bill_id,congress,bill_type,bill_number,title,policy_area,introduced_date,latest_action_date,latest_action_text,origin_chamber,sponsor_name,sponsor_state,sponsor_party,sponsor_bioguide_id,cosponsor_count,summary_text,update_date,url
96-hr-8405,96,hr,8405,A bill to make certain technical corrections and clarifications in the amendments made by the Small Business Investment Incentive Act of 1980.,Commerce,1980-12-02,1980-12-02,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-11]",NY,D,S000124,1,Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to:  (1) permit a business development company to purchase securities from certain wholly-owned subsidiary small business investment companies; and (2) make technical corrections.,2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
96-hjres-633,96,hjres,633,"A joint resolution to provide for the designation of February 8 to 14, 1981, as ""National Free Enterprise Week"".",Commerce,1980-11-20,1980-11-20,Referred to House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.,House,"Rep. Stangeland, Arlan [R-MN-7]",MN,R,S000795,20,"Requests the President to designate February 8 through 14, 1981, as ""National Free Enterprise Week.""",2024-02-06T20:04:02Z,
96-hr-8301,96,hr,8301,Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-10-02,1980-10-02,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Moorhead, William S. [D-PA-14]",PA,D,M000930,0,"Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act of 1980 - Creates the Reconstruction Finance Corporation of 1980 to be administered by a board of directors.  Sets forth the powers of the Corporation.  Requires the Corporation to report annually on its operations to the President, the Secretary of the Treasury, and Congress. Provides for the capitalization of and issuance of obligations by the Corporation.  Grants the Corporation tax-exempt status with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Corporation to provide financial assistance to business enterprises which meet specified eligibility criteria, including a beneficial impact on employment opportunities and productivity, the provision of necessary goods or services, the national interest, a feasible recovery plan, a reasonable assurance of repayment, and an employee stock ownership plan. Authorizes the Corporation to provide financial assistance to local governmental units which meet specified eligibility criteria, including a feasible recovery plan, State assistance, the national interest, a financial control board, and a reasonable assurance of repayment. Authorizes the Corporation to make loans and to guarantee loans to local governmental units or business enterprises.  Sets forth conditions for such loans, guarantees, and commitments.  Limits the aggregate amount of assistance to any one local governmental unit or business enterprise. Terminates the Corporation 30 years after enactment of this Act.  Prohibits any commitment to provide financial assistance after six years from enactment of this Act, unless extended by Congress. Makes Federal financial disclosure and conflict of interest provisions applicable to Corporation employees and officials. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a temporary surtax on the taxable income of every corporation with a taxable income greater than $1,000,000. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to contribute the proceeds of such surtax to the capital stock of the Corporation through the Reconstruction Finance Corporation of 1980 Trust Fund.",2025-09-02T13:55:11Z,
96-hr-8307,96,hr,8307,Small Business Investment Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-10-02,1980-10-02,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Smith, Neal Edward [D-IA-4]",IA,D,S000596,0,"Small Business Investment Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 15 to 25 the maximum number of shareholders a subchapter S corporation may have. Ends the requirement that an employer furnish a W-2 wage report upon termination to any employee whose employment is terminated before the close of the calendar year.  Requires issuance of such interim report only upon timely request by such employee, and then within 30 days after receipt of such request. Applies long-term capital gains treatment to amounts actually paid to a taxpayer in respect of a small business participating debenture, which constitute the distribution of a share of the earnings of the issuer. Defines ""small business participating debenture"" (SBPD) as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which:  (1) is a general obligation of the business; (2) bears interest at not less than the rate prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's earnings.  Limits ""qualified small business"" to one (whether or not incorporated):  (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $15,000,000; (2) the face value of all of whose outstanding SBPDs does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats members of a controlled group of companies as a single taxpayer, for purposes of determining the equity capital and SBPD of qualified small businesses.  Denies capital gains treatment where the taxpayer is ""related"" to the SBPD-issuing company, having at least a ten percent interest in it. Treats losses on such debentures as ordinary losses.  Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on such a debenture. Exempts from the provisions of this Act any SBPD issued before or during 1981 if the proceeds of such SBPD are used to repay any loan of the issuing small business other than a loan:  (1) with a stated rate of interest in excess of the local prevailing rate; and (2) secured by the inventory or accounts receivable of such small business. Creates a category of incentive stock options for employees, who would not be required to pay tax at the time such an option is exercised and would receive capital gains treatment on the proceeds of any subsequent sale of such stock.  Denies the employer any deduction with respect to such stock either at the time of option exercise or at the time of subsequent sale. Requires the issuance of any such option, with shareholder approval, at 100 percent of fair market value.  Accepts any stock later determined to be undervalued if issued with a good faith effort to make such issue at not less than fair market value.  Allows exercise of such option up to ten years after issuance, and in any sequence. Limits long-term capital gain treatment to the sale of incentive stock held by the employee at least two years after the grant of the option and one year after exercise.  Subjects any such stock sold within two years after option grant to ordinary income treatment. Requires an employee to remain an employee continuously from the time of granting an option to the time of exercising the option. Prohibits the employee from owning more than ten percent of the voting power or value of the stock of the company unless the option price is at least 110 percent of fair market value. Increases from $150,000 to $250,000 ($200,000 for 1981) the minimum credit against the accumulated earnings tax for corporations. Increases the cost of used equipment eligible for the investment tax credit:  (1) in general, from $100,000 to $200,000 ($150,000 for 1981); and (2) for a married individual filing a separate return, from $50,000 to $100,000 ($75,000 for 1981). Permits a taxpayer who is required to change his method of accounting pursuant to Revenue Ruling 80-60 (inventory valuation) and Revenue Procedure 80-5 to effect such change only for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1979. Exempts from the excise taxes on gasoline, diesel, and special motor fuels any such fuels used in connection with intercity, local, and school buses. Allows a taxpayer to elect not to recognize a certain amount of gain from the sale of small business stock, if the proceeds of such sale are used to purchase other small business stock within 18 months.  Limits recognition to that portion of any gain in excess of the cost of such other stock. Reduces corporate tax rates by specified amounts for:  (1) 1981; and (2) 1982 and thereafter.",2025-09-02T13:55:07Z,
96-hr-8260,96,hr,8260,Oil Windfall Acquisition Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-10-01,1980-10-01,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Jenrette, John W., Jr. [D-SC-6]",SC,D,J000099,0,"Oil Windfall Acquisition Act of 1980 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any major producer of crude oil and natural gas liquids from acquiring control or a majority of the assets, either directly or indirectly, through merger, consolidation, or acquisition, of:  (1) any other person in the business of energy exploration, extraction, production, or conversion, if such person has total assets of $100,000,000 or more and, in the event of an acquisition of a majority of such assets, $100,000,000 or more would be acquired; or (2) any person not in any of such specified businesses, if such person has total assets of $50,000,000 or more and, in the event of an acquisition of a majority of such assets, $50,000,000 or more would be acquired. Exempts from such prohibition any acquisition whose likely effect would be:  (1) substantially to enhance competition in the domestic or foreign commerce of the United States; or (2) materially to increase or substantially to promote energy exploration, extraction, production, or conversion. Excludes from the application of such prohibition joint undertakings for the purpose of new energy exploration, extraction, production, conversion, transportation, or distribution. States that the total assets of a person shall include those of all persons controlled by such person.  Presumes that all assets acquired within a three year period are a single acquisition.  Stipulates that the value of assets is the book-value, unless less than all of the assets of a person are acquired, in which case the value of such assets is their fair market value. Defines ""major producer"" as a producer of crude oil and natural gas liquids: (1) who is required to register with and make reports to the Securities Exchange Commission; and (2) who produced in calendar year 1978 an average of 150,000 barrels or more per day worldwide of crude oil and natural gas liquids. Defines ""control"" as having the power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management and policies of a person through the ownership of, or the power to vote, at least 15 percent of the outstanding voting securities of such person. Defines ""conversion"" as the production of synthetic fuels which can be used as substitutes for supplies of petroleum or natural gas. Declares that this Act shall not be subject to the private civil action provisions of the antitrust laws. Requires the court, in any action to enforce the prohibition established by this Act, whenever a challenged acquisition has been or may be consummated, to issue an order appropriate to ensure that the assets and operations of the parties to the acquisition are kept intact and held separate and that the parties do not interfere with or participate in the management or internal affairs of one another pending final adjudication. Prohibits the Attorney General from bringing any action to enforce this Act more than 90 days after expiration of the 30-day waiting period prescribed by section 7A of the Clayton Act. Exempts from the operation of this Act any acquisition involving solely persons controlling, controlled by, or under common control with one another. Forbids construction of this Act to render unlawful any acquisition on the basis of increases in production or assets after consummation. Makes this Act applicable only to acquisitions consummated between November 20, 1979, and January 1, 1991. Prohibits any corporation controlling, refining, or marketing energy resources from having a director or officer who is concurrently serving in such capacity with any other such corporation.  Limits any other type of corporation to one such director or officer. Requires the Federal Trade Commission, in consultation with the Department of Energy and the Department of Justice, to file by October 31, 1984, a progress report on the impact of the provisions and recommendations for legislative change, and to file a final report by October 31, 1989.",2025-09-02T13:55:05Z,
96-hr-8131,96,hr,8131,National Industrial Innovation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-09-16,1980-09-16,Referred to House Committee on Science and Technology.,House,"Rep. Ottinger, Richard L. [D-NY-24]",NY,D,O000134,0,"National Industrial Innovation Act of 1980 - Title I:  Establishment of National Industrial Innovation Corporation - Authorizes the creation of the National Industrial Innovation Corporation as a Federal agency to promote the development and commercialization of U.S. industrial innovation endeavors.  Sets forth provisions for the administrative organization, financing, and powers of the Corporation. Title II:  Financial Assistance - Authorizes the Corporation to provide financial assistance to qualifying firms for industrial innovation endeavors.  Directs the Corporation to assist smaller firms in applying for such assistance.  Specifies standards required of recipient firms. Authorizes the Corporation to make a loan to or invest in qualifying firms in the development and/or production of a single industrial innovation endeavor project.  Sets forth elements to be considered in selecting such projects.  Authorizes the Corporation to make loan guarantees for eligible firms and projects pursuant to this Act. Sets forth restrictions on the provision of such financial assistance.  Requires recipients to provide information as directed by the Corporation. Title III:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth provisions relating to the Corporation's tax-exempt status, budgetary treatment, deposits of money, obligations, and accounts.  Directs the Corporation to submit annual reports to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Congress, and the President.",2025-09-02T13:55:06Z,
96-s-3111,96,s,3111,"A bill to amend certain provisions of the Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791a et seq., relating to preferences in issuance of preliminary permits or licenses.",Commerce,1980-09-15,1980-09-15,Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. McGovern, George [D-SD]",SD,D,M000452,1,Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue licenses and preliminary permits to any cooperative or association of cooperatives for hydroelectric power development.  Directs the Commission to give cooperatives and associations of cooperatives preference in issuing permits or licenses and to exempt such cooperatives from the annual rates ordinarily charged by the Federal government.  Defines a cooperative as a nonprofitmaking organization of individuals organized primarily to supply electricity to its own members.,2025-04-23T11:41:33Z,
96-s-3092,96,s,3092,National Hostel System Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-09-04,1980-09-04,Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Tsongas, Paul E. [D-MA]",MA,D,T000393,12,"National Hostel System Act of 1980 - Directs the National Hostel System Study Commission, established by this Act, to transmit to specified congressional committees, within two fiscal years following the effective date of this Act, a National Hostel System Plan which shall:  (1) guide the development and implementation of a national hostel system;  (2) encourage the development of hostels by State and local governmental agencies and private, nonprofit organizations;  and (3) encourage the operation of hostels by private, nonprofit organizations. Requires the Commission to provide for full public participation during the development of such Plan. Requires the Commission, every six months after the effective date of this Act, and until the Plan is submitted to the specified congressional committees, to submit to such committees a brief and comprehensive written status report on the progress being made toward the completion of the Plan. Terminates the Commission one year after submission of the Plan. Directs the Commission to transmit the proposed Plan to the Secretary of the Interior for review and comment.  Requires the Secretary, within 30 days after receipt of the Plan, to submit written comments and recommendations to the Commission. Provides for public review and comment on the Plan. Requires the Commission, within 30 days after the completion of such review procedures, to incorporate into the Plan such comments and recommendations as it deems appropriate and submit the Plan, along with the Secretary's and the public's comments and recommendations, to specified congressional committees. Establishes the National Hostel System Study Commission, whose purpose it shall be to prepare, and to submit to Congress, a National Hostel System Plan, and to perform such other functions as are set forth in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States, units of local government, and private, nonprofit organizations to defray the costs of improvements in, or renovations of, structures and facilities for hostel purposes. Specifies that such grants may be made only for projects approved by the Commission, and limits such grants to amounts not to exceed $200,000.  Sets forth the procedures for applying for such grants. Declares that, upon the request of the Secretary, any structure declared excess by any Federal agency shall be transferred to the Secretary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan for each State developed pursuant to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act address the potential and plans for the location and development of hostels. Allows the head of any Federal agency, upon the application of any agency or instrumentality of a State or local government or any private nonprofit organization, to lease any structures and land to such applicant, without charge, for hostel purposes if the Secretary has certified that the applicant meets the standards of the National Hostel System Plan.",2025-09-02T13:57:11Z,
96-hr-8052,96,hr,8052,Batch Identification Number Protection Act,Commerce,1980-08-28,1980-08-28,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Johnson, Harold T. [D-CA-1]",CA,D,J000135,0,"Batch Identification Number Protection Act - Establishes a civil penalty of $10,000 for any person engaged in the sale of a good, the producer of which is required under Federal law or regulation to include a batch identification number, who renders such number unusable. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil actions in Federal district court to collect such penalties.",2025-09-02T13:54:59Z,
96-hr-7952,96,hr,7952,Patent Term Restoration Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-08-19,1980-08-19,Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2]",WI,D,K000020,1,"Patent Term Restoration Act of 1980 - Amends the patent law to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified chemical products, processes for use of a chemical product, or devices, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods.  Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation.  Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product or device and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent.  Authorizes the Commissioner to revoke such extension if the person subject to the regulatory review period is convicted of a criminal violation for submitting false or misleading data in support of such application.",2025-09-02T13:54:59Z,
96-s-3037,96,s,3037,Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-08-06,1980-08-06,"Referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.",Senate,"Sen. Moynihan, Daniel Patrick [D-NY]",NY,D,M001054,1,"Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act of 1980 - Creates the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) to be managed by a Board of Directors appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate.  Sets forth the corporate powers of the RFC. Authorizes the RFC to make or guarantee loans to: (1) business entities which are certain to become insolvent, whose closure would adversely affect the U.S. or a regional economy, and which cannot obtain the necessary credit for survival; and (2) municipalities which are unable to bring their noncapital expenditures into balance with their revenues and which are unable to obtain the credit necessary to meet their financing needs.  Sets forth terms and conditions to such loans and loan guarantees. Stipulates that the interest on such loans to municipalities shall not be tax-exempt.  Sets forth limits on the amount of aid to such business entities and municipalities. Provides for the capitalization of the RFC. Authorizes the RFC to issue obligations.  Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase such obligations.  Grants tax-exempt status to the RFC and its obligations, with specified exceptions. Authorizes Federal agencies to cooperate with the RFC.  Directs the RFC to report quarterly to Congress on its operations.  Requires annual audits of RFC accounts. Sets forth criminal penalties for willful misrepresentations to the RFC, counterfeiting or altering any RFC obligation, fraud, and wrongful use of the corporate name.",2025-09-02T13:57:08Z,
96-s-3021,96,s,3021,"A bill to amend certain provisions of the Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791a et seq., relating to preferences in issuance of preliminary permits or licenses.",Commerce,1980-08-05,1980-08-05,Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. McGovern, George [D-SD]",SD,D,M000452,1,Amends the Federal Power Act to include cooperatives as possible licensees and holders of preliminary permits for hydroelectric sites.  Defines the term cooperative to mean a nonprofitmaking organization of persons or cooperatives organized primarily for the purpose of supplying electricity to its own members.,2025-04-23T11:41:33Z,
96-hr-7921,96,hr,7921,Product Liability Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-08-01,1980-08-01,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Preyer, Richardson [D-NC-6]",NC,D,P000520,3,"Product Liability Act of 1980 - Provides that this Act preempts any other Federal or State law pertaining to matters governed by the Act.  Permits reference to be made to other sources of law where this Act does not provide a rule of decision. Sets forth basic standards of responsibility for manufacturers and product sellers other than manufacturers.  Subjects a product manufacturer to liability to a claimant who proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant's harm was proximately caused by the product, if such product was unreasonably unsafe in construction or design, or because:  (1) adequate warnings or instructions were not provided; or (2) it did not conform to the product seller's express warranty.  Specifies the requisite findings which must be made for such proof or unreasonable unsafety to be determined. Subjects a product seller other than a manufacturer to liability to a claimant who proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant's harm was proximately caused by such seller's failure to use reasonable care with respect to the product.  Enumerates circumstances under which such a seller is also subject to the liability of a manufacturer. Provides that a product seller shall not be subject to liability for harm caused by an unavoidably dangerous aspect of a product, with specified exceptions.  Provides that a product seller shall not be liable where it shows as a defense by a preponderance of the evidence that at the time of manufacture it was not within practical technological feasibility to make the product safer with respect to its design and its warnings or instructions with specified exceptions. Permits the trier of fact to consider custom in the product seller's industry or evidence of compliance with a nongovernmental safety or performance standard in determining whether there was a design defect or failure to warn or instruct. Sets forth rules relating to proof in product liability cases with respect to government standards and mandatory contract specifications. Sets forth provisions governing the length of time product sellers are subject to liability.  Provides for a ten-year statute of repose unless the State has adopted a statute of repose. Provides that all claims under this Act shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility.  Sets forth rules with respect to conduct affecting comparative responsibility, including misuse of a product and alteration or modification of a product.  Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Requires that damages in any product liability claim be reduced by an amount paid as workers' compensation benefits. Allows punitive damages to be awarded if the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of the product seller's reckless disregard for the safety of product users, consumers, or others who might be harmed by the product.",2025-09-02T13:54:59Z,
