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United States · Official source
2,830 records where Sen. Wirth, Timothy [D-CO] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1982
Requests the President to designate August 14, 1982, as National Navajo Code Talkers Day.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should submit a revised budget proposal for FY 1983 to the Congress before submitting any further request for an increase in the Federal debt ceiling. Requires such budget to: (1) significantly reduce the deficit in FY 1983 and in subsequent years; (2) carefully scrutinize the Department of Defense budget; (3) reduce Federal spending; (4) represent a major effort at meaningful tax reform; and (5) maintain investments in areas critical to our Nation's long-term economic health, including education.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1982
Expresses the sense of Congress that sufficient funds should be provided for maintenance of U.S. rivers and harbors to maintain authorized depths, and that such funds should not be impounded or held unspent by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1982
Limits the authorized appropriations for FY 1983 for the Office of the President to the amount spent by such Office for FY 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1982
Designates the week beginning on May 9, 1982, as Senior Center Week. Requests the President to include the designation of such week as part of the proclamation issued for Older Americans Month.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1982
National Diffusion Network Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program to promote the spread of exemplary educational programs, products, and practices to interested elementary and secondary schools. Requires the Secretary to provide information, materials, training, technical assistance, and evaluations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts with, public and nonprofit private educational institutions and organizations to carry out such program. Declares that such program shall be deemed to be a continuation of the National Diffusion Network for which provision is made under the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds available under such Act to such program. Authorizes additional appropriations, if necessary, to carry out such program in FY 1983 through FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1982
States that the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) pursue a complete halt to the nuclear arms race; (2) decide when and how to achieve a mutual and verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and further deployment of nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems; (3) give special attention to destabilizing weapons; and (4) proceeding from this freeze, pursue major, mutual, and verifiable reductions in nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1982
States that the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) pursue a complete halt to the nuclear arms race; (2) decide when and how to achieve a mutual and verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and further deployment of nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems; (3) give special attention to destabilizing weapons; and (4) proceeding from this freeze, pursue major, mutual, and verifiable reductions in nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1982
Designates April 9 of each year as National P.O.W./M.I.A. Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1982
Requests the President to designate October 16, 1982, as World Food Day.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1982
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1982 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of the tax on employment income. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or, if he does, such place of business is not provided, or is not provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sale or output rather than upon number of hours worked; and (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to exclude from social security coverage service performed by an individual who qualifies as an independent contractor under the standards established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1982
Amends the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965 to prohibit the Government from charging recreational fees for fishing or hunting on Federal lands or waters.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1982
Withdraws certain Federal lands in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota from public use for a period of ten years. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a ten-year permit to the Yellow Thunder Camp community established by the Lakota-Dakota (Sioux) Nation to use such lands as a cultural and religious resource area. Prohibits any lease, permit, or contract with respect to such lands without Yellow Thunder Camp's consent. Requires that the Secretary assure that any land and resource management plan for lands in the Black Hills National Forest: (1) prohibits activities harmful to religious or cultural sites of the Lakota-Dakota Nation; (2) prohibits excavation of archeological resources on such lands without the Lakota-Dakota Nation's consent; and (3) guarantees to the Lakota-Dakota Nation and allied members of other Indian nations the free exercise of their religion on such lands. Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to consult and negotiate with the leaders of the Lakota-Dakota Nation to resolve conflicts with respect to their religious freedom, activities harmful to their religious and cultural sites, and the excavation of archeological resources on such lands. Directs the Secretaries to report to the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate on such consultations and negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that funding for community service employment programs for senior citizens under title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 for FY 1983 and subsequent fiscal years should be provided at levels sufficient to maintain or increase the number of employment positions provided under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1982
Requests the President to designate May 20, 1982, as Amelia Earhart Day.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1982
Designates April 19, 1982, as Dutch-American Friendship Day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1982
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1982 - Amends the Clean Air Act ("the Act") to revise stationary source, mobile source, and other provisions of the Act. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources - Fine and Inhalable Particulates - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue air quality criteria and information for inhalable particulates (less than 10 to 15 microns in diameter) within one year of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to propose and promulgate a national primary ambient air quality standard ("a primary NAAQS") for inhalable particulates, unless there is no significant evidence that this is requisite to protect public health. Directs the Administrator to determine whether or not fine particulates (less than 3 microns in diameter) should be listed among those air pollutants for which the issuance of air quality criteria is planned. Provides that State implementation plan (SIP) provisions which related to a prior NAAQS and were in effect immediately before the revision or elimination of such NAAQS shall remain in effect until the Administrator determines that an SIP revision has been implemented which takes account of such NAAQS change. Hazardous Air Pollutants - Revises provisions for national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs). Directs the Administrator to determine, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, whether or not each of 37 substances (listed in a specified publication of congressional oversight hearings) is a hazardous air pollutant. Requires that each of the 37 substances be included on the NESHAPs list (of substances for which NESHAPs are to be established), unless the Administrator has determined that any of the 37 substances is not a hazardous air pollutant. Requires that the NESHAPs listing determinations for these 37 substances be made within one year of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator, in the case of substances other than those 37 substances, to make determinations within 180 days after receipt of information which indicates that a substance may be a hazardous air pollutant, after notice and opportunity for public hearing. Permits (currently, the Administrator is required) the Administrator to make a new determination in the case of any substance which the Administrator has previously determined not to be a hazardous air pollutant. Requires that any substance which the Administrator determines to be a hazardous air pollutant be included on the NESHAPs list. Directs the Administrator to publish a list of each category of stationary sources which emit in any significant amounts any hazardous air pollutant included on the NESHAPs list. Requires that specified categories be included in the source categories list, and that such list be published 15 months after enactment of this Act for certain categories and 18 months after such enactment for other categories. Directs the Administrator to publish a revised source categories list within one year after any revision in the NESHAPs list. Authorizes the Administrator to revise the source categories list at such other times as may be necessary. Directs the Administrator to publish proposed emission standards for new stationary sources in each source category listed within 30 months of enactment of this Act for certain categories and within 42 months of such enactment for other categories. Directs the Administrator to promulgate such standards within six months after such publication. Directs the Administrator to revise such standards where appropriate following periodic review. Requires such periodic review to be completed within ten years of the date of promulgation of such standards. Provides that such standards shall apply to each hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list which is emitted in significant amounts from sources in such category. Requires that such emission standards (for new stationary sources in each source category listed for NESHAPs purposes) be established at the more stringent of: (1) the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable through application of the best system of continuous emission reduction which the Administrator determines is available, taking account of costs, health and environmental impacts, and energy requirements; or (2) the most stringent emission limitation achieved in practice by other sources in the same, or a similar, category. Authorizes the Administrator to distinguish among classes, types, and sizes within categories of sources for purposes of establishing such standards. Sets forth a schedule for completion of specified actions required after enactment of this Act: (1) one year for making the NESHAPs listing determination for the 37 substances; (2) 15 months for publishing the source categories list for certain categories, and 18 months for other categories; (3) 30 months for proposing emission standards for certain source categories, and 42 months for other categories; and (4) six months after such proposal for promulgation of such standards. Provides that no time period under such schedule may be delayed or