United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in containers unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value on brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Preempts inconsistent State and local law. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the rate of reuse and recycling of beverage containers. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress at specified intervals on the impact of this Act on: (1) conservation of energy and material resources; (2) resource recovery and the reduction of solid waste and litter; and (3) the economy. Directs the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Labor on assisting individuals whose employment may be adversely affected by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Oil Spill Liability and Compensation Act of 1981 - Title I: Oil Spill Liability and Compensation - Subjects the owner or operator of a vessel or facility to liability for oil discharged in violation of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (unless the discharge was caused as an act of God, war, or by a third party). Causes such owners and operators to be liable for: (1) all actual costs of removal incurred by the United States or a State under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Intervention on the High Seas Act, or the Deepwater Port Act of 1974; (2) any removal costs incurred by any person, as removal is defined under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (3) specified damages for economic loss or loss of natural resources resulting from such a discharge. Limits such liability, but stipulates than an owner or operator shall be liable for all damages and removal costs in the case of: (1) willful misconduct or negligence; (2) violation of applicable safety, construction, or operating standards or regulations; (within the knowledge or privity of the owner or operator); or (3) a refusal to provide reasonable cooperation and assistance requested by a responsible official. Provides that owners or operators subject to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act shall bear all costs of removal. Authorizes the President to establish additional limitations on liability for certain facilities; and, from time to time, to increase established limitations to reflect specified factors. Provides for third party liability. Directs that money in the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (established in title II of this Act) be used for, among other things: (1) payment of removal costs; and (2) related research. Sets forth procedures for asserting claims against the Fund. Requires any claimant, prior to asserting a claim, to present the claim to the owner, operator, or guarantor of the vessel or facility from which the oil was discharged. Directs the President to: (1) prescribe forms and procedures for filing claims; and (2) attempt to arrange a settlement. Authorizes the President to establish and to pay a claim or to submit a claim to a Board of Arbitrators. Permits a claimant, dissatisfied with an award, to appeal to the Board of Arbitrators. Requires the owner and operator of any offshore vessel and/or facility to establish and maintain stated levels of financial responsibility sufficient to satisfy claims. Title II: Trust Fund Establishment and Collections - Establishes the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Provides that the Fund shall consist of: (1) amounts derived from an additional petroleum tax of 1.3 cents per barrel, imposed by an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code; (2) amounts recovered under title I of this Act; (3) penalties imposed under title I of this Act or under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and other unobligated funds available under such Act; (4) all assets of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund; (5) all assets of the Deepwater Port Liability Fund; and (6) all assets of the Offshore Oil Pollution Compensation Fund established under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978. Establishes a minimum amount of $30,000,000 to be maintained in the Trust Fund. Establishes the order in which unpaid claims are to be paid. Limits the liability of the United States to the amount in the Trust Fund. Provides for Trust Fund borrowing, as repayable advances, from the General Fund of the Treasury. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth effective dates and conforming amendments. Directs the President, in cooperation with the Comptroller General, to study possible incentives for safer operation of vessels and facilities to prevent oil discharges, and to report to the Congress by July 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 - Title I: Individual Tax Rate Cuts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual and estate and trust income tax rates for 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984, lowering the maximum rate to 50 percent in 1984. Repeals the 50 percent maximum tax rate on personal service income. Reduces the alternative minimum tax for noncorporate taxpayers. Title II: Incentives for Plant, Equipment, and Real Property - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) Ten-year property, including owner-used buildings and their structural components and certain public utility property; (2) five-year property, including tangible property, and (3) three-year property, including automobiles, light-duty trucks, and certain tangible property used in connection with research and experimentation. Excludes from the category of recovery property: (1) property placed in service before January 1, 1981; (2) certain property eligible for amortization; and (3) certain depreciable real property. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Revises the treatment of progress expenditure property with respect to the investment tax credit and the allowance for depreciation. Includes as recovery property, property which would have been depreciated using the retirement-replacement-betterment method. Provides special rules for recovery property predominantly used outside of the United States. Establishes definite useful lives for certain types of real property, (e.g., buildings, low-income housing, owner-occupied industrial and commercial buildings) which are not subject to change by the Internal Revenue Service upon audit. Allows current depreciation of any qualified progress expenditure property not yet placed in service. Revises the applicable percentage for determination of the investment tax credit to make eligible for such credit: (1) 100 percent of the basis of ten-year or five-year recovery property; and (2) 60 percent of the basis of three-year recovery property. Revises the progress expenditure rules to eliminate the useful life requirement for depreciable property being constructed by or for a taxpayer for use in trade or business (qualified progress expenditure property) and to apply to such property the revised percentages for determining the investment tax credit under this Act. Revises rules for the recapture of tax benefits upon the disposition of property eligible for the investment tax credit. Prescribes recapture percentages for each of the three classes of recovery property. Limits the amount of the investment tax credit to the amount that the taxpayer has at risk. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Repeals the retirement-replacement- betterment methods of depreciation allowed for certain types of property. Specifies that such property shall be depreciated using a ratable method. Requires the recapture as ordinary income of excess depreciation from recovery property which is subsequently sold or exchanged. Exempts accelerated depreciation on real property with a shortened audit-proof life and recovery property from classification as an item of tax preference for purposes of computing the minimum tax. Sets forth rules for treatment of the depreciation allowance for any recovery property under real property with a shortened audit-proof life in computing the earnings and profits of a corporation. Extends the carryover period for the net operating loss deduction, the investment tax credit, the work incentive program credit, and the new employee credit. Sets forth a method of computing the recovery allowance for recovery property and certain real property in the case of certain corporate acquisitions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Veterans' Administration Health Care Amendments of 1981 - Entitles the United States to recover the costs of certain medical care and services furnished to a veteran for a non-service-connected disability when such disability is covered by another form of insurance or compensation. Sets forth the formula and procedure for the United States' recovery against the insurer or other entity. Subrogates the United States to the rights of such veteran. Extends for one year the period during which funds appropriated for the establishment of a new State medical school may be expended. Amends the Veterans Health Programs Extension and Improvement Act of 1979 to permit the expansion of the scope of the epidemiological study of the health effects of Agent Orange to include an evaluation of the long term adverse health effects in humans serving in the armed forces of the United States in Vietnam during the Vietnamese conflict or other factors involved in such service, including exposure to other herbicides, chemicals, medications, or environmental hazards or conditions. Permits the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to expand the scope of the literature analysis and review to include an analysis and review of the literature covering other studies relating to the effects of such factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations establishing guidelines, standards, and criteria for resolving claims for benefits based on exposure to Agent Orange and such other factors during such conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Antiterrorism Act of 1981 - Directs the President to report biannually to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on acts of international terrorism or within 60 days of an incident affecting U.S. citizens or property. Directs the President to submit to Congress a list of nations which have demonstrated a pattern of support for international terrorism. Specifies sanctions to be imposed upon such nations, including: (1) denial of foreign assistance; (2) an embargo on the sale of any defense articles or extension of credit under the Arms Export Control Act; (3) denial of an export license with respect to commodities or technical data which would enhance any such nation's military or terrorist capabilities; (4) disallowance of duty-free treatment under the Trade Act of 1974; and (5) denial of entry to nationals for the purpose of education in subjects having military application. Provides a Congressional veto procedure by concurrent resolution regarding a Presidential request to remove a foreign state from the list. Permits the President to suspend application of these sanctions in the interests of national security after consulting with the appropriate Congressional committees. Authorizes the President to exercise other appropriate sanctions. Directs the President to submit biannually to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a Report on Federal and International Capabilities to Combat Terrorism, which includes a comprehensive and specific review of Federal antiterrorism organization, policies, and activities. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to assess the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports and report such assessments to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary, after notifying the appropriate foreign authorities, to restrict operations at foreign airports failing to bring their security measures to the standards and recommendations set forth at the Montreal Convention on International Civil Aviation. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to foreign governments for promoting aviation security. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for such purpose. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to empower the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to authorize FAA employees to carry firearms in connection with their air transportation security duties and to make arrests. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure more effective cooperation in combating international terrorism and to develop standards and programs to insure the full implementation of the provisions of the Montreal Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation. Amends the Federal criminal code to redefine the offense of "destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities" to, among other revisions: (1) prohibit communicating false information which endangers any aircraft in flight; (2) prohibit any act of violence against any individual on an aircraft which is likely to endanger the aircraft in service; and (3) define "in service" to mean pre- and post-flight ground preparation. Establishes criminal penalties for whoever commits an offense in violation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation and is afterward found in the United States. Establishes a new Federal crime of "imparting or conveying threats" to commit an act which would constitute the felony of aircraft sabotage if executed. Amends the Federal Aviation Act to establish civil penalties for conveying false information regarding aircraft crimes and concealing a deadly weapon while boarding an aircraft. Makes any person who willfully and maliciously conveys false information criminally liable.