96-s-3002,96,s,3002,Service Industries Development Act,Commerce,1980-07-31,1980-07-31,Referred to Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs.,Senate,"Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI]",HI,D,I000025,4,"Service Industries Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish in the Department of Commerce a service industries development program.  Lists the purposes of such program which include:  (1) promoting the competitiveness of U.S. service firms and U.S. employees through economic policies; (2) promoting the use and sale of U.S. services abroad; (3) analyzing the effect on the international competitiveness of U.S. service industries of Government regulation, taxes, and antitrust policies; (4) collecting statistical information concerning domestic service industries; and (5) conducting a program of research and analysis of service-related issues and problems. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a Service Sector Consultative Committee to promote the development and competitiveness of U.S. service firms.  Sets forth the purposes of the Committee which include:  (1) advising the Department on measures the Government may take to enhance the competitiveness of the private sector; (2) acting as a liaison between the Government and the private sector; (3) maintaining communications between other Government advisory committees on service-related issues; and (4) discussing and studying domestic service-related matters relating to economic policy.  Directs the Committee to report to the Secretary annually on its findings. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report on the activities of the Department directed to promoting U.S. service industries. Authorizes the President to establish an Interagency Committee to discuss and make recommendations on service sector issues.  Declares that such Committee shall report to either the Economic Policy Group or another economic entity as designated by the President.  Directs the Committee: (1) to develop strategies for promoting competitive U.S. service industries; (2) to coordinate the implementation of service-related policies within the Government; (3) to review the adequacy of financial and personnel resources of Government agencies allocated to service industries; and (4) to seek to eliminate disparate treatment between manufacturing and service industries.",2025-09-02T13:57:02Z,
96-s-3003,96,s,3003,Service Industries Development Act,Commerce,1980-07-31,1980-07-31,"Referred to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI]",HI,D,I000025,0,"Service Industries Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish in the Department of Commerce a service industries development program.  Lists the purposes of the program which include:  (1) promoting the competitiveness of U.S. service firms and American employees through economic policies; (2) promoting the sale of U.S. services abroad; (3) developing a data base for policymaking pertaining to services; (4) analyzing the effect on service industries of Government regulation, taxes, and antitrust policies; (5) analyzing the adequacy of current U.S. financing and export promotion programs; (6) conducting sectoral studies of domestic service industries; and (7) conducting a program of research and analysis of service-related issues and problems.",2025-09-02T13:57:01Z,
96-s-2972,96,s,2972,Small Business Minority Contracting Expansion Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-07-25,1980-07-25,Referred to Senate Select Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Morgan, Robert B. [D-NC]",NC,D,M000956,0,Small Business Minority Contracting Expansion Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to limit participation in the Small Business Administration's (SBA) minority contract program to five years and to reduce the value of such contracts to a participant by 20 percent each year. Transfers authority for determining eligibility and policy for such program from the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development to the Administrator of the SBA.,2025-09-02T13:57:01Z,
96-hres-747,96,hres,747,"A resolution to express the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress shall formulate and the Executive Branch shall implement a comprehensive and intensive rehabilitation industrial program designed to correct current economic adversities in the basic steel industry, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1980-07-23,1980-07-23,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Applegate, Douglas [D-OH-18]",OH,D,A000214,13,"Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding a rehabilitation plan designed to correct current economic adversities in the basic steel industry through import restrictions, temporary suspensions of Government regulations, and revisions of the current tax structure.",2025-02-04T16:54:13Z,
96-hr-7736,96,hr,7736,"A bill to encourage exports by facilitating the formation and operation of export trading companies, export trade associations, and the expansion of export trade services generally.",Commerce,1980-07-02,1980-07-02,Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-36]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Title I:  Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization.  Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency.  Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations.  Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies.  Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals.  Sets forth the grounds for disapproval.  Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Title II:  Export Trade Associations - Export Trade Association Act of 1980 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification.  Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification.  Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations.  Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions.  Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations.",2024-02-07T11:38:03Z,
96-hr-7738,96,hr,7738,Emergency Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-07-02,1980-07-02,Referred to House Committee on Government Operations.,House,"Rep. Marriott, David Daniel [R-UT-2]",UT,R,M000143,1,Emergency Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 - Requires each executive agency and independent agency to reduce Federal paperwork costs relating to small business by 33 percent over a three year period.  Requires such agencies to report to Congress concerning such reductions within three years after enactment of this Act. Directs the President and the Comptroller General to develop strategies and methods for such paperwork cost reductions.,2025-09-02T13:54:50Z,
96-hr-7739,96,hr,7739,Small Business Tax Incentives Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-07-02,1980-07-02,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Marriott, David Daniel [R-UT-2]",UT,R,M000143,1,"Small Business Tax Incentives Act of 1980 - Title I:  Corporate Income Tax Rate Reduction; Elimination of Double Taxation on Dividends Received by Individuals - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the income tax rates on corporate income. Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 to remove the maximum dollar limitation on the amount of dividend income which a taxpayer may exclude from gross income. Applies the existing $200 limitation on dividend and interest income excludable from the gross income of an individual to interest income only. Makes such unlimited dividend and limited interest exclusions permanent (the current provision terminates January 1, 1983). Title II:  Increase in Amount of Used Property Eligible for Investment Tax Credit - Increases from $100,000 to $300,000 the amount of used business property which is eligible for the investment tax credit. Title III:  Incentives for Investing in Small Business - Allows individual taxpayers an income tax deduction for cash investments in small business concerns.  Limits the amount of such deduction to $20,000 for a taxable year, reduced by any amount allowed as a deduction in previous years.  Provides for a taxpayer election for the nonrecognition of gain from the sale or exchange of an equity interest in a small business concern, if a replacement equity interest is purchased by such taxpayer within two years of the date of the sale.  Allows a reduction in the capital gains tax for individual taxpayers who invest in small business equity interests which they hold for at least five years. Title IV:  Exclusion from Estate Tax for Small Business Property and Equity Investments - Permits the exclusion from the gross estate of a decedent who, at the time of his death, was a U.S. citizen, of the value of small business property which comprises 60 percent or more of the adjusted value of the gross estate.  Limits the amount of such exclusion to $2,000,000.",2025-09-02T13:54:55Z,
96-s-2892,96,s,2892,Patent Term Restoration Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-06-27,1980-06-27,Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Bayh, Birch [D-IN]",IN,D,B000254,4,"Patent Term Restoration Act of 1980 - Amends the patent law to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified chemical products, processes for use of a chemical product, or devices, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods.  Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation.  Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product or device and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent.  Authorizes the Commissioner to revoke such extension if the person subject to the regulatory review period is convicted of a criminal violation for submitting false or misleading data in support of such application.",2025-09-02T13:57:03Z,
96-hconres-375,96,hconres,375,"A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the Bureau of the Mint should consider additional measures to alleviate the nationwide shortage of pennies, including a proposal to melt down all Susan B. Anthony dollar coins and mint them into pennies.",Commerce,1980-06-25,1980-06-25,"Referred to House Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs.",House,"Rep. McDonald, Lawrence P. [D-GA-7]",GA,D,M000413,0,"Expresses the sense of Congress that the Director of the Mint should consider implementing measures to alleviate the penny shortage, including melting down the Susan B. Anthony dollar coins.",2024-02-06T19:38:08Z,
96-hr-7605,96,hr,7605,"A bill to amend the International Travel Act of 1961 to authorize additional appropriations, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1980-06-17,1980-06-17,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Staggers, Harley O. [D-WV-2]",WV,D,S000778,0,"Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to repeal provisions providing for an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Tourism. Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. Travel Service for fiscal year 1981 and the succeeding fiscal years. Terminates the limitation on the number of employees in the District of Columbia office on September 30, 1980.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
96-hr-7589,96,hr,7589,"A bill to amend the Small Business Act to increase to $110,000 the amount of a borrower's disaster loans eligible for a 3 percent interest rate.",Commerce,1980-06-16,1980-06-16,Referred to House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. Roybal, Edward R. [D-CA-25]",CA,D,R000485,0,"Amends the Small Business Act to increase from $55,000 to $110,000 the amount of a borrower's disaster loans eligible for a three percent interest rate.  Stipulates that such provision shall apply to loans made on or after January 1, 1980, with respect to disasters occurring on or after such date.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
96-hr-7576,96,hr,7576,Trade Procedures Simplification Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-06-13,1980-06-13,Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Evans, Billy Lee [D-GA-8]",GA,D,E000233,50,"Trade Procedures Simplification Act of 1980 - Requires the Attorney General, in consultation with other Federal agency heads, to determine whether: (1) U.S. business conduct and arrangements in various countries to expand exports conflict with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws.  Directs the Attorney General to identify conduct and arrangements associated with particular types of export sales which the Attorney General determines would not warrant prosecution under the antitrust laws.  Sets forth the procedures for describing such permissible conduct and disclosing such descriptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to intervene in such suits and to provide legal assistance to exporters. Prohibits prosecution under the antitrust laws of exporters who:  (1) have notified the Attorney General of their intention to engage in such designated permissible conduct; or (2) receive an approval, or no objection, from the Attorney General concerning proposed transactions. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress concerning implementation of this Act.",2025-09-02T13:54:49Z,
96-hr-7554,96,hr,7554,"An act to amend the Federal securities laws to provide incentives for small business investment, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1980-06-12,1980-10-21,Public Law 96-477.,House,"Rep. Broyhill, James T. [R-NC-10]",NC,R,B000966,5,"(Measure passed Senate, amended)  Small Business Investment Incentive Act of 1980 - =Title I:  Amendments to the Investment Company Act of 1940= - Amends the Investment Company Act to define ""eligible portfolio company"" as any issuer which:  (1) is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, in any State or States; (2) is neither an investment company (not including certain small business investment companies) nor any other company specifically excluded from the definition of investment company under such Act; and (3) satisfies one of the following:  (a) does not have outstanding securities which are eligible for margin purchase under Federal Reserve Board regulations; (b) is controlled by the business development company, including having an affiliated person who is a director of such eligible portfolio company; or (c) meets such other criteria as the Securities and Exchange Commission may establish.   Defines ""business development company"" to mean any closed-end company which:  (1) is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, any State or States; (2) is operated for the purpose of investing in the securities of certain companies; and (3) makes significant managerial assistance available to such companies.   Deems a company's ownership of ten percent or more of an investment company's voting securities to be ownership by one person (rather than by all the shareholders) if at the time of the most recent acquisition the value of all such securities does not exceed ten percent of its assets.  Directs the Commission to prescribe regulations regarding beneficial ownership in situations of involuntary transfer.   Exempts from such Act any closed-end company which:  (1) elects to be treated as a business development company; or (2) proposes to make a public offering of its securities as a business development company and to subject itself to such Act within 90 days.   Provides that a contract in violation of such Act (or a related rule) shall be unenforceable by either party or by certain third parties unless enforcement or denial of rescission (for partial or full performance) would be more equitable and not inconsistent with such Act.  Stipulates that such unenforceability requirement shall not apply to the lawful part of an unlawful contract to the extent it may be severed from such contract and shall not preclude recovery against a person for unjust enrichment.   Authorizes a qualifying investment company to elect to be regulated as a business development company by filing a notification of election with the Commission.  Authorizes:  (1) the Commission to prescribe the form and manner of such notification; and (2) a company to voluntarily withdraw its election.   Prohibits a business development company from acquiring more than 30 percent of its assets in nonqualifying investments.  Sets forth the categories of qualifying investments.   Requires that a majority of a business development company's directors be persons who are not interested parties of such company.  Exempts a business development company from such requirement for 90 days (or longer if the Commission so allows) because of the death, disqualification, or resignation of any director(s).   Prohibits certain controlling and noncontrolling persons related to a business development company (and certain affiliated persons) from knowingly:  (1) selling any security or other property to such company (or a controlled company) unless the sale involves solely:  (a) securities of which the buyer is the issuer; or (b) securities of which the seller is the issuer and which are part of a general offering to the holders of a class of securities; (2) purchasing from such company (or a controlled company) any security or other property except securities issued by the seller; (3) borrowing money or other property from such company (or a controlled company) except as permitted under such Act; and (4) effecting any joint transaction with such company (or a controlled company) in contravention of Commission rules. Authorizes:  (1) the Commission, upon application, to grant exemptions from such prohibitions (excluding joint transactions); (2) such noncontrolling persons to engage in such prohibited transactions if the required majority (as defined in such Act) of the Directors or general partners so approve.   Excludes from such prohibited transactions:  (1) ordinary merchandise sales or purchases or a lessor-lessee relationship incident thereto; (2) acquisition of warrants, options, and (voting) securities purchase rights by a director, officer, general partner, or employee of such company pursuant to an executive compensation plan; (3) borrowing of money under specified terms by such persons to buy securities pursuant to such plan.   Requires the directors of, or general partners in, the business development company to establish procedures to monitor the possible involvement of persons subject to such prohibitions.  States that:  (1) until the Commission adopts rules respecting such transactions, those existing rules under such Act regarding closed-end investment companies shall apply; and (2) an ordinary fee or salary paid to a director, officer, or employee of a party to a transaction shall not be considered a ""financial interest"" or ""participation"" in such transaction.   Permits a business development company to maintain a profit-sharing plan for its directors, officers, and employees if:  (1) such plan has the approval of a majority of directors or general partners; and (2) the aggregate amount of benefits (paid or accrued) does not exceed 20 percent of such company's net income after taxes in any fiscal year. Stipulates that no plan may be established if such company has:  (1) any option, warrant, or right issued as part of an executive compensation plan outstanding; or (2) an investment adviser registered under such Act.   Places restrictions on the remunerations that may be received by agents or brokers of a business development company in connection with the sale or purchase of property or securities.  Stipulates that the Commission may permit a larger fee if so doing would be in the public interest.  Includes specified affiliated persons within such restrictions.   Prohibits a business development company from changing the nature of its business or withdrawing its election as such a company without the authorization of a majority of its outstanding voting securities or partnership interests.   Applies specified provisions of such Act regarding incorporation, functions, capital structure, loans, distribution and repurchase of securities, records, and liability of controlling persons to a business development company, notwithstanding the exemptions provided for in this Act.   =Title II:  Amendments to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940= - Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to define ""business development company"" as defined in title I of this Act except that:  (1) the company does not have to be a closed-end company; (2) 40 percent of such company's assets may be in nonqualifying investments; and (3) the securities may be purchased from any person.   Excludes certain investment advisers to business development companies that have elected to be regulated under title I  of this Act from registration requirements.  States that no shareholder, partner, or beneficial owner of such a company shall be considered a client of such an adviser solely because of his or her status with such company.   Provides with regard to investment advisory contracts that a performance fee contract between an investment adviser and a business development company is permissible provided that such contract compensation does not exceed 20 percent of the realized capital gains of such company over a specified period of time or as of dates specified in the contract.   =Title III:  Amendments to Other Federal Securities Laws= - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to increase the aggregate offering price limitation for exemptions from certain regulations from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000.   Amends the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 to:  (1) increase the maximum aggregate amount of debt securities exempt from such Act; and (2) grant the Commission authority to periodically establish the ceiling of exempt debt securities under such Act.   =Title IV:  Authorization= - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to authorize appropriations for the Commission for fiscal years 1981 through 1983.   =Title V:  Capital Formation= - Omnibus Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1980 - Requires the Commission, in consultation with the Small Business Administration, to collect and make available to the public information regarding the capital formation needs of, and the problems involved with, new small and independent businesses.   Directs the Commission to conduct an annual Government-business forum relating to small business capital formation.  Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for fiscal years 1982 through 1985.   Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to authorize the Commission to cooperate with State groups to maximize uniformity in Federal and State securities regulation and to encourage the development of small business capital formation.  Directs the Commission to conduct an annual conference, as well as other meetings as necessary, with such groups.  Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for fiscal years 1982 through 1985.   Directs the Commission to try to reduce the costs incurred by small firms in raising capital through the issuance of securities.   =Title VI:  Small Business Issuers' Simplification= - Small Business Issuers' Simplification Act of 1980 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exempt from registration requirements an offer or sale to an ""accredited investor"" (as defined in this title) where the aggregate offering price does not exceed the limit under such Act and where there is no advertising or public solicitation.   =Title VII:  Employee Benefit Plan Exemptions= - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to revise provisions exempting specified securities from such Acts to:  (1) include within the exemption interest in a trust fund or securities arising out of an insurance contract in connection with a governmental employee benefit plan; but (2) exclude plans which are funded by an annuity contract.   Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to include within the exemption from such Act governmental employee benefit plans and single trust funds maintained by a bank.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