modified by any petition to the Administrator or by any action brought in any court. Declares that completion of such actions according to such schedule is a nondiscretionary duty of the Administrator. Permits citizen suits against the Administrator in cases of failure or refusal to comply with such schedule. Allows such suits to commence ten days after the plaintiff has given notice of the violation to the Administrator. Prohibits any construction of any new source or modification of any existing source of any hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list if such construction or modification will increase (after the application of federally enforceable emission limitations) the emission of such hazardous air pollutant by a significant amount unless such source is required to comply with an emission standard established on a case-by-case basis by the Administrator (or a State, if delegated). Directs the Administrator to establish a standard for each source at the level which provides an ample margin of safety to protect public health from the hazardous air pollutant, unless the Administrator makes and publishes a detailed finding that such a standard is not economically or technologically practicable. Requires, where such a finding is made, that an individual new or modified source case-by-case standard: (1) be established according to the same criteria as source category standards; and (2) be no less stringent than any applicable source category standard. Provides for the delegation to States of the implementation and enforcement of emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for new or modified stationary sources. Directs the Administrator to establish a procedure, similar to that for State implementation plans (SIPs), under which each State shall submit a plan which: (1) establishes emissions standards for each hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list for each existing source to which a NESHAPs emissions standard would apply if such existing source were a new source; and (2) provides for implementation and enforcement of each such standard as expeditiously as practicable, but not later than three years after establishment of such standard. Permits States to consider the remaining useful life of the existing source in applying such a standard. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe or enforce provisions of such plans where a State fails to do so. Makes it unlawful for any owner or operator of any stationary source to operate such source in violation of any applicable standard under these revised NESHAPs provisions. Eliminates that part of the definition of "hazardous air pollutant" which requires that no NAAQS be applicable to such pollutant (but retains consideration of increased mortality or morbidity in such definition). New Source Immunity - Sets forth "new source immunity" provisions establishing a ten-year "grandfather" period beginning with the commencement of construction of any new stationary source or modification of a major stationary source. Provides that, for such period, such sources shall not be required to comply with any emission limitation or standard under the Act which is more stringent than construction or modification permit requirements. Conditions such immunity upon: (1) issuance of a permit, on or after enactment of this Act, under a permit program of an applicable SIP approved by the Administrator; (2) compliance with permit requirements and with all applicable new source performance standards (NSPS); and (3) no subsequent physical change in the source, or change in its method of operation, which increases air pollutant emissions or results in emissions of any air pollutant not previously emitted. Excludes from such immunity any emission limitation or standard imposed on any stationary source with respect to: (1) hazardous air pollutants regulated under NESHAPs provisions; (2) pollutants with no NAAQS in effect at commencement of construction or modification, but for which a primary NAAQS is later promulgated; or (3) any other air pollutant, if the Administrator judges that the public health or welfare may be endangered. Provides that such immunity shall not prevent the imposition of any emission limitation on any individual piece of process equipment not subject to a permit emission limitation based upon the best available control technology (BACT). Acid Rain - Establishes a new program entitled "Interstate Transport and Acid Precursor Reduction." Establishes an "acid deposition region" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator to: (1) study air pollution problems associated with long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Establishes an acid deposition regional target providing for a ten-year phased schedule of reductions to achieve an annual average emission level that is 10,000,000 tons of sulfur dioxide below the 1980 baseline level. Directs the Administrator, within six months, to compute and publish a target and a schedule for each affected State. Permits two or more States to agree to change their share of the sulfur dioxide emissions reduction ("reduction"). Requires that State reduction schedules begin within five years, be substantially complete within eight years, and reach the State target within ten years of enactment of this Act. Sets forth formulas for: (1) State reduction fractions (based on 1980 emissions from electric utility steam generating units); and (2) the 1980 baseline level for the region or any State within the region. Requires States within the region to prepare, publish, and submit to the Administrator, within two years of enactment of this Act, State programs of reduction in accordance with the State schedules. Directs the Administrator to approve State programs, within four months of submission, if such programs: (1) were adopted after public notice, opportunity for hearing, and submission to Governors of the other States in the region; and (2) contain enforceable reduction measures, including emission limitations, monitoring requirements, and compliance schedules. Requires State programs to include enforceable continuous emission reduction measures. Lists some measures that State programs may include. Permits a State or any person subject to State program requirements to substitute a reduction of twice as many units of nitrogen oxide emissions for each unit of required reductions of sulfur dioxide emissions. Provides for an EPA alternative program if a State program: (1) has not been adopted by a State within two years; or (2) has not been approved by the Administrator within two years and four months. Requires, in such cases, that any owner or operator of an electric utility steam generating unit in such State submit, within three years of enactment of this Act, a unit plan and schedule for reductions. Requires unit plans and schedules only from units which: (1) are major stationary sources; (2) are not subject to new source performance standards; and (3) actually emitted, or were permitted to emit, sulfur dioxide during 1980 in excess of a specified rate. Requires that unit plans and schedules provide for a reduction to a specified rate of emissions, according to a phased schedule (beginning within five years, substantially complete within eight years, and finally complete within ten years of the enactment of this Act). Sets forth provisions for approval of unit plans and schedules. Provides that any unit for which a plan has not been submitted and approved must comply with the specified emission limitation within five years of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of purchase and sale of emission reduction credits among stationary sources of sulfur dioxide in five emission reduction credit regions within the acid deposition region. Provides that specified requirements under this Act shall be treated as emission limitation requirements of applicable SIPs. Sets forth procedures for petitions for determination that programs or plans will not meet deadlines and for petitions for review of such determinations or denials. Interstate Air Pollution - Requires that an SIP contain provisions for the establishment of emission limitations to prevent stationary sources within the State from interfering with the ambient air quality of other States. Requires that such SIP provisions conform to the interstate pollution abatement provisions of the Act. Revises interstate pollution abatement provisions to require prior notice to all affected nearby States from each major proposed new (or modified) source which, by itself or in combination with other sources, may interfere with the ambient air quality of another State in a specified manner. Allows any person to petition the Administrator to make a finding that emissions from stationary sources in any State are interfering with the ambient air quality of another State by contributing: (1) concentrations of a pollutant in a nonattainment area; (2) concentrations consuming any part of any maximum allowable concentration or increase over baseline concentrations of a pollutant (under prevention of significant deterioration of air quality (PSD) provisions), in any area which is not a nonattainment area for that pollutant; or (3) to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare in such other State. Allows petitions relating to such interference with another State's air quality also to be submitted to the Administrator prior to approval of a SIP or of a construction or modification permit. Prohibits approval in such cases unless the Administrator determines that such interference will not result. Directs the Administrator, within 60 days of receipt of such petition, to make a finding or denial. Directs the Administrator, if such finding is made, to: (1) determine the degree to which sources in each State concerned (including the State adversely affect) contribute to the pollution concentration; and (2) require the SIPs concerned to contain emission limitations and compliance schedules for stationary sources in each State which contribute significantly to such concentrations. Requires that such limitations and schedules reduce such concentrations as promptly as practicable and, in the case of nonattainment areas, not later than the required attainment date for the adversely affected State. Requires that SIPs be revised accordingly within four months of the Administrator's order. Sets forth factors to be taken into account in setting interstate emission limitations at an equitable amount of emission reduction by each source. Allows the establishment of alternative emission limitations for existing sources in accordance with a specified policy. Requires, where appropriate, that construction or modification permits contain interstate emissions limitations established by the Administrator. Sets forth factors which may be taken into account in determining the effect of emissions from sources in any State on air pollution concentrations in any other State. New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) - Directs the Administrator to promulgate (or revise) "new source performance standards" (NSPS) for specified categories of stationary sources. Requires that such NSPS promulgation (or revision) be completed by the end of: (1) FY 1982 for one list of source categories; (2) FY 1983 for a second list; and (3) FY 1984 for a third list. Expedited SIP Revision Process - Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove any SIP revision within four months of receipt. Qualifies a SIP revision for a special fast-track review (approval after a 30-day public comment period during which no objections are made) if the revision relates only to one or more of