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) such person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to another person or property; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Requires the detention of a person awaiting sentencing unless the officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to appeal a release order. Establishes mandatory additional penalties for commission of an offense while on pretrial release. Subjects a person who has been conditionally released and violates a condition of release to revocation of release and prosecution for contempt of court. Grants new authority to law enforcement officers to arrest a person who violates certain pretrial release conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Criminal Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish as an independent body in the judicial branch the United States Sentencing Commission, to establish sentencing policies and practices for the Federal criminal justice system. Directs the Commission to promulgate: (1) sentencing guidelines including sentencing ranges for categories of offenses and defendants; and (2) general policy statements regarding application of the guidelines. Charges the Commission with assuring that the guidelines specify a substantial term of imprisonment for defendants who: (1) have a history of two or more Federal or State felony convictions; (2) committed the offense as part of a pattern of criminal conduct from which he derived substantial income; (3) committed the offense in furtherance of a conspiracy with three or more persons engaged in a racketeering activity in which the defendant participated in a managerial capacity; or (4) committed a crime of violence constituting a felony while on pretrial or post-trial release. Specifies factors to be considered by a sentencing court, including the guidelines and policy statements issued by the Commission and the need to avoid sentencing disparities among defendants with similar records. Requires the court to impose a sentence within the range set forth by the Commission unless aggravating or mitigating circumstances exist that were not adequately taken into consideration by the Commission in formulating the guidelines. Requires the court to state in open court at the time of sentencing the reason for imposing a sentence at a point within the prescribed range, or the specific reason for imposing a sentence outside of such range. Permits in a felony case, unless contrary to a plea agreement, a defendant to appeal a sentence greater than the maximum allowed under the Commission's guidelines. Permits the Government, with the personal approval of the Attorney General or the Solicitor General, to appeal a sentence less than the applicable minimum. Eliminates parole and the current good time allowance provisions with respect to any person convicted of an offense after the effective date of this Act. Retains such provisions with respect to any person convicted before such date for a five year period. Permits a sentence of a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to be adjusted by 36 days at the end of each year for satisfactory compliance with institutional disciplinary regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of October 5 through October 11, 1981, as "National Productivity Improvement Week."
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Benedict Scott be released from prison in the Soviet Union and be allowed to emigrate. Urges the President and other officials to express at each opportunity U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Benedict Scott.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1981
Directs the President to award a special gold medal to Fred Waring. Stipulates that funds may not be appropriated under this Act for any period before October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) confer on an urgent basis with other nuclear suppliers to consider tightening restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade through specified measures; (2) develop a strong and effective program for the improvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards regime through specified measures; (3) formulate and urge other countries to adopt a clear policy on enhanced international restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade and on improving the international safeguards regime; (4) call for a reevaluation of world nuclear energy policy; and (5) reaffirm U.S. policy to assist other countries in meeting their energy needs with nonnuclear energy alternatives.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into agreements for: (1) the renovation, refurbishment, maintenance, and operation of the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and (2) the design and presentation of educational programs for the Memorial. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Requests the President to designate October 16, 1981, as "World Food Day."
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1981
Requests the President to designate the second full week in October of each year as "Legal Secretaries' Court Observance Week."
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) reopen the nuclear suppliers conference to consider tightening restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade through specified measures; (2) propose the improvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards regime through specified measures; (3) formulate and urge other countries to adopt a clear policy on enhanced international restrictions on dangerous nuclear trade and on improving the international safeguards regime; (4) start planning for a world nuclear energy policy conference; and (5) reaffirm U.S. policy to assist other countries in meeting their energy needs with nonnuclear energy alternatives.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination used for first-class mail up to one ounce in weight and shall be placed on sale on March 12, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Commends the disabled individuals who climbed Mount Rainier, Washington, on July 3, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Straddles Tax Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that any loss from the holding of one or more positions in certain securities shall be recognized, for income tax deduction purposes, only to the extent that it exceeds the unrealized gain (gain which would be recognized if the position had been sold at its fair market value) from the holding of one or more positions which: (1) were acquired before the disposition resulting in the loss; (2) were offsetting positions; and (3) were not part of an identified straddle. Defines "offsetting position" to mean that there is a substantial reduction of the taxpayer's risk of loss from holding any position with respect to securities because the taxpayer also holds one or more other positions with respect to such securities (commonly referred to as a "straddle"). Creates a rebuttable presumption that two or more positions are offsetting, for purposes of the definition of a straddle, if: (1) they are in the same personal property, although they may be in a substantially altered form; (2) they are in debt instruments of a similar maturity or certain other debt instruments; (3) they are sold or marketed as such; (4) the aggregate margin requirement for such positions is lower than the sum of the margin requirement for each such position; or (5) there are other factors, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to