96-s-2828,96,s,2828,Small Business Motor Fuel Market Preservation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-06-12,1980-06-12,Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Durkin, John A. [D-NH]",NH,D,D000574,1,"Small Business Motor Fuel Market Preservation Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States.  Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in such a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer at such station.  Sets forth the requirements for such an offer. Makes it unlawful for a refiner to sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices (except for price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery differences). Stipulates that a refiner shall:  (1) be in violation of this Act if such refiner withholds available motor fuel from a purchaser and then resells such fuel at a lower price to refiner-operated stations; and (2) not be prevented from charging a uniform surcharge in connection with a sale of motor fuel as consideration for the purchaser's use of a refiner's trademark or other such identifying symbol. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Makes if unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within 90 days of enactment to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of:  (1) gallons of motor fuel sold, consigned, or distributed in each State during the preceding year; and (2) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Requires persons owning 50 or more motor fuel stations in the United States to report specified information to the Commission. Sets forth fines for violation of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought against violators of the requirements of the Act.",2025-09-02T13:56:58Z,
96-hr-7550,96,hr,7550,Commission on the International Application of the United States Anti-trust Laws Act,Commerce,1980-06-11,1980-06-11,Referred to House Committee on Foreign Affairs.,House,"Rep. McClory, Robert [R-IL-13]",IL,R,M000340,14,"Commission on the International Application of the United States Antitrust Laws Act - Establishes a Commission on the International Application of the United States Antitrust Laws. Charges such Commission with examining the international aspects of United States antitrust laws and related statutes, court rules and administrative procedures, and with making recommendations to the President and to the Congress on the results of such study. Directs the President to appoint the 18 member Commission from the executive branch, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the private sector. Sets forth the organization and compensation of members and the powers of the Commission. Excludes such Commission from the application of the Freedom of Information Act. Requires that any formal recommendation made by the Commission to the President and to the Congress must have the majority vote of the Commission as present and voting.  Requires the Commission to submit its final report within one year after its first meeting. Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits the report to the Congress.  Authorizes appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the activities of the Commission.",2025-09-02T13:54:45Z,
96-s-2798,96,s,2798,Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-06-06,1980-06-06,Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Culver, John C. [D-IA]",IA,D,C000979,2,"Small Business Motor Fuel Market Preservation Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States.  Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in such a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer at such station.  Sets forth the requirements for such an offer. Makes it unlawful for a refiner to:  (1) exceed specified annual sales limitations in any State (requires the Federal Trade Commission to determine specified limitation formulas); and (2) sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices (except for price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery differences).  Stipulates that a refiner shall:  (1) be in violation of this Act if such refiner withholds available motor fuel from a purchaser and then resells such fuel at a lower price to refiner-operated stations; and (2) not be prevented from charging a uniform surcharge in connection with a sale of motor fuel as consideration for the purchaser's use of a refiner's trademark or other such identifying symbol. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within three months of enactment to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of:  (1) gallons of motor fuel sold, consigned, or distributed in each State during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel sold to its stations in each State during the preceding year; and (3) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Requires persons owning 50 or more motor fuel stations in the United States to report specified information to the Commission. Sets forth fines for violation of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought against violators of the requirements of the Act.",2025-09-02T13:56:58Z,
96-hr-7491,96,hr,7491,Business Development Company Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-06-04,1980-06-04,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-11]",NY,D,S000124,0,"Business Development Company Act of 1980 - Title I:  Amendments to the Investment Company Act of 1940 - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to define: (1) ""business development company"" as any closed-end investment company organized and operated solely for making investments in specified securities transactions and making available managerial assistance to the issuers of such securities; and (2) ""eligible portfolio company"" as any company which (a) has no class of securities registered pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or with respect to which a member of a national securities exchange, broker, or dealer may maintain credit for a customer; and (b) is neither an investment company nor any person described as a noninvestment company order under such Act. Provides that certain small business investment companies owning ten percent or more of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer-company shall be considered a beneficial ownership by one person if:  (1) the value of all securities of small business investment companies owned by such company does not exceed five percent of its total assets; or (2) such securities of the small business investment company are owned by a specified State development corporation.  Deems other specified issuers as a beneficial ownership by one person if the value of all securities owned by all noninvestment company issuers does not exceed five percent of its total assets. Makes it unlawful for any business development company to hold any asset except:  (1) securities purchased in transactions not involving any public offering, or unless as prescribed by the Commission (a) from any eligible portfolio company or controlling person thereof and (b) from any company which is no longer an eligible portfolio company under specified circumstances; (2) securities received in exchange for or distributed with respect to such nonpublic offering securities; (3) cash and Government securities or high quality debt securities maturing in one year or less; and (4) noninvestment property necessary for the operation of a business development company, including certain notes or other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes any noncontrolling shareholder affiliate (as defined by this Act) to enter into a joint transaction with a business development company if:  (1) such transaction is approved by a majority of the development company's directors having no financial interest in such transaction; and (2) such transaction is recorded in the board's minutes. Permits an officer or employee of a business development company to borrow money from the company to purchase securities issued by such company pursuant to an executive compensation plan if such loan:  (1) has a term of not more than ten years; (2) becomes due not more than 60 days after such person terminates his/her employment; (3) bears interest at not less than the prevailing interest rate at the date of issuance; (4) is fully collateralized; and (5) is approved by a majority of the board of directors having no financial interest in the transaction. Authorizes a business development company with no outstanding publicly held indebtedness to issue more than one class of senior debt securities if all securities of each class are:  (1) privately held by the Small Business Administration or other institutional investors; and (2) not intended for public distribution. Authorizes a business development company to issue senior debt securities accompanied by options or rights to convert to voting securities if: (1) such conversion rights expire within ten years; (2) such conversion rights are not separately transferable unless no class of such rights and the accompanying senior securities has been publicly distributed; (3) the conversion price is not less than the current market value at the date of issuance; and (4) such securities issuance is authorized by the company's shareholders and approved by a majority of its board of directors having no financial interest in such issuance. Authorizes a business development company to issue options and rights to purchase voting securities to its officers and employees pursuant to an executive compensation plan under specified conditions. Authorizes a registered closed-end business development company to issue stock at less than its net value in connection with such senior convertible securities. Title II:  Amendments to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 - Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to define ""business development company"" as any company organized and operated solely for the purposes of making investments in securities purchased in specified transactions and making managerial assistance available to the issuers of such securities. States that no shareholder, partner, or beneficial owner of a business development company shall be considered a client of an investment adviser unless such person is such a client apart from his/her status as a shareholder, partner, or beneficial owner. Exempts certain investment advisory contracts between an investment adviser and a business development company from specified mail or interstate commerce contract prohibitions.",2025-09-02T13:54:45Z,
96-hr-7463,96,hr,7463,A bill to increase United States exports of products and services.,Commerce,1980-05-29,1980-05-29,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Neal, Stephen L. [D-NC-5]",NC,D,N000016,0,"Title I:  Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters, to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Title II:  Export Trade Associations - Export Trade Association Act of 1980 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws.  Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification.  Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification.  Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations.  Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions.  Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify the operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Title III:  Taxation of Export Trading Companies - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to include the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a domestic international sales corporation (DISC) which is an export trading company.  Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations.  Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment.",2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
96-hr-7448,96,hr,7448,A bill to amend title 17 of the United States Code to allow nonprofit educational institutions to pay fees for certain performances without the actions of the institutions constituting infringements of copyright.,Commerce,1980-05-28,1980-05-28,Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Conable, Barber B., Jr. [R-NY-35]",NY,R,C000666,0,Amends the Copyright Act of 1976 to permit nonprofit educational institutions to compensate specified performers or organizers without such action constituting an infringement of copyright.,2021-06-14T19:43:59Z,
96-s-2763,96,s,2763,Business Accounting and Foreign Trade Simplification Act,Commerce,1980-05-28,1980-05-28,"Referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.",Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,13,"Business Accounting and Foreign Trade Simplification Act - Amends the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to change the name of such Act to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers of securities to keep their books and maintain a system of internal accounting controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Makes issuers liable for knowingly falsifying any books or for the intentionally wrongful maintenance or circumvention of the system of internal accounting controls.  Requires only good faith efforts by issuers holding 50 percent or less of the equity capital to use their influence to cause transactions and dispositions of assets to be carried out consistent with such provisions. Repeals the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by issuers.  Amends the Business Practices and Records Act to include issuers within the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by domestic concerns. Permits items of value to be given to foreigners in specified circumstances, including courtesy items, demonstration expenses, and payments lawful under the laws of the country of the intended recipient. Directs the Attorney General to issue guidelines specifying permissible conduct and arrangements associated with common types of export sales arrangements and business contracts and precautionary procedures creating a rebuttable presumption of compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Business Practices and Records Act Review Procedure to answer specific inquiries concerning enforcement of such Act.  Requires the Attorney General to issue opinions regarding compliance.  Makes such opinions final and binding on all parties if the conduct does not involve a violation. Requires annual reports to Congress by: (1) the Attorney General concerning actions taken pursuant to such Act; and (2) the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate agreements establishing standards of conduct for international business practices, a resolution procedure, and rates of commissions.  Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Requires Congress to review the Business Practices and Records Act after receiving the President's report.",2025-09-02T13:56:54Z,
96-s-2764,96,s,2764,Omnibus Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-05-28,1980-05-28,"Referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.",Senate,"Sen. Nelson, Gaylord [D-WI]",WI,D,N000033,3,"Omnibus Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1980 - Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission, in consultation with the Small Business Administration, to analyze and make public information regarding the capital formation and the problems and costs involved with new, small, medium-sized, and independent businesses. Directs the Commission to conduct an annual Government-business forum to review problems and programs relating to small business capital formation. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1981-1985. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to authorize the Commission to cooperate with State securities regulatory associations to effectuate greater uniformity in Federal-State securities matters.  Directs the Commission to conduct an annual conference regarding such purpose. Directs the Commission to identify and reduce the costs of raising capital by small companies with aggregate outstanding securities and other indebtedness of not more than $25,000,000. Limits the liability of an attorney, accountant, or other independent professional for an act or omission in the course of performing services for a small business' public securities offering.",2025-09-02T13:56:54Z,
96-hr-7436,96,hr,7436,"A bill to encourage exports by facilitating the formation and operation of export trading companies, export trading associations, and the expansion of export trade services generally.",Commerce,1980-05-22,1980-05-22,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Reuss, Henry S. [D-WI-5]",WI,D,R000165,4,"Title I:  Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization.  Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency.  Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations.  Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies.  Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals.  Sets forth the grounds for disapproval.  Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Title II:  Export Trade Associations - Export Trade Association Act of 1980 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification.  Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification.  Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations.  Stipulates that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions.  Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Title III:  Taxation of Export Trading Companies - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC).  Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company.  Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations.  Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment.",2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
96-s-2748,96,s,2748,Trade Procedures Simplification Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-05-21,1980-05-21,Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Bayh, Birch [D-IN]",IN,D,B000254,15,"Trade Procedures Simplification Act of 1980 - Requires the Attorney General, in consultation with other Federal agency heads, to determine whether: (1) U.S. business conduct and arrangements to expand exports in various countries conflict with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws.  Directs the Attorney General to identify conduct and arrangements associated with particular types of export sales which the Attorney General determines would not warrant prosecution under the antitrust laws.  Sets forth the procedures for describing such permissible conduct and disclosing such descriptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to intervene in such suits and to provide legal assistance to exporters. Prohibits prosecution under the antitrust laws of exporters who: (1) have notified the Attorney General of their intention to engage in such designated permissible conduct; or (2) receive an approval, or no objection, from the Attorney General concerning proposed transactions. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress concerning implementation of this Act.",2025-09-02T13:56:58Z,
96-s-2749,96,s,2749,Small Business Innovation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-05-21,1980-05-21,Placed on calendar in Senate.,Senate,"Sen. Nelson, Gaylord [D-WI]",WI,D,N000033,1,"Small Business Innovation Act of 1980 - Declares that it is in the national interest to strengthen the innovative abilities of small businesses, and to enhance their role in Federal research and development contracts. Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to:  (1) advise and assist Federal agencies in meeting small business research development percentages (as set forth under this Act); (2) utilize the SBA's procurement automated source system to ensure such contract and innovation research opportunities; (3) coordinate the release schedule of small business innovation research (SBIR) solicitations; (4) monitor such programs; and (5) report annually to the Senate Select and the House Small Business Committees. Directs each Federal agency to award to small businesses in fiscal years 1982 and 1983 specified dollar amounts in research and research and development contracts and subcontracts. Directs each Federal agency with an annual research and research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 to establish an SBIR program beginning in fiscal year 1982.  States that such program shall not be less than one percent of the agency's annual research and research and development budget. Sets forth administrative procedures for resolving an agency's noncompliance with small business research and development contract requirements because of interference with national security or the agency's mission. Provides that a Federal agency required to establish an SBIR program shall:  (1) determine project categories for such program; (2) issue solicitations in accordance with a schedule determined in cooperation with the SBA; (3) evaluate, select, and administer SBIR proposals and contracts; (4) make progress payments to contractors; and (5) make quarterly reports to the Office of Procurement Assistance and Office of Advocacy of the SBA and the appropriate Congressional committees. Requires a Federal agency with an SBIR program or small business research and development contracts to report quarterly to the Office of Procurement Assistance and Office of Advocacy of the SBA, and to the appropriate Congressional committees, respecting:  (1) the number and dollar amount of research contracts over $10,000 awarded to small businesses; and (2) SBIR contracts. Defines ""contract,"" ""small business innovation solicitation program (SBIR),"" and ""research and research and development"" for purposes of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in cooperation with the Office of Procurement Assistance and Office of Advocacy of the SBA, to issue guidelines for the SBIR program and for research and development contracts within 120 days of enactment of this Act.",2025-09-02T13:56:54Z,
96-hr-7364,96,hr,7364,Export Trading Company Promotion Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-05-15,1980-05-15,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. AuCoin, Les [D-OR-1]",OR,D,A000337,0,"Export Trading Company Promotion Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Promotion, to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies without obtaining the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency.  Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations after:  (1) filing an application to make such investments with the appropriate Federal banking agency; and (2) the proposed investment is not denied by such agency.  Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals.  Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Prohibits those banking organizations, and their affiliates, with an ownership interest in any export trading company from extending credit to such companies or customers of such companies on more favorable terms than those afforded to similar borrowers. Authorizes the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loans and guarantees to export trading companies for the financing of exports and export trade services in specified circumstances.  Limits the amount of loans and guarantees to any one company and in the aggregate. Declares that such authority shall expire five years from enactment.  Authorizes the Bank to provide loan guarantees to such companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories in specified circumstances. Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt export trading companies solely with respect to their export trade activities from antitrust restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company.  Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Makes export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations.  Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment. Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to report to Congress on the effects of this Act on U.S. trade.",2025-09-02T13:54:45Z,