specified items. Prevention of Significant Deterioration - Revises provisions (in Part C of title I of the Act) for Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD). (PSD provisions currently specify allowable short-term and long-term "increments" of emissions of sulfur oxide and particulate matter - regulations for other pollutants are not yet final in areas with cleaner air than that required by NAAQS. Currently the smallest increments are allowed in "class I" areas, which include "statutorily designated" large national parks and wilderness areas, with larger increments in "class II" areas, and the largest increments in "class III" areas.) Repeals the "increment" limitations (specified "maximum allowable increases over baseline concentrations") for class III areas. Eliminates provisions for PSD area redesignations as class III areas. Refers, instead, to redesignation as PSD areas other than class I or II areas. Requires States to consult with local governments prior to a PSD area redesignation. Revises PSD preconstruction requirements to replace references to class III areas with references to PSD areas other than class I or II areas. Allows the permitting authority to determine in its discretion the extent to which continuous air quality monitoring data must be included in air quality analyses for preconstruction review purposes. Applies PSD preconstruction requirements only to increases of 100 tons per year of any air pollutant for which there are NAAQS regulations. Eliminates the requirement that each State provide notice to the Administrator of every action related to the consideration of PSD preconstruction permits. Requires PSD preconstruction permit applications to be made available to the public. Requires PSD preconstruction permit programs to: (1) notify applicants within two months after receipt as to whether or not the application is complete and in what respects an incomplete application should be modified; and (2) issue or deny the permit within seven months after a completed application is received. Authorizes any officer or employee of a permitting agency to communicate and meet with any applicant, prior to submission of an application, to clarify PSD preconstruction permit requirements. Directs the Administrator to establish maximum allowable increases ("increment" requirements) for inhalable particulates in class I and II areas whenever the Administrator promulgates a primary NAAQS for such pollutant. Authorizes the Administrator to determine whether such increment requirements shall be in addition to, or in lieu of, the increment requirements established for sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. Requires that inhalable particulates increment requirements bear the same ratio to the primary NAAQS for fine particulates as the particulate matter increment requirements bear to the primary NAAQS for total suspended particulate matter in effect on December 31, 1981, using the reference method in effect on such day. Visibility - Revises provisions for visibility protection for mandatory class I Federal areas ("statutorily designated" large national parks and wilderness areas, which must not be designated as other than class I). Adds synthetic fuel facilities and surface mining operations to the types of "major stationary sources" covered by the visibility protection regulations (if such sources have the potential to emit 250 tons or more of any pollutant). Authorizes the Administrator to establish the "best available retrofit technology" (BART), for visibility protection program purposes, in terms of a design, equipment, work practice, or operational standard, or combination thereof, where it is not feasible to enforce a numerical emission limitation representing BART. Requires that the EPA regulations for visibility protection in effect on December 31, 1981, remain in force and effect until new or amended regulations are promulgated which meet the requirements of the visibility protection program. Prohibits any stay or other modification of such regulations issued after December 31, 1981, from having any force and effect. Nonattainment Areas; Extension of Attainment Dates - Sets forth new provisions for nonattainment areas for which SIPs are not approved. Directs the Administrator to prohibit the construction or modification of any major stationary source in such area if such construction or modification would result in emissions of any air pollutant: (1) in increased amounts of 100 tons or more per year; (2) for which the primary NAAQS is not attained in such area; and (3) with respect to which SIP provisions meeting requirements for nonattainment areas are not in effect. Authorizes the Administrator to waive such prohibition where the source owner or operator demonstrates that, for such air pollutant: (1) emissions offsets will meet specified requirements; (2) the source will comply with emissions limitations representing the best available control technology (BACT); and (3) all major stationary sources owned or operated by that owner or operator in the State are in (or on a schedule of) compliance with the Act. Provides that the emissions offsets required by such waivers: (1) be contemporaneous emission reductions of that air pollutant from existing stationary sources in the area; (2) be significantly greater, in the aggregate, than the increase (or new emissions) resulting from the construction or modification; and (3) provide a positive net air quality benefit. Sets forth a required baseline for measuring such emission reductions. Sets forth provisions for transfer of alternative emission reductions in nonattainment areas. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations under which such emission reductions may be: (1) sold, exchanged, or otherwise transferred; (2) registered on a public emission reduction credit register; and (3) held ("banked") by the owner for future use by any person for future compliance with nonattainment area provisions. Requires that any such transfer program comply with a specified policy. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Directs the Administrator, not later than March 1, 1983, to: (1) complete a review of all available data relating to the ambient air quality of the various air quality control regions; (2) determine which of such regions, or portions thereof, do not meet a primary NAAQS; and (3) revise the list of nonattainment areas accordingly. Allows six months for SIP revisions required as a result of such inclusions on the nonattainment area list. Authorizes the Administrator, where an SIP meets specified requirements, to extend the 1982 deadline for attainment of primary NAAQS for: (1) up to three years for particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and sulfur dioxide; and (2) up to five years for nitrogen oxide (retains the current five-year extension for carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants, with automobile inspection and maintenance program requirements). Replaces the standard "lowest achievable emission rate" (LAER) with that of "best available control technology" for purposes of nonattainment area construction or modification permit requirements and guidance documents. Adds new definitions for purposes of nonattainment area requirements. Includes the reconstruction of a stationary source as defined by specified regulations in effect on December 31, 1980, in the definition of "new stationary source." Temporary Variances - Revises provisions for temporary emergency variances of any SIP requirement applicable to a stationary source. Permits a State to apply to the Administrator for a variance of up to six months in any one set of circumstances. Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove such application in the same manner as the special fast-track review for SIP revisions. Operations and Maintenace - Requires that SIPs include a program for periodic audits of major stationary sources to insure the proper operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment used to comply with emission limitations. Requires that the results of such audits be available to the public. Sets a deadline, six months after enactment of this Act, for submission of SIP revisions taking account of such requirements. Title II: Provisions Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Emissions Standards for Vehicles and Engines - Sets forth tables of emissions standards for light-duty vehicles and trucks and engines manufactured during and after model year 1983 and for heavy-duty trucks and truck engines manufactured during and after model year 1984, in terms of emissions in grams per mile (gpm) or in grams per brake horsepower-hour (gpbhh) of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and particulate matter (TSP: total suspended particulates). Retains the current (1982 model year) standards for gasoline-fueled light-duty vehicles and engines for model year 1983 and thereafter (0.41 gpm HC; 3.4 gpm CO; and 1.0 gpm NOx). Sets model year 1983 and thereafter standards for diesel-fueled light-duty vehicles and engines (0.41 gpm HC; 3.4 gpm CO; 1.5 gpm NOx, but 1.0 gpm NOx in 1986 and thereafter; and 0.6 gpm TSP--but 0.2 gpm TSP in 1986 and thereafter). Retains the scheduled EPA standards for light-duty trucks and truck engines (HC: 1.7 gpm for 1983 and 0.8 gpm for 1984; CO: 18 gpm for 1983 and 10 gpm for 1984; and NOx: 2.3 gpm for 1983 and 1984). Sets the NOx standard for 1985 and thereafter at 2.3 gpm for 1985 and 1.2 gpm (for light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds) or 1.7 gpm (for light-duty trucks between 6,000 and 8,500 pounds) for 1986 and thereafter. Sets a TSP standard for light-duty trucks of 0.6 for 1983 through 1985 and 2.6 for 1986 and thereafter. Retains the scheduled EPA standards for heavy-duty trucks and truck engines for model year 1984 and thereafter (1.3 gpbhh HC; 15.5 gpbhh CO; and 10.7 gpbhh NOx). Sets the heavy-duty truck NOx standard for 1986 and thereafter at 4.0 gpbhh. Sets a heavy-duty truck TSP standard of 0.25 gpbhh for 1986 and thereafter, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe different standards for emissions of reactive and nonreactive hydrocarbons from any class of vehicles and engines. Requires that any standard for reactive hydrocarbons emissions not permit a greater amount of such emissions than that which the Administrator determines would have been emitted by a light-duty vehicle conforming to model year 1981 standards. Requires that regulations for emissions of particulate matter (TSP) from heavy-duty diesel-fueled trucks and truck engines manufactured during or after model year 1986 contain emissions limits of 0.25 gpbhh unless, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, the Administrator promulgates a final rule establishing a different emissions standard. Extends, to model year 1983, the requirement that EPA regulations for CO, HC, and NOx emissions from classes or categories of heavy-duty vehicles and engines reflect the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable through the application of available technology and taking into consideration cost, noise, energy, and safety factors. Postpones, until model year 1984 (current law requires 1983), a provision that such HC and CO emissions standards require a reduction of at least 90 percent from the average of actually measured emissions from heavy-duty gasoline-fueled vehicles or engines, or any class or category thereof, manufactured during a specified baseline model year, except as otherwise provided in the emission standards tables added by this Act. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations applicable to emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and engines manufactured after model year 1983 for sale in high altitude areas. Prohibits such regulations from requiring percentage reductions or numerical standards more stringent than those applicable to vehicles or engines certified under nonhigh altitude conditions. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Warranties - Requires new motor vehicle and engine manufacturer warranties of the "emission control device or system," meaning a catalytic converter, electronic control units, oxygen sensors, and exhaust recirculation valves. (Currently warranties of the vehicle or engine are required with respect to emission control performance.) Requires manufacturers to provide replacement or replacement costs of such emission control devices or systems of light-duty vehicles under certain circumstances. (Currently such replacement or costs are required with respect to parts, devices, or components designed for emission control.) Useful Life - Requires that EPA regulations provide that the useful life of: (1) light-duty trucks and truck engines be five years or 50,000 miles (the same as for light-duty vehicles and vehicle engines); and (2) heavy-duty vehicles and heavy-duty vehicle engines be a period which the Administrator determines is the actual average life of the vehicle or engine. High Altitude Waiver - Authorizes the Administrator to waive a requirement that all light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured during or after model year 1984 comply with emission standards regardless of the altitude at which they are sold. Permits such waiver through model year 1985 for not more than 15 percent of the numbers of vehicles and of engines of a model year manufactured by a manufacturer for sale in high altitude areas, if the manufacturer demonstrates that such marketing would otherwise be prevented by the requirement's effect on cost, driveability, and fuel economy at high altitudes. Directs the Administrator to prescribe emissions standards for vehicles and engines granted such waiver which require a percentage of reduction in emissions at least equal to that otherwise required for the model year involved. Effective Date - Makes the amendments made by this title applicable to vehicles and engines manufactured during or after model year 1983, except as otherwise provided. Title III: Other Amendments - Administrative Procedures - Provides that no rule, regulation, guideline, policy statement, or other action of the Administrator in effect on the date of enactment of this Act may be altered in any manner except: (1) in accordance with specified administrative procedures; (2) as may be otherwise required pursuant to a court order; or (3) for those aspects of a rule or regulation which are invalidated by this Act. Visibility Study - Directs the Administrator, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Interior, to study means to objectively quantify visibility impairment and its causes. Specifies items to be included in such study. Directs the Administrator within two years of enactment of this Act to report study results and recommend a uniform procedure for visibility quality trend monitoring and reduction measurement. Diesel Study - Directs the Administrator, within six months of the enactment of this Act and in consultation with specified Federal agencies, to develop and implement a program to monitor and document the relationship between health effects and the introduction of diesel automobiles into the domestic fleet. Requires that the program be made in appropriate regions or areas to determine any different results. Requires that the results of such program be reported to the appropriate congressional committees as soon as practicable. Methanol Study - Directs the Administrator to: (1) accelerate ongoing studies of performance of methanol and other low-emission fueled vehicles; (2) evaluate and monitor ongoing experiments by other entities; (3) assess the cost effectiveness of such alternatives to gasoline; and (4) determine emission characteristics in methanol and other low-emission fueled engines. Directs the Administrator, if such study results are favorable, to develop a policy to encourage conversion of commercial and governmental vehicle fleets to low-emission fuels. Synfuels and Health Effects - Directs the Administrator, in consultation with specified Federal agencies, to study the adverse health effects associated with the development of a full-scale synthetic fuels industry. Indoor Air Pollution - Directs the Administrator, within one year of the enactment of this Act, to report to Congress on indoor air pollution. Requires: (1) inclusion of specified items; (2) utilization of certain findings and studies; (3) consultation with specified Federal agencies; and (4) accompaniment by recommendations for indoor air pollution control. Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1982 through FY 1986. Provides for sums necessary for: (1) the Administrator and the States to effectively carry out the Act's provisions, including training of State and local personnel, enforcement, abatement, and control, consideration of SIPs and revisions, and audits; and (2) sufficient funding for personnel for the Administrator to carry out the Act, particularly its regulatory functions, without undue reliance on contractors. Requires that such authorization not be less than the appropriations authorized in fiscal year 1981 to carry out the Act, plus percentage increases for each fiscal year equal to Consumer Price Index percentage increases during the preceding calendar year. Prohibits the Administrator from using any funds appropriated under the Act for any payment for a reduction-in-force in any fiscal year. Directs the Administrator to inform the appropriate committees of the Congress of the reasons for such reduction, its impact on carrying out the Act, and other detailed or pertinent information, at least 30 days prior to issuing any general notice of such reduction. Declares that nothing in this title shall authorize appropriations for any research and development activities under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1982
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to implement procedures for identifying social security benefit checks issued under title II which have not been negotiated within 12 months and to credit the appropriate social security trust fund on a monthly basis for the amount of all unnegotiated benefit checks drawn on such trust fund. Requires the Secretary to pay a benefit check presented for payment after it has been credited to one of the trust funds if it is otherwise proper. Authorizes appropriations to reimburse the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for the total amount of unnegotiated benefit checks.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1982
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to extend by five months (until September 30, 1982) the period within which an individual must have become a full-time student at a postsecondary educational institution in order to receive, after July 1982, child's insurance benefits on the basis of student status under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1982
Amends rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the Speaker or chairman of the committee with subject matter jurisdiction to summarize provisions of a bill or resolution which would adjust the pay or affect outside earned income limitations of Members at least 24 hours before the final vote on such legislation. Directs the Speaker not to entertain a unanimous consent request to consider a bill or resolution out of order with such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1982
Declares that the presidential certification submitted to the Congress with respect to sending military aid to El Salvador is void. Directs the President to immediately suspend such assistance. Requires the suspension to remain in effect during FY 1982 and 1983. Prohibits the President from making another such certification until Congress enacts a joint resolution declaring that El Salvador has met specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1982
Expresses the gratitude of the Congress to the Italian Government and the Italian police for the rescue of Brigadier General James L. Dozier. Commends General Dozier for his bravery and patriotism throughout the ordeal. Declares congressional support for the Italian Government's efforts to end terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1982
Rescinds any legislation enacted after December 31, 1980, granting Members of Congress an income tax deduction for living expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the investment tax credit for energy property.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1982
States that the Congress regards the President's action with respect to educational organizations which are racially discriminatory as null and void.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that expenditures for cultural and educational programs of the United States International Communications Agency should not be reduced disproportionately and that the disparity between such U.S. expenditures and similar expenditures by Soviet Eastern-bloc nations should be reduced.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Union should release Andrei Sakharov from internal exile and should allow him and his wife to choose their place of residence. Urges the President to: (1) protest the continued internal exile of Sakharov; (2) call upon other nations to join in such protest; and (3) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will consider the extent to which foreign countries honor their commitments under international law when evaluating U.S. relations with such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Orphan Drug Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to exempt from such Act drugs intended solely for drug treatment investigations. Defines "drug treatment investigation" as an investigation of a drug which involves human participants with a rare disease or condition. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an interagency committee known as the Committee on Orphan Drug Development. Makes it the function of such committee to promote the development of drugs for rare diseases or conditions (orphan drugs). Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit to the Committee an annual report on the rare disease and condition research activities of NIH. Requires the Committee to report by June 1 of each year to the appropriate congressional committees on its activities and the results of its evaluations, including the report submitted by NIH. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified experimental expenses incurred while researching orphan drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual to elect hospice care, in lieu of certain other benefits, during two periods of 180 days each during the individual's lifetime. Provides for full reimbursement of reasonable costs to a hospice program, subject to a ceiling. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the hospice reimbursement method. Defines hospice care as including items and services furnished to the terminally ill in their homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short term inpatient basis.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Expands the membership of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to include three elected school board officials from different States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of June 13, 1982, as "National Orchestra Week".
