United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Billboard Deregulation Act of 1981 - Repeals the Federal outdoor advertising control program. Rescinds all authorizations of appropriations for such program that are unappropriated upon enactment of this Act. Describes procedures by which the Secretary of Transportation may withhold funds from a State that has not effectively controlled the establishment and maintenance along the Interstate Highway System and the primary system of outdoor junkyards.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for carrying out the activities of the Legal Services Corporation in the amount of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Directs the Corporation to make funds available for legal assistance furnished by private attorneys.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 25 June 1981
Low-Income Fuel and Weatherization Supplementary Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to assist households with incomes below a specified level to meet home energy costs. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 to carry out such program 100 percent of all funds received by the Federal Government from collections and settlements for fuel overcharges, less all identifiable legitimate claims for such overcharges. Grants to the Governor of a State the discretion to allocate such grants as needed. Allocates funds for States, U.S. territories and possessions, and Indian tribes. Requires that a reasonable amount of such funds be reserved by each State for energy crisis intervention. Requires a State to submit to the Secretary an application for each fiscal year. Conditions allotments after the first fiscal year in which a State receives funds on the holding of public hearings in such State on the use and distribution of such funds. Requires that an applicant State agree to: (1) use such funds in accordance with this Act; (2) describe the households eligible for home energy assistance and give priority to certain households; (3) conduct outreach activities to inform people of the availability of such assistance; (4) coordinate activities with similar State and Federal programs; (5) describe the amount of assistance to be provided to participating households; (6) give special consideration in designating local administrative agencies to local public or private nonprofit agencies receiving funds under any other low-income energy assistance or weatherization program; (7) establish notification procedures in connection with direct payments by the State to home energy suppliers; (8) treat owners and renters equitably under the program under this Act; (9) use a maximum of ten percent of the State allotment for administrative expenses; (10) provide for fiscal control and fund accounting procedures and prepare an annual audit of expenditures under such program; and (11) cooperate with any Federal investigations pursuant to this Act. Requires the State to repay to the United States any amounts not expended under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to offset such amounts against future grants to such State. Prohibits exclusion from participation in, or denial of benefits from, any program or activity funded under this Act on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. Directs the Secretary to withhold funds from any State which does not use its allotment in accordance with this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding funds from a State for a minor failure to comply with this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct investigations in States to evaluate and insure compliance with this Act. Prohibits the use of grants under this Act for the purchase or improvement of land or for the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement of any building or facility, except under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
National Library and Information Services Act - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1987 to make grants to States for: (1) interlibrary cooperation programs under title I of this Act; (2) public library services under title II; (3) public library construction under title III; (4) public library programs to meet special user needs under title IV; and (5) planning and development, public awareness, and library personnel training programs under title V. Sets forth procedures relating to such appropriations and their availability. Directs the Secretary of Education to make allotments of such appropriations to States according to specified formulas and procedures. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1987 for program evaluation. Directs the Secretary to pay from such allotments, to each State which has an approved basic State plan, an annual program, and a long-range program, an amount equal to the Federal share of the total sums expended by such State and its political subdivisions in carrying out such plan. Conditions such payment on a determination of the availability of specified sums from State and local sources. Sets forth formulas for determining the Federal share of programs under this Act (100 percent of costs under titles I, IV, and V; a sliding scale from 33 to 66 percent, based on each State's per capita income, of the costs under titles II and III, with specified exceptions for certain territories and possessions of the United States). Establishes in the Department of Education an Office of Libraries and Learning Technologies, to be headed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary. Directs the Secretary, through such Office, to carry out financial assistance programs authorized under this Act and to encourage, assist, and administer various other programs relating to library and information services. Sets forth the administrative authority of the Secretary under this Act. Requires that any State, in order to receive its allotment for any purpose under this Act: (1) have a basic State plan in effect; (2) submit an annual program; (3) submit a long-range program; and (4) establish a State Advisory Council on Libraries. Sets forth required provisions of basic State plans and long-range programs, as well as procedures for approval. Includes among requirements for basic State plans the provision of assurances that the State will pay from non-Federal sources, State and local, the non- Federal share of the sums expended under the State plan, the long-range program, and the annual program. Title I: Interlibrary Cooperation and Network Support - Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of grants to States which have an approved basic State plans and have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for interlibrary cooperation and network support programs among school, public, academic, and special libraries and information centers. Sets forth conditions for uses of such Federal funds and requirements for State annual programs for interlibrary cooperation and network support. Title II: Public Library Services - Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of grants to States which have approved basic State plans and have submitted long-range programs and annual programs for the provision, extension, and improvement of public library services. Sets forth conditions for uses of such Federal funds and requirements for State annual programs for public library services. Title III: Public Library Construction - Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of grants to States which have an approved basic State plan and have submitted a long-range program and an appropriately updated annual program for the construction of public libraries. Sets forth conditions for uses of such Federal funds and requirements for State annual programs for the construction of public libraries. Title IV: Public Library Programs to Meet Special User Needs - Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of grants to States which have an approved basic State plan and have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for public library programs to meet special user needs. Sets forth conditions for uses of Federal funds and a requirement for State annual programs for public library programs to meet special user needs. Directs the Secretary to consult with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies to coordinate programs assisted under this title with the activities of such agencies. Title V: Planning and Development - Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of grants to States which have an approved basic State plan and have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for planning and development including: (1) public awareness programs; (2) local library personnel inservice training, continuing education, and career incentive programs; and (3) community-level recruitment and training for various library-related positions. Sets forth conditions for uses of such Federal funds and requirements for State annual programs for planning and development. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets October 1, 1981, as the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) military personnel and native Americans on reservations should not have to pay tuition for their children's elementary and secondary public education; (2) local school districts with substantial percentages of students from homes where parents live and work on Federal property or live on Indian reservations should be financially assisted in meeting such students' educational needs; (3) negotiations between the Departments of Defense and Education and between the Senate Committees on Labor and Human Resources and on Armed Services are positive steps toward resolving impact aid difficulties caused by proposed budget cuts; (4) the Select Committee on Indian Affairs and the Secretary of the Interior should take part in such negotiations; and (5) a compromise leading to an equitable solution to the impact aid dilemma is in the best interests of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the exclusion of interest on mortgage subsidy bonds. Repeals provisions which allow tax-exempt status for such bonds if 95 percent of the mortgages financed by such issues are in compliance with stated requirements. Provides that a showing that the issuing authority has tried in good faith to satisfy all requirements will cure a failure to meet any particular requirement if such failure is corrected within a reasonable time after its discovery. Allows bondholders to rely upon an issuer's good faith covenant as to compliance. Revises the new homeowner requirements to allow eligibility for bond-financed mortgages for persons who are residing in substandard housing or who have lost their homes because of natural disasters or governmental action. Changes the method of determining the average area purchase price for purposes of the purchase price requirements for bond-financed mortgages. Specifies that the average area purchase price shall not include residences which are not typically financed through normal real estate mortgage loans and that such prices may be determined separately for new and previously occupied homes. Revises the arbitrage requirements to increase the amount by which interest rates on tax-exempt mortgage subsidy bonds may exceed the interest rates on mortgages financed with such bonds. Changes the method of determining the yield on an issue. Specifies that issuers are not required to dispose of any investment and realize a loss in order to satisfy arbitrage restrictions. Allows two or more qualified mortgage bond issues of a single issuer to be combined for purposes of determining compliance with arbitrage requirements. Permits issuers to maintain a reasonable reserve against investment losses and to allocate credits or payments between eligible mortgagors. Exempts mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration from certain mortgage assumption requirements. Includes energy impacted areas within the definition of targeted areas for purposes of the special treatment of targeted area residences. Transfers to the States the authority to designate areas of chronic economic distress. Limits the designation of areas of chronic economic distress to 25 percent of the geographic area within a State. Redefines statistical areas to include two or more statistical areas combined. Repeals the registration requirements for bond issues.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Former Presidents Facilities and Services Reform Act of 1981 - Title I: Presidential Libraries - Directs the Administrator of General Services, in consultation with the Archivist of the United States and the Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service, to promulgate architectural and design standards for Presidential archival depositories. Authorizes the Administrator to accept, as private gifts or pursuant to agreements with State or local governments, institutes, or foundations, only such land, buildings, and equipment as are necessary to establish one depository in one building of a specified size for each President or former President. Requires the Administrator to submit a prospectus for each proposed depository to specified congressional committees. Prohibits the Administrator from accepting a gift or entering into an agreement to establish a depository if: (1) such committees adopt a resolution disapproving such prospectus within a specified period; or (2) the land, buildings, and equipment do not meet the architectural and design standards, unless Congress adopts a concurrent resolution approving the establishment of such depository regardless of noncompliance with such standards. Establishes similar restrictions governing changes to a depository. Requires the President, while holding office, to dispose of his or her Presidential records which have no administrative, historical, informational, or evidentiary value after obtaining the views of the Archivist of the United States concerning such disposal, unless the Archivist notifies the President that the Archivist intends to request advice from certain Congressional committees. Title II: Former Presidents - Changes the amount of the annual allowance to which the spouse of a deceased former President is entitled from $20,000 to two-thirds of the allowance to which a former President is entitled. Repeals the requirement that the spouse must waive the right to any other Government annuity or pension to qualify for such allowance. Authorizes the Administrator to provide to each former President, upon request: (1) one office; (2) compensation, without an aggregate ceiling, for members of an office staff who shall be subject to certain provisions of civil service laws; (3) payment for the travel and subsistence allowances for specified office employees; (4) communications services; and (5) printing and binding expenses. Allows any Federal employee to be detailed to the office staff of a former President with the consent of the employee's agency head. Authorizes the Administrator to provide a former Vice President with necessary services and facilities for winding up his or her office affairs which are similar to the services and facilities provided to a former President under this title. Prohibits the use of funds provided for necessary services and facilities of a former President or Vice President for partisan political activities or income generating activities. Permits a former President to use such funds to prepare his or her memoirs if the former President signs an agreement providing that the Public Printer will print and distribute such memoirs. Prohibits the expenditure of such funds for a former President any time beyond 90 days after the former President dies. Requires each former President to submit to Congress an annual report concerning activities carried out with the assistance of such funds. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this title concerning the services and facilities to be provided for former Presidents and Vice Presidents. Repeals specified provisions of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. Title III: Protection of Former Presidents, Former Vice Presidents, and Their Families - Prohibits the United States Secret Service from protecting a former President, former Vice President, or the spouse, widow, widower, or minor child of a former President except as authorized under this title. Authorizes the Secret Service to protect: (1) a former President for eight years after the individual becomes a former President; (2) the spouse or minor child of a former President to the extent that such protection is incidental to the protection of the former President; and (3) the widow or widower of a former President for six months after the former President dies. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to reinstate the Secret Service protection of a former President for one year and of a spouse or minor child for six months after the original protection has been terminated upon finding that a serious threat warranting such protection exists. Authorizes additional extensions of such periods of protection upon the individual's written request and with the approval of an existing advisory committee established to determine whether protection should be furnished to certain Presidential or Vice Presidential candidates. Establishes the Advisory Panel on Secret Service Protection to review requests for extended protection and to make recommendations on such requests to such advisory committee. Permits the Secretary to authorize Secret Service protection for a former Vice President for a period beginning on the last day of the individual's Vice Presidential term and ending on the last day of the fiscal year in which the term expires, upon the former Vice President's written request, and upon finding that a threat exists which warrants such protection.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Increases the rate of wartime disability compensation for the anatomical loss or loss of use of both arms preventing natural elbow action with the use of a prosthetic appliance.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Clean Water Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Clean Water Act (also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act) to revise provisions for Grants for Construction of Treatment Works (title II). Prohibits Federal grants, after October 1, 1981, which provide assistance only for facility plans, or plans, specifications, and estimates for any proposed construction of treatment works. Provides that non-Federal funds expended during the facility planning and advanced engineering and design phase shall be reimbursed at the prevailing Federal share, if the proposed project later receives a Federal grant for construction. Prohibits grant approval until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State have reviewed and approved plans, specifications, estimates, compliance with specific Federal laws, and a grant payment schedule. Lowers the Federal share for treatment works grants (from 75 percent in fiscal year 1981) to 65 percent for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 and to 55 percent thereafter. Requires that treatment works grants be made only for: (1) secondary treatment or more stringent treatment, or any cost-effective alternative; and (2) new interceptors and appurtenances. Revises formulas for determining the amount of any grant, made after September 30, 1978, for treatment works using innovative or alternative wastewater treatment processes. Extends the definition of the term "eligible treatment works" to cover those that can be fully funded by States in fiscal years beyond fiscal year 1981 (and which meet specified other requirements). Makes available to the Administrator specified additional funds per fiscal year to be used to address water quality problems of bays and estuaries due to discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows, not otherwise eligible for Federal payments for treatment works. Authorizes the use of such funds upon the request of and demonstration of water quality benefits by the Governor of an affected State. Revises conditions on treatment works grants to prohibit grants to construct that portion of the treatment works providing reserve capacity (except for specified planning and preparation grants). Directs the Administrator to base determination of size and capacity of the eligible treatment works upon 1980 population statistics. Requires grant applicants to identify the engineer or firm responsible for architect-engineering or supervisory services for treatment works construction. Requires such engineer or firm to acknowledge such responsibility in writing and to give a two-year warranty of performance of such works according to specifications. Provides for resolution by binding arbitration of disputes about the nature of the responsibility of the engineer or firm. Sets forth formulas, schedules, and procedures for the allotment of funds for treatment works grants in fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Extends a formula for specified State and territorial allotments, as well as an authorization of appropriations for such allotments, through fiscal year 1985. Sets forth a formula for reserving specified funds from each State's allotment for fiscal year 1982 and thereafter. Authorizes the Administrator to reserve an additional amount from State allotments to be available to States, local governments, or multijurisdictional agencies for: (1) water quality management decision-making as to treatment works construction; and (2) implementing provisions for water quality standards and implementation plans. Extends through fiscal year 1985 requirements that specified minimum amounts be expended from State allotments to increase the Federal share of grants for construction of treatment works utilizing innovative processes and techniques. Revises formulas for determining such amounts. Lowers the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1982 for treatment works construction grants. Authorizes appropriations, in such lowered amount, for fiscal years 1983 through 1985 for such purpose. Eliminates provisions for project priority that relate to: (1) specified categories of projects; (2) required allocation of funds; and (3) the authority to remove a project from a State's priority list. Provides that the determination of priority shall be made by the State in which the projects are to be constructed, consistent with the treatment works grants provisions of such Act. Limits projects included on a State's priority list to those eligible for funding under specified provisions. Directs a State to give highest priority to projects which demonstrate that significant public health or water quality benefits will be achieved, and in particular to projects having the greatest effect on water quality improvement. Requires that the review, revision, adoption or promulgation of revised or new water quality standards, pursuant to specified provisions of such Act, be completed two years after the enactment of this Act. Requires that, to the extent practicable, the establishment of total maximum daily loads of pollutants, pursuant to specified provisions, also be completed by such date. Extends to July 1, 1988, the period for which the Administrator may issue or modify permits to extend compliance deadlines for specified effluent limitations, in cases where reductions in the amount of financial assistance or changed construction conditions beyond the control of the owner or operator will make it impossible to complete construction by July 1, 1983. Repeals a provision that all publicly owned treatment works must comply by a certain date with specified requirements for study and evaluation of alternative waste management techniques and for application of best practicable waste treatment technology. Provides that, for purposes of specified information and guidelines provisions, certain types of facilities shall be deemed the equivalent of secondary treatment upon a showing satisfactory to the Administrator that water quality will not be adversely affected. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the States, to submit to the Congress, within 18 months, a report: (1) identifying those publicly owned treatment works needed to comply with specified requirements and standards; and (2) taking into account all actions of the Administrator pursuant to specified provisions, estimating the total cost and the Federal share necessary for the construction of such works.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1981
Disaster Relief Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984 for: (1) the purposes of such Act; and (2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Revises requirements for temporary housing assistance for those displaced by a major disaster or emergency. Limits the Federal share of financial assistance for debris removal and repair and restoration of damaged facilities to 75 percent of eligible costs. Authorizes the President to loan the remaining 25 percent of such costs to a State under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1981
Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to authorize the Attorney General to institute actions against any party whose acts or omissions may have caused or contributed to the events resulting in a Presidential declaration of emergency or disaster. Makes such party liable to the United States for the full amount of Federal expenditures for damage caused by such acts or omissions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1981
Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out the provisions of such Act (other than research, development, and demonstration activities).