96-s-2718,96,s,2718,"An original bill to encourage exports by facilitating the formation and operation of export trading companies, export trade associations, and the expansion of export trade services generally.",Commerce,1980-05-15,1980-09-03,"Measure passed Senate, amended, roll call #386 (77-0).",Senate,"Sen. Stevenson, Adlai E., III [D-IL]",IL,D,S000890,55,"(Measure passed Senate, amended, roll call #386 (77-0))  =Title I:  Export Trading Companies= - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Defines ""export trading company"" to mean a company which is exclusively engaged in international trade related activities, whether operated for profit or as a nonprofit organization.  Prohibits such companies from engaging in:  (1) underwriting, selling, or distributing securities; or (2) manufacturing or agricultural production activities.   Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization.  Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking.  Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency.  Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances.   Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies, including the benefits to small, medium-size, and minority businesses.  Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies, including inventory-to-capital ratios.  Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations.  Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval.  Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency.   Permits State chartered banks to invest in export trading companies only if specifically authorized by State law.   Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies and for operating grants to nonprofit organizations.   Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Requires the Board of Directors to attempt to insure that a major share of any loan guarantees serve to promote exports from small, medium-size, and minority businesses or agricultural concerns.   Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to subsidize the employment of export managers by small business manufacturing firms which have not previously been exporters in substantial amounts.  Establishes ceilings on such grants.  Sets forth requirements of applicants for such grants.  Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of such program as compared with other export promotion programs. Requires the Secretary to submit such evaluation and any recommendations to Congress.   =Title II:  Export Trade Associations= - Export Trade Association Act of 1980 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate.   Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates.  Provides for automatic certification of existing associations.   Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification.  Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification.   Requires compliance with U.S. export control laws by associations, export trading companies, and their subsidiaries.   Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary.   Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations and trading companies.  Requires such office to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees concerning East-West trade transactions.   Grants a temporary antitrust exemption to existing associations.   Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States.   Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations.   =Title III:  Senate Funding= - Limits, for fiscal year 1981, the Senate to 90 percent of the aggregate funds available during fiscal year 1980.",2025-01-14T18:20:21Z,
96-hr-7343,96,hr,7343,Small Business Development Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-05-14,1980-05-14,Referred to House Committee on Government Operations.,House,"Rep. Clausen, Don H. [R-CA-2]",CA,R,C000475,0,"Small Business Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Small Business Innovation - Amends the Small Business Act to require the head of each Federal agency which obligates over $100,000,000 for research and development in a fiscal year to:  (1) expend at least one percent of the amount spent on research and development during the next year for a small business innovation program; (2) solicit research and development proposals from small businesses during the next year; and (3) promote the use of small businesses to conduct research and development. Requires the head of each Federal agency to increase the amount of funds obligated for the conduct of research and development by small businesses by one percent each year until the amount obligated to small businesses in a fiscal year equals at least ten percent of the total amount obligated by such agency for research and development. States that it is an objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions.  Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances, including when necessary to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.  Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization, including provisions:  (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization, other than small business firms, from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education. Provides that the first commercial use with respect to a product of the invention shall not end the exclusive period to different subsequent products covered by the invention. Requires the head of a Federal agency to approve provisions of a funding agreement which require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor. Sets forth terms and conditions under which such approval may be granted. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assignees to grant licenses in order to:  (1) achieve practical applications of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacturing of an invention. Entitles the government to 15 percent of all net income in excess of $70,000 gross income received by a contractor after a patent application is filed on a subject invention.  Provides that if a contractor receives a gross income of $1,000,000, the government shall be entitled to a share of the excess of $1,000,000 that shall be negotiated but not to exceed five percent of such excess. Limits the government share of any excesses to its contributions under the funding agreement.  Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to revise the government entitlements in light of changes to the Consumer Price Index or other indices at least every three years. Declares such government entitlements applicable to subject inventions upon which United States patents are granted and in effect. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign-owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States where commercially feasible. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, granting licenses, and transferring custody of patents. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions. Title II:  Depreciation Acceleration; Repeal of Used Property Limitation in Investment Tax Credit; Corporate Income Tax Rate Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property:  (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years.  Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks.  Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period.  Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year.  Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the ""half year convention"" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Repeals the $100,000 limitation on the amount of used property which is eligible for an investment tax credit. Reduces the tax rates applicable to corporate income. Repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property.  Restores prior law which ""stepped up"" or ""stepped down"" the property""s basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent. Title III:  Tax Incentives for Small Business Capital Formation - Provides for the nonrecognition of gain on the sale or exchange of an equity interest in a small business which is reinvested in another small business within two years.  Defines a ""small business""  as any business entity in which the aggregate equity interests do not exceed $25,000,000. Allows a tax credit for proceeds received from small business debentures which have a fixed maturity and grant no conversion or voting rights.  Limits the amount of such credit to $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return). Disallows such credit if the issuing small business has $1,000,000 of such debentures outstanding or has a class of securities subject to regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Treats amounts paid on such debentures which represent a share of the issuer's earnings as long-term capital gain. Treats losses on such debentures as an ordinary loss.  Requires distributions on such debentures, which represent either interest or a share of earnings, to be treated as interest. Title IV:  Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Amends title II of the Small Business Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Excludes from the definition of ""party"" for purposes of this title:  (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in:  (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the ""American rule"" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this title applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this title six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in this title. Title V:  Small Business Regulatory Flexibility - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small businesses and small organizations. Permits Federal agencies to modify the definition of ""small business"", if appropriate, after notice and opportunity for hearing.  Defines ""small organizations"" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops enterprises which are not dominant in their fields, and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule, not in conflict with the definition of ""small business."" Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any proposed rule affecting a substantial number of small businesses and organizations which considers:  (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standard for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking, which substantially affects such enterprises, unless otherwise provided. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating or modifying those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this title in conjunction with any other analysis required by law.  Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this title. Title VI:  Sunset Provisions - Requires the Congressional Budget Office in conjunction with the congressional committees having jurisdiction over each Government program, within one year after enactment of this Act, to set forth a timely review of all Government programs. Terminates any program which has not been reviewed within three years after enactment of this Act unless both Houses of Congress vote to continue such programs pending completion of a review. Requires that each review:  (1) identify the need for the program; (2) identify conflicting or duplicative programs; (3) assess the program's effectiveness and cost; and (4) assess the impact of the program on the national economy.",2025-09-02T13:54:42Z,
96-hr-7356,96,hr,7356,"A bill to amend Sections 403 and 405 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that foods intended for human consumption be labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium they contain.",Commerce,1980-05-14,1980-05-14,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Smith, Neal Edward [D-IA-4]",IA,D,S000596,0,"Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to state that a food intended for human consumption shall be deemed misbranded unless it is labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium it contains.  Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food from such requirement by requiring the information to be prominently displayed in close proximity to the place of display or sale of such food.  Requires small containers of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables to display such information.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
96-s-2698,96,s,2698,"An original bill to provide authorizations for the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1980-05-14,1980-07-02,Public Law 96-302.,Senate,"Sen. Nelson, Gaylord [D-WI]",WI,D,N000033,0,"(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 96-1087)  =Title I:  Authorizations and Miscellaneous Amendments= - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program levels, including salaries and expenses, for fiscal years 1981 through 1984.  Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal year 1985 and thereafter for general SBA programs which do not require specific authorizations.   Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to:  (1) repeal the authority of the SBA to invest temporarily idle funds in the surety bond guarantees revolving fund;  and (2) grant authority to invest such funds in the pollution control guarantee revolving fund.   Amends such Act to permit the SBA to guarantee debentures issued by an eligible State or local development company.  Limits the amount of such debentures to one-half of the project cost, the other half of such cost being supplied from non-Federal Government sources.  Requires any such debenture-issuing company to have a full-time professional staff, professional management ability, and a regularly-meeting, decision-making board of directors or membership.   Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of SBA to transfer to participating lending institutions authority to determine eligibility and creditworthiness with respect to deferred participation loans, and to monitor, collect, and liquidate such loans.   Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to make a technical correction to the provision regarding surety bond guarantees.   Amends the Small Business Act to allow both for-profit and not-for-profit small businesses owned by handicapped individuals and sheltered workshops employing the handicapped to participate in the SBA procurement set-aside program.  Limits such eligibility to fiscal years 1981 through 1983, and to an aggregate annual amount of $100,000,000.  Directs the Administrator to monitor and evaluate such participation.  Requires the Administrator to direct every Federal agency and department having procurement authority to take appropriate alleviating actions whenever the Administrator and the Executive Director of the Committee for the Purchase from the Blind and Severely Handicapped find that participation in such procurement programs by not-for-profit organizations has or may cause severe economic injury to for-profit businesses. Requires a report by the Administrator to the appropriate Congressional committees by January 1, 1982, concerning the impact on for-profit small businesses of Federal procurement contracts awarded to not-for-profit organizations of the handicapped.   Revises the priorities for the small business set-aside Federal procurement programs to give top priority to small business concerns located in labor surplus areas. Removes the existing termination date, thus extending such programs indefinitely.   Makes Asian Pacific Americans eligible for specified SBA remedial business development programs, including specialized management and technical assistance and procurement assistance.   Sets a $500,000 limit on a disaster loan to a borrower for each disaster, waivable at the SBA's discretion only if the borrower is a major source of employment in the disaster area.  Requires a business concern which can obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to pay on such a loan up to the market rate of interest for United States obligations. Requires an agricultural enterprise seeking such a loan to apply first to the Farmers Home Administration.   Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize up to $500,000 in disaster loans to a borrower for each disaster.  Requires an interest rate:  (1) of up to five percent for a borrower unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere;  and (2) of up to the market rate on United States obligations for a borrower who is able to obtain credit elsewhere.   Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the availability of energy shortage loans to small business concerns injured by a shortage of any energy source, including coal, unless the shortage is caused by a strike, boycott or embargo directly against such concern.   Prohibits a small business which intentionally adulterates its product in order to take advantage of the product disaster loan program from receiving a product disaster loan.   States that no State disaster relief grant to a small business concern made on or before July 1, 1979, shall be considered compensation that would preclude eligibility for Federal disaster assistance under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974.   Authorizes the SBA to borrow adequate United States Treasury funds for the disaster loan program, subject to either:  (1) the appropriation of budget authority;  or (2) an express limitation on the amount of notes SBA may sell to the Treasury.   =Title II:  Small Business Development Centers= - Small Business Development Center Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the SBA to make matching grants to any State government or agency, regional entity, State-chartered development, credit, or finance organization, or public or private institution of higher learning to defray 50 percent of the cost of developing and operating a small business development center (SBDC) program.  Limits in-kind contributions from non-Federal sources to no more than 50 percent of all non-Federal contributions.  Limits the amount of any grant to the greater of:  (1) $200,000;  or (2) a pro-rata share of a $65,000,000 program based upon the population to be served by the SBDC as compared to the total population of the United States.   Requires such centers to assist small businesses in solving problems concerning operations, manufacturing, engineering, technology exchange and development, personnel administration, marketing, sales, merchandising, finance, accounting, business strategy development, and other necessary matters. Specifies types of services.  Requires such centers to utilize for such services small business vendors, including private management consultants, private consulting engineers, and private testing laboratories.   Requires the National Science Foundation funded innovation centers and National Aeronautics and Space Administration industrial application centers to cooperate with SBDCs in their activities, and to report annually to Congress and to the SBA on the performance of such SBDCs.   Directs the Administrator to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance to administer the SBDC program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board.  Authorizes each State SBDC to appoint a local advisory board.   Directs the SBA to submit to the appropriate Congressional committees by January 31, 1983, an evaluation of the SBDC program and its impact on small businesses and the socio-economic base of the regions served.   Limits the funding of any SBDC to $300,000 for fiscal year 1981. Terminates funding of SBDCs as of October 1, 1981.   Terminates the over-all SBDC program on October 1, 1984.   =Title III:  Small Business Economic Policy= - Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980 - Directs the President to transmit to Congress by January 20 of each year a Report on Small Business and Competition examining the current role of small business in the economy on an industry-by-industry basis. Specifies general contents of such Report. Requires an appendix reporting by agency and department on the total dollar value of all Federal contracts exceeding $10,000 and the dollar amount (including subcontracts in excess of $10,000) awarded to small, minority-owned and female-owned businesses.   =Title IV:  Small Business Economic Research and Analysis= - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator to establish and maintain an economic data base on small business and to report annually a comparative analysis and interpretation of the historical trends of the small business sector.  Requires publication of national and, to the extent feasible, regional small business economic indices including employment, business, sales, capital investment, inventory, debt to equity, export, merger, and other related data.   Permits no more than ten employees at any one time to be compensated at a maximum rate of GS-15, step 10, of the General Schedule.   Establishes the Office of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at executive level IV.   Directs the Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to work with SBA and the Census Bureau in undertaking studies to determine the credit needs of small business and to what extent such needs are being met. Requires a report to Congress of the results of such studies by January 1, 1982.   =Title V:  Employee Ownership= - Small Business Employee Ownership Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the SBA to make loan guarantees available to an employee trust that is part of an employee stock ownership plan for investment in qualifying employer securities.  Requires such investment to result in majority ownership of a small business concern by such employee trust.   Directs the Administrator to study and report to the appropriate Congressional committees not later than April 1, 1981, about the feasibility of making loan guarantees directly to the seller of a small business concern in connection with the installment sale of such concern.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
96-hr-7310,96,hr,7310,Export Trading Company Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-05-08,1980-05-08,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-36]",NY,D,L000556,20,"Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Promotion, to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies without obtaining the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency.  Allows greater investment by Edge Act corporations not engaged in banking.  Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations after:  (1) filing an application to make such investments with the appropriate Federal banking agency; and (2) proposed investment is not denied by such agency.  Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals.  Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Prohibits those banking organizations, and their affiliates, with an ownership interest in any export trading company from extending credit to such companies or customers of such companies on more favorable terms than those afforded to similar borrowers. Authorizes the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loans and guarantees to export trading companies for the financing of exports and export trade services in specified circumstances.  Limits the amount of loans and guarantees to any one company and in the aggregate. Declares that such authority shall expire five years from enactment.  Authorizes the Bank to provide loan guarantees to such companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories in specified circumstances. Permits State and local governments to participate in export trading companies.  Declares that such companies shall be eligible for the Export-Import Bank's loans and guarantees under this Act. Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt export trading companies solely with respect to their export trade activities from antitrust restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company.  Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations.  Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment.",2025-09-02T13:54:42Z,