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Requests the President to designate March 1, 1982, as "National Day of the Seal".
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Telecommunications Act of 1981 - Title I: General Provisions - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to add new purposes to the list of purposes of the Act. States that such Act shall apply to: (1) all interexchange (long-distance) and international transmissions and to all persons engaged in the United States in providing transmissions subject to title II of such Act; (2) exchange (local) transmissions, to the extent not regulated by the States; (3) all radio transmissions originating or received in the United States; and (4) the allocation and use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Title II: Interexchange and International Transmissions - Changes the title of title II of such Act from "Common Carriers" to "Interexchange and International Transmissions". Deletes specified provisions. Sets forth the purposes of title II. Part A: Regulatory Authority of the Commission - Grants the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority over the electronic transmissions and certain other activities of a carrier and the activities of any other person to the extent they directly affect the provision of electronic transmissions. Prohibits the FCC or any State commission from considering the income derived from the unregulated products or services of an affiliate or separate subsidiary in determining the revenue requirements of a regulated carrier, unless such carrier has filed a tariff including costs connected with an unregulated service or product. Prohibits restrictions on the resale or shared use of any transmission service or enhanced service. Prohibits regulation of data processing services or products other than the regulation required by this title. Directs the FCC to classify all carriers that own interexchange transmission facilities as dominant, regulated, or deregulated carriers. Requires completion of the initial classification of carriers within a specified time. Requires carriers classified as deregulated to continue carrying services that had previously been regulated for a specified time. Authorizes the FCC to classify new carriers, facilities, or services upon request. Authorizes the FCC to review such classifications. Directs the FCC to classify a carrier as a dominant carrier if: (1) it owns, on a nationwide basis a majority of the support facilities for the transmission of exchange and interexchange telecommunications; and (2) adequate alternative facilities are not available from unaffiliated carriers. Makes such carriers subject to the requirements of the Communications Act applicable to dominant, regulated, and interexchange carriers. Classifies an interexchange carrier as a regulated carrier if the interexchange carrier offers a regulated service. Defines regulated service. Permits a regulated carrier to offer an unregulated transmission service only if specified conditions are met. Permits the FCC to establish additional criteria for classifying carriers and to establish subcategories of regulated carriers. Sets forth the standards for determining the adequacy of alternative transmission facilities. Requires business entities which own or offer inside wiring and carriers to: (1) provide interconnection to any transmission service or facility or any terminal equipment which meets FCC standards; and (2) furnish technical information necessary for interconnection. Prohibits unreasonable or anticompetitive discrimination relating to such interconnection. Authorizes the FCC to enforce the interconnection provisions and to specify or approve the conditions for providing interconnection to regulated services or facilities. Part B: Interexchange Transmission - Authorizes the FCC to prescribe different requirements for: (1) different subcategories of regulated carriers; (2) different transmission facilities or services; or (3) various combinations of carriers, facilities, and services. Limits such authority by prohibiting the FCC from prescribing different requirements if the carriers are substantially similar. Authorizes the FCC to prescribe conditions governing the provision of any interexchange service by regulated carriers. Prohibits carriers from imposing or enforcing conditions on the resale or shared use of any transmission service or enhanced service. Requires all interexchange carriers to provide interconnection. Prohibits any carrier from offering interexchange service until 30 days after notifying the FCC of its intent to provide such service. Prohibits termination or suspension of such service unless notice is given to the FCC, to any affected customers, and to any State commission involved. Requires the FCC to permit the suspension or termination of regulated services that do not meet specified criteria. Authorizes FCC review of the classification of services that carriers propose to suspend or terminate. Requires persons who intend to offer or to terminate resale of interexchange service to notify the FCC. Authorizes the FCC to obtain certain information from carriers, persons who resell telecommunications services, and other persons. Requires regulated carriers to furnish regulated services to any person upon reasonable request. Requires carriers that provide regulated services to establish just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory tariffs for such services. Prohibits unjust, unreasonable, and discriminatory tariffs. Prohibits tariffs for regulated service from including certain costs. Requires every regulated carrier to file with the FCC copies of all contracts, agreements, or arrangements between the regulated carrier and any other carrier. Retains the current provisions governing: (1) valuation of carrier property; (2) depreciation charges; (3) extension of facilities; and (4) transactions regarding services and equipment. Prohibits tariffs proposed after a specified date by a regulated carrier for regulated services from taking effect until accepted or conditionally accepted by the FCC. Requires the carrier to establish the reasonableness of the tariff. Provides for public notice and comment on the proposed tariff. Requires the FCC to: (1) accept the tariff; (2) accept the tariff with conditions; (3) reject the tariff; or (4) prescribe a different tariff. Authorizes the FCC to help facilitate public negotiations on disputed tariff proposals. Requires the FCC to hold hearings on tariff proposals if requested. Authorizes a regulated carrier to file a tariff for joint service with another regulated carrier. Permits such carriers to divide the revenues from such service without being considered affiliates. Sets forth the requirements applicable to interexchange service offered by dominant carriers. Prohibits the FCC and State commissions from regulating the provision of enhanced services by persons other than regulated carriers or regulated exchange carriers. Authorizes such commissions to regulate the provision of enhanced services by such carriers to a limited extent. Defines enhanced service to mean offering the capacity to make available information in a form capable of electronic transmission or to alter an electromagnetic impulse during transmission. Requires regulated carriers and regulated exchange carriers to keep the charges for enhanced services separate from other charges and costs. Prohibits dominant carriers from providing enhanced services except through separate subsidiaries. Retains the current provisions relating to franks and passes. Part C: Exchange Transmission - Grants to State commissions the exclusive authority to specify the carriers, rates, terms, and conditions for offering exchange transmission service. Requires each State commission to establish exchange areas within the borders of the State involved. Makes such exchange areas subject to review by the transitional joint board established by this Act. Sets forth the criteria that exchange areas must meet. Prohibits a State from being a single exchange area. Prohibits an exchange area located in one State from including a point located in another State without the approval of the transitional joint board. Prohibits an exchange area that includes part or all of one standard metropolitan statistical area from including a substantial part of another such area except in certain densely populated States. Prohibits carriers that offer exchange transmission service for which there are not adequate alternative facilities from impeding the development of competition in markets that depend upon or that may be used in conjunction with exchange facilities and services. Requires exchange carriers to: (1) provide all interexchange carriers with equal interconnection to exchange services and facilities; and (2) offer all interexchange carriers exchange access that is equal to the access provided the interexchange services of the exchange carrier and its affiliates. Authorizes the FCC to postpone the application of the competition requirements with respect to small exchange carriers. Prohibits exchange carriers from discriminating between affiliates and non-affiliates in the provision of certain transmission services. Retains the current provisions relating to pole attachments. Authorizes State commissions to obtain certain information from carriers, persons who resell telecommunications services, and other person within the State. Sets forth the purposes of the system of access fees charged by regulated exchange carriers for the use of their services by interexchange customers. Requires each exchange carrier to submit a schedule of its access fees to the FCC. Requires services to be provided only in accordance with that schedule. Requires the FCC to follow a specified formula in establishing or approving