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1981
Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for services necessary to the nonperforming arts functions of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, including maintenance, security and janitorial services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Low-Income Energy Assistance Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to assist eligible households to meet home energy costs. Defines "eligible households" as those households: (1) in which one or more individuals are eligible for (a) aid to families with dependent children under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act, (b) supplemental security income under title XVI of such Act, (c) food stamps under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, or (d) certain veterans' benefits; and (2) with certain income levels. Specifies circumstances under which a household shall not be eligible for home energy assistance. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1986. Specifies the allotment formulas to be used to determine State allocations under this program. Reserves specified amounts to be apportioned among U.S. territories and possessions and used for energy crisis activities and outreach activities for the elderly and handicapped. Requires the Secretary to approve State plans for assistance which comply with the requirements under this Act. Directs the Secretary to withhold assistance payments to a State if there has been a substantial failure to comply with any provisions in the approved State plan. Imposes criminal penalties on anyone who violates this Act or knowingly provides false information in any report required under this Act. Repeals the Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Anatoly Shcharansky be released from prison in the Soviet Union, be given proper medical treatment, and be permitted to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and the U.S. delegation to the Madrid Conference on Security and Cooperation to continue to express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1981
Amends the Uniform Time Act of 1966 to extend daylight saving time from the first Sunday in March rather than the last Sunday of April through the first Sunday in November rather than the last Sunday in October.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Delinquent Payments Act of 1981 - Requires Federal agencies to pay interest on overdue payments to businesses for property or services. Specifies the procedure for computing such interest. Requires an agency to pay any such interest charges out of funds appropriated for its programs. Allows an agency to take advantage of an early payment discount only if payment is made within the time specified by the business. Directs each agency to report to Congress annually on interest payments made during the fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to revise the system for evaluating services provided to persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make allotments to States to design, test, and operate a comprehensive evaluation system which meets certain standards. Permits the Secretary to reserve up to five percent of total allotments appropriated for each fiscal year for such purpose. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for protection and advocacy of individual rights, university affiliated facility grants, and State allotments. Reduces the authorization levels for university grants and allotments. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to influence issuance or passage of any Executive order, regulation, or Congressional legislation. Revises the Secretary's authority to make special project grants to require that demonstration projects have substantial impact on improving technical assistance grants and gathering and disseminating information relating to developmental disabilities. Extends the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for special project grants at a reduced level.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981
Higher Education Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to limit the amount of any Federally-insured student loan made after June 30, 1981. Sets similar limits on loans insured under State or nonprofit private institutional student loan programs which receive Federal interest subsidy payments. Applies provisions for need analysis to such loans. Repeals provisions which counted specified student loans as part of the expected family contribution for purposes of other forms of student assistance. Permits loans to parents to be counted as part of the student's expected family contribution in the determination of need for all forms of student assistance under such Act. Eliminates the program of Federal interest subsidy payments for student loans. Eliminates payments to institutions to cover administrative costs of such program and administrative costs of the program of loans to parents. Increases the maximum repayment period for loans to parents of dependent students from ten years to 20 years. Limits the interest rate for such loans to a rate set by the Secretary of the Treasury, considering current market yields on outstanding U.S. marketable obligations of comparable maturity plus an allowance determined by the Secretary of Education ("the Secretary"). Eliminates the Federal payment of special allowances to lenders on such loans. Deletes provisions limiting subrogation of the United States to rights of any insurance beneficiary under Federal guaranty agreements with non-Federal student loan programs. Requires a guaranty agency to assign to the Secretary any loan for which the Secretary has made payment under such a guaranty agreement, if the Secretary deems this necessary to protect the Federal fiscal interest. Revises provisions for determining the amounts of basic educational opportunity grants ("Pell grants") and of supplemental educational opportunity grants to subtract an amount of expected student self-help as determined by the Secretary. Eliminates the deduction for State and local taxes from adjusted family income for purposes of determining a student's need for assistance under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to set assessment rates to be applied to parental discretionary income in determining the expected family contribution. Provides that the Secretary shall determine, for "cost of attendance" student assistance purposes, specified allowances for: (1) books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses; (2) required residential training expenses for correspondence students; (3) expenses for formal study abroad; (4) child care expenses; and (5) expenses of handicapped students. Directs the Secretary, for purposes of the "Pell grant" program, to determine specified room and board expenses. Eliminates payments for institutional administrative expenses under the "Pell grant" program. Amends the Housing Act of 1950 to authorize the use of funds in the revolving account of the College Housing Loan Program for specified expenses and payments in connection with the sale of participations in certain acquired obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981
Impact Aid Amendments of 1981 - Amends specified provisions of law relating to the Impact Aid program to eliminate payments to school districts for children whose parents either live or work on Federal property (or are in the uniformed services). Limits payments for children whose parents reside and work on Federal property (or who so reside and are on active duty) to those school districts in which the number of such children is at least 20 percent of total attendance. Revises formulas for determining the amount of impact aid payments. Eliminates phase-out entitlements to school districts losing a substantial number of children due to a decrease or cessation of Federal activities. Repeals provisions which authorize assistance for sudden and substantial increases in attendance resulting from Federal activities, as well as provisions relating to adjustments for certain decreases in Federal activities. Revises provisions relating to adjustments in impact aid payments where necessitated by insufficient appropriations. Eliminates certain hold harmless provisions relating to decreased military activities. Changes the threshold eligibility for major disaster assistance to a need for additional assistance as a result of a disaster of at least $10,000 or at least five percent of the school district's operating expenses during the preceding year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981
Student Assistance Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a needs basis for Federal payments to reduce student interest costs. Declares that a student qualifies for a portion of an interest payment if: (1) such student's adjusted family income is $25,000 or less; or (2) (if greater than $25,000) the eligible institution provides the lender with a statement of need determination and a loan recommendation to cover such need. Includes specified amounts paid under the Social Security Act or as veterans' benefits in a student's estimated financial assistance for such purposes. Raises the annual interest rate on loans to parents of dependent undergraduate students from nine percent to 14 percent. Revises need analysis provisions for higher education student assistance programs. Includes any amount paid the student under specified veterans' benefits provisions (formerly included only one-half such amount) in the determination of effective family income. Directs the Secretary of Education to set a series of assessment rates to be applied to parental discretionary income in determining the expected family contribution. Eliminates a provision excluding all equity in a single principal place of residence from the computation of assets of a student or family. Raises the asset reserve which may be deducted from the net value of such assets from $10,000 to $25,000. Repeals specified requirements relating to special regulations for determining the expected family contribution and effective family income of independent students. Revises the definition of "cost of attendance" for student aid purposes. Removes the separate borrowing limits for independent students for loans covered by Federal loan insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
National Water Resources Research and Planning Act of 1981 - Title I: General Provisions - Amends the Water Resources Planning Act to establish a National Board of Water Policy. Directs the Board to meet at least six times annually to: (1) advise the President and Congress on matters relating to water resources policy; (2) identify inconsistencies in such policy and programs; (3) establish and issue rules and procedures designed to assure the implementation of a national water resources policy and program; and (4) recommend to appropriate Federal agencies goals and priorities for programs within their jurisdiction. Establishes, within the Department of the Interior, an Office of Water Programs to carry out the requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Office to prepare periodic assessments of national water needs. Establishes a State advisory committee to review actions and proposals made by the Board. Requires such committee to meet six times annually. Authorizes appropriations for administrative expenses of the Board, the Office, and such committee. Title II: State Water Planning - Authorizes the Office of Water Programs to make grants to States and river basin commissions for comprehensive programs for the use, development, and management of water and related land resources. Directs the Office to make allotments to the States and such river basin commissions on the basis of need for planning assistance, including needs resulting from the impact of Federal activities or projects upon such State or region. Directs the Office, after consultation with the Secretary of the Army, to make grants to the States and such commissions on the basis of applications of same to study specific water resources problems with national or regional character. Requires that Federal funding for grants made under this Act shall be matched dollar for dollar by non-Federal monies. Sets forth conditions under which such applications and programs shall be approved. States that reasonable notice and an opportunity for hearing must be given to the State agency administering such program. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of such grants to be made by the Office. Title III: Water Resources Research - Authorizes the Office of Water Programs to assist State water resources research and technology institutes, centers, or equivalent agencies in research and development in regard to water resources and related land problems. Prohibits the Office from approving a State's water research program unless it is accompanied by assurances that such program was developed in close consultation and collaboration with the director of such State's department of water resources. Sets forth provisions to be included in such programs. Authorizes appropriations for such programs and for each participating State institute, center, or agency. Authorizes the Office to make water research grants to such State organizations, qualified educational institutions, private foundations, river basin commissions, private firms, individuals, and other local and State agencies. Specifies the procedure for obtaining such grants. Lists the type of research to be undertaken, including: (1) supply and demand for water; (2) conservation; (3) water reuse; and (4) improvements in the agricultural and commercial productivity of water. Permits the establishment of a water resources research and technology institute at one college or university in each State. Sets forth the patent policy with regard to the definition of title to, and licensing of, inventions made under contracts or grants made pursuant to this Act. Title IV: River Basin Commissions - Establishes river basin commissions pursuant to a Presidential declaration requested by the States within which all or a portion of the basin or basins concerned are located. Sets forth criteria for such State requests. Authorizes such commissions to: (1) apply for grants under this Act; (2) maintain plans for water management and development; and (3) study water and related land resources problems in their respective areas. Allows a commission to terminate itself upon decision of a majority of the States composing such commission. Directs each commission to: (1) report, at least annually, to Congress, the Governors of participating States, and such Federal, State, interstate, and international agencies as the Board or participating Governors may direct; and (2) submit to the Governors and legislatures of participating States a comprehensive joint plan for water and related land resources management in the river basin for which such commission was established. Abolishes the Water Resources Council and the Office of Water Research and Technology. Repeals the Water Research and Development Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Authorizes the Chief of Engineers, whenever the Secretary of the Army transmits to the Congress a report recommending implementation of a water resources development project, to undertake further engineering and design of such project. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Authorizes additional appropriations as necessary for the completion of comprehensive plans of development of specified river basins under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army. States that such sums shall include those necessary for the Secretary to complete local flood protection in the Columbia River Basin.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Federal- Aid Highway Improvement Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to increase the authorization of appropriations for the Interstate Highway System for fiscal years 1983 through 1990. Limits the obligation of such funds to specified objectives. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in making the revised estimate of the cost of completing the designated Interstate System for the January, 1983 report to Congress, to include only those costs eligible under such Act, as amended. Directs the Secretary to use specified apportionment factors in allocating funds for the Interstate System. Authorizes appropriations, for fiscal years 1982 through 1986, out of the Highway Trust Fund, for: (1) the Federal aid primary system in rural and urban areas; (2) forest highways; (3) public lands highways; (4) bridge replacement and rehabilitation; and (5) highway safety improvements. Prohibits a State from receiving less than one-half of one percent of the total apportionment for the Interstate System. Revises apportionments for the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Amends the Highway Safety Acts of 1973 and 1978 and the Federal-Aid Highway Acts of 1973 and 1978 to repeal the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) highway safety programs; (2) bridge reconstruction and replacement; (3) elimination of hazards; (4) rail highway crossings; and (5) bikeways. Directs that the unobligated balance of contract authority established by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1978 for the Great River Road and highway safety programs shall lapse September 30, 1981. Makes highway reconstruction eligible for Interstate System apportioned funds. Revises Interstate System resurfacing procedures and the Federal share thereof. Authorizes appropriations for mass transit projects substituted for highway projects for which approval has been withdrawn. Revises provisions concerning such substitution projects. Repeals appropriations for provisions related to the priority primary route program. Revises the Federal-aid urban and the Federal-aid rural highway programs. Replaces the pavement marking demonstration program with a highway safety improvement program. Makes assistance available from such program for: (1) highway safety improvements; (2) railway highway crossing projects; (3) highway-related safety requirements; and (4) implementation of the highway safety improvement program developed by each State pursuant to this Act. Reserves one-half of one percent of such funds for projects on Indian reservations. Directs each State to report to the Secretary on the progress of such highway safety improvement program. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on such progress. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of funds for the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Creates a Federal lands highway program consisting of forest highways, park roads, parkways, Indian reservation roads, and public lands highways. Directs the Secretary to expend sums necessary to carry out specified carpool and vanpool projects, including parking facilities. Directs that emergency financial assistance necessitated by natural disasters or catastrophic failures shall be authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund. Increases the authorization for such emergency assistance. Limits, to a specified sum, the amount of such assistance to any State. Increases the Federal share of such repairs or reconstruction. Revises apportionments for access highways to public recreation areas on certain lakes. Repeals the territorial highway program. Revises the scope and Federal share of the bicycle transportation program. Amends the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973 to allow limited truck traffic on the Highland Scenic Highway. States that such commercial use by trucks may be limited and controlled by permit. Allows the Secretary to discharge any of his responsibilities under such Act relative to the physical construction phase of Interstate resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, and reconstruction projects using certain certification procedures. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for the inspection of construction and repair projects (currently, directs the Secretary to make a final inspection). Removes the limit on appropriations for defense access roads. Revises the Secretary's authority with regard to a State's failure to maintain projects under its jurisdiction. Limits funds for research and planning to specified amounts. Specifies the Federal share of such funding pursuant to certain criteria. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, powers, and duties of the Appalachian Regional Commission related to the Appalachian Development Highways System. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for such Highway system for fiscal years 1982 through 1986. Increases the Federal share for such Highway system. Prohibits employment discrimination in such projects on account of sex. Authorizes the Secretary, in cooperation with other departments and State agencies, to develop and administer training and assistance programs in connection with any program under this Act in order to enable minority businesses to compete on an equal basis for contracts. Directs the Secretary to deduct, from apportionments made by this Act, specified sums for the administration of such programs. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with the Secretaries of Defense and of the Interior, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and other agency heads as appropriate to minimize duplication, paperwork, and delays in the development and approval of projects under this Act. Sets forth criteria for such agreements. Revises the Federal share available for projects under the Federal-aid rural program and the Federal-aid urban program. Limits obligations for Federal-Aid highways and sets forth an allocation formula for such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Coastal Barrier Resources Act - Declares the findings and intentions of Congress in regard to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the coastal barriers along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Establishes the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System) which shall consist of specified undeveloped coastal barriers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Requires that certain coastal barrier maps shall be available for public inspection through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide copies of such maps to the chief executive officer of: (1) each State and political subdivision in which a System unit is located, and (2) each affected Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to make necessary modifications to such maps and to notify specified Congressional committees of the same. Limits, to specified projects, Federal expenditures on such projects or financial assistance for purposes within the System. Lists those projects eligible for financial assistance. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify annually to Congress that the Federal agencies concerned have complied with the provisions of this Act. Declares that no provision of this Act shall be construed to invalidate any provision of State or local law. Sets forth the contents of reports to be filed by the Secretary with specified Congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Excludes from determinations of authorized end strengths and grade limitations of the Department of Defense or the military departments retired officers of the armed forces recalled to active duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend, through fiscal year 1982, the authorization of appropriations to carry out all but specified provisions of such Act. Requires that the sums authorized for fiscal year 1982 be allotted to each State based on such State's needs as a percentage of the total national needs. Extends through fiscal year 1982 the program under such Act which provides grants to States for eligible treatment works. Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, at the request of the Governor of a State, to set aside from funds authorized under such Act for fiscal year 1982 not more than three percent of funds allotted to such State for such grants to be available only for increasing grants for construction of treatment works from 75 percent to 85 percent, and to set aside not more than four percent of such funds to be available only for alternatives to conventional sewage treatment works for municipalities having a population of 3,500 or less, or for the highly dispersed sections of larger municipalities, as defined by the Administrator. Limits such grants for treatment works to the following categories of projects: (1) secondary treatment or more stringent treatment, or any cost-effective alternative thereof; and (2) new interceptors and appurtenances. Authorizes the Administrator, from sums authorized for each fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 1981, to reserve from the allotment for each State for each such fiscal year an amount not to exceed one percent of the sum of the unexpended obligations and the unobligated allotment available to such State as of the first day of such fiscal year, or $400,000, whichever is greater. Repeals the provision under which the Administrator is authorized to pay the Federal share of the cost of advanced construction on publicly owned treatment works in cases where a State allotment has been obligated under specified provisions. Permits the Administrator to retain the authority to pay such eligible obligations in such amounts as the Administrator considers appropriate. Prohibits any grant, other than for facility planning and the preparation of construction plans and specifications, to be made under such Act to construct that portion of the treatment works providing reserve capacity. Makes the Administrator responsible for determining the size and capacity of the treatment works eligible for a grant under such Act. States that the determination of the priority to be given projects within each State shall be made by that State. Requires each State, in determining such priority, to give highest priority to projects which: (1) demonstrate that significant public health or water quality benefits will be achieved; and (2) will directly benefit communities having urban-industrial concentrations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivors' Benefits Act of 1981 - Title I: Veterans' Disability Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' compensation for: (1) wartime disability compensation; or (2) additional compensation for dependents; and (3) clothing allowances paid to certain disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation for: (1) a surviving spouse; (2) surviving children; and (3) supplemental children's benefits. Title III: Effective Date - States that the provisions of this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Extends from December 31, 1981, to September 30, 1982, the authority of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to contract for hospital care or medical services in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands without reference to patient loads or incidence of provision of medical services for veterans treated by the Veterans' Administration in the contiguous 48 states.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Elementary School Guidance and Counseling Incentive Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations: (1) in fiscal years 1983 through 1987 for comprehensive elementary school guidance and counseling programs, supplemental grants to States for such programs, and research and demonstration programs; (2) through fiscal year 1988 for employment of one new and/or additional elementary school guidance counselor per school district, evaluation of programs, and in-service counselor training; and (3) for teacher and counselor centers. Provides formulas, based on the population of elementary school children, for determining allotments to States for such programs. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Elementary/Secondary Education to administer State allotments and State plans through the Office of Guidance and Counseling of the Department of Education. Requires that each State, to be eligible for such allotments, submit to the Assistant Secretary a State plan for providing comprehensive elementary school guidance and counseling programs for a five-year period, with necessary annual revisions, which meets such criteria as the Assistant Secretary may by regulation prescribe. Sets forth required provisions of such plans and programs. Provides for appeal by a State of a final action of the Assistant Secretary to a circuit court of appeals. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary, through the Office of Guidance and Counseling, to make supplemental grants to States with approved plans for distribution to local educational agencies and for support of States with approved plans for distribution to local educational agencies and for support of State agency leadership activities on the basis of statewide needs and priorities in elementary school guidance and counseling. Sets forth approved uses of such grants. Directs the Assistant Secretary to carry out a research and demonstration program relating to elementary school guidance and counseling. Directs the Assistant Secretary to make an annual evaluation report to the appropriate Congressional committees. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include training for counselors under the teacher centers program. Provides for a program of in-service training for elementary school guidance counselors. Requires the designation of professionally trained counselors: (1) at the Federal level, to provide information on, and to administer, such programs; and (2) at the State, local school district, and intermediate administrative unit levels, to supervise such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of agency SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with an SBIR program to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 in amount made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to extend from August 6, 1982, to August 6, 1992: (1) the time period during which jurisdictions covered by the triggering mechanism must not have used a test or device to deny the right to vote on account of race in order to be released from coverage; and (2) the time period during which changes in voting laws must be precleared with the Federal Government. Extends the bilingual election requirements from August 6, 1985, to August 6, 1992. Restates the prohibition against denying the right to vote based on race to prohibit any State from imposing voting practices "in a manner which results in a denial or abridgement" of the right to vote.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Commends Secret Service Agents Timothy McCarthy and Jerry Parr and Metropolitan Police Officer Thomas Delahanty for their performance in the line of duty with respect to the assassination attempt on the life of the President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1981
Title I: Federal Aid Highway Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 to increase the authorization of appropriations for the Interstate Highway System for fiscal years 1983 through 1990. Limits the obligation of such funds to specified objectives. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in making the revised estimate of the cost of completing the then designated Interstate System, to include only those costs eligible under such Act, as amended. Authorizes the Secretary to assess the status of all incomplete segments of the Interstate System and to withdraw approval of any routes as appropriate. Directs the Secretary to use specified apportionment factors in allocating funds for the Interstate System. Authorizes appropriations, for fiscal years 1982 through 1986, out of the Highway Trust Fund for: (1) the Federal aid primary system in rural and urban areas; (2) forest highways; (3) public lands highways; (4) bridge replacement and rehabilitation; and (5) resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing (through fiscal year 1987) certain nontoll portions of the Interstate System. Directs that the unobligated balance of contract authority established by the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1978 for the Great River Road and highway safety programs shall lapse September 30, 1981. Revises apportionments for the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Makes highway reconstruction eligible for Interstate System apportioned funds. Revises Interstate System resurfacing procedures and the Federal share thereof. Establishes a discretionary fund with unobligated Interstate System funds. Directs the Secretary, in allocating such funds, to give priority to specified Interstate System projects. Repeals appropriations for and provisions related to the priority primary route program. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of funds for the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Directs that emergency financial assistance necessitated by natural disasters or catastrophic failures shall be authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund. Increases the authorization for such emergency assistance. Limits, to a specified sum, the amount of such assistance to any State. Allows funds allocated to an urbanized area to be transferred to another such area or to the State under certain circumstances. Removes the limit on appropriations for defense access roads. Revises the Secretary's authority with regard to a State's failure to maintain projects under its jurisdiction. Allows the Secretary to discharge any of his responsibilities under such Act relative to the physical construction phase of Interstate resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, and reconstruction projects using certain certification procedures. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for the inspection of construction and repair projects (formerly, directed the Secretary to make a final inspection). Amends such Act and the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 to delete the prohibition on the use of land from a historic site of national, State, or local significance for transportation projects. Authorizes the Secretary, upon application of the States of Maryland and Virginia and the District of Columbia, to approve reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge. Sets forth funding criteria for such project and limits the Federal share to 75 percent of the project cost. Directs that the parties shall agree, as a condition precedent to such reconstruction and rehabilitation, to convey the respective portions of the bridge to the States of Maryland and Virginia and the District of Columbia without monetary consideration. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this Act in cooperation with Federal and State agencies and foreign countries without regard to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Repeals the territorial highway program. Repeals the provisions of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978 dealing with the acceleration of bridge projects. Authorizes the Secretary to approve, for Federal financial assistance, projects for use as preferential parking for carpools. Sets forth criteria for the operation and management of such parking facilities. Amends the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973 to allow limited truck traffic on the Highland Science Highway. States that such commercial use by trucks may be limited and controlled by permit. Limits funds for research and planning to specified amounts. Specifies the Federal share of such funding pursuant to certain criteria. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, powers, and duties of the Appalachian Regional Commission related to the Appalachian Development Highway. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations, out of the Highway Trust Fund, for such Highway system for fiscal years 1982 through 1986. Increases the Federal share for such highway system. Title II: Highway Safety Act of 1981 - Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations, out of the Highway Trust Fund, for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 for highway safety programs and highway safety research and development. Repeals provisions that require the Secretary's approval of a State's highway safety program. Revises specified highway safety program requirements. Repeals provisions relating to: (1) school bus driver training; and (2) innovative project grants. Title III: Highway Revenue Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend, through fiscal year 1989, the excise taxes that are transferred into the Highway Trust Fund. Amends the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 to extend, for six years, the Highway Trust Fund. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to extend, for six years, the land and water conservation fund within the Department of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress to adopt for each year a budget which sets forth the total receipts and outlays of the United States. Prohibits the adoption of any budget in which outlays exceed total receipts, unless three-fifths of each House of Congress approve such budget. Prohibits Congress from passing and the President from signing any bill which would cause the total outlays for any year to exceed the total expenditures in the budget for such year. Prohibits the retention of receipts in any year for use of the Treasury in an amount which exceeds as a proportion of the national income, the amount retained for the prior year, unless a bill directed at approving a specific increase in such proportion has been passed by a majority of each House. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any single year in which a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Requires the appropriate non-Federal public body to reimburse the Federal Government for expenditures by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for certain operation, maintenance, construction, or rehabilitation activities concerning deep draft channels or ocean or Great Lakes ports. Makes such reimbursement effective commencing October 1, 1982. Provides for annual payments thereafter. Requires completion of such reimbursements within the life of the project concerned but in no event more than 50 years after the date the project is available for use. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine the rate of interest to be charged on any unpaid balance. Allows non-Federal public bodies to secure financing through means other than those provided for in this Act. Permits an affected non-Federal public body to recover its reimbursement obligation by collecting fees from specified vessels engaged in commercial waterway transportation in such deep draft channels or ports. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the Secretaries of State, Commerce, Transportation, Treasury, Energy, and Agriculture, the Attorney General, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to promulgate regulations and guidelines concerning such fee collections. States that this Act shall not prohibit or interfere with national defense transportation requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Army to report annually to Congress on the actual and anticipated receipts of such fee collections. Authorizes the Chief of Engineers to study, design, construct, and rehabilitate channel and port projects according to the provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Inland Waterway User Fee Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to prescribe a system of user fees to be levied on commercial transportation on the inland waterway system pursuant to this Act. Sets forth criteria by which such fees shall be established. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to utilize various mechanisms as means to recover Federal costs from system users. Specifies that such fees shall recover 100 percent of Federal operation and maintenance expenditures and an amount necessary to amortize capital expenditures for rehabilitation or replacement of existing structures completed after October 1, 1981. Directs that such fees shall be credited to the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. Sets forth civil penalties for failure to pay user fees. Lists, by project, the percentage of Federal expenditures for operation, maintenance, construction, and rehabilitation of inland waterway projects to be assigned to commercial waterway transportation. Specifies that costs assigned to commercial waterway transportation for the Mississippi River and tributaries project shall be 25 percent of total project costs. Amends the Inland Waterways Revenue Act of 1978 to make amounts in the Trust Fund available for operation and maintenance expenditures for navigation on all inland and intracoastal waterways with an authorized depth of 14 feet or less used for commercial transportation. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to furnish a memorial headstone or marker to commemorate any veteran whose remains are unavailable because of a donation to science, a burial at sea, or other causes. Directs the Administrator to set aside suitable areas in national cemeteries to honor such veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 - Repeals provisions of Federal law prohibiting commerce in wildlife and fish (the Lacey and Black Bass Acts). Sets forth prohibitions against trade in any fish or wildlife taken or possed in violation of Federal, Indian tribal, State, or foreign law. Adds a new prohibition against trade in plants which are subject to State conservation of species laws. Increases the maximum civil penalties for violations to $10,000 (currently, $5,000 under the Lacey Act and $200 under the Black Bass Act). Establishes a strict liability penalty of up to $250 for transporting fish or wildlife in violation of the labeling requirements. Increases the maximum criminal penalties to a $20,000 fine and/or five years' imprisonment (currently, $10,000 and/or one year under the Lacey Act and $200 and/or three months' imprisonment). Stipulates that a conviction under this Act shall require only proof that the defendant knew there was conduct in violation of the underlying law, treaty, or regulation. Subjects all fish, wildlife, or plants traded in violation of this Act to forfeiture to the United States, regardless of the culpability requirements for civil penalties or criminal prosecution. Stipulates that vehicles and equipment shall be subject to such forfeiture only if the owner or conductor was a consenting party to the illegal act. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Treasury, the Interior, Commerce, and Transportation to utilize by agreement the personnel and facilities of any Federal or State agency or Indian tribe to enforce this Act. Permits any person authorized to enforce this Act to carry firearms, make an arrest without a warrant on reasonable grounds, execute and serve warrants, detain and inspect a vehicle or package upon entering or prior to leaving the United States, or hold a seized item pending the disposition of proceedings. Directs that, beginning in fiscal year 1982, the Secretaries of the Interior, the Treasury, or Commerce shall pay rewards to persons who furnish information leading to a conviction, assessment, or forfeiture for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce to promulgate jointly regulations to implement the labeling requirements of this Act (governing packages containing fish or wildlife in interstate or foreign commerce) in accordance with existing commercial practices. Grants jurisdiction to the Federal district courts for actions arising under this Act. Transfers from the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe requirements and issue permits for the importation of wild animals and birds under humane and healthful conditions. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to direct the payment of rewards for information leading to a conviction, assessment or forfeiture (currently, such payments are discretionary).
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1981
Title I: Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies by providing information and by facilitating contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate Congressional committees with their recommendations concerning implementation of this Act, related changes in U.S. law, and effects of ownership of U.S. banks by foreign banking organizations. Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to exempt from specified requirements of the Federal Reserve Act any loan or extension of credit made by a national or State bank to an export trading company affiliate if such exemption is necessary to finance an affiliated export trading company and does not expose the bank to undue financial risks. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for a remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Authorizes up to $10,000,000 to be appropriated for initial investments and operating expenses for each of fiscal years 1982-1986. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees for expansion to export trading companies or exporters when adequate financing is not otherwise available. Requires such loan guarantees to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories. Directs the Board of Directors to try to insure that a major share of such guarantees promotes exports from small, medium-size, and minority businesses or agricultural concerns. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to subsidize the employment of export managers by small business manufacturing firms which have not previously been substantial exporters. Limits such grants to the lesser of: (1) 50 percent of the expenses related to employing a full-time export manager for one year; or (2) $40,000. Sets forth the requirements for an application by a firm for such grant and the factors the Secretary shall consider in making such grants. Authorizes appropriations for each of fiscal years 1982-1984 to carry out this grant program. Directs the Secretary to evaluate this program and to submit such evaluation and any recommendation to Congress by a specified date. Title II: Export Trade Association - Export Trade Association Act of 1981 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the trade, activities and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Permits automatic certification for existing associations. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Requires firms to report changes in membership, export trade activities, or methods of operation to the Secretary and to apply for an amendment of their certificates. Directs the Secretary to revoke a firm's certificate if it does not comply with the requirements for an antitrust exemption or to amend such certificate so that it does comply with such requirements. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate certification. Provides for judicial review of such actions. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish certification guidelines. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an Office of Export Trade. Requires such Office to report annually to the appropriate Congressional committees on all East-West trade transactions requiring validated licenses and on the role of U.S. export trading companies in such trade. Requires, with specified exceptions, that all applications for certification be kept confidential. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force, seven years after enactment, to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Makes the amendments of the Webb-Pomerene Act set forth in this Act effective with regard to existing associations only at such time as such associations elected to be certified.
![Official portrait of Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000776_200.jpg)