96-hr-7321,96,hr,7321,National Tourism Policy Act,Commerce,1980-05-08,1980-07-01,"Measure laid on table in House, S. 1097 passed in lieu.",House,"Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1]",NJ,D,F000215,7,"(Measure passed House, amended, roll call #387 (347-55))  National Tourism Policy Act - =Title I:  National Tourism Policy= - Declares that the purpose of this title is to establish a cooperative effort between the Federal Government, States, regions, and local governments and other concerned public and private organizations to implement a national tourism policy.   =Title II:  National Tourism Policy Council= - Establishes the National Tourism Policy Council as an independent entity within the executive branch to be the principal coordinating body for policies, programs, and issues relating to tourism, recreation, or national heritage conservation involving Federal departments, agencies, or other entities.   Requires the Council to establish such policy committees as it considers necessary and appropriate which shall be designed to:  (1) monitor a specific area of Federal government activity; and (2) review and evaluate the relation of the policies and activities of the Federal government in that specific area to tourism, recreation, and national heritage conservation in the United States.   Directs each policy committee to review and comment on Federal agency program and planning documents that will have a substantial effect on tourism, recreation, and national heritage conservation and that are appropriate to such committee's functional responsibilities and agency representation.   Directs the National Tourism Policy Council to submit annual reports to the President for transmittal to the Congress regarding:  (1) the activities of the Council and its policy committees; (2) the results of Council efforts to coordinate the policies and programs of member agencies that have a significant effect on tourism, recreation, and national heritage conservation, and to resolve interagency conflicts; (3) an analysis of problems referred to the Council along with a detailed statement of actions taken or anticipated to be taken to resolve such problems; and (4) such recommendations as the Council deems appropriate.   =Title III - The United States Tourism and Planning Implementing Board= - Establishes, as an independent entity in the executive branch, a United States Tourism Planning and Implementation Board to develop a comprehensive and detailed marketing and implementation plan to stimulate and promote tourism to the United States by residents of foreign countries.   Requires such plan to include the following:  (1) a promotional program for enhancing and improving travel for tourism purposes to the United States by foreign visitors; (2) the funding levels required to effectively implement such program; and (3) if the plan provides for the creation of a private corporation, federally chartered corporation, or other entity: (a) provision for the most fair and practical means of providing funding from private as well as public sources; (b) a statement of the administrative cost and budget projections for the first five-year period of operation of the entity; and (c) provision for personnel for the entity.   Requires the Board, no later than October 1, 1981, to submit such plan to Congress and to specified Congressional committees.  Specifies that if such plan is not approved in accordance with this Act, the Board shall revise and resubmit another plan to Congress not later than the expiration of six months after the date the previous plan was not approved.   Sets forth the administrative powers and miscellaneous provisions that any federally chartered entity created pursuant to an approved plan of the Board shall be subject to.   Directs that upon the request of the chief executive officer of any such federally chartered entity, each Federal department and agency shall:  (1) make its services, personnel, and facilities available, to the maximum extent practicable, to assist the federally chartered entity in the performance of its functions; and (2) furnish the entity, subject to the provisions of applicable law, such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics as the chief executive officer of the entity may request.   Prohibits such federally chartered entity from: (1) providing or arranging for transportation or accommodations for persons traveling between other countries and the United States, or between points within the United States, in competition with businesses engaged in providing or arranging for such transportation or accommodations; (2) operating industry trade shows or related activities within the United States or providing personnel or financial assistance for such trade shows or activities; (3) engaging in any activity in competition with any State or local government or any private entity; (4) lending money to employees; or (5) owning stock in another corporation.   Declares that the entity shall have no power to issue any shares of stock or to declare or pay any dividends.   Requires the federally chartered entity, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, to submit an annual report for that fiscal year to the President and Congress.   Requires the accounts of the entity to be audited annually by independent certified public accountants or independent licensed public accountants certified or licensed by a regulatory authority of a State.   Allows the financial transactions of the entity, for any fiscal year during which Federal funds are available to finance any portion of its operations, to be audited by the Comptroller General of the United States.   =Title IV:  Amendments to the International Travel Act= - Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Tourism to report directly to the Secretary of Commerce on all matters concerning tourism and to the Under Secretary for International Trade on those matters which involve both tourism and trade.   Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 to carry out the purposes of such Act.   Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance to a region of not less than two States or portions of two States to assist in the implementation of a regional tourism promotional and marketing program.  Declares that any such program shall serve as a demonstration project for future program development for regional tourism promotion.   Extends until September 30, 1981, the time limit for the reduction in the number of employees of the United States Travel Service.",2025-09-02T13:54:45Z,
96-hr-7288,96,hr,7288,A bill to amend the Small Business Act to improve procurement opportunities for small business concerns.,Commerce,1980-05-07,1980-05-16,"Reported to House from the Committee on Small Business with amendment, H. Rept. 96-1003.",House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-36]",NY,D,L000556,25,"(Reported to House from the Committee on Small Business with amendment, H. Rept. 96-1003)  Amends the Small Business Act to specify that contract priority shall be given to small businesses.  Revises the existing priority order for Federal contracts under set-aside programs to set forth the following order of priorities:  (1) small businesses located in labor surplus areas, on the basis of a total set-aside; (2) small businesses, on the basis of a total set-aside;  (3) small businesses located in labor surplus areas, on the basis of a partial set-aside;  (4) small businesses, on the basis of a partial set-aside;  and (5) businesses (regardless of size) that will perform a substantial part of their contract production in areas of concentrated unemployment or underemployment or in labor surplus areas.   Repeals the existing provision terminating such priorities as of September 30, 1980.   Provides that this Act shall take effect October 1, 1980.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
96-hr-7289,96,hr,7289,A bill to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Small Business Administration to guarantee debentures issued by certain State or local development companies.,Commerce,1980-05-07,1980-05-16,"Reported to House from the Committee on Small Business, H. Rept. 96-1001.",House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-36]",NY,D,L000556,26,"Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee the payment of all principal and interest as scheduled on any debenture issued by any qualified State or local development company. Prohibits such a guarantee to be made unless:  (1) the debenture is issued to permit a small business to use the proceeds of the loan for plant acquisition, construction, expansion, or conversion purposes; (2) private loan sources are unavailable; (3) the interest rate on such debenture is not lower than Treasury rates; (4) the aggregate amount of such debenture does not exceed the amount of loans to be made from the proceeds of such debenture; (5) the amount of any loan does not exceed 50 percent of the cost of the project with respect to which such loan is made; and (6) each loan is approved by the SBA. Authorizes the SBA to impose an administrative charge for such guarantees. Defines the term ""qualified State or local development company"" to mean a development company which has a full-time professional staff, professional management ability, and an active board of directors or membership.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
96-hr-7297,96,hr,7297,"A bill to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to provide for the investment of temporarily unneeded funds, to modify the authority of the Small Business Administration regarding financing, and to statutorily establish the eligibility of Asian Pacific Americans to participate in programs under section 8(a) of the Small Business Act.",Commerce,1980-05-07,1980-06-03,"Measure laid on table in House, S. 2698 passed in lieu.",House,"Rep. Smith, Neal Edward [D-IA-4]",IA,D,S000596,25,"Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to transfer the authority to invest moneys in federally-guaranteed bonds from the (Treasury) surety bond fund to the (Treasury) qualified contract fund. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to delegate certain responsibilities respecting deferred participation loans to participating lending institutions, including eligibility determination, loan monitoring, collection, and liquidation. Includes ""Asian Pacific Americans"" within the definition of socially disadvantaged groups for purposes of such Act.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
96-hr-7298,96,hr,7298,A bill to facilitate the operations of the office of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.,Commerce,1980-05-07,1980-05-16,"Reported to House from the Committee on Small Business with amendment, H. Rept. 96-1007 (Part I).",House,"Rep. Smith, Neal Edward [D-IA-4]",IA,D,S000596,24,"(Reported to House from the Committee on Small Business with amendment, H. Rept. 96-1007 (Part I))  Provides for up to ten staff personnel (up to GS-15, step 10) for the Office of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.   Establishes the position of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at executive level IV.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
96-s-2676,96,s,2676,Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-05-07,1980-05-07,Referred to Senate Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Durenberger, Dave [R-MN]",MN,R,D000566,0,"Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce corporate income tax rates for corporations with taxable income of less than $300,000.  Reduces the income tax rate for mutual insurance companies. Reduces the maximum tax rate imposed on individual income to 50 percent of taxable income by calendar year 1983. Provides that small businesses may qualify for the five year deferral of payment of estate taxes if the value of such a business exceeds one-third of the adjusted gross estate of the decedent (currently, 65 percent of the adjusted gross estate).  Eliminates the $1,000,000 ceiling on eligibility for the four percent interest rate applicable to unpaid estate taxes of a qualifying small business. Eliminates the $100,000 limit for used property eligible for the investment tax credit. Allows individual taxpayers a ten percent income tax credit for investment in small business incentive stock (issues of stock aggregating less than $25,000,000 by corporations with equity capital of less than $25,000,000).  Limits the amount of such credit to $750 ($1,500 for taxpayers filing jointly).  Denies such credit to individuals who dispose of incentive stock within 12 months of purchase.",2025-09-02T13:56:53Z,
96-hr-7270,96,hr,7270,"A bill to encourage the development and utilization of excellence in design through a program of research, development, education, and voluntary standard setting.",Commerce,1980-05-06,1980-05-06,Referred to House Committee on Science and Technology.,House,"Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-36]",CA,D,B000918,0,Establishes within the Department of Commerce the United States Design Office headed by a Director.  Requires such Office to:  (1) establish voluntary standards for excellence in the design of objects and systems; (2) identify through research and development the ways in which the marketing of objects and systems may be improved through better design and manufacture; (3) plan and implement programs to educate entrepreneurs and the public to value and promote excellence in design; (4) coordinate the activities of the Office with other Federal departments and agencies; (5) sponsor exhibitions of well-designed objects and systems; (6) award certificates for outstanding examples of design; and (7) encourage educational institutions to adopt courses in design. Establishes an Advisory Council to assist and support the Office in the execution of its duties. Requires the Office to report annually to the President and Congress on activities of the Office and Council.  Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.,2024-02-07T15:21:41Z,
96-s-2667,96,s,2667,A bill to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.,Commerce,1980-05-06,1980-05-06,Referred to Senate Select Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Nelson, Gaylord [D-WI]",WI,D,N000033,0,"Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to sell specified subsidized minority-enterprise debentures to the Federal Financing Bank, and to pay to such Bank the differential between the small business interest rate and the minority reduced interest rate for such enterprises.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
96-hr-7259,96,hr,7259,Small Business Employee Ownership Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-05-05,1980-05-16,"Reported to House from the Committee on Small Business, H. Rept. 96-1000.",House,"Rep. Nowak, Henry [D-NY-37]",NY,D,N000163,25,"Small Business Employee Ownership Act of 1980 - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide that a qualified employee trust shall be eligible for certain Small Business Administration (SBA) loan guarantees regardless of the percentage of stock of the business held by the trust, including loans for the purchase of small business majority stock interests. Amends the Small Business Act to define ""qualified employee trust"" as:  (1) a trust which is part of an employee stock ownership plan as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (a) which is maintained by a small business; and (b) entitles plan participants to direct the manner in which voting rights under qualifying employer securities are to be exercised respecting a corporate matter which must be decided by a majority vote of outstanding common shares voted; and (2) in the case where the trustee enters into an agreement with the SBA which is binding on the trust and on the small business and which provides that; (a) the guaranteed loan shall be used solely for buying qualifying employer securities of such business; (b) such business shall provide loan repayment funds and put up its property for security for such loan if necessary; and (c) all such purchased qualifying employer securities shall be allocated to eligible plan participants' accounts. States that a trust may be treated as a qualified employee trust with respect to a small business if:  (1) the trust is maintained by an employee organization representing at least 51 percent of such business' employees; and (2) such business maintains a plan (a) which is designed to invest primarily in qualifying employer securities, (b) which provides for plan participants to direct specified employer securities voting rights exercised with respect to certain  corporate matters, (c) which provides for repurchase of specified employer securities by the business, and (d) which meets other requirements that may be prescribed by the SBA; and (3) in the case of certain loan guarantees, such business enters into a trustee-SBA agreement (as set forth in this Act). Authorizes the SBA to guarantee certain loans to employee trusts for approved (by the SBA) stock purchases which will result in at least 51 percent employee trust-ownership of such business.  Sets forth the requirements of such SBA approved plan.  Requires periodic reports to be made to Congress respecting such loan guarantees. Directs the SBA to contract with an independent consultant for a study of the feasibility of loan guarantees directly to the seller of a small business concern in connection with the installment sale of such business.  States that such study shall include an analysis of:  (1) the extent of installment sales in the sale of small businesses; (2) the ability of the SBA to make credit judgments in connection with such sales; (3) the need for SBA loan guarantees to facilitate such sales; (4) financial institution participation; and (5) the anticipated cost of such a program.  Directs the SBA to report to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such study not later than April 1, 1981.",2025-09-02T13:54:41Z,
96-hr-7230,96,hr,7230,Export Trading Company Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-05-01,1980-07-02,"Reported to House from the Committee on Foreign Affairs with amendment, H. Rept. 96-1151 (Part I).",House,"Rep. Bonker, Don [D-WA-3]",WA,D,B000620,15,"(Reported to House from the Committee on Foreign Affairs with amendment, H. Rept. 96-1151 (Part I))  Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the Department an office to promote export trade associations and trading companies and to facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies.   =Title I:  Export Trading Companies= - Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization.  Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking.  Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations after notifying and receiving the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency.  Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances.  States that only the appropriate agency for the organization making the investment or engaging in the export activity needs to be notified.   Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations.   Requires the agencies to transmit investment proposals to the Secretary for any comments.  Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies.  Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies.  Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning implementation of this Act with any recommendations.  Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals.  Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency.   Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies.   Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports.   =Title II:  Antitrust Provisions= - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws, if such association or company:  (1) is not in restraint of U.S. trade; and (2) does not enter any agreements which would restrain U.S. trade.   Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates.   Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification.  Authorizes the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to bring an action to invalidate a certification.  Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements.  Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Stipulates that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States.   Directs the President, five years after enactment, to appoint a task force to study and report any recommendations to the President concerning the effect of this Act on domestic competition and the U.S. trade deficit.   Continues the antitrust exemption for existing associations.  Requires such associations to report to the Secretary rather than the Federal Trade Commission.  Provides for the automatic certification of such associations on filing an application within 180 days of enactment of this Act.   =Title III:  Taxation of Export Trading Companies= - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company.  Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions.   Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations.  Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment.   Makes such amendments effective after December 31, 1981.",2024-02-07T11:38:03Z,
96-hr-7233,96,hr,7233,"A bill to extend the authorization of appropriations contained in section 212(B) of the Merchant Marine Act 1936, relating to mobile trade fairs.",Commerce,1980-05-01,1980-05-01,Referred to House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.,House,"Rep. Downey, Thomas J. [D-NY-2]",NY,D,D000471,0,Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to authorize appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for fiscal years 1981 through 1986 for providing technical and financial assistance to operators of mobile trade fairs designed to promote U.S. business and agricultural products overseas.,2021-06-14T19:43:03Z,
96-hr-7250,96,hr,7250,Small Business Development Center Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-05-01,1980-05-16,"Reported to House from the Committee on Small Business, H. Rept. 96-1002.",House,"Rep. Smith, Neal Edward [D-IA-4]",IA,D,S000596,24,"Small Business Development Center Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make grants to States, regional entities, and any public or private institution of higher education to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Requires grant applicants to obtain matching funds on a 50-50 basis from non-Federal sources.  Limits any recipient from receiving a grant greater than its pro rata (based on population) share of a $65,000,000 program, or $200,000, whichever is greater. Sets forth application guidelines.  Authorizes the SBA to permit a center to provide assistance to small businesses within close proximity located in another State.  Requires applicants to assist small businesses to solve their business problems in such areas as: operations, manufacturing, engineering, technology and development, personnel administration, marketing, sales, merchandising, finance, accounting, and business strategy development. Sets forth services to be provided by such centers including:  (1) counseling; (2) information services; (3) research and surveys; and (4) financial, legal, and other business-related information and consulting sources. Authorizes the use of consultants, engineers, and testing laboratories. Directs the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to cooperate with small business development centers participating in the program, to report annually to the SBA and the Congress, and to make recommendations to the SBA on continued funding. Directs the Administrator of the SBA to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance to administer the small business development center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of nine members appointed by the Administrator to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance. Requires each State small business development center to establish an advisory board appointed by the Governor to advise and confer with the Director of such State small business development center. Directs the SBA, with the advice of the Board, to establish an evaluation plan of the center program and to submit a report to the Senate Select Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Small Business by January 31, 1982. Eliminates such program as of October 1, 1983. States that on or after October 1, 1979, the SBA shall only fund small business development center programs authorized by this Act.  Stipulates that:  (1) such restriction shall not apply in fiscal year 1980 to any center funded by the SBA before October 1, 1979; and (2) no such center funded in fiscal year 1978 may be funded in excess of $300,000 in fiscal year 1979.",2025-09-02T13:54:38Z,
96-s-2635,96,s,2635,Small Business Energy Conservation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-05-01,1980-05-28,Referred to House Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Nelson, Gaylord [D-WI]",WI,D,N000033,5,"(Measure passed Senate, amended)  Small Business Energy Conservation act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to make ""energy facilities"" eligible for Small Business Administration (SBA) contract guarantees.  Includes within such definition:  (1) solar equipment;  (2) photovoltaic cells and related equipment; (3) equipment designed to increase the energy efficiency of existing fossil fuel systems;  (4) industrial cogeneration equipment;  or (6) equipment for producing energy or fuel from wood, biological waste, grain, or other biomass sources.   States that any SBA contract guarantee shall:  (1) not be terminated or otherwise revoked;  (2) be conclusive evidence of compliance with such Act; and (3) be valid and incontestable in the hands of the holder.   Provides that the SBA fix a uniform fee for such guarantees (presently an annual fee). Eliminates existing ""rental guarantee"" and ""lessee-lessor"" language in escrow and default provisions.   Authorizes the SBA to invest nonappropriated revolving fund moneys in federally-guaranteed bonds or obligations.  Stipulates that moneys provided as capital for the fund may not be invested.   Limits guarantee expenditures to $250,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, and $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1982.",2025-09-02T13:56:47Z,
96-s-2631,96,s,2631,A bill to amend the Small Business Act to clarify the authority of the Small Business Administration to provide assistance to small businesses owned by citizens of the United States but domiciled outside of the United States.,Commerce,1980-04-30,1980-04-30,Referred to Senate Select Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Bentsen, Lloyd M. [D-TX]",TX,D,B000401,0,Amends the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration to provide assistance to U.S. citizen-owned businesses domiciled outside the United States which foster the export of American goods and services.,2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
