Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981

Summary

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 - Title I: House Committee on Agriculture - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to set forth limitations on spending for the food stamp program through fiscal year 1985. Reduces the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for: (1) dairy and beekeeper indemnity programs; (2) payments to States and possessions for marketing activities; (3) rural water and waste disposal grants; (4) rural community fire protection grants; (5) rural development planning grants and rural development grants; (6) agricultural conservation programs; (7) forestry incentives program; (8) the water bank program; (9) the emergency conservation program; (10) the Soil Conservation Service; (11) the Rural Clean Water Program; (12) expenses under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (Public Law 480 - Food for Peace); (13) forest research by the Forest Service; (14) State and private forestry; (15) the National Forest System; and (16) construction and land acquisition by the Forest Service. Reduces authorizations for salaries and expenses of other programs of specified agencies, offices and functions of the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set forth the procedure for the determination of the milk price support (between 75 percent and 90 percent of parity) at the beginning of each of the 1982 through 1985 marketing years. Provides for semiannual adjustments in such supports for marketing years 1983 through 1985. Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to require the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service to charge and collect reasonable inspection fees to cover the estimated cost of official inspection, except under certain circumstances (such costs are now shared or borne totally by the Federal Government). Prohibits the total administrative and supervisory costs for inspection and weighing, for each of the fiscal years 1982 through 1985, from exceeding 35 percent of the total costs for such activities. Authorizes appropriations as necessary for final years 1981 through 1985 for other specified activities related to grain inspection. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an advisory committee to advise the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service with respect to the efficient and economical implementation of the United States Grain Standards Act of 1976. Amends the United States Cotton Standards Act, the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act, the Tobacco Inspection Act, and the United States Warehouse Act to require the collection of such fees and charges as will cover, as nearly as practicable, the costs of: (1) licensing cotton classifiers, establishing cotton standards and making classification services available to cotton producers; (2) performing tobacco inspections; and (3) inspecting warehouses and licensing inspectors and warehousemen. Repeals the Naval Stores Act with respect to the marketing of spirits of turpentine and resin. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to set interest rates on Farmers Home Administration loans for water and waste disposal and for community facilities as high as the current market yield for outstanding municipal obligations. Provides for up to a five percent interest rate for such projects in low-income communities. Limits the authorized insurable amount for such loans for fiscal year 1982. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate the existing waiver of interest on loans made on the 1980 and 1981 crops of wheat and feed grains placed in the farmer-held reserve. Limits, for fiscal year 1982, the amount of Commodity Credit Corporation funds which can be made available for administrative expenses of such Corporation. Title II: House Committee on Armed Services - Authorizes the President to dispose of specified quantities of certain materials currently held in the National Defense Stockpile. Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to require, before any funds may be obligated or expended for acquisition of any material, transmittal of a complete statement of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate congressional committees, which then must approve or disapprove within 30 days. Provides for annual, instead of semiannual, cost-of-living increases for military retirees contingent upon a similar change in law with respect to the civil service retirement system. Provides military retirees with an open enrollment period for opting to participate in the survivor benefit plan. Title III: House Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs - Subtitle A: Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 - Reduces the authorization of appropriations in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 for community development grants, Urban Development Action Grants, and loan guarantees through fiscal year 1983. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 and the Neighborhood Self-Help Development Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the rehabilitation loan program and the Neighborhood Self-Help Development program. Terminates the existing authorization for planning grants. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 with respect to the authorization of other specified community development programs for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to reduce the amount of budget authority in fiscal year 1982 for assisted housing programs and subsidized housing programs. Increases the maximum percentage of income a tenant in subsidized housing would be required to contribute, and allows the Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine what adjustments to income may be allowed in determining a tenant's contribution. Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from committing more than 48 percent of low-income rental housing funds for existing housing, or more than 52 percent of such funds for newly constructed and substantially rehabilitated units. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to limit the aggregate amount of guarantee commitments the Government National Mortgage Association may make during fiscal year 1982. Requires the Association to sell a specified amount of tandem mortgages during fiscal year 1982. Extends the authorization of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank through fiscal year 1984. Directs the Government National Mortgage Association, in entering into commitments to purchase below-market, tandem plan mortgages (during the period beginning June 15, 1981, and ending October 1, 1982), to limit such commitments to multifamily projects with firm commitments for mortgage insurance under the National Housing Act. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the flood insurance program through fiscal year 1982. Prohibits provision of new flood insurance coverage for any new construction or substantial improvements of structures located on designated undeveloped coastal barriers. Amends the National Housing Act to extend the crime and riot insurance program through fiscal year 1985. Amends the National Housing Act of 1949 to extend the rural housing program through fiscal year 1982. Reduces the authorization for rental assistance. Extends the mutual and self-help housing program. Subtitle B: International Development Banks - Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to authorize the United States Governor of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to increase the authorized capital stock of such Bank and to subscribe on behalf of the United States to a specified number of shares. African Development Bank Act - Authorizes the President to accept membership for the United States in the African Development Bank. Directs the President to appoint a Governor and an Alternate Governor of such Bank. Provides for subscription of stock. Exempts securities issued by such Bank from the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Amends the Inter-American Development Bank Act and the Asian Development Bank Act to reduce contributions to such Banks. Directs the United States Executive Directors of the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank to oppose any new extensions of assistance by those respective institutions to Afghanistan, Vietnam, or Cuba, unless specified conditions are met. Directs the United States Executive Directors of such Banks, along with the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund, to oppose any new extensions of assistance to any member country which imposes economic sanctions against the United States. Requires the establishment of guidelines for the annual lending by such Banks so that priority is given to sound, efficient, productive, self-sustaining projects designed to benefit needy people in developing countries. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to reduce the principal amount of direct loans made by the Export-Import Bank in fiscal year 1982. Subtitle C: Banking and Related Programs Authorization Adjustment Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to the Department of the Treasury for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit a report to Congress regarding the status of negotiations within the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development on improving the International Arrangement on Guidelines for Officially Supported Export Credits and on the status of any other multilateral or bilateral negotiations or discussions. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for the expenses and salaries of the Bureau of Government Financial Operations. Extends the authorizations for administrative expenses under the New York City Loan Guarantee Act of 1978 and the Chrysler Corporation Loan Guarantee Act of 1979 through fiscal year 1984. Amends the National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act to extend, with reduced authorizations, the National Consumer Cooperative Bank through fiscal year 1984. Title IV: House Committee on the District of Columbia - Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to limit, through fiscal year 1984, the authorized levels of capital project loans to the District of Columbia. Title V: House Committee on Education and Labor - Omnibus Education and Labor Reconciliation Act of 1981 - Reduces the amount of federal impact aid to school districts with high concentrations of federal employees (including military) for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Prescribes formulae for the allocation of such aid. Terminates or limits the authorization for other specified aid to education programs for such fiscal years. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to eliminate funding for the public service employment program for such fiscal years. Authorizes other specified programs for fiscal year 1982. Prescribes fund allocation formulae. Terminates or reduces the authorizations for other specified Acts under the jurisdiction of the Education and Labor Committee. Economic Opportunity Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to permit the Director of the Community Services Administration to provide financial assistance through grants or contracts for research, demonstration, or pilot projects for urban and rural community development. Requires the Director to develop and carry out pilot projects which are designed to: (1) aid low-income elderly persons to achieve greater self-sufficiency; (2) focus upon the problems of rural poverty; (3) develop new techniques community-based efforts to prevent narcotics addiction or to rehabilitate narcotics addicts; (4) encourage the participation of private organizations other than nonprofit organizations, in programs under such Act; or (5) strengthen and maintain the family unit. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such programs through fiscal year 1984. Establishes the National Center for Appropriate Technology, as a part of the Emergency Energy Conservation Services program, as a private, nonprofit organization to perform functions designed to further the adoption, extension, and use of appropriate energy technology to meet the needs of low-income individuals and community groups. Makes the Northern Mariana Islands eligible for assistance under such Act for the development and implementation of community action programs. Terminates research for the development of new approaches to the problems of rural poverty. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out rural community action programs and to provide assistance for migrant and other seasonally employed farmworkers and their families. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1986 to carry out the Head Start and Follow Through programs. Terminates the authorization of funds for the National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for administration and coordination of programs. Prohibits the release of any funds to any agency for work training, programs to combat poverty in rural areas, employment and investment incentives, administration and coordination, or community economic development, until it has submitted to the Director a statement certifying that it has established an accounting system with internal controls. Requires the Director, within three months after the effective date of a grant or contract of assistance with an organization, to provide for a preliminary audit review of the adequacy of such accounting system and internal controls. Requires subsequent audits biennially. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out community economic development programs. Requires the National Advisory Community Investment Board to advise the Director regarding the development of management capability standards for use in community development corporations. Prohibits financial assistance for any community economic development program unless the Director determines that: (1) the applicant has demonstrated management capabilities sufficient to create a probability that the program will operate in a manner which minimizes the prospect of financial failure; and (2) the applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that adequate restraints on excessive administrative or expense accounts are in place. Prohibits any financial assistance for community economic development programs if the Director determines that the proposed activities of such a program are similar to, or duplicative of, existing private sector businesses in the same area. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 to carry out Native American programs. Older Americans Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to eliminate the National Information and Resource Clearing House for the Aged. Extends through fiscal year 1984 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) grants for State and community programs on aging (relating to social services and to congregate and home delivered nutrition services); and (2) the Federal Council on Aging. Requires State plans to make each nutrition service project available, not only to individuals aged 60 or older, but also to handicapped or disabled individuals under 60 years of age residing in senior citizen centers where congregate nutrition services are provided. Allows area agencies to award funds to organizations for home nutrition services without requiring that such organizations also provide congregate services. Extends through fiscal year 1984 the authorization of appropriations for certain training, research, and discretionary projects and programs in the field of aging. Eliminates specified other projects and programs. Provides for special projects in mental health care. Includes the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in provisions for distribution of assistance under such Act. Extends through fiscal year 1984 the authorization of appropriations for grants for Indian tribes for elderly services, other than multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, designated State agencies to provide home maintenance and repair services to older individuals. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 to carry out such program. Amends the Domestic Volunteer Services Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for National Older Americans Volunteer programs (the Retired Senior Volunteer program, the Foster Grandparent program, and the Older American Community Service programs). Alcohol and Drug Abuse Education Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Education Act to authorize specified sums for alcohol and drug abuse education projects for fiscal years 1982-1985. Authorizes up to five percent (currently, three percent) of annual appropriations for project evaluation. Makes Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian centers eligible for assistance under such Act. Domestic Volunteer Service Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to carry out national volunteer antipoverty programs for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Requires that at least 83 percent of such funds must be earmarked for the VISTA program. Eliminates provisions earmarking portions of such funds for other programs. Authorizes the Director of the ACTION Agency to make grants and contracts for projects and programs which encourage and enable students in secondary, vocational, and postsecondary schools to participate in service-learning programs on an in-school or out-of-school basis in specified assignments. Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to extend through fiscal year 1986 the authorization of appropriations for the child abuse prevention and treatment program. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 to extend through fiscal year 1986 the authorization of appropriations for the adoption reform program. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide specified types of assistance in locating missing children. Provides protection under such Act from adverse job actions for persons reporting instances of child abuse and neglect occurring in public or private residential institutions. Sets forth provisions concerning the use of appropriated funds under the Education of the Handicapped Act. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, with respect to the guaranteed student loan program, to: (1) count Social Security and Veterans' benefits as student aid instead of income for eligibility purposes; (2) reduce the maximum amount available for independent student loans from $3,000 to $2,500; (3) increase from nine percent to 14 percent the interest rate on parent loans; (4) eliminate grace periods after repayment deferrals; (5) raise the minimum annual repayment from $360 to $600; (6) authorize assessment of a four percent origination fee on all guaranteed student loans made after July 1, 1981; and (7) eliminate administrative allowances. Child Nutrition Amendments of 1981 - Amends the National School Lunch Act for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 to: (1) reduce the general reimbursement to State agencies; (2) reduce the reduced price lunch subsidy (thereby increasing the price) with provision for annual adjustments in payment rates; (3) reduce commodity assistance for lunches; (4) lower the income eligibility guidelines; (5) revise state revenue matching requirements; (6) limit private school participation; (7) limit the summer food service program to lunches only; and (8) revise the child care food program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 to: (1) reduce breakfast subsidies; (2) end the special milk program; and (3) reduce the authorization of appropriations contained in such Act for nutrition education and training. Amends the Black Lung Benefits Act to impose a temporary (through fiscal year 1984) user fee on coal sold by a producer. Revises the eligibility requirements for black lung benefits and payments from the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. Delays retroactive payment of black lung benefits until after a claim has been completely adjudicated. Changes from six percent to the adjusted prime rate the interest rate paid by coal operators on reimbursement to the Trust Fund for paid-out benefits later determined to be the responsibility of such operators. Title VI: House Committee on Energy and Commerce - Sets forth changes in laws within the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce sufficient to reduce appropriations for programs authorized by such committee so as to achieve specified savings in budget authority and