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Export of Hazardous Wastes Control Act of 1981 - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to permit the export of hazardous wastes from the United States only pursuant to a validated export license. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue a license only: (1) after consultation with specified Federal officials; and (2) if the Secretary is satisfied that the importing country's government has been fully informed about, and agrees to, the shipment. Makes such conditions applicable to all exports of hazardous wastes. Directs the Secretary to list annually for Congress: (1) hazardous wastes for which validated export licenses are required; (2) the number and type of applications received for the export of such wastes; and (3) hazardous wastes for which export licenses were granted.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Public Buildings Act of 1980 - Title I: General Authorities - Gives the Administrator of General Services (GSA), acting through the Public Buildings Service, sole authority to acquire, design, construct, lease, manage, maintain, repair, renovate, and assign space in public buildings. Establishes in GSA a Public Buildings Service to be headed by a Commissioner of Public Buildings. Creates the position of Supervising Architect to supervise all design activities of the Public Buildings Service. Permits the Administrator to delegate any of the aforementioned authorities to an agency head with respect to the public buildings needs of such agency. Requires the Administrator to annually report to Congress concerning activities undertaken to meet the public buildings needs of Federal agencies. Specifies lists to be included in such report. Requires the Administrator to maintain specified information in order to keep Congress fully informed. Directs the Administrator to require, prior to executing any lease or other contract which would obligate funds in excess of $10,000 authorized pursuant to this Act, a certification from the owner of the space to be leased or the contractor. Requires such certification to include statements and declarations that such owner or contractor, or any of his officers or principal employees: (1) has no business or employment relationship or interest or holding which constitutes a conflict of interest; (2) has not offered or promised anything of value to a public official with the intent to influence any official act or to induce the official to perform any act in violation of his lawful duties; (3) has not been debarred or suspended from the award of public contracts; (4) has not had a public contract terminated for default; and (5) has not been convicted, within ten years prior to the date of the solicitation, of, or is not currently under indictment for or otherwise charged with, specified offenses. Makes the Administrator responsible for the interpretation of all contracts entered into to carry out this Act. Requires the GSA to furnish to specified Congressional committees, by April 30, 1982, a survey report describing all of the steam generating units it owns or operates with a heat input rate of 50 million Btu/hour or greater. Sets forth the information such report shall contain. Repeals the Public Buildings Act of 1959. Title II: Locations for Federal Agency Offices - Requires the headquarters offices of each Federal agency to be located in the National Capital region. Requires regional, district, area, or local Federal agency offices to be centrally located or within easy transportation access of the populations they serve or other offices with which they must maintain frequent communication. Requires other Federal agency offices to be distributed throughout the country generally in proportion to the geographic distribution of the population. Sets forth criteria to be used in locating, planning for, and consolidating the public buildings needs of Federal agencies. Permits agency heads and the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to appeal locations assigned by the Administrator. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall require the relocation of any office from its present location. Title III: Design and Management of Public Buildings - Sets forth requirements for the design and maintenance of public buildings, including quality of architecture, energy efficiency, conformity with existing buildings, furnishings, and parking facilities for motor vehicles and bicycles. Requires the head of the agency concerned to: (1) submit standards assuring compliance with the minimum requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; and (2) prescribe regulations to assure conformity with such standards. Requires that the annual plan to Congress include a schedule for making all existing public buildings conform with such standards and regulations. Authorizes the Administrator, upon the request of local and State officials, to name a public building after, and establish a memorial therein in honor of, any person who has made notable contributions to government, science, industry, education, the arts, or other fields of human endeavor. Title IV: Mixed Use and Adaptive Use in Public Buildings - Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act of 1976 to direct the Administrator to design, construct, and lease out space for commercial, cultural, educational, and recreational activities. Sets forth conditions for space so leased. Repeals provisions requiring the Administrator to: (1) identify existing buildings of historic, architectural, or cultural significance suitable for meeting Federal public buildings needs; and (2) notify Congress of the use or nonuse of such buildings. Title V: Exhibitions and Works of Art - Federal Building Enhancement Act of 1981 - Directs the Administrator to: (1) acquire works of art by living American artists to be exhibited in Federal buildings; (2) develop exhibitions for Federal buildings