96-hr-7197,96,hr,7197,Small Business Preservation and Protection Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-04-29,1980-04-29,Referred to House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. Smith, Neal Edward [D-IA-4]",IA,D,S000596,0,Small Business Preservation and Protection Act of 1980 - Prohibits specified activities by meatpackers respecting:  (1) retail ownership; (2) annual slaughter; (3) price discrimination among purchasers in a particular marketing area; (4) below-cost sales; and (5) future livestock transactions. Vests authority to enforce such provisions in the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.  Establishes fines for engaging in such prohibited activities.,2025-09-02T13:54:41Z,
96-s-2620,96,s,2620,Small Business Export Expansion Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-04-29,1980-09-26,See H. R. 5612 as passed Senate for similar provisions.,Senate,"Sen. Nelson, Gaylord [D-WI]",WI,D,N000033,19,"(Measure passed Senate, amended)  Small Business Export Expansion Act of 1980 - =Title I:  Small Business Export Financing Assistance= - Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration, either directly or in cooperation with lending institutions, to extend credit for export purposes to enable small business concerns to develop foreign markets.  Limits the extension of such credit to periods of 18 months or less.  Sets a maximum of $750,000 outstanding and committed to any borrower from the business loan and investment revolving fund.  Allows the Administrator to authorize participating lending institutions to take certain actions on his or her behalf with respect to deferred participation loans.   Establishes within the Administration an Office of International Trade to promote sales opportunities for small business goods and services abroad. Requires such Office to:  (1) provide small businesses with access to current and complete export information; (2) encourage greater small business participation in trade fairs, missions, and other domestic and overseas export development activities of the Department of Commerce; and (3) assign full-time export development specialists to each Administration regional office.   Directs the Secretary of Commerce, after consultation with specified agencies, to establish an export promotion center in each of two regional offices of the Administration where field offices of the Department of Commerce and the Internal Revenue Service exist. Requires each such center to serve as a one-stop information center on Federal Government export assistance, financing programs available to small business, and other provisions of law governing exporting for small business.  Requires:  (1) a progress report on the implementation of such centers to the appropriate congressional committees within six months of enactment of this Act; and (2) an evaluation, within two years after enactment, of the effectiveness of such centers in developing and expanding small business exports.   =Title II:  Small Business Export Expansion Assistance= - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to qualified applicants to encourage the development and implementation of small business international marketing programs.  Limits the grant amount to each applicant to a maximum of $150,000 annually for three years.  Sets forth eligibility requirements for applicants.  Prohibits the use of any Federal funds to directly underwrite any small business participation in foreign trade missions abroad.   Requires each small business international marketing program to:  (1) have a full-time staff director to manage program activities; (2) have access to export specialists to counsel and assist small business clients; and (3) establish an advisory board of nine members appointed by the staff director.  Sets forth operational procedures for such a board.   Directs the Secretary to require, as a condition to any grant, that an amount equal to such grant be provided from sources other than the Federal Government. Excludes from such additional amount indirect costs or in-kind contributions paid for under any Federal program. Prohibits any such indirect costs or in-kind contributions from exceeding 50 percent of the non-Federal additional amount.   Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to evaluate such programs to:  (1) determine the impacts of such programs on the small business assisted; (2) determine the amount of export sales generated by such business; and (3) make recommendations concerning continuation and/or expansion of the program.   Requires the establishment of at least one small business international program within each region of the Department of Commerce.   Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration, to maintain a clearinghouse for the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information between such programs.   Authorizes appropriations for such grant program of $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983.   =Title III:  National Export Council= - Creates a National Export Council to serve as a national advisory body on matters relating to U.S. export trade.  States that such Council shall be composed of:  (1) the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Agriculture, Commerce, and Labor; (2) the U.S. Trade Representatives; (3) the President and Chairman of the U.S. Export-Import Bank; (4) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration; (5) three members each of the House and Senate; (6) three Governors; and (7) no more than 18 private citizens representing business and industry, labor, agriculture, and international banking.   Requires the Council to:  (1) evaluate the export promotion and development activities of the communities represented by its membership; (2) examine specific problems which business, industrial, and agricultural practices may cause for export trade; (3) examine the needs of business, industry, and agriculture to expand their efforts; and (4) recommend specific legislative and administrative solutions to these problems and needs.  Directs the Council to: (1) act as a liaison among the communities represented by its membership; and (2) encourage the business, industrial, and agricultural communities to enter new foreign markets and to expand existing export programs.   Sets forth administrative provisions for the Council.  Requires an annual report to be submitted to the President and to Congress regarding the Council's activities.   =Title IV:  Commerce Department-Commercial Officers Overseas= - States that the purpose of this title is to:  (1) develop international markets for U.S. products and services; (2) insure the promotion and protection of U.S. trade and commercial services abroad; (3) provide trade and commercial services abroad for U.S. businesses and organizations; and (4) secure commercial information.  Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to use certain authorities under the Foreign Service personnel system, including the appointment and assignment abroad of commercial ministers, counselors, or attaches.  Sets forth provisions respecting the training and functions of such commercial officers.",2025-09-02T13:56:50Z,
96-hr-7105,96,hr,7105,National Hostel System Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-04-22,1980-05-20,Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,House,"Rep. Nolan, Richard M. [D-MN-6]",MN,D,N000127,2,"National Hostel System Act of 1980 - Directs the National Hostel System Study Commission, established by this Act, to transmit to specified Congressional committees, within two fiscal years following the effective date of this Act, a National Hostel System Plan which shall:  (1) guide the development and implementation of a national hostel system;  (2) encourage the development of hostels by State and local governmental agencies and private, nonprofit organizations;  and (3) encourage the operation of hostels by private, nonprofit organizations. Requires the Commission to provide for full public participation during the development of such Plan. Requires the Commission, every six months after the effective date of this Act, and until the Plan is submitted to the specified Congressional committees, to submit to such committees a brief and comprehensive written status report on the progress being made toward the completion of the Plan. Terminates the Commission one year after submission of the Plan. Directs the Commission to transmit the proposed Plan to the Secretary of the Interior for review and comment.  Requires the Secretary, within 30 days after receipt of the Plan, to submit written comments and recommendations to the Commission. Provides for public review and comment on the Plan. Requires the Commission, within 30 days after the completion of such review procedures, to incorporate into the Plan such comments and recommendations as it deems appropriate and submit the Plan, along with the Secretary's and the public's comments and recommendations, to specified Congressional committees. Establishes the National Hostel System Study Commission, whose purpose it shall be to prepare, and to submit to Congress, a National Hostel System Plan, and to perform such other functions as are set forth in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States, units of local government, and private, nonprofit organizations to defray the costs of improvements in, or renovations of, structures and facilities for hostel purposes.  Specifies that such grants may be made only for projects approved by the Commission, and limits such grants to amounts not to exceed $200,000.  Sets forth the procedures for applying for such grants. Declares that upon the request of the Secretary any structure declared excess by any Federal agency shall be transferred to the Secretary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan for each State developed pursuant to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act address the potential and plans for the location and development of hostels. Allows the head of any Federal agency, upon the application of any agency or instrumentality of a State or local government or any private nonprofit organization, to lease any structures and land to such applicant, without charge, for hostel purposes if the Secretary has certified that the applicant meets the standards of the National Hostel System Plan.",2025-09-02T13:54:38Z,
96-hr-7109,96,hr,7109,Small Business Emergency Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-04-22,1980-04-22,Referred to House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. Fish, Hamilton, Jr. [R-NY-25]",NY,R,F000141,0,"Small Business Emergency Act of 1980 - Allows a small business concern to apply for termination or modification of certain fixed-price procurement contracts with an executive agency because of anticipated losses due to the increase in the price of rare and precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, chromium, copper, and mercury). Authorizes the head of the executive agency concerned to terminate, modify, or extend the delivery date of such contracts.",2025-09-02T13:54:38Z,
96-hr-7120,96,hr,7120,A bill to assist small business borrowers by extending the term of SBA loans and for other purposes.,Commerce,1980-04-22,1980-04-22,Referred to House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. McDade, Joseph M. [R-PA-10]",PA,R,M000399,0,"Amends the Small Business Act to:  (1) increase from $500,000 to $750,000 the maximum Small Business Administration (SBA) loan ceiling; (2) increases from ten to 25 years the maximum SBA loan periods; and (3) authorize the Administrator of the SBA to permit specified loan extensions and refinancing.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
96-hr-7131,96,hr,7131,A bill to amend section 3 of the Clayton Act.,Commerce,1980-04-22,1980-04-22,Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Whitten, Jamie L. [D-MS-1]",MS,D,W000428,0,"Amends the Clayton Act to declare that it shall be deemed an unfair trade practice for any person engaged in commerce in connection with any franchise holder to: (1) require any dealer to accept goods or merchandise not ordered in writing or to demand such commitment as a condition for granting any franchise; or (2) withdraw any franchise because of any dealer's failure to order commodities, or failure to accept any unordered commodities, in excess of the need of such dealer.",2021-06-14T19:42:37Z,
96-hjres-533,96,hjres,533,"A joint resolution authorizing the President to proclaim May 11 through May 18, 1980, ""National Small Business Survival Week"".",Commerce,1980-04-17,1980-04-17,Referred to House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-36]",NY,D,L000556,31,"Authorizes the President to redesignate the week of May 11, 1980, as ""National Small Business Survival Week"" rather than ""National Small Business Week"".",2024-02-06T20:04:02Z,
96-s-2565,96,s,2565,Minority Business Development Agency Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-04-16,1980-04-16,Referred to Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs.,Senate,"Sen. Ribicoff, Abraham A. [D-CT]",CT,D,R000191,0,Minority Business Development Agency Act of 1980 - Declares the purpose of this Act to be the establishment of a Minority Business Development Agency in the Department of Commerce to help assure that minority group members have an equal opportunity to participate in the Nation's commerce. Establishes the Minority Business Development Agency in the Department of Commerce.  Sets forth the Secretary of Commerce's responsibilities regarding such Agency. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President concerning such Agency.,2025-09-02T13:56:55Z,
96-s-2567,96,s,2567,Protection of Shareholders Rights Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-04-16,1980-04-16,"Referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.",Senate,"Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH]",OH,D,M000678,0,"Protection of Shareholders' Rights Act of 1980 - Exempts affected corporations, engaged in interstate commerce and having 500 or more shareholders and specified inventories, sales, or assets, from the requirements of this Act, other than those relating to the duties of corporate directors, if such corporations are governed by a State law similar to this Act. Declares that each director of an affected corporation owes such corporation and its shareholders the duties of loyalty and care.  Sets forth requirements of a director in carrying out such duties.  Entitles directors to rely on information provided by corporation officers and employees. Prohibits a majority of the members of a corporation's board of directors from consisting of individuals with specified relationships to the corporation.  Directs the corporation's board of directors to establish an audit committee and a nominating committee, neither of which shall contain individuals with such specified relationships. Gives shareholders the right to nominate any candidate for the board of directors if such candidate is supported by a specified minimum number of shareholders.  Permits shareholders to cumulate their votes for one candidate or as many as they desire if:  (1) the candidate's name has been placed in nomination; and (2) at least one shareholder has given notice of his or her intention to vote cumulatively. Authorizes shareholder civil actions to enforce this Act in any U.S. district court. Makes this Act effective three years from enactment.",2025-09-02T13:56:48Z,
96-hconres-316,96,hconres,316,A concurrent resolution to express the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System should establish the discount rate on commercial and industrial paper relating to small businesses at a rate which is less than the discount rate for other types of commercial and industrial paper.,Commerce,1980-04-02,1980-04-02,"Referred to House Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs.",House,"Rep. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA-3]",IA,R,G000386,0,Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System should establish a lower discount rate on commercial and industrial paper relating to small business concerns.,2024-02-06T19:38:08Z,
96-hr-7010,96,hr,7010,Corporate Democracy Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-04-02,1980-04-02,Referred to House Committee on Education and Labor.,House,"Rep. Rosenthal, Benjamin S. [D-NY-8]",NY,D,R000442,8,"Corporate Democracy Act of 1980 - Title I: Directors and Shareholders - Requires any corporation which under Title VII is subject to this Act to have a majority of independent directors on its board.  Defines an ""independent director"" to exclude any person related to the corporation through an affiliate, a director, officer or managing agent, a law firm, a bank, or a supplier or customer.  Prohibits any person from serving as a director or officer for more than two corporations subject to this Act. Specifies the duty of loyalty and care owed to such corporations by their directors. Requires each corporation subject to this Act to have a supervisory committee and a public policy committee, each composed of a majority of independent members. Sets forth provisions relating to the nomination and election of directors including:  (1) requiring that the degree of support necessary for inclusion of a candidate on the ballot be determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission; (2) requiring that all nominees receive equal amounts of money and access to corporate resources in soliciting proxies; and (3) strictures against the classification and staggering of directors to undermine minority representation provided by cumulative voting. Entitles the shareholders to a vote on any disposition of more than five percent of the firm's assets or stock or any authorization of stock or securities. Title II:  Corporate Disclosure - Requires each corporation subject to this Act to publish an annual report which contains specified information including the diversity of its employees, its compliance with environmental requirements, its largest shareholders, its operations and their location in the world, and its political activities. Directs that such reports be made available to the public upon request.  Empowers the Securities and Exchange Commission to require further disclosure from such corporations. Title III:  Employment Maintenance - Requires each corporation within the purview of this Act, which proposes to change operations in a manner which would disrupt the employment of more than 500 individuals, to give advance notice of the change to the Secretary of Labor.  Directs the Secretary to conduct an investigation of the change upon request of a labor union representative or ten percent of the employees involved.  Directs the Secretary to publish a report with recommendations for minimizing the economic and social dislocation resulting from the change. Requires such corporations to give specified assistance to employees and local governments affected by a change in operations.  Authorizes Federal assistance for training programs and job placement services to assist affected employees.  Authorizes the Secretary to provide loans, loan guarantees, and technical assistance to employee organizations for the purpose of expanding operations at an affected plant, acquiring the plant or another in the vicinity, or expanding or identifying new markets to present employment opportunities. Sets forth penalties and establishes an employees' right to equitable relief for failure to comply with the requirements of this title. Title IV:  Rights of Employees - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to establish a right of employees to be free from discharge, adverse action, or discrimination with respect to their employment except for just cause.  Stipulates that just cause does not include:  (1) the employee's exercise of legal rights; (2) the refusal to engage in unlawful conduct; (3) the refusal to submit to a polygraph or similar test; or (4) the refusal to submit to a search, other than a routine inspection, without legal process. Title V:  Criminal and Civil Sanctions - Directs a Federal district court to require a corporation which has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a violation of this Act to give notice thereof to shareholders and others injured by the violation. Requires the district courts to order restitution of persons injured by corporations found guilty.  Imposes a sentence of up to twice the damage caused or gain derived from a violation of this Act. Empowers the courts to disqualify any director, officer, or managing agent of a corporation who is convicted of a violation of law arising out of such position for a period not to exceed the maximum sentence imposed for the violation. Authorizes the courts to appoint a Special Master to oversee corporate operations to assure compliance with Federal laws. Make directors, officers, and managing agents of corporations subject to this Act liable for omission to perform a duty imposed by Federal law and reckless failure to supervise conduct of a corporation.  Imposes a duty on such individuals to report risks presented by the corporation's products or operations to Federal and State authorities. Title VII:  Jurisdiction, Enforcement, and Right of Action - Makes this Act applicable to any manufacturing, mining, retailing, or utility corporation organized and doing business in the United States which has had, in any of the three years preceding the determination of jurisdiction, more than $250,000,000 in assets or annual sales, or more than 5,000 employees.  Exempts from title I any corporation with fewer than 25 shareholders and any American subsidiary of a foreign corporation which is not listed on a domestic stock exchange. Increases the amounts which establish jurisdiction by ten percent each year. States that this Act shall take effect six months after its enactment and directs specified Federal agencies to promulgate implementing regulations by such date. Empowers any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act to commence a civil action in Federal court for damages or injunctive relief.  Sets forth provisions governing a shareholder's right to a derivative suit. Permits any shareholder of a corporation subject to this Act to request an investigation of the corporation's compliance with this Act by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Empowers the Commission to utilize compulsory process in such investigations. Entitles any party with standing under this Act, other than the Government, to recovery of attorney's fees in certain circumstances. States that the rights and remedies provided by this Act are supplementary to others afforded by law.",2025-09-02T13:54:35Z,
96-hr-7034,96,hr,7034,Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-04-02,1980-04-02,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Staggers, Harley O. [D-WV-2]",WV,D,S000778,0,"Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in such a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer at such station.  Sets forth the requirements for such an offer. Makes it unlawful for a refiner to: (1) exceed specified annual sales limitations in any State (requires the Federal Trade Commission to determine specified limitation formulas); and (2) sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices (except for price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery differences).  Stipulates that a refiner shall: (1) be in violation of this Act if such refiner withholds available motor fuel from a purchaser and then resells such fuel at a lower price to refiner-operated stations; and (2) not be prevented from charging a uniform surcharge in connection with a sale of motor fuel as consideration for the purchaser's use of a refiner's trademark or other such identifying symbol. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within three months of enactment to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of: (1) gallons of motor fuel sold, consigned, or distributed in each State during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel sold to its stations in each State during the preceding year; and (3) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Requires persons owning 50 or more motor fuel stations in the United States to report specified information to the Commission. Sets forth fines for violation of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought against violators of the requirements of the Act.",2025-09-02T13:54:34Z,