regulations, which indicate that such positions are offsetting. Imposes a penalty upon a taxpayer who fails to report each position held with respect to which there is unrealized gain. Disallows as a deduction, and makes chargeable to capital account, interest and carrying charges with respect to personal property which is part of a straddle. Treats as sold at its fair market value any regulated futures contract held by the taxpayer at the close of the taxable year. Treats gain or loss with respect to such a contact as: (1) short-term capital gain or loss, to the extent of 40 percent of the gain or loss; and (2) long-term capital gain or loss, to the extent of 60 percent of the gain or loss. Exempts from the loss recognition provisions of the Internal Revenue Code any straddle consisting entirely of offsetting positions which are regulated futures contracts. Defines "regulated futures contract" as a contract: (1) which requires delivery of personal property; (2) with respect to which amounts deposited and withdrawn depend on a system of marking to market; and (3) which is traded on or subject to the rules of certain boards of trade. Exempts from the application of such rules any hedging transaction. Defines "hedging transaction" as any transaction: (1) which is entered into in the course of the trade or business primarily to reduce certain types of risk with respect to property or borrowing; and (2) which is clearly identified as such. Limits the three-year carryback of losses from regulated futures contracts to an amount which: (1) does not exceed the lesser of the capital gain net income from regulated futures contracts or all of the capital gain net income; and (2) does not increase or produce a net operating loss. Provides that obligations of the United States, a State or local government, or a U.S. possession issued on a discount basis and payable without interest in less than one year shall be treated as capital assets in determining tax consequences of gain or loss with respect to such obligations. Treats as ordinary income any gain realized from the sale or exchange of short-term government obligations which does not exceed an amount equal to the ratable share of the excess of the stated redemption price at maturity over the taxapayer's basis. Requires dealers in securities to identify securities which they acquire for personal investment purposes on the day such securities are acquired, for purposes of the capital gains tax treatment of such securities. Excludes from capital gains tax treatment gains by a securities dealer from the sale or exchange of any security, unless the security was clearly identified in the dealer's records before the end of the day after the date of acquisition, as a security held for investment (currently, before the end of the 30th day after the date of acquisition).
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Requests the President to designate October 10, 1981, as "National Jogging Day."
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1981
Establishes a Presidential Protection Commission to: (1) recommend policies and standards to reduce the risk of criminal assaults against the President and other Secret Service protectees during public appearances; and (2) review the criminal laws relating to the safety of the President. Directs the Commission to issue a final report within one year of enactment. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such report.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Declares that it is the general policy of the Federal Government to rely on competitive private industry to supply the products and services it needs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, to administer such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of September 6 through September 12, 1981, as "Older Americans Employment Opportunity Week."
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
National Port and Navigation Improvement Act of 1981 - Title I: Short Title: Findings and Purposes and Objectives; Definitions - Sets forth the findings of Congress concerning deep-draft commercial ports in the United States. Title II: Priority Navigation Projects - Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to prepare, maintain, and submit to Congress within one year after enactment of this Act, a deep- draft commercial port maintenance program. Specifies that such program shall include a schedule of required maintenance dredging projects. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to submit to Congress a programmatic environmental impact statement, including an analysis of the adequacy of deep-draft commercial ports to accommodate increasing import and export trade. Requires the Secretary to enter into memorandums of agreement with: (1) the Administrator in regard to the disposal of dredged and fill material into navigable waters; and (2) the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce concerning the environmental aspects of the maintenance and improvement of federally authorized channels in deep-draft commercial ports. Provides for veto of such maintenance program and environmental impact statement by concurrent resolution of Congress within 60 days. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, for a period of five years (subject to reapproval by resolution of specified congressional committees), to perform maintenance dredging of federally authorized channels. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress modifications of existing environmental impact statements for certain navigation improvement projects. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake navigation improvements in deep-draft commercial ports on a priority basis under specified circumstances. Sets forth procedures by which the Secretary shall submit feasibility studies, survey reports, and environmental impact statements to Congress. Declares that the absence of a concurrent congressional resolution of disapproval within 60 days following receipt of such study, report, or environmental impact statement shall constitute a determination by Congress that: (1) the navigation improvement project is in the national interest for purposes of the Federal consistency provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972; (2) the final environmental impact statement is adequate; and (3) the project is in compliance with the Water Pollution Control Act and the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Directs the Secretary to expedite construction and operation of marine cargo handling facilities at such deep-draft commercial ports. Exempts such environmental impact statements and other actions to carry out such projects from judicial review, with specified exceptions. Title III: Priority Navigation Project Financing - Requires that the Secretary and the port proposing such navigational improvements enter into an agreement which provides that such port pay no more than 40 percent of the project construction cost and no more than 25 percent of operation and maintenance costs. Declares that this Act shall not be construed to prohibit non-Federal public bodies from securing financing through means other than provided for in this Act. Authorizes an affected non-Federal public body to provide for recovery of its reimbursement obligations by the collection of user fees from vessels in commercial waterway transportation in such deep-draft ports. Authorizes the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretaries of Commerce, State, Transportation, Treasury, Energy, and Agriculture, the Attorney General, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to promulgate regulations and guidelines to govern such programs of non-Federal fee collection. Declares that this Act shall not be construed to prohibit the Department of the Army or other Federal authority to operate, maintain, or improve any deep-draft channel or deep-draft commercial port for purposes of Coast Guard navigation requirements or other national defense transportation requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Army to designate a cost allocation of or for national defense and noncommercial purposes of 60 percent for construction and 75 percent for operation and maintenance of deep-draft commercial port navigation improvement projects. Authorizes the Secretary to study, design, construct, rehabilitate, operate, and maintain such deep-draft ports without Federal contribution if the appropriate non-Federal public body agrees to reimburse the Federal Government for all related costs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from taxation the interest on obligations for such deep- draft commercial ports navigation improvement projects. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations. Allows the Secretary, upon congressional approval, to transfer funds from existing Department of the Army civil appropriations pending appropriation of such authorized sums. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the actual and anticipated receipts of the United States pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Requests the President to designate July 1981 as National Peach Month.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Commercial Business Energy Tax Credit Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include in the definition of "specially defined energy property," for purposes of the investment tax credit, specified additional equipment and devices installed in connection with any existing industrial, retail, or commercial facility for the purpose of reducing energy consumption. Revises the definition of "energy property" to include insulation property. Increases the energy percentage, for purposes of such credit, in the case of property which is qualified for the credit under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Coal Utilization Incentives Act of 1954 - Title I: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the amortization of coal utilization property, based on a 36 month period. Defines "coal utilization property" as tangible depreciable property which is: (1) a coal-burning boiler or burner which replaces a natural gas or oil burning boiler or burner; (2) equipment for converting a natural gas or oil burning boiler or burner to a coal-burning one; or (3) pollution control equipment required for such boiler or burner. Allows an investment tax credit to public utilities for coal utilization property. Qualifies coal utilization property for the full investment tax credit allowed for pollution control facilities with a useful life of not less than five years. Excludes from gross income the interest income on industrial development bonds issued to provide financing of powerplant coal utilization capital expenditures. Title II: Coal Conversions Under the Clean Air Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to exclude as a modification a stationary source which voluntarily converts to coal (thereby excluding the source from new source performance standards).
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Nuclear Powerplant Property Damage Insurance Act of 1981 - Establishes the National Nuclear Property Insurance Corporation. Sets forth the membership and powers of the Corporation. Exempts the Corporation and its assets, with specified exceptions, from Federal, State, and local taxation. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a Nuclear Property Insurance Fund to be used by the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to request investments of excess moneys in the Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) transfer all funds accounted for in the Fund to the Corporation at the time of its conversion to a private mutual insurance company under this Act; and (2) take appropriate action, at such time, to terminate the operations of the Fund. Provides that such funds shall be used by the Corporation for specified purposes. Authorizes the Corporation to provide insurance to licensees of nuclear powerplants to supplement insurance available from private sources. Requires that the Corporation pay for cleanup and rehabilitation costs associated with onsite property damage following any nuclear incident or damage to an insured powerplant, to the extent such costs exceed specified amounts. Sets a ceiling on such insurance payments. Prohibits the issuance of an operating license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a nuclear powerplant unless the licensee is insured by the Corporation. Permits the Corporation to require proof of loss or damage before paying any insurance claim. Directs the Corporation to prescribe insurance premium rates and coverage schedules to provide sufficient revenue to the Fund. Sets a minimum aggregate amount of premiums to be paid by all licensees insured under this Act. Requires the Corporation to maintain an actuarially sound reserve comprised of such premiums in the Fund. Requires insured licensees to pay additional assessments if the Corporation becomes obligated under any insurance agreement for any claim in excess of the amount in the Fund. Establishes a Federal interagency task force to: (1) foster and expedite effective communications among the Federal agencies involved with Three Mile Island Unit 2; and (2) insure preparation of a contingency plan to protect public health and safety and maintain service continuity if the General Public Utility Corporation cannot carry out its responsibilities in connection with Three Mile Island Unit 2. Directs the Corporation to reimburse the General Public Utility Corporation from the Fund for 75 percent of the uninsured costs incurred by such Corporation after enactment of this Act for cleanup associated with onsite property damage at Three Mile Island Unit 2 if there is a joint Pennsylvania-New Jersey Utility Commission plan to insure service continuity and economic stability for the General Public Utility. Requires the conversion of the Corporation to a private mutual insurance company authorized to carry out this Act after repayment of all notes or obligations issued under this Act and the earlier of: (1) the completion of the cleanup at Three Mile Island Unit 2; or (2) the date on which the reserved maintained by the Corporation in the fund equals $750,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to: (1) provide technical assistance to the NRC to expedite licensing and regulatory procedures for the cleanup and repair of Three Mile Island facilities; (2) provide technical and planning assistance to the joint Pennsylvania-New Jersey Utility Commission plan; and (3) arrange with the General Public Utility Corporation the use data valuable in understanding and enhancing nuclear reactor safety. Subrogates the Corporation to all rights and claims of an insured licensee against a third party for costs for which the Corporation provides insurance coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the excise tax on large cigars for fiscal years 1982 to 1983 and eliminate the tax thereafter. Revises the formula for determination of wholesale price, on which the excise tax is based.