outlays. Title VII: House Committee on Foreign Affairs - Sets forth limitations on the following programs under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in order to meet specified savings in budget authority and outlays: (1) the American schools and hospitals abroad for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (2) international organizations and programs for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (3) international narcotics control for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (4) international disaster assistance for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (5) the African Development Foundation for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (6) the Inter-American Foundation for fiscal year 1982; (7) the Peace Corps for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (8) international organizations and conferences - assessed contributions for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (9) the Board for International Broadcasting for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984; (10) the International Communication Agency - salaries and expenses for fiscal year 1982; (11) the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency for fiscal years 1982 and 1983; and (12) expenses not otherwise recoverable and unrecovered prior years' costs for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984, under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Title VIII: House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs - Sets forth limitations on authorizations through fiscal year 1984 for the following: (1) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (2) the Forest Service; (3) special recreation user fees programs of the Corps of Engineers; (4) programs of the Department of Energy which are wholly or partially within the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs; (5) Indian Health Service; (6) programs of the Department of the Interior which are wholly or partially within the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs; (7) the National Board on Water Resources; (8) the Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation Commission; (9) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (10) the Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System; (11) the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation; and (12) the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. States that, effective October 1, 1981, all offers for noncompetitive oil and gas leases shall be accompanied by a specified filing fee. Sets forth a pricing policy for federal uranium enrichment services. Title IX: House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries - Subtitle A: Maritime Programs - Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for certain Department of Commerce maritime programs including: (1) ship construction, acquisition, and construction differential subsidies; (2) operating-differential subsidy payments; (3) research and development; (4) operations and training; (5) fleet expenses; and (6) maritime education. Authorizes supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for employee benefits. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to allow the Secretary of Commerce to reduce the construction differential subsidy rate by five percent under specified circumstances. Authorizes an operator receiving operating differential subsidy funds to suspend its subsidy contract under certain conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to establish alternate trade routes, via a range of different ports, during the seasonal closure of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Redefines the terms "foreign commerce," "foreign trade," and "vessel" to include the employment of certain methanol (methyl alcohol) producing barges. Redefines the term "noncontiguous domestic trade" as used in such Act to include the carriage from the United States to offshore burn sites of chemical wastes for incineration at sea. Prohibits a vessel from receiving a construction or operating differential subsidy if it is not offered for enrollment in an approved sealift readiness program. Reduces the sums available for obligation pertaining to commercial demonstration ocean thermal energy conversion facilities or plantships. Authorizes the Secretary, during fiscal year 1982, to waive certain minimum spending obligations for fishing vessels and facilities if such reserved obligations will not be utilized for such purposes during fiscal year 1982. Revises membership of the Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to prohibit an ocean freight forwarder from receiving compensation from a common carrier in regard to any shipment in which the forwarder or certain others have a beneficial interest. Directs the Secretary to compare repair and outfitting costs for the training vessel Bay State with reactivation and conversion costs for the steamship Tulare in order to determine the appropriate vessel for use as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy training ship. Requires such study to be submitted to Congress within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to authorize the Secretary, until September 30, 1983, to permit an operator receiving or applying for an operating differential subsidy under such Act to construct or acquire its vessels in a foreign shipyard under certain circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to make construction differential subsidies available to United States-built or documented vessels for replacement or upgrading of such vessels' existing propulsion machinery in order to improve energy efficiency. Establishes guidelines for the approval of such subsidies. Sets forth procedures for the negotiation, acceptance, and payment of such subsidies by the Secretary. Requires replacement propulsion equipment to be of United States origin except under specified circumstances. Classifies such upgraded vessel as "new" or "reconstructed" for specified purposes of such Act. Reduces the age of such vessel by ten years for purposes of the obligation to replace it under any operating differential subsidy and capital construction fund program or contract. Subtitle B: Merchant Seamen Entitlement to Medical Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to eliminate free health care for merchant seamen provided by the Public Health Service. Subtitle C: Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Establishes the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund in the Treasury of the United States, to be administered by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Treasury, to pay specified removal costs arising out of an oil pollution incident. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to collect from each refinery owner, and from the owner of each terminal receiving oil for export or entry into the United States, a specified fee. Permits claims for damages for economic loss which are incurred within a specified time to be asserted in certain circumstances. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary shall designate and advertise pollution sources. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the Fund. Subrogates any person or Government entity paying compensation, including the Fund, to all claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Declares that the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund shall assume all liability incurred by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund. Subtitle D: Ocean Dumping Fees - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to require the establishment of a system for the imposition of ocean dumping fees at an amount not greater than five dollars per wet ton of materials dumped. Title X: House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service - Sets forth the following Federal employee pay comparability adjustments: (1) 5.8 percent during fiscal year 1982; (2) 7.4 percent during fiscal year 1983; and (3) 7.0 percent during fiscal year 1984. Prohibits the President, beginning in fiscal year 1985, from submitting any pay adjustment pay not based on full comparability except during times of national emergency or of general mandatory wage and price controls. Amends Federal law to reduce civil service pay for military retirees by the full amount of their military retirement pay. Prohibits federal employees who are reservists in the armed forces or members of the National Guard from receiving both civilian and military pay during their annual two-week period of active duty. Reduces such civilian pay by the amount received in military pay. Requires adjustments to federal personnel ceilings based on the extent to which federal operations are contracted out. Requires such contracting out to be based on cost-effectiveness criteria. Authorizes cash awards to federal employees who disclose waste, fraud, and mismanagement in the government. Entitles a member of the Senior Executive Service in the Federal Government whose position is eliminated to be reassigned to another Senior Executive Service position for which such career appointee is qualified. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to withhold State income tax from the monthly annuity payment of any annuitant who requests such withholding. Reduces, and eliminates as of fiscal year 1984, the public service payment to the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the costs of providing unprofitable services. Requires the continuation of six-day mail delivery through fiscal year 1984. Requires the Postal Service to provide for consolidation and closing of post offices so as to achieve specified savings. Reduces the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for the revenue foregone payment subsidies for USPS. Defers, until fiscal year 1985, the federal payment to the Postal Service Fund for unfunded liabilities of the old Post Office Department. Prohibits funds for the Postal Service or any executive agency to implement a nine-digit zip code. Title XI: House Committee on Public Works and Transportation - Subtitle A: Transportation Programs - Requires the Civil Aeronautics Board to fix and determine rates of compensation under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 and to establish rates of compensation under such Act so that the total amount of compensation payable by such Board for service performed during fiscal year 1982 does not exceed a specified amount. Limits the total of all obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for fiscal year 1982. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to reduce, for fiscal year 1982, the authorization of appropriations for the Urban Mass Transit Grant program. Subtitle B: Water Resources Development Programs - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reduce the authorization of appropriations in fiscal year 1982 for sewage construction grants. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out the State construction grant management program. Limits the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, for construction of river and harbor, flood control, shore protection, and related authorized projects (other than the project for the Mississippi River and tributaries). Eliminates the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Tennessee Valley Authority to carry out the North Alabama Coal Gasification Project at Murphy Hill, Alabama. Prohibits any fees from being charged by any officer of the Federal Government for the transportation for the purpose of dumping, or the dumping, of any material into the oceans. Subtitle C: Economic Development Programs - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to reduce funding for certain programs under the Economic Development Administration. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to reduce the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the Appalachian Regional Commission. Subtitle D: Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Establishes the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund in the Treasury of the United States, to be administered by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Treasury, to pay specified removal costs arising out of an oil pollution incident. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to collect from each refinery owner, and from the owner of each terminal receiving oil for export or entry into the United States, a specified fee. Permits claims for damages for economic loss which are incurred within a specified time to be asserted in certain circumstances. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary shall designate and advertise pollution sources. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the Fund. Subrogates any person or Government entity paying compensation, including the Fund, to all claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Declares that the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund shall assume all liability incurred by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund. Title XII: House Committee on Science and Technology - Subtitle A: Department of Energy Civilian Research and Development Programs and Projects 1982 Authorization Act - Authorizes funds for operating expenses for research and development programs of the Department of Energy for fiscal year 1982. Sets forth percentages of fiscal year 1981 funds that are provided for fiscal year 1982 programs. Authorizes appropriations for plant and capital equipment for certain projects and new construction at specified project sites. Provides for the termination of the Clinch River Breeder Project and makes appropriations for refined conceptual design activities for a liquid metal fast breeder Large Development Plant. Sets forth administrative provisions for funding of construction projects. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Research and Development Construction and Facilities Office to provide technical and management facility design and construction services for the Department. Prohibits the use of any funds under this title for the purpose of releasing any radioactive contaminated water into the Susquehanna River. Subtitle B: Department of Energy Civilian Programs Authorization - Authorizes the appropriation of funds for: (1) conservation activities; (2) regulatory and related functions; (3) power marketing programs; (4) nuclear assessment, interim spent nuclear fuel management, and commercial waste remedial action; (5) other renewable resources and conservation activities; (6) uranium enrichment, other commercial waste management activities, and West Valley demonstration project activities; and (7) departmental administration. Sets forth energy projections to the year 2000. Subtitle C: National Science Foundation Authorization - National Science Foundation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1982 - Authorizes appropriations for programs and operations of the National Science Foundation. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to authorize the National Science Board (formerly the Foundation) to establish special commissions, consisting of such members as the Board considers appropriate, to make recommendations to the Foundation on issues relating to research and education in science and engineering. Amends the National Science Foundation Act, Fiscal Year 1978, to disestablish the Resource Center for Science and Engineering. Subtitle D: Atmospheric, Climatic, and Ocean Pollution Authorization - Atmospheric, Climatic, and Ocean Pollution Act of 1982 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce for atmospheric, climatic, and ocean pollution programs for fiscal year 1982. Authorizes the NOAA to plan for, develop, and operate a civilian land observing system. Requires the Administrator of NOAA to report to the President and Congress by January 15, 1982, on the activities undertaken pursuant to such system. Subtitle E: Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1982 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specified activities and research programs for fiscal year 1982. Directs the Administrator of EPA to: (1) conduct a pilot project on the use of peer review in research planning; and (2) conduct a study on the Federal government's efforts in the integration of research and dissemination of information and report to the President and Congress on such study within 18 months of enactment of this Act. Subtitle F: Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, Development, and Demonstration Authorization - Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for certain research, engineering and development, and demonstration projects and activities. Authorizes the Administration to use such funds for any other such activity upon approval from the appropriate congressional committees. Subtitle G: Federal Emergency Management Agency Authorization - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 and the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for fiscal year 1982 for specified programs and activities. Title XIII: House Committee on Small Business - Small Business Budget Reconciliation and Loan Consolidation/ Improvement Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to set forth methods, procedures, and criteria for the Small Business Administration in making loans to eligible small businesses. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of this title. Title XIV: House Committee on Veterans' Affairs - Terminates the Veterans' Administration authority to provide educational assistance to veterans for flight training and to veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses for correspondence training. Eliminates dental benefits for veterans whose dental conditions existed during military duty, but who did not seek or receive treatment. Limits the payment of burial allowances for veterans dying during fiscal year 1982, 1983, and 1984. Title XV: House Committee on Ways and Means - Subtitle A: Adjustment Assistance - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise eligibility requirements for adjustment assistance to require that imports be a "substantial cause of" (currently, "contributed importantly to") a firm's decline. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide full information to workers about the benefits available under the Act. Revises trade readjustment allowance qualifying requirements, weekly amounts, and limitations on allowances. Authorizes the Secretary, within certain limitations, to require adversely affected workers to accept job training or to actively search for work outside their former employment area if the Secretary determines with respect to the labor market area that: (1) a high level of unemployment exists; (2) suitable employment opportunities are not available; and (3) there are facilities available to provide training in new or related job classifications. Requires the Secretary to develop, in cooperation with an adversely affected worker covered by a certification who is unemployed or underemployed and with others, an appropriate employability plan. Authorizes the Secretary, with certain restrictions, to defray reasonable transportation and subsistence expenses when training facilities are not within commuting distances. Increases individual job search allowances and relocation allowances. Waives the requirement that any overpayment must be repaid if: (1) the overpayment was made without fault on the part of an individual; and (2) requiring repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience. Abolishes the Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Sets forth provisions relating to definitions, conforming amendments, and effective dates and transitional provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance (including grants) to firms. Prohibits a direct loan to a firm if the loan can be obtained from private sources at a rate no higher than the maximum interest per annum that a participating financial institution may establish on guaranteed loans made pursuant to the Small Business Act. Revises conditions for financial assistance to a firm. Provides that direct loans made or guaranteed for the acquisition or development of real property or other capital assets shall ordinarily be secured by a first lien on the assets and shall be fully amortized. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance, up to a specified sum per industry, for the establishment of industry wide programs for new development or other uses consistent with the purposes of the Act. Repeals the Adjustment Assistance Program for Communities. Extends the termination date of adjustment assistance programs for workers and firms from September 30, 1982, to September 30, 1983. Subtitle B: Federal Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Social Security Spending Reduction Amendments of 1981 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide for the phased elimination of a child's insurance benefits to an individual on the basis of full-time postsecondary school student status. Terminates a nondisabled's entitlement to child's insurance benefits when such child reaches age 16 (currently such entitlement ceases when a child reaches age 18). Eliminates prospectively the minimum benefit amount used in computing the primary insurance amount. Authorizes reimbursement of the cost of providing information to assist specified parties with respect to the administration of an employee benefit plan. Provides that at each stage in the benefit computation, the amount derived is rounded down (presently rounded up) to the next higher 10 cents. Delays part of the payment of the cost-of-living increase to October 1982 presently scheduled to be paid in July 1982. Authorizes reimbursement from the trust fund to a State for vocational rehabilitation services only where the services have resulted in a beneficiary's performance of substantial gainful activity for a continuous nine month period. Retains the earnings limitations test for persons under age 72 until 1983 (presently scheduled to be lowered to age 70 in 1982). Limits the payment of lump-sum death benefits to a widow or widower entitled to widow's, widower's, or mother's benefits on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of a deceased individual or in equal shares to each person entitled to child's insurance benefits on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of such individual (currently such benefits may be paid to cover burial expenses of the insured individual). Provides that in the case of workers retiring at age 62 entitlement to benefits begins with the first month throughout all of which the individual is entitled. Subtitle C: Unemployment Compensation, Public Assistance, and Low-Income Energy Assistance - Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to eliminate the "national trigger" under the extended benefits program. Excludes extended benefit claimants from the calculation of the insured unemployment rate for extended benefits trigger purposes. Increases from 365 to 730 days the length of continuous military service needed to qualify as employment for unemployment compensation purposes. Delays an ex-serviceman's entitlement until the fifth week after discharge or release from Federal Service. Limits an ex-service member's total entitlement to no more than 13 weeks of benefits. Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise eligibility and benefits standards by requiring States to disregard specified amounts of monthly earnings. Allows States to terminate, or phase-out gradually, the $50 disregard and the one-third work incentive disregard for families with earned income above the poverty level or, at State option, 200 percent of the State standard of need, after the family has had earned income and claimed one-third disregard for 12 consecutive months. Permits individuals who lose eligibility for AFDC payments because of the termination of the disregards to remain eligible for Medicaid for 12 months after payment stops. Requires that in calculating a child's need for AFDC a State shall consider a specified portion of stepparent's income as available to such child. Provides that AFDC eligibility for a month shall be determined on the basis of the family's income during such month; that family resources shall be determined as they existed on the last day of the previous month; and that the benefit amount shall be determined on the basis of the income of the previous month. Requires AFDC families to report their income, and other information, on a monthly basis. Requires that whenever a determination is made to terminate, suspend, or adjust AFDC payments to a family, such family shall be mailed a written notice concerning such action at least ten days prior to the effective date of the action. Allows States to require, under certain conditions, AFDC recipients to participate in a qualified State work experience program in which they would perform work in return for the regular AFDC benefits. Limits eligibility for certain AFDC payments to two-parent families to such families in which the "principal earner" parent is unemployed (currently payments may be made if either one is unemployed). Requires a State to promptly correct any AFDC overpayment or underpayment. Permits States paying benefits to dependent children over 18 who are students to limit AFDC eligibility at any age between 18 and 21. Provides that any family is ineligible for AFDC if the combined value of its resources exceeds $1,500 or a lower amount at the State's option. Permits a State to exclude from resources: (1) a home and a car; (2) household goods and personal effects; (3) tools and equipment; and (4) life and burial insurance policies. Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require a State plan to make provisions for enforcing spousal support obligations (alimony) in addition to child support. Requires a State to retain ten percent of the support collected on behalf of a non-AFDC recipient, in order to defray the costs of such collection service. Requires that the incentive payments to States collecting child support payments on behalf of another jurisdiction be made from the total amount of such collections, rather than from the Federal assistance share. Prohibits the discharge in bankruptcy of a child support obligation assigned to a State as a condition of AFDC eligibility. Requires child support enforcement agencies to determine on a periodic basis whether any individuals receiving unemployment compensation owe child support obligations being enforced by such agency and if so, to require the agency to withhold such child support payments from the unemployment compensation. Amends title III (Unemployment Compensation) of the Act to require State unemployment compensation agencies to require unemployment compensation applicants to disclose whether or not the applicant owes child support obligations and to notify the appropriate child support enforcement agency if child support is owed. Permits the Internal Revenue Service to collect delinquent alimony as well as child support payments. Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Act to provide that an individual's monthly eligibility for benefits for a month shall be determined on the basis of the individual's income, resources, and other relevant characteristics in such month, and the amount of monthly benefits on the basis of income and other characteristics in the preceding month, such month, or on the basis of income and other characteristics in the second month preceding such month. Authorizes the Secretary to redetermine eligibility for and the amount of benefits at other times. Allows States to continue to pay out cash, in lieu of food stamps, to SSI recipients under specified conditions. Limits the negotiability of SSI checks to 180 days from the date of issuance. Requires future cost-of-living adjustments in SSI to conform to cost-of-living adjustments under title II. Adds a new title to the Social Security Act, title XXI (Energy Assistance to Low-Income Households). Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to provide low-income energy assistance in order to offset excessive home energy costs. Makes such funds available to States which have plans for low-income energy assistance approved by the Secretary. Sets forth State plan requirements. Directs the Secretary to pay up to a formulated amount 80 percent of a State's expenses in carrying out the plan for fiscal year 1983 and 100 percent of the expenses for fiscal year 1982. Prohibits payments with respect to any household unless the household has at least one individual eligible for AFDC, SSI, Food Stamps, certain veterans benefits, or the household's income falls below a specified level. Amends title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to limit Federal funding for fiscal year 1982 for training costs. Subtitle D: Medicare Program - Medicare Spending Reduction Amendments of 1981 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate coverage of alcohol detoxification facilities, under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII. Provides payment for nutritional therapy for individuals with end-stage renal disease when used as a means of delaying or substituting for the provision of kidney dialysis. Requires a one dollar a day copayment under Medicare for each of the first 60 days of inpatient hospital care. Provides that Part A coinsurance will be based on the current years deductible, rather than the deductible effective when the illness began. Revises the part A, inpatient hospital deductible by adding five dollars to the base figure of $40 used in the formula to determine such deductible. Eliminates the carryover from the last three months of the previous year of incurred expenses used to determine whether the part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) deductible has been met. Increases the part B deductible from $60 to $70, and indexes it to cost-of-living increases under title II. Offsets interest earnings on funded depreciation accounts of providers against interest expenses to determine reimbursement. Revises an exemption to a provision requiring the reduction of reimbursements to hospitals in specified situations, by adding a requirement that a hospital derive less than 30 percent of its income from non-governmental sources to qualify for such exemption. Exempts hospitals from such reductions if there is no excess of hospital beds in the area in which the hospital is located. Directs the Secretary to provide for a method of determining prospectively the amounts of payments to be made for dialysis services furnished by providers and renal dialysis facilities to furnished individuals in a facility and at home. Prohibits the Secretary, in determining the amount of reimbursements for home health services, from recognizing as reasonable costs for such services to the extent such costs exceed the 75th percentile of such costs per visit for home health agencies; or, in the judgment of the Secretary, such lower percentile as the Secretary may determine. Prohibits the Secretary, in determining reimbursements with respect to routine operating costs for inpatient hospital services, from recognizing as reasonable costs to the extent that they exceed 108 percent of the mean of such routine operating costs per diem; or, in the judgment of the Secretary, such lower percentage as the Secretary may determine. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title X of the Social Security Act to provide civil penalties for any person who presents or causes to be presented an improper claim for a medical or other item or service under the Medicare or Medicaid (title XIX) programs. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Act to direct the Secretary to establish utilization guidelines for the provision of home health care. Repeals the requirement that skilled nursing facility agreements be renewed annually. Amends the Medicare and Medicaid Amendments of 1980 to direct the Secretary to establish guidelines by October 1, 1981, to assure that agreements with States already authorized, for demonstration projects for the training of AFDC recipients as homemakers and home health aides are entered into by January 1, 1982. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress relating to such projects. Amends part B (Professional Standards Review) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary by September 30, 1981, to identify and specify requirements which will be used in assessing a PSRO's performance. States that such requirements shall include requirements relating to the effectiveness of a PSRO in: (1) monitoring the quality of patient care; (2) reducing unnecessary utilization; and (3) managing its activities efficiently. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate the less effective PSRO's during fiscal year 1982. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress relative to PSRO performance assessments. Makes 100 percent financing under part B of title XI applicable only to the Medicare program and provides States the option of contracting for Medicaid review at a 75 percent Federal matching rate. Repeals the PSRO program effective October 1, 1983. Repeals the requirement for utilization review under the Medicare program with respect to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and rural health clinics. Prohibits payments under the Medicare program with respect to an item or service for an individual aged 65 or older to the extent that payment has been made, or can reasonably be expected to be made under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

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5 official files

• Public Law (PDF)

  Public Law · EN · 14 August 1981

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• Conference report filed in House

  summary · EN · 29 July 1981

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• Passed Senate amended

  summary · EN · 13 July 1981

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• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 26 June 1981

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• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 19 June 1981

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