96-hr-7000,96,hr,7000,Uniform Product Liability Act,Commerce,1980-04-01,1980-04-01,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Preyer, Richardson [D-NC-6]",NC,D,P000520,1,"Uniform Product Liability Act - Provides that this Act preempts any other Federal or State law pertaining to matters governed by the Act.  Permits reference to be made to other sources of law where this Act does not provide a rule of decision. Sets forth basic standards of responsibility for manufacturers and product sellers other than manufacturers.  Subjects a product manufacturer to liability to a claimant who proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant's harm was proximately caused by the product, if such product was unreasonably unsafe in construction or design, or because:  (1) adequate warnings or instructions were not provided; or (2) it did not conform to the product seller's express warranty.  Specifies the requisite findings which must be made for such proof or unreasonable unsafety to be determined. Subjects a product seller other than a manufacturer to liability to a claimant who proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant's harm was proximately caused by such seller's failure to use reasonable care with respect to the product.  Enumerates circumstances under which such a seller is also subject to the liability of a manufacturer. Provides that a product seller shall not be subject to liability for harm caused by an unavoidably dangerous aspect of a product, with specified exceptions.  Provides that a product seller shall not be liable, where it proves that at the time of manufacture it was not within practical technological feasibility to make the product safer with respect to its design and its warnings or instructions, with specified exceptions. Sets forth rules relating to proof in product liability cases with respect to the following factors:  (1) product design, warnings or instructions, practical technological feasibility, or industry custom; and (2) government standards and mandatory contract specifications. Sets forth provisions governing the length of time product sellers are subject to liability.  Provides for a two-year statute of limitation and a ten-year statute of repose. Provides that all claims under this Act shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility.  Sets forth rules with respect to conduct affecting comparative responsibility, including: (1) failure to discover a defective condition; (2) use of a product with a known defective condition; (3) misuse of a product; and (4) alteration or modification of a product.  Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Requires that damages in any product liability claim be reduced by any amount paid as workers compensation benefits. Allows punitive damages to be awarded if the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of the product seller's reckless disregard for the safety of product users, consumers, or others who might be harmed by the product.",2025-09-02T13:54:32Z,
96-sjres-157,96,sjres,157,"A joint resolution providing for a transfer of funds for salaries and expenses of the Small Business Administration for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1980.",Commerce,1980-04-01,1980-04-01,Referred to Senate Committee on Appropriations.,Senate,"Sen. Stewart, Donald [D-AL]",AL,D,S000907,0,"Provides for the transfer of an additional $10,000,000 for salaries and expenses for the Small Business Administration disaster loan program for fiscal year 1980.",2025-01-14T18:18:18Z,
96-hjres-522,96,hjres,522,"A joint resolution providing for a transfer of funds for the disaster loan program of the Small Business Administration for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1980.",Commerce,1980-03-26,1980-03-26,Referred to House Committee on Appropriations.,House,"Rep. Edwards, Jack [R-AL-1]",AL,R,E000084,0,"Provides for the transfer of an additional $10,000,000 for salaries and expenses for the Small Business Administration disaster loan program for fiscal year 1980.",2024-02-05T11:50:03Z,
96-hr-6933,96,hr,6933,An act to amend the patent and trademark laws.,Commerce,1980-03-26,1980-12-12,Public Law 96-517.,House,"Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2]",WI,D,K000020,2,"(Measure passed Senate, amended)  Amends the Patent and TraDemark laws of the United States to authorize an individual to:  (1) cite to the Patent and Trademark Office prior art patents or publications which are pertinent to a claim of a later patent; and (2) request to reexamine a patent to determine whether such a prior patent or publication has any bearing on the patentability of any claim of such patent.   Requires the Commissioner of Patents within three months of such a request to make a determination as to whether the cited prior patent raises a substantial new question of the patentability of any claim of the later patent.  Authorizes the Commissioner on his or her own initiative to make such a determination at any time.  States that a determination that no new question is raised shall be final.  Directs the Commissioner, upon determining that there is a new question of patentability, to order and conduct a reexamination.  Requires that the patent owner be provided at least two months to file a statement on such question and that the person making the reexamination request be provided two months to respond to such statement.   Declares that the patent owner shall be provided an opportunity in any reexamination to amend any claim of the patent in order to distinguish the claim from the prior patent cited or in response to a decision adverse to the patentability of the claim. Authorizes the owner to appeal any adverse decision.   Directs the Commissioner, upon the conclusion of any reexamination or appeal proceeding, to issue and publish a certificate cancelling any unpatentable claim, confirming any valid claim, and incorporating any amended claim in the patent.   Revises the schedule of fees for Patent Office services.  Directs the Commissioner to establish fees for all services and materials relating to patents and trademarks, including application and maintenance.  Sets forth the level and schedule of payments for such fees and the procedure for their payment.  Makes the revenues from such fees available to carry out the activities of the Patent and Trademark Office.   Sets forth the policy of Congress to use the patent system to promote the utilization and marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms.   Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions.  Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances, including when necessary to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities.   Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies.   Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization including provisions: (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization, other than small business firms, from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education.  Provides that the first commercial use with respect to a product of the invention shall not end the exclusive period for different subsequent products covered by the invention.   Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention.   Requires the head of a Federal agency to approve provisions of a funding agreement which require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor. Sets forth terms and conditions under which such approval may be granted.   Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assigns to grant licenses in order to:  (1) achieve practical application of the invention in its field of use; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacturing of an invention.   Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States where commercially feasible.   Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure.   Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, granting licenses, and transferring custody of patents.   Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed.   Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application.   Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that small business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing.   Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions.   Exempts the Tennessee Valley Authority from the provisions of this Act.   Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require the disclosure of intelligence sources or methods or otherwise affect the authority of the Director of Central Intelligence.   Directs the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to report to Congress within two years on a plan to identify and develop computerized data and retrieval systems to be applied to all aspects of the operation of the Patent and Trademark Office.   Sets forth the limitations on the exclusive rights of an owner of a computer program. States that no infringement takes places when copies or adaptions are made for archival purposes or as an essential step in the utilization of such program.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
96-hr-6934,96,hr,6934,Computer Software Copyright Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-03-26,1980-03-26,Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2]",WI,D,K000020,0,Computer Software Copyright Act of 1980 - Amends the Copyright Act of 1976 to limit the exclusive rights of a copyright owner in a computer program.  Permits owners of a copy of such program to adapt such program for utilization or archival purposes without infringing the copyright.,2025-09-02T13:54:32Z,
96-hr-6904,96,hr,6904,Minority Business Development Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-03-25,1980-03-25,Referred to House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. Addabbo, Joseph P. [D-NY-7]",NY,D,A000052,1,"Minority Business Development Act of 1980 - Redesignates the Minority Business Development Agency in the Department of Commerce as the Minority Business Development Administration.  Provides that such Administration shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Title I:  Market Development - Sets forth such Administration's duties in the private and public sectors, including:  (1) assistance in penetrating domestic and foreign markets; (2) encouragement in establishing joint ventures; and (3) assistance and cooperation with State and local governments.  Authorizes the Administration to provide financial assistance in carrying out such purposes to State and local governments, and to public and private business organizations. Title II:  Capital Formation - Authorizes such Administration to defray all or part of the costs of pilot or demonstration projects designed to assist disadvantaged business in obtaining access to equity capital. Establishes within the Treasury a revolving fund for such Administration's use.  Authorizes the use of such funds to aid qualified businesses by purchasing equity investments (up to $2,000,000) in such businesses. Title III:  Management Educational Development - Sets forth duties of the Administration related to management development. Title IV:  Research and Information - Sets forth duties of the Administration related to research and information, including:  (1) data collection and analysis; (2) economic surveys; and (3) maintaining a data bank and information clearinghouse.  Requires the Administration to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment of this Act regarding the resources needed to advance and represent disadvantaged businesses. Title V:  Administrative and Miscellaneous Powers of the Administration - Sets forth administrative provisions.  Requires the Assistant Secretary to submit an annual report to the President regarding the Administration's activities.",2025-09-02T13:54:34Z,
96-s-2457,96,s,2457,Small Business Regulatory Information Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-03-20,1980-03-20,Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Bayh, Birch [D-IN]",IN,D,B000254,1,Small Business Regulatory Information Act of 1980 - Requires each agency to publish in the Federal Register along with each proposed or promulgated rule the standard industrial classification code for each industry affected by such rule. Requires the Director of the Federal Register to establish (in the Office of the Federal Register) a Small Business Information Center to provide a listing of rules applicable to any industry within a specified standard industrial classification.,2025-09-02T13:56:51Z,
96-hr-6857,96,hr,6857,A bill to amend title 17 of the United States Code to provide that certain performances and displays of profit-making educational institutions and nonprofit veterans' and fraternal organizations are not infringements of the exclusive rights of copyright owners.,Commerce,1980-03-19,1980-03-19,Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Donnelly, Brian J. [D-MA-11]",MA,D,D000416,17,"Amends the Copyright Act of 1976 to permit without infringement of copyright:  (1) the performance or display of a copyrighted work by instructors or pupils in the course of face-to- face teaching activities of any educational institution (previously only nonprofit educational institutions); and (2) the performance of a nondramatic literary or musical work by a nonprofit veterans' or fraternal organization if the profits are used exclusively for education, religious, or charitable purposes and not for private financial gain.",2021-06-14T19:41:30Z,
96-hr-6873,96,hr,6873,Small Business Earnings Retention Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-03-19,1980-03-19,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Quillen, James H. (Jimmy) [R-TN-1]",TN,R,Q000013,0,"Small Business Earnings Retention Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to:  (1) permit business to accumulate up to $500,000 of earnings without incurring liability for the tax on accumulated earnings;  (2) increase from $100,000 to $500,000 the dollar amount of used investment property eligible for the investment tax credit; and (3) permit business with gross receipts of less than $1,000,000 for the last two preceeding taxable years to elect to use the cash method of accumulating in reporting inventories.",2025-09-02T13:54:34Z,
96-hr-6874,96,hr,6874,Small Business Development Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-03-19,1980-03-19,Referred to House Committee on Government Operations.,House,"Rep. Quillen, James H. (Jimmy) [R-TN-1]",TN,R,Q000013,0,"Small Business Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Small Business Innovation - Amends the Small Business Act to require the head of each Federal agency which obligates over $100,000,000 for research and development in a fiscal year to:  (1) expend at least one percent of the amount spent on research and development during the next year for a small business innovation program; (2) solicit research and development proposals from small business during the next year; and (3) promote the use of small business to conduct research and development. Requires the head of each Federal agency to increase the amount of funds obligated for the conduct of research and development by small businesses by one percent each year until the amount obligated to small business in a fiscal year equals at least ten percent of the total amount obligated by such agency for research and development. States that it is an objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions.  Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances, including when necessary to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.  Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization including provisions: (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization, other than small business firms, from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education.  Provides that the first commercial use with respect to a product of the invention shall not end the exclusive period to different subsequent products covered by the invention. Requires the head of a Federal agency to approve provisions of a funding agreement which require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor. Sets forth terms and conditions under which such approval may be granted. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assignees to grant licenses in order to:  (1) achieve practical application of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacturing of an invention. Entitles the government to 15 percent of all net income in excess of $70,000 gross income received by a contractor after a patent application is filed on a subject invention. Provides that if a contractor receives a gross income of $1,000,000, the government shall be entitled to a share of the excess of $1,000,000 that shall be negotiated but not to exceed five percent of such excess.  Limits the government share of any such excesses to its contributions under the funding agreement. Authorizes and directs the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to revise the government entitlements in light of changes to the Consumer Price Index or other indices at least every three years. Declares such government entitlements applicable  to subject inventions upon which United States patents are granted and in effect. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States where commercially feasible. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, granting licenses, and transferring custody of patents. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions. Title II:  Depreciation Acceleration; Repeal of Used Property Limitation in Investment Tax Credit; Corporate Income Tax Rate Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purpose of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recover periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property:  (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years.  Allows a ten percent investment credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks.  Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts, and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise dispensed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year.  Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treates amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the ""half year convention"" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment to credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Repeals the $100,000 limitation on the amount of used property which is eligible for an investment tax credit. Reduces the tax rates applicable to corporate income. Repeals the carryover basis provision enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provides that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property.  Restores prior law which ""stepped up"" or ""stepped down"" the property's basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent which held by the decedent. Title III:  Tax Incentives for Small Business Capital Formation - Provides for the nonrecognition of gain on the sale or exchange of an equity interest in a small business which is reinvested in another small business within two years.  Defines a ""small business"" as any business entity in which the aggregate equity interests do not exceed $25,000,000. Allows a tax credit for proceeds received from small business debentures which have a fixed maturity and grant no conversion or voting rights.  Limits the amount of such credit to $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return). Disallows such credit if the issuing small business has $1,000,000 of such debentures outstanding or has a class of securities subject to regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Treats amounts paid on such debentures which represent a share of the issuer's earnings as long-term capital gain.  Treats losses on such debentures as an ordinary loss.  Requires distributions on such debentures, which represent either interest or a share of earnings, to be treated as interest. Title IV:  Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Amends title II of the Small Business Investment Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Excludes from the definition of ""party"" for purposes of this title:  (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000: and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in:  (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in an administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the ""American rule"" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this title applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this title six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in this title. Title V:  Small Business Regulatory Flexibility - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small businesses and small organizations.  Permits Federal agencies to modify the definition of ""small business,"" if appropriate, after notice and opportunity for hearing.  Defines ""small organizations"" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops, independently owned and operated nonprofit enterprises which are not dominant in their fields, and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule, not in conflict with the definition of ""small business."" Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments.  Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any proposed rule affecting a substantial number of small businesses and organizations which considers:  (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standard for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking, which substantially affects such enterprises, unless otherwise provided. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating or modifying those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this title in conjunction with any other analysis required by law.  Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirement of this title. Title VI:  Sunset Provisions - Requires the Congressional Budget Office in conjunction with the congressional committees having jurisdiction over each Government program, within one year after enactment of this Act, to set forth a timely review of all Government programs. Terminates any program which has not been reviewed within three years after enactment of this Act unless both Houses of Congress vote to continue such programs pending completion of a review. Requires that each review:  (1) identify the need for the program; (2) identify conflicting or duplicative programs; (3) assess the program effectiveness and cost; and (4) assess the impact of the program on the national economy.",2025-09-02T13:54:29Z,
96-s-2446,96,s,2446,Patent Law Amendments of 1980,Commerce,1980-03-19,1980-03-24,Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Bayh, Birch [D-IN]",IN,D,B000254,0,"Patent Law Amendments of 1980 - Directs the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to establish regulations governing: (1) the citation to the Patent and Trademark Office of prior art patents or publications which are pertinent to a later patent; and (2) the reexamination of a patent to determine whether such a prior patent or publication has any bearing on the patentability of any claim of such patent.  Authorizes any individual to: (1) cite to the Office any such prior patent; and (2) request such a reexamination. Requires the Commissioner within 90 days of such a request to make a determination as to whether the cited prior patent raises a new question of the patentability of any claim of the later patent.  Authorizes the Commissioner on his or her own initiative to make such a determination at any time.  States that a determination that no new question is raised shall be final.  Directs the Commissioner, upon determining that there is a new question of patentability, to order and conduct a reexamination.  Requires that the patent owner be provided a reasonable period to file a statement on such question and that the person making the reexamination request be provided two months to respond to such statement. Declares that the patent owner shall be provided an opportunity in any reexamination to amend any claim of the patent in order to distinguish the claim from the prior patent cited, or in response to a decision adverse to the patentability of the claim.  Authorizes the owner to appeal any adverse decision. Directs the Commissioner, upon the conclusion of any reexamination or appeal proceeding, to issue and publish a certificate cancelling any unpatentable claim, confirming any valid claim, and incorporating any amended claim in the patent. Declares that no prior patent or publication may be relied upon as evidence of nonpatentability in a civil action involving the validity or infringement of a patent unless: (1) the prior patent or publication was cited by or to the Office regarding application or reexamination proceedings for the patent; or (2) the court concludes that the interests of justice would be furthered by adjudication of the action without such prior administrative consideration. Sets forth circumstances under which a court may stay the proceedings of a civil action involving the infringement or validity of a patent to enable either party to such action to secure a determination on a request for reexamination of the patent by the Patent and Trademark Office.",2025-09-02T13:56:45Z,