that reflect the heritage or development of the United States; and (3) commission works of art by American artists for Federal buildings. Sets forth standards such works of art and exhibitions shall meet. Requires the Administrator to avoid the development of an official style in architecture or art. Authorizes the Administrator to use one-half of one percent of the sums available for the construction, repair, and acquisition of public buildings for such purposes and one-twentieth of one percent of the sums available for the lease of buildings for such purposes. Title VI: Architectural Services - Directs the Administrator to employ architects, designers, and urban planners to prepare, under the supervision of the Supervising Architect, plans for such public building projects as the Commissioner of Public Buildings may designate. Requires those architectural designs not prepared in accordance with the above to be procured in accordance with the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and requires a design competition between at least three qualified architectural firms, with respect to at least half of the projects expected to cost more than $5,000,000. Directs the Administrator to make public the reasons for the selection made. Requires that firms participating in such competition receive no more than one-half of one percent of the expected project costs. Title VII: Leasing - Specifies that within the next ten years at least 60 percent, and within 20 years no fewer than 75 percent, of Federal employees shall have their principal offices in public buildings, with such percentage being maintained uniformly throughout the country. Prohibits the Administrator from contracting for the construction of any building other than one Government-owned except under specified circumstances. Prohibits leasing space for specified Federal functions unless necessary to meet immediate and urgent requirements. Exempts buildings leased pursuant to this Act from provisions requiring money consideration and limiting the amount of rent. Prohibits rental rates from exceeding current commercial rates for space of nearest comparable quality. Requires the Administrator to publicly solicit competitive bids to procure space by lease for the Government. Directs the Administrator to provide a copy of the lease agreement to the highest ranking official of each Federal agency in leased buildings. Title VIII: Congressional Authorization - Directs the Administrator to submit annually to Congress a program of necessary projects and actions for the coming fiscal year. Directs the Administrator: (1) to certify that public hearings have been held or the opportunity for same afforded for each major project in such report; and (2) to provide a final environmental impact statement for such projects. Prohibits the obligation of any appropriation for a public building without Congressional authorization. Requires appropriations for the cost of completion of any public building or the total cost of a lease before construction may commence or a lease entered. Authorizes appropriations to the Public Buildings Service for fiscal year 1982 with specified amounts earmarked for: (1) the construction, acquisition, or renovation of public buildings in specified localities; (2) alteration of leased buildings and lease agreements; (3) planning and preliminary design of projects; (4) real property operations; (5) program direction; and (6) other obligations. Reserves a portion of such funds for unanticipated changes and requires the submission of an explanatory statement on such changes to specified Congressional committees before such funds may be obligated. Authorizes the Administrator to increase expenditures or decrease the amount of space to be constructed, up to specified limits, if the project costs exceed the estimated maximum cost authorized . Directs the Administrator to report to specified Congressional committees. Requires Congressional approval of any other action. Title IX: Public Building Financing - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require rates and charges for public buildings and buildings leased on behalf of the United States to be established annually at a level approximating commercial rates, but not less than the costs of providing space and services. Authorizes the Administrator to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury in order to finance the acquisition, construction, or renovation of any public building. Provides for payment of principal and interest on such obligations from the fund for real property management. Title X: Miscellaneous - Makes this Act effective October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Union Station Act of 1981 - Amends the National Visitor Center Facilities Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to assign, on or before October 1, 1981, to the Secretary of Transportation all right, title, and interest in certain agreements and leases concerning Union Station, Washington, D. C. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to sublet part of Union Station to the Secretary of the Interior for use as a National Visitor Center and to operate the rest of the station as a rail passenger terminal. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (formerly the Washington Terminal Company) to construct a parking structure in a specified area adjacent to the Union Station Building. Requires the Company to cease construction of a new railroad passenger station in the area beneath and adjacent to such parking structure. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to use funds received from operations (including parking) at Union Station to pay certain operating, maintenance, and leasing costs. Waives financial and contractual restrictions on specified funds. Requires that contracts for construction, renovations, or repairs performed under this Act shall be bid competitively on a fixed-price basis. Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol, under the direction of the House Office Building Commission, to enter into a contract with the Secretary to furnish steam from the Capitol Power Plant to Union Station. Directs the Secretaries of Transportation and the Interior to assure that laborers and mechanics working on specified aspects of the Union Station Building be paid wages set in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Limits, to specified sums, funds for alterations and construction under this Act. Directs the Secretaries to transmit final construction plans and the parking enforcement mechanism prescribed by this Act to the appropriate Congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Amends the joint resolution of October 10, 1980 (requesting the President to designate the week beginning with the third Monday in February 1981 as "National Patriotism Week") to request the President to make such designation annually.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Revises the congressional budget in order to: (1) reduce budget authority by $10.7 billion, and outlays by $4,8 billion, in fiscal year 1981; (2) reduce budget authority by $61.3 billion, and oulays by $41.4 billion, in fiscal year 1982; and (3) reduce budget authority by $88.4 billion, and outlays by $79.7 billion, in fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Prisoners of War Health-Care Benefits Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish an advisory committee to assess new medical and other information on former prisoners of war (POW's). Requires that such committee include former POW's of World War II, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam era and individuals who are recognized authorities in certain fields of medicine. Directs the committee to submit a biennial report to the Administrator on its activities. Makes POW's with the disease of psychosis manifest to a degree of ten percent presumably eligible for wartime disability benefits (presently such psychosis must have occurred within two years of separation from service). Entitles POW's of not less than 60 days during World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, or the Vietnam era eligible for hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care benefits. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations and furnish medical services for any disability on an outpatient or ambulatory basis to such POW's. Includes veterans held in captive status due to the seizure of the United States Embassy in Iran among those veterans eligible for educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Redesignates the day on which Washington's Birthday is celebrated as February 22. Redesignates the day on which Memorial Day is celebrated as May 30. Redesignates the day on which Columbus Day is celebrated as October 12.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration should develop and validate an alternative nonanimal testing procedure.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Veterans' Automobile Assistance and Adaptive Equipment Amendments of 1981 - Increases the amount of maximum assistance the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs must provide to certain severely service-connected disabled veterans for automobile adaptive equipment. Entitles veterans suffering from ankylosis of one or both knees or hips to adaptive equipment sufficient to overcome such disability to meet State licensure requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Small Communities Water Resources Assistance Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake a research program and to assist communities in controlling river ice. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire and loan ice control equipment to local governments. Directs the Chief of Engineers to survey the potential of and provide technical assistance for rehabilitating former industrial sites and millraces for use in developing hydroelectric facilities, at the request of local officials. Directs the Chief of Engineers to provide technical assistance to any person or agency in controlling streambank erosion. Authorizes the Secretary to provide interest-free loans to groups, agencies, or individuals to control such erosion. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs every agency with the authority to grant or review hydroelectric power facility permits to simplify and expedite the licensing of such facilities. Directs the Comptroller General, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, to report to Congress on the effects of this Act on hydroelectric development.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1981
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standard currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. Stipulates that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; (2) provide the claimant with an opportunity for a hearing; and (3) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreements with respect to a material issue in a veterans' appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimants' right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of procedural rights and procedures. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternate claims resolution methods, one a new intermediate-level adjudication process, the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Title II: Veterans' Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (2) that in cases not directly involving a claim for benefits a civil action otherwise authorized by law shall not be precluded; (3) the definition of final decision; (4) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans; (5) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; and (6) that the court render a decision on the pleadings. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, such court may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. Stipulates that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. Establishes procedures for the review of the VA's or a court's approval of attorneys' fees. States that in the case of a benefits claim resolved before the VA, either the claimant or the attorney may challenge the award in the Federal district court in which the claimant resides or has his principal place of business within 30 days after notice of the attorneys' award. Provides that all parties be given notice. Stipulates that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - States that this Act shall become effective 180 days after enactment. Permits review of Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions rendered on or after January 1, 1977, and prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Authorizes the Committee on Environment and Public Works from March 1, 1981, through February 28, 1982, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate; (2) employ personnel; and (3) utilize the services of department or agency personnel on a reimbursable basis. Sets forth the limit on expenses by the committee during such period.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
National Tourism Policy Act - Title I: National Tourism Policy - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish a cooperative effort between the Federal Government, State and local governments, and other concerned public and private organizations to implement a national tourism policy. Title II: United States Travel and Tourism Administration - Establishes, as an independent agency, the United States Travel and Tourism Administration. Sets forth the terms of office, compensation, powers, and duties of the Administrator and Deputy Administrator. Authorizes the Administration to assist Congress and the Federal agencies having policy and programmatic responsibilities affecting tourism. Directs the Administrator, by April 15, 1982, to submit a detailed tourism development plan to specified Congressional committees. Requires each Federal agency, upon the request of the Administrator, to: (1) make its services, personnel, and facilities available to assist the Administration; and (2) furnish the Administration necessary information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics. Prohibits the Administration from providing or arranging for transportation or accommodations in competition with businesses engaged in providing or arranging for such transportation or accommodations. Directs the Administration to submit budget information, legislative recommendations, prepared testimony for congressional hearings, and reports to the President or to the Office of Management and Budget and, concurrently, to Congress. Directs the Administration to submit an annual report to the President for transmittal to Congress. Directs the United States Travel Service to make a specified sum available to the Administration within 30 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. Sets forth the membership, compensation, and duties of such Board. Directs the United States Travel Service to complete the transfer of its assets, powers, duties, and privileges to the Administration within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Abolishes the United States Travel Service upon completion of such transfer. Title III: Amendments to the International Travel Act - Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1981 to carry out the purposes of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance to a region of not less than two States or portions of two States to assist in the implementation of a regional tourism promotional and marketing program. Declares that any such program shall serve as a demonstration project for future program development for regional tourism promotion. Extends until September 30, 1981, the time limit for the reduction in the number of employees of the United States Travel Service. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from reducing: (1) the number of United States Travel Service employees in offices in foreign countries to a level below that authorized for fiscal year 1979; and (2) the amount of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act for financing the activities of such foreign offices to a level below that authorized for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to repeal the limitation on outside income for beneficiaries age 65 or older.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1981
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to limit to 12 1/2 percent of the value of the coal produced yearly the amount of all State and local severance taxes or fees on coal mined from Indian or Federal lands and shipped in interstate commerce to any powerplant or major installation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1981
Expresses the jubilation and relief of the Senate at the release of the 52 Americans held hostage by Iran. Expresses appreciation for the efforts of various Government officials to secure the release of the hostages. Recognizes the patriotism of the military personnel who tried to rescue them. Thanks Algeria for its help in securing the hostages' release.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 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. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Authorizes up to $20,000,000 to be appropriated for initial investments and operating expenses for each of fiscal years 1981-1985. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees for expansion to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available. 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. Title II: Export Trade Associations - Export Trade Association Act of 1981- Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Permits automatic certification for existing associations. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish 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. Grants a temporary exemption from the Sherman Act antitrust provisions for existing associations. 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.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981
Product Liability Risk Retention Act of 1981 - Defines "risk retention group" to mean any corporation or insurance company formed under State law which: (1) is organized for the primary purpose of assuming and spreading product liability or completed operations liability risk exposure; (2) is chartered as an insurance company under State law; (3) does not exclude members for competitive advantage; and (4) consists of members whose principal activity is the manufacture, design, distribution, packaging, or sale of a product. Defines "purchasing group" to mean any group of persons which has as one of its purposes the purchase of product liability or completed operations insurance on a group basis. Exempts risk retention groups and purchasing groups from State laws which prohibit, regulate, or otherwise discriminate against such groups. Enumerates requirements which a State may impose on a risk retention group, including compliance with unfair claims settlement practices laws, payment of taxes, and reporting requirements. Authorizes a State to license an agent or broker for a purchasing group. Stipulates that the ownership interests of members in a risk retention group shall not be considered securities or an investment company for purposes of the Federal securities laws or State blue sky laws.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1980
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 by making a technical amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-374). Revises the formula by which certain limitations are placed upon the amount of basic grants to students ("Pell Grants").
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1980
Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) grants for public works and development facilities, (including health projects); (2) grants for public works and development facility loans; (3) the redevelopment area loan program; (4) technical assistance and economic development planning (including grants to States); (5) supplemental grants and loans; (6) financial assistance to economic development centers and redevelopment areas; (7) assistance to Indian tribes; (8) supplements to Federal grant-in-aid programs; (9) special economic development and adjustment assistance. Prohibits terminating or modifying a redevelopment area designation before September 30, 1981. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Appalachian development highway system through fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the U.S. Representative to the United Nations should abstain in any vote regarding the continued seating of the representative of Cambodia to the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1980
Reaffirms congressional support for full implementation of the Helsinki Final Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that human rights concerns should be given serious attention at the Madrid meeting to review such Act. Declares that any new measures should be balanced among all sections of the Final Act. Directs the U.S. delegation to seek another review meeting within two years.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Tax Reduction - Job Creation Act - Title I: Individual Tax Rates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce income tax rates for each category of individual taxpayers. Title II: Incentives for New Plant and Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1980
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, conduct, cooperate with, plan and implement, or 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. 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 plan 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 plan 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. 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 · 18 June 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the domestic automotive and truck industry. Declares it to be a goal of the United States to achieve technological superiority in the world automobile and truck industry. Advocates changes in economic, fiscal, and import policies in order to create adequate capital and produce a more favorable climate for the domestic automobile and truck industry.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with other Federal agencies, should establish a program to use energy efficient and viable alternatives to halocarbon based technologies for cooling.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1980
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the enactment of a withholding tax on interest and dividend payments would be detrimental to the economic well-being of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1980
Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivors' Benefits Amendments of 1980 - Title I: Veterans' Disability Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' compensation for: (1) wartime disability compensation; (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: Miscellaneous Provisions - Extends the authority for the Veterans' Administration regional office in the Republic of the Philippines until September 30, 1985. Sets forth procedures for: (1) retroactive payments for additional children entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation; and (2) reducing payments to a dependent child who has attained the age of 18 and is attending an educational institution, and whose parent is receiving compensation payments as a surviving spouse. Provides for pension payments to a hospitalized veteran having neither spouse nor child if such veteran is readmitted within six months of a period of care. Title IV: Effective Date - States that the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1980
Grants a Federal charter to the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II. Declares that the purpose of such corporation is to establish memorials to those who served aboard United States submarines and gave their lives during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Veterans' Administration Health-Care Personnel Act of 1980 - Amends the Veterans' Administration Physician and Dentist Pay Comparability Act of 1975 to authorize the payment of special pay to physicians and dentists in the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans' Administration (VA) who are employed intermittently or less than half-time, occupy internship or residency positions, or are retired annuitants. Exempts physicians, dentists, nurses, and other health-care professionals employed by the Department from the Senior Executive Service. Directs the Administrator of the Veterans' Administration to appoint such licensed practical or vocational nurses, and nursing assistants as he or she may deem necessary for the medical care of veterans. Requires that such medical personnel have medical and technical qualifications as prescribed by the Administrator. Increases pay under the basic pay schedules for: (1) employees of the Office of the Chief Medical Director; (2) physicians and dentists; (3) nurses; (4) nursing support; and (5) clinical podiatrists and optometrists. Provides for special pay and additional pay under special guidelines for such personnel. Authorizes the Administrator to increase the rates of pay, within specified limits, for selected personnel in specified geographic areas in order to provide rates competitive with comparable health personnel by non-federal health care facilities in the same labor market. Requires the Chief of Staff of a VA medical center to be a full-time VA employee who does not receive remuneration of any kind from an affiliated institution. Permits chiefs of staff serving on a less than full-time basis to continue to receive remuneration from an outside source. Prohibits such employee from receiving increases in special pay. Authorizes the Administrator to provide support for the training of selected registered nurses and nurse practitioners for a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Stipulates that the personnel of the Department of Medicine and Surgery serving on less than full-time basis shall receive civil service retirement credit for such service only on a pro-rata basis. Excludes licensed practical or vocational nurses and nursing assistants from the jurisdiction of the disciplinary boards appointed by the Chief Medical Officer. Restricts the activities of the Special Medical Advisory Groups established by the Administrator to policy matters related to education and training arising in connection with the program with respect to which it was appointed. Stipulates that final decisions concerning employment at the VA facility must be made by the VA. Establishes a medical center advisory committee in each VA health-care facility to advise medical center management with respect to all matters concerning the provision of health care to eligible veterans and dependents. Authorizes the Administrator to appoint licensed practical or vocational nurses and nursing assistants to part-time or temporary positions without regard to civil service or classification rules. Authorizes the defense of such personnel in malpractice suits. Increases special and incentive pay for physicians and dentists in the Department of Medicine and Surgery. Establishes additional special pay for physicians and dentists serving in an area in which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment and retention of such personnel. Establishes a Veterans' Administration Physicians' and Dentists' Pay Board. Sets forth the composition and duties of such Board. Requires the Board to investigate pay distinctions among VA doctors and dentists and such professionals in other Federal agencies and in the private sector and to report annually on the need for special pay as an incentive for recruitment of doctors and dentists by the VA. Requires the Administrator to conduct a pilot program and study for a specified period of time on the difficulties of recruitment and retention of nursing and nursing support personnel in at least six geographic regions. Requires the submission of the results of such study to Congress.
![Official portrait of Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000776_200.jpg)