such fees. Sets forth certain costs that must be included in the schedule. Requires each schedule to include a certification that the exchange carrier is providing equal interconnection in compliance with specified requirements and that the fees do not include any cost not associated with the provision of exchange access. Directs the FCC to accept or reject the fee schedules or to prescribe a different schedule. Authorizes the FCC to delegate to State commissions the authority to approve such fee schedules for small exchange carriers. Permits State commissions to authorize or require exchange carriers within the State to divide revenues received from access fees. Directs the transitional joint board to establish and administer the National Telecommunications Fund consisting of three separate accounts. Specifies the contents of each such account. Provides for payments from such Fund to eligible exchange carriers. Makes such payments subject to audit and adjustment. Directs the FCC to establish a Federal-State Joint Board to promote the sharing of information among the State commissions and between State commissions and the FCC regarding the regulation of carriers. Part D: Telecommunications Equipment - Directs the FCC to establish and enforce uniform technical standards for terminal equipment and telecommunications facilities and services. Requires terminal equipment to be labelled to identify nation of origin and other significant information. Prohibits the FCC from imposing any requirements, with specified exceptions, upon persons engaged in the manufacture, sale, or supply of any telecommunications facilities, terminal equipment, or inside wiring. Prohibits the FCC or any State commission, with specified exceptions, from regulating the production, installation, or marketing of terminal equipment by a regulated carrier or regulated exchange carrier, unless such carrier violates specified provisions relating to tariffs. Requires the FCC to prescribe rules, within a specified time, relating to the pricing of terminal equipment. Authorizes dominant carriers or affiliates, after a specified time, to provide terminal equipment only through separate subsidiaries. Prohibits regulated carriers or regulated exchange carriers from filing tariffs for regulated service which include costs associated with or caused by the provision of terminal equipment or inside wiring, unless such filing falls within a specified exception. Requires all persons offering terminal equipment, inside wiring, or telecommunications services and facilities to provide separate charges. Requires such charges to be the same for items in each category. Requires that the policies of regulated carriers relating to the procurement and construction of facilities shall promote competition and avoid the imposition of unnecessary costs upon the users of regulated services. Requires regulated carriers and regulated exchange carriers to procure on a nondiscriminatory basis any facility intended to be used to provide a regulated service or regulated exchange service. Sets forth a schedule according to which a dominant carrier will increase annually the percentage of its requirements in each product category that it will purchase from unaffiliated manufacturers. Provides for FCC review of the effectiveness of such schedule. Authorizes the FCC to prescribe rules to protect users of regulated services from paying the costs of procurement by a dominant carrier on noncompetitive terms. Part E: Dominant Carriers - Authorizes the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) to provide any type of telecommunications facility, terminal equipment, or enhanced service, notwithstanding the 1956 decree. Permits AT&T to offer any service, facility, or product (except transmission services or facilities) only through a separate subsidiary which meets specified requirements. Designates certain dominant carrier subsidiaries as limited separate subsidiaries. Permits a limited separate subsidiary to perform only one of the following: (1) the manufacture and marketing of terminal equipment and the manufacture and installation of inside wiring; (2) the provision of enhanced services; or (3) the provision of information publishing services. Sets forth the structure of separate subsidiaries and the method of conducting business between a separate subsidiary and the dominant carrier. Requires separate subsidiaries to be audited annually. Requires the FCC to submit the audit to Congress and to make it available to the public. Prohibits separate subsidiaries from: (1) providing an information publishing service that uses a facility owned by the dominant carrier; (2) entering into any joint venture or partnership with the dominant carrier; (3) having a financial structure in common with the dominant carrier; or (4) owning or using property in common with the dominant carrier except for certain transmission services. Sets forth general provisions governing: (1) the activities that a separate subsidiary must conduct separately from a dominant carrier; (2) the use of a trade name by a separate subsidiary; and (3) the issuance of securities by such a subsidiary. Limits the amount of any class of a limited separate subsidiary's outstanding capital stock that a dominant carrier may own. Prohibits limited separate subsidiaries from owning or providing transmission facilities or services substantially similar to transmission services offered by the dominant carrier. Authorizes the FCC to: (1) prevent anticompetitive practices between a general or limited separate subsidiary and the dominant carrier; and (2) protect users of regulated services and regulated exchange services from bearing any cost associated with such subsidiaries. Permits a separate subsidiary and the dominant carrier to offer pension plans on a joint basis. Designates a subsidiary of a dominant carrier as a general separate subsidiary if it follows the provisions governing separate subsidiaries as well as certain requirements applicable only to general separate subsidiaries. Authorizes a general separate subsidiary to perform all the functions of a limited separate subsidiary. Directs the FCC to authorize a general separate subsidiary to engage in the resale of a transmission service if it will not affect substantially the pricing of such service. Prohibits a general separate subsidiary from: (1) purchasing or receiving a transmission facility from a carrier affiliated with the dominant carrier; and (2) making a transmission facility available to the dominant carrier. Permits a general separate subsidiary to manufacture and sell transmission facilities after a specified period if the dominant carrier has substantially complied with specified requirements. Terminates the authority of the FCC to approve a security issued by a general separate subsidiary after such period. Limits the amount of any class of outstanding capital stock of the general separate subsidiary that may be owned by the dominant carrier during such period. Sets forth provisions governing the separation of the general separate subsidiary and the dominant carrier. Requires a dominant carrier to file specified information with the FCC regarding its transmission services and facilities. Prohibits a dominant carrier's subsidiary, division, or affiliate from disclosing such information to another subsidiary division, affiliate, or separate subsidiary until it has been made public. Directs the FCC to establish additional standards to prohibit disclosures by dominant carriers to separate subsidiaries that would confer a significant competitive advantage. Part F: Telecommunications Industry - Makes it lawful for carriers jointly to agree, under the auspices of the FCC, on matters affecting a network of telecommunications services or facilities or on proposed technical standards for such services and facilities. Disavows any intent to affect the applicability of the antitrust laws. Authorizes the FCC to coordinate arrangements among all interexchange and international carriers for dealing with disasters or national emergencies. Authorizes the President and Federal agencies to take specified actions to ensure that there are sufficient telecommunications services and facilities available for national defense or emergency preparedness. Directs the Chairman of the FCC to designate a national security and emergency preparedness Commissioner. Directs the President to appoint an advisory council to: (1) examine the needs of Federal telecommunications management for national defense and emergency preparedness under deregulation; and (2) ensure the existence of a viable telecommunications industry. Authorizes any carrier to offer an information publishing service over any facility it owns. Prohibits regulated carriers or regulated exchange carriers from filing a tariff based on costs associated with the provision of information publishing services other than directory listings. Prohibits such carriers from discriminating among their customers in providing a support service used in connection with the information publishing services. Prohibits a regulated exchange carrier from cross subsidizing its information publishing service with its exchange service. Requires certain large regulated exchange carriers to make their information publishing service available on a nondiscriminatory basis to persons who make a reasonable request for it. Prohibits dominant carriers or their separate subsidiaries from providing an information publishing service through a transmission facility used to provide regulated service or regulated exchange service. Permits dominant carriers to provide: (1) facilities to unaffiliated persons for information publishing services; (2) directory listings or assistance; or (3) through a separate subsidiary weather or time information, printed directory advertising, electronic directory information, or a certain audio information service. Directs the FCC to promote diversity among available information sources and to foster competition in the provision of telecommunications services and facilities. Prohibits a regulated exchange carrier from providing cable services or broadcasting services in the same area in which the carrier offers exchange services. Exempts carriers serving rural areas with low population densities from such prohibition. Authorizes the FCC to allocate portions of the electromagnetic spectrum for transmission services. Permits the FCC to establish a preference that increases the diversity of persons authorized to use the spectrum. Prohibits a preference based upon the services provided by the applicant. Sets forth as the provisions governing international transmissions the provisions of current law relating to: (1) service and charges of common carriers; and (2) interlocking directorates. Redesignates the current provision governing consolidations and mergers of telegraph carriers as the provision governing competition among record carriers. Directs the FCC to establish conditions applicable to foreign enterprises supplying telecommunications services or facilities in U.S. markets which are reciprocal with conditions applicable to U.S. persons operating in specified foreign nations connected with such foreign enterprises. Directs the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to compile a list of foreign nations that do not provide reciprocal rights to U.S. telecommunications equipment manufacturers. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to revise such list under certain circumstances. Sets forth the requirements for establishing that a foreign nation has provided market access reciprocity. Permits the FCC to exclude from interconnection rights certain terminal equipment if more than half of its value added was manufactured in a foreign nation that does not extend reciprocal market access. Directs the FCC to consult with other Federal officers in determining whether to restrict entry of a foreign enterprise because of lack of reciprocity. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to monitor implementation of the reciprocity provisions and to collect information necessary to implement such provisions. Part G: Protection of Ratepayers and Employees in Transition to Competitive Marketplace - Requires that terminal equipment which is provided by a regulated carrier under tariff on a specified date shall continue to be provided under the tariff in force on such date until the equipment is fully depreciated. Grants State commissions the authority to: (1) increase such tariffs; and (2) set the price for equipment that is sold before it is fully depreciated. Requires the customer using such equipment to receive full ownership of it after it has been fully depreciated, unless the State commission elects to allow a regulated carrier to retain ownership of it or to provide for the sale or transfer of the equipment. Requires tariffs for the sale of terminal equipment on an unbundled basis for a specified time. Requires the State commissions to authorize the public sale of certain terminal equipment. Requires each State commission to arrange such sales so that they promote the orderly development of a competitive secondary market and achieve the maximum compensation for ratepayers of regulated exchange carriers. Requires the FCC to ensure the availability of parts and technical specifications for equipment sold at public sales. Grants each State commission authority, for specified periods, over terminal equipment offered for sale or lease in such State by a regulated carrier or its affiliates or by a dominant carrier. Requires regulated exchange carriers to continue to offer inside wiring on a regulated basis for a specified time. Authorizes customers of such carriers to buy such wiring before it is fully depreciated at a price set by the State commission involved. Requires the State commissioners to consider the revenues obtained from such sales or transfers in determining the lawfulness of tariffs submitted by a regulated carrier or regulated exchange carrier. Directs the FCC to establish a transitional joint board to: (1) evaluate and determine the value of certain assets of regulated carriers; (2) ensure equitable treatment of users of exchange and interexchange service; (3) provide for an orderly transition to the system of exchange access fees established by this Act; and (4) achieve cooperation between the Federal and State governments. Sets forth the authority, composition, powers, and duties of the board. Requires the board to determine the value of assets which are subject to the jurisdiction of a State commission before a specified date and which are subsequently transferred to a separate subsidiary or to an entity carrying out unregulated activities. Makes such valuation binding upon the FCC and the State commissions. Requires a separate subsidiary to reimburse regulated carriers and certain regulated exchange carriers for assets or payments transferred from such carrier. Requires an unregulated activity of a regulated carrier to reimburse the regulated accounts of such carrier for assets or payments transferred from such carrier. Terminates the transitional joint board after a specified time. Permits State commissions to continue to regulate, during the transition period, certain tariffs relating to regulated service that originates and terminates within the boundaries of the State involved. Requires a dominant carrier to file a plan with the FCC stating its proposed method of complying with the requirements of Part E before such carrier may offer service or equipment through a separate subsidiary. Sets forth the procedures for filing and gaining approval of such plan. Requires the FCC to determine the value of certain assets that are proposed to be transferred to a separate subsidiary or to an entity carrying out unregulated activities. Requires the FCC to allocate certain payments associated with activities or assets not subject to the jurisdiction of a State commission. Sets forth the transitions periods after which a dominant carrier must acquire specified services and equipment from a separate subsidiary or from unaffiliated persons. Puts additional restrictions on the equipment and services provided by separate subsidiaries. Provides for the protection of the benefits and rights of employees transferred from a carrier or affiliate to a separate subsidiary. Entitles transferred employees to payments from the separate subsidiary covering moving expenses under certain circumstances. Prohibits restricting benefits for seven years following the transfer of an employee. Provides for the continued application of a collective bargaining agreement with respect to transferred employees. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) termination allowances for employees terminated within seven years after their transfer; and (2) preferential rights of rehire for employees laid off during such period. Requires notification of a labor organization before a transfer of a work group if the labor organization represents employees in the affected work group. Restricts the right of a carrier or affiliate to lower the wages, lay off, or terminate the employment of a regular employee during the six months immediately before the establishment of a separate subsidiary. Sets forth provisions covering court actions to enforce the employee benefit protection provisions. Part H: Rights of Ratepayers - Authorizes the FCC to provide financial assistance for public participation in certain proceedings. Authorizes the use of civil suits to acquire nonregulatory remedies of specified violations of this Act. Directs the FCC to prescribe rules to protect the privacy of persons using regulated services and of employees of regulated carriers. Requires limitations on the circumstances under which regulated carriers may: (1) intercept conversations between their employees and users of regulated services; and (2) make available information derived from the provision of regulated services. Transfers to title 5 of the Communications Act (dealing with Penal Provisions and Forfeitures) specified provisions of such Act relating to: (1) carriers' liability for damages and for agents' acts and omissions; (2) recovery of damages; (3) complaints to and investigations by the FCC; (4) orders for payment of money; and (5) obscene or harassing telephone calls. Authorizes the FCC to increase certain requirements applicable to a regulated carrier, its affiliate, or separate subsidiary if the FCC finds that such carrier, affiliate, or subsidiary violated this Act. Sets forth considerations to be made by the FCC in reaching such a decision. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the definitions of the terms used in this Act. Disavows any intent to limit by this Act the applicability of Federal or State antitrust laws. Makes certain technical and conforming amendments. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the February meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to tell the Commission that the Soviet Union should stop harassing Soviet Jews and should allow its citizens to practice their religion and to emigrate. Urges the Soviet Union to comply with its human rights obligations. Urges the President to: (1) express, to the Soviet Union, U.S. opposition to harassment of Soviet citizens and to restrictions on emigration; and (2) reiterate that the United States will consider the extent to which other nations honor their commitments under international law when evaluating its relations with such nations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1981
Requests the President to designate April 9 of each year as "Annual National P.O.W./M.I.A. Day."
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Title I: Domestic Content Requirements for Motor Vehicles - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 50,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Authorizes the imposition of import restrictions on manufacturers violating such standards. Title II: Unfair and Deceptive Practices by Vehicle Manufacturers - Defines as an unfair method of competition and deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act the refusal of any vehicle manufacturer to determine whether parts produced in the United States by a parts manufacturer satisfy reasonable replacement part standards established by the vehicle manufacturer. Grants the Federal Trade Commission rulemaking authority to administer this title.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress associates itself with the hunger strike by Andrei Sakharov. Urges the Soviet Union to permit Yelizaveta Alekseyeva to emigrate. Urges the Soviet Union to allow Andrei Sakharov and his wife to choose their place of residence.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1981
United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Sets forth the functions of the Academy. Declares that the Academy is an independent nonprofit corporation. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Set forth provisions for a Board of Directors and for officers and employees of the Academy. Set forth requirements for Academy program procedures and records. Requires an annual audit of Academy accounts and audit reports to the President and the Congress. Subjects the Academy to specified freedom of information provisions. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of of the Federal Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel financial assistance under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for Academy buildings, grounds, facilities, programs, and administration. Sets forth provisions for availability of appropriations. Requires transfer of income and assets to the U.S. Treasury upon dissolution and final liquidation of the Academy or any other legal entity created pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1981
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to deem a disabled individual under 18 who would receive supplemental security income payments under title XVI of the Act if he or she were in a medical institution as an individual to whom an SSI payment is being paid if it is determined that: (1) the individual requires a level of care provided in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or intermediate care facility; (2) it is appropriate to provide such care outside such an institution; and (3) the cost of care outside the institution would not be more than the cost of care in an institution.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Communications Technical Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to change the limitations on the types of companies in which employees and Commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may have a financial interest. Prohibits Commissioners and FCC employees from holding financial interests in companies that have a significant interest in communications, manufacturing, or sales activities that are regulated by the FCC. Authorizes the FCC to waive the prohibitions for FCC employees. Sets the salary rates for FCC Commissioners. Permits the FCC to locate its principal office within two miles of the District of Columbia. Allows each Commissioner three professional assistants. Authorizes the FCC to accept direct reimbursement from a sponsor of a conference for the expenses incurred by FCC employees attending the conference if the sponsor requested their attendance and their attendance furthered the functions of the FCC. Authorizes the FCC to accept the voluntary services of persons holding amateur station operator licenses to prepare and administer examinations for an amateur station operator license. Authorizes the FCC to recruit, train, and accept the voluntary services of such licensees to monitor violations of the Communications Act. Limits the functions of such monitors. Prohibits persons employed by or owning significant interests in certain businesses related to amateur radio broadcasting from serving as voluntary examiners or monitors. Permits the FCC to reorganize its bureaus and offices. Requires only two (currently three) employees on employee boards formed to conduct adjudicatory reviews. Grants the FCC jurisdiction over all intrastate radio communications. Authorizes the FCC to enter into contracts with privately operated testing laboratories for conducting tests to determine whether a device capable of emitting radio frequency energy complies with the FCC regulations governing the interference potential of such devices. Authorizes such laboratories to certify that the devices comply with FCC regulations. Prohibits the FCC from contracting with a testing laboratory if the owner or a person with a financial interest in the laboratory has a financial interest in the device or manufactures a competitive device. Authorizes the FCC to issue radio station operators licenses to qualified persons who are legally eligible for employment in the United States (currently aliens may not obtain such licenses). Authorizes the FCC to suspend the licenses of operators who cause, aid, or abet violations of the Communications Act. Authorizes the FCC to recognize radio station licenses and radio operator licenses issued by foreign governments with respect to aircraft registered in the United States. Authorizes the FCC to intercept radio communications in order to enforce the Communications Act and to: (1) intercept radio communications upon the request of a Federal agency in an emergency which endangers human life; (2) intercept radio communications for a Federal law enforcement agency if certain requirements are met; (3) disclose the information obtained by the radio interception to the Federal agency; and (4) enter into contracts for reimbursement for such services. Authorizes the FCC to order the temporary cessation of a regulated radio frequency transmission if the transmission causes electromagnetic interference with radio communications or electronic equipment and if life is endangered. Increases the terms of licenses and license renewals for non-broadcast stations from five to ten years. Makes the term of any license for the operation of an auxiliary broadcast station or equipment concurrent with the term of the license of the primary station. Permits the FCC to authorize the operation of radio stations without individual licenses in the radio control service and the citizen band radio service. Authorizes the FCC to limit the grounds for a petition to deny an application for authorization of a non-broadcast station. Requires the FCC to hear allegations of violations of Federal antitrust laws in such a petition if there is no other means for making such allegations. Authorizes the FCC to grant temporary (currently emergency) radio operation authorization for renewable periods of up to 180 (currently 90) days. Permits FCC approval of an agreement in which an applicant for a broadcast station construction permit agrees with other applicants to withdraw, only if the FCC determines that the agreement serves the public interest and no party to the agreement applied for the permit in order to reach such an agreement. Makes the provisions relating to broadcast station license applications comply with the construction permit provisions. Defines the terms "willful" and "repeated" for purposes of determining administrative sanctions. Prohibits requiring construction permits for public coast stations, privately owned fixed microwave stations, or stations licensed to common carriers, unless public necessity requires them. Prohibits waiving the construction permit requirement for other stations, unless the public interest would be served. Deletes the provision requiring an FCC permit in order to export programming for rebroadcasting to the United States. Authorizes the FCC to use assistance furnished by private sector coordinating committees in coordinating the assignment of frequencies to stations in the private land mobile and fixed services. Requires the appellant in an appeal of an FCC order to notify the other persons interested in the appeal (currently the FCC must make such notifications). Changes the filing deadlines for certain petitions for review and the effective date of certain FCC orders. Makes cable television system operators subject to a forfeiture penalty for violations of the Communications Act. Authorizes the Federal seizure of radio devices operated without a license and of radio equipment illegally operated. Sets forth the procedures to be followed in such seizures. Exempts from the prohibition against unauthorized publication of radio communications those amateur radio band communications monitored by volunteers for enforcement actions by the FCC. Amends the Criminal Code to extend to FCC employees the statutory protection against assaults and death that exists for Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Requests the President to designate the second week in May, starting in 1982, as "Municipal Clerk's Week."
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that guidelines relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be repealed or altered.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that policies of Jewish emigration discrimination and anti-Semitism are morally reprehensible. Urges the President to tell the Soviet Union that the United States opposes these policies and wants emigration restrictions on Soviet Jews removed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of November 7, 1982, through November 13, 1982, as "National Disabled Veterans Week."
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that regulations pertaining to nutritional requirements for meals under the National School Lunch Act be consistent with the goal of such Act to provide one-third of the recommended dietary allowance of nutrients in the school lunch program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1981
Record Carrier Competition Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to eliminate the current provisions governing consolidations and mergers of telegraph carriers except with respect to certain contracts between domestic and international record carriers. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote the development of fully competitive domestic and international markets for record communications service. Defines "record communications service" to mean any telecommunications service that is designed or used primarily to transfer information which originates or terminates in written or graphic form. Defines "record carriers" as carriers of such service. Requires the FCC to reduce its regulation of record carriers as competition develops. Requires the FCC to assure that the costs of record communications services, facilities, and terminal equipment are borne by users of any other record communications services. Requires record carriers, upon reasonable request, to provide full interconnection for other record carriers with any record communications service or facility. Treats a record carrier which provides both domestic and international record communications services as a separate domestic and a separate international record carrier for purposes of interconnection. Requires such a carrier to furnish the same quality interconnection under equal terms to its domestic or international branch as it furnishes to other carriers with one specified exception. Requires that any agreement between record carriers on furnishing record communications services or facilities will establish a nondiscriminatory formula for allocating revenues from such services. Requires such allocation to be based on costs to the extent it is possible. Directs the FCC to convene a meeting between all existing international record carriers and any record carriers which would be parties to an interconnection agreement. States that the purpose of the meeting is to negotiate such agreement. Requires the FCC to establish an agreement if certain carriers fail to agree. Authorizes a record carrier not subject to the agreement to become subject to the agreement by furnishing written notice to the FCC and the existing parties to the agreement. Terminates the agreement after a specified time. Authorizes the FCC to establish an interconnection agreement after such termination under specified circumstances. Prohibits enforcement of agreements that impede the development or operation of competitive record communications service market. Authorizes the FCC to modify or vacate an interconnection agreement if it is inconsistent with developing a competitive market. Sets forth the authority of the FCC with respect to applications by record carriers for providing international record communications service. Authorizes all record carriers to provide record communications service domestically and internationally. Requires such carriers that want to provide such service to apply to the FCC. Requires the FCC to act expeditiously on such applications. Authorizes the FCC to consider in connection with such an application the effect on foreign commerce of granting or denying the application. Extends for one year after enactment the FCC oversight of the distribution formulas for unrouted outbound telegraph traffic and the revenue allocations with respect to such traffic.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Commercial Business Energy Tax Credit Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include in the definition of "specially defined energy property," for purposes of the investment tax credit, specified additional equipment and devices installed in connection with any existing industrial, retail, or commercial facility for the purpose of reducing energy consumption. Revises the definition of "energy property" to include insulation property. Increases the energy percentage, for purposes of such credit, in the case of property which is qualified for the credit under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to commemorate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Provides that such postage stamp shall be of such denomination and design, and shall be sold for such period, as the United States Postal Service shall determine.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Requests the President to designate 1982 as "Bicentennial Year of the American Bald Eagle" and June 20, 1982, as "National Bald Eagle Day."
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Requests the President to designate 1982 as the "National Year of Disabled Persons."