96-hr-6849,96,hr,6849,Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-03-18,1980-03-18,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Tauke, Thomas Joseph [R-IA-2]",IA,R,T000053,1,"Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in such a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer at such station.  Sets forth the requirements for such an offer. Makes it unlawful for a refiner to: (1) exceed specified annual sales limitations in any State (requires the Federal Trade Commission to determine specified limitation formulas); and (2) sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices (except for price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery differences).  Stipulates that a refiner shall: (1) be in violation of this Act if such refiner withholds available motor fuel from a purchaser and then resells such fuel at a lower price to refiner-operated stations; and (2) not be prevented from charging a uniform surcharge in connection with a sale of motor fuel as consideration for the purchaser's use of a refiner's trademark or other such identifying symbol. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within three months of enactment to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of: (1) gallons of motor fuel sold, consigned, or distributed in each State during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel sold to its stations in each State during the preceding year; and (3) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Requires persons owning 50 or more motor fuel stations in the United States to report specified information to the Commission. Sets forth fines for violation of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought against violators of the requirements of the Act.",2025-09-02T13:54:34Z,
96-hr-6792,96,hr,6792,"A bill to provide for contribution of damages attributable to an agreement by two or more persons to fix, maintain, or stabilize prices under section 4, 4A, or 4C of the Clayton Act, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1980-03-12,1980-03-12,Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Brooks, Jack B. [D-TX-9]",TX,D,B000880,0,Amends the Clayton Act to permit any person liable for damages for price-fixing to seek contribution from co- conspirators for the share of such damages attributable to their sales or purchases of goods and services. Declares that a settlement with one conspirator shall not release any co-conspirator from liability unless its terms expressly so provide. Specifies the effect to be given such a release by the courts.  States that such a settlement will relieve a person from liability for contribution.,2021-06-14T19:41:15Z,
96-hjres-506,96,hjres,506,"A joint resolution designating the week beginning July 13, 1980, as ""National Tourism Week"".",Commerce,1980-03-06,1980-03-06,Referred to House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.,House,"Rep. Jenrette, John W., Jr. [D-SC-6]",SC,D,J000099,86,"Designates the week beginning July 13, 1980, as ""National Travel and Tourism Week.""",2024-02-06T20:04:02Z,
96-hr-6722,96,hr,6722,Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-03-06,1980-08-20,"Reported to House from the Committee on Small Business with amendent, H. Rept. 96-1238 (Part I).",House,"Rep. Bedell, Berkley W. [D-IA-6]",IA,D,B000298,77,"(Reported to House from the Committee on Small Business with amendment, H. Rept. 96-1238 (Part I))  Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner, including the acquisition of land.   Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States.  Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in such a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer at such station.  Sets forth the requirements for such an offer, including an independent appraisal (whose cost shall be divided equally between the refiner and the dealer) in the event the two parties cannot reach an agreed upon price.  Requires the SBA to prescribe the manner and procedure for such appraisal.   Makes it unlawful for a refiner to: (1) exceed specified annual sales limitations; and (2) sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices (except for price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery differences).  Stipulates that a refiner shall: (1) be in violation of this Act if such refiner withholds available motor fuel from a purchaser and then resells such fuel at a lower price to refiner-operated stations; and (2) not be prevented from charging a uniform surcharge in connection with a sale of motor fuel as consideration for the purchaser's use of a refiner's trademark or other such identifying symbol.   Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing or motor fuel by a dealer.   Permits contracts requiring a dealer to purchase motor fuel exclusively from a particular dealer or supplier if such contract assures the dealer the right to purchase fuel elsewhere if the refiner does not have such fuel readily available.   Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers.   Requires each refiner within 90 days of enactment and annually thereafter to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of: (1) gallons of motor fuel sold at its U.S. stations during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel manufactured in the United States during the preceding year; and (3) gallons of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year.  Requires such information to be provided for fiscal year 1978.  Prohibits the Commission from requiring any refiner to provide it with information that can be obtained from other Government agencies or departments.   Defines specified terms for purposes of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought against a party in violation of the Act in a U.S. district court (regardless of the amount in controversy) located in any judicial district in which such party does business.  Requires the Commission to prescribe the required initial regulations within 180 days of enactment of this Act.",2025-09-02T13:54:28Z,
96-hr-6734,96,hr,6734,Small Business Development Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-03-06,1980-03-06,Referred to House Committee on Government Operations.,House,"Rep. McDade, Joseph M. [R-PA-10]",PA,R,M000399,62,"Small Business Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Small Business Innovation - Amends the Small Business Act to require the head of each Federal agency which obligates over $100,000,000 for research and development in a fiscal year to:  (1) expend at least one percent of the amount spent on research and development during the next year for a small business innovation program; (2) solicit research and development proposals from small businesses during the next year; and (3) promote the use of small businesses to conduct research and development. Requires the head of each Federal agency to increase the amount of funds obligated for the conduct of research and development by small businesses by one percent each year until the amount obligated to small businesses in a fiscal year equals at least ten percent of the total amount obligated by such agency for research and development. States that it is an objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions.  Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances, including when necessary to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.  Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization, including provisions:  (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization, other than small business firms, from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education. Provides that the first commercial use with respect to a product of the invention shall not end the exclusive period to different subsequent products covered by the invention. Requires the head of a Federal agency to approve provisions of a funding agreement which require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor. Sets forth terms and conditions under which such approval may be granted. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assignees to grant licenses in order to:  (1) achieve practical applications of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacturing of an invention. Entitles the government to 15 percent of all net income in excess of $70,000 gross income received by a contractor after a patent application is filed on a subject invention.  Provides that if a contractor receives a gross income of $1,000,000, the government shall be entitled to a share of the excess of $1,000,000 that shall be negotiated but not to exceed five percent of such excess. Limits the government share of any excesses to its contributions under the funding agreement.  Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to revise the government entitlements in light of changes to the Consumer Price Index or other indices at least every three years. Declares such government entitlements applicable to subject inventions upon which United States patents are granted and in effect. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign-owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States where commercially feasible. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, granting licenses, and transferring custody of patents. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions. Title II:  Depreciation Acceleration; Repeal of Used Property Limitation in Investment Tax Credit; Corporate Income Tax Rate Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property:  (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years.  Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks.  Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period.  Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year.  Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the ""half year convention"" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Repeals the $100,000 limitation on the amount of used property which is eligible for an investment tax credit. Reduces the tax rates applicable to corporate income. Repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property.  Restores prior law which ""stepped up"" or ""stepped down"" the property""s basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent. Title III:  Tax Incentives for Small Business Capital Formation - Provides for the nonrecognition of gain on the sale or exchange of an equity interest in a small business which is reinvested in another small business within two years.  Defines a ""small business""  as any business entity in which the aggregate equity interests do not exceed $25,000,000. Allows a tax credit for proceeds received from small business debentures which have a fixed maturity and grant no conversion or voting rights.  Limits the amount of such credit to $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return). Disallows such credit if the issuing small business has $1,000,000 of such debentures outstanding or has a class of securities subject to regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Treats amounts paid on such debentures which represent a share of the issuer's earnings as long-term capital gain. Treats losses on such debentures as an ordinary loss.  Requires distributions on such debentures, which represent either interest or a share of earnings, to be treated as interest. Title IV:  Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Amends title II of the Small Business Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Excludes from the definition of ""party"" for purposes of this title:  (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in:  (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the ""American rule"" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this title applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this title six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in this title. Title V:  Small Business Regulatory Flexibility - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small businesses and small organizations. Permits Federal agencies to modify the definition of ""small business"", if appropriate, after notice and opportunity for hearing.  Defines ""small organizations"" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops enterprises which are not dominant in their fields, and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule, not in conflict with the definition of ""small business."" Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any proposed rule affecting a substantial number of small businesses and organizations which considers:  (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standard for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking, which substantially affects such enterprises, unless otherwise provided. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating or modifying those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this title in conjunction with any other analysis required by law.  Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this title. Title VI:  Sunset Provisions - Requires the Congressional Budget Office in conjunction with the congressional committees having jurisdiction over each Government program, within one year after enactment of this Act, to set forth a timely review of all Government programs. Terminates any program which has not been reviewed within three years after enactment of this Act unless both Houses of Congress vote to continue such programs pending completion of a review. Requires that each review:  (1) identify the need for the program; (2) identify conflicting or duplicative programs; (3) assess the program's effectiveness and cost; and (4) assess the impact of the program on the national economy.",2025-09-02T13:54:29Z,
96-hr-6744,96,hr,6744,Small Business Earnings Retention Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-03-06,1980-03-06,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Winn, Larry, Jr. [R-KS-3]",KS,R,W000636,20,"Small Business Earnings Retention Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to:  (1) permit business to accumulate up to $500,000 of earnings without incurring liability for the tax on accumulated earnings;  (2) increase from $100,000 to $500,000 the dollar amount of used investment property eligible for the investment tax credit; and (3) permit business with gross receipts of less than $1,000,000 for the last two preceeding taxable years to elect to use the cash method of accumulating in reporting inventories.",2025-09-02T13:54:28Z,
96-s-2370,96,s,2370,"A bill to amend the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1980-03-04,1980-03-04,Referred to Senate Select Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Nelson, Gaylord [D-WI]",WI,D,N000033,0,"Title I:  Amendments to Small Business Administration Business Lending Authority - Amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to consolidate measures governing the granting of loans by the Small Business Administration to:  (1) small businesses; and to (2) State and local development companies.  Increases the total amount of loans which may be made to a borrower other than a State or local development company. Repeals measures which established unique programs for:  (1) trade adjustment loans made to assist any firm to adjust to changed economic conditions resulting from increased competition from imported articles; (2) loans for businesses made with emphasis on the preservation or establishment of small business concerns located in urban or rural areas with high proportions of unemployed or low-income individuals or owned by low-income individuals; and (3) loans for small businesses involved in solar energy, other forms of renewable energy, and energy conservation. Prohibits the application of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to any agreement to make or guarantee any assistance under the Small Business Act. Eliminates certain requirements of the annual report made by the SBA to the President and the Congress.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
96-s-2379,96,s,2379,Export Trading Company Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-03-04,1980-03-04,"Referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.",Senate,"Sen. Stevenson, Adlai E., III [D-IL]",IL,D,S000890,9,"Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Promotion, to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies without obtaining the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency.  Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations after:  (1) filing an application to make such investments with the appropriate Federal banking agency; and (2) proposed investment is not denied by such agency.  Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals.  Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Prohibits those banking organizations, and their affiliates, with an ownership interest in any export trading company from extending credit to such companies or customers of such companies on more favorable terms than those afforded to similar borrowers. Authorizes the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loans and guarantees to export trading companies for the financing of exports and export trade services in specified circumstances.  Limits the amount of loans and guarantees to any one company and in the aggregate. Declares that such authority shall expire five years from enactment.  Authorizes the Bank to provide loan guarantees to such companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories in specified circumstances. Permits State and local governments to participate in export trading companies.  Declares that such companies shall be eligible for the Export-Import Bank's loans and guarantees under this Act. Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt export trading companies solely with respect to their export trade activities from antitrust restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company.  Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations.  Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment.",2025-09-02T13:56:41Z,
96-hr-6617,96,hr,6617,Small Business Capital Incentive Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-02-26,1980-02-26,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Nowak, Henry [D-NY-37]",NY,D,N000163,49,"Small Business Capital Incentive Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer to elect shorter useful lives for buildings and business machinery in computing the allowance for depreciation.  Specifies that the taxpayer may elect a useful life of 15 years in the case of a building and its structural components, and four years in the case of business machinery eligible for the investment tax credit. Imposes a $3,000,000 basic limit for buildings and a $1,000,000 limit for machinery eligible for the election provided by this Act. Reduces from seven to three years the useful life of investment tax credit property which is eligible for the full amount of such credit.",2025-09-02T13:54:28Z,
96-hr-6626,96,hr,6626,"A bill to consolidate and modify the terms of SBA programs under sections 7(a), 7(e), 7(h), 7(i) and 7(1) of the Small Business Act and sections 501 and 502 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, to exempt SBA loans from the environmental impact requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and to limit the annual amount of SBA loans, guarantees and other obligations or commitments to the extent or amounts provided in appropriations acts.",Commerce,1980-02-26,1980-12-02,"Measure passed Senate, amended.",House,"Rep. Smith, Neal Edward [D-IA-4]",IA,D,S000596,20,"(Measure passed Senate, amended)  Amends the Small Business Act regarding regular Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to:  (1) increase the maximum amount from $500,000 to $750,000; (2) authorize the SBA to add up to one percent to the cost of the interest rate (presently the SBA is required to add one-quarter of one percent); (3) increase the maximum maturity from ten to 20 years, and the maximum maturity from 20 to 25 years for real estate and construction loans; (4) prohibit the SBA from imposing a guarantee fee; and (5) provide that with the joint election of the borrower, SBA, and lender, interest (without principal) may be paid during (a) the first two years of the loan, if its maturity is at least eight years; (b) the first three years of the loan, if its maturity is at least ten years; and (c) the first four years of the loan, if its maturity is at least 15 years.  Authorizes a one-time fee of one percent (of the total loan) to be charged by the bank for such loans.   Authorizes the extension or refinancing of SBA guaranteed loans if:  (1) the lender, the borrower, and the SBA agree; (2) such extension does not exceed the maximum term allowed for SBA loans; and (3) such extensions or refinancing shall be repaid in equal installments of principal and interest. Provides for an additional one-time fee of one percent to be charged by the bank if the extension or refinancing exceeds ten years.   Prohibits the SBA from refusing to make a guaranteed loan to refinance a small business' existing indebtedness unless:  (1) the holder of such indebtedness is likely to sustain a loss if refinancing is not provided; (2) it will be in a position to sustain part or all of the loss that would otherwise have been sustained by the holder of the indebtedness; and (3) such refinancing will not benefit the small business concerned.  Stipulates that:  (1) the SBA's refinancing guarantee shall be limited to 80 percent of the loan; and (2) the SBA may not delegate any of its authority regarding such extensions and refinancings.   Directs the SBA to report to the Senate Select Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Small Business by February 28, 1982, and February 28, 1983, respecting such new loan provisions.   Makes it a Federal offense to kill an SBA employee engaged in official duties.   Increases for fiscal year 1981:  (1) from $115,000,000 to $300,000,000 the available amounts in guaranteed loans and debentures for the development company programs; and (2) from $110,000,000 to $250,000,000 the available amounts for the pollution control bond program.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
96-hr-6589,96,hr,6589,Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-02-25,1980-02-25,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Broyhill, James T. [R-NC-10]",NC,R,B000966,0,"Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act of 1980 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to terminate the authority of the Commission to issue an order requiring a person, partnership, or corporation to cease and desist from using an unfair method of competition.  Authorizes the Commission to institute a civil action in any appropriate district court of the United States to request that the court enter such a cease and desist order.  Directs the court to enter such order as it deems appropriate if it finds that the method of competition in question is prohibited by such Act and that enjoining the method serves the public interest.",2025-09-02T13:54:22Z,
96-hr-6541,96,hr,6541,Household Goods Shipper Protection Act,Commerce,1980-02-20,1980-02-20,Referred to House Committee on Public Works and Transportation.,House,"Rep. Eckhardt, Bob [D-TX-8]",TX,D,E000035,0,"Household Goods Shipper Protection Act - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act directing the Interstate Commerce Commission, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, to issue regulations prohibiting a household goods carrier from engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the advertisement, offer, or provision of transportation of household goods.  Authorizes the Interstate Commerce Commission to issue cease and desist orders against any person engaging in such practices.  Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Permits household good carriers and shippers to establish dispute settlement procedures by submitting an application for establishing such procedures to the Commission for approval.  Permits the Commission to investigate the functioning of any such procedures and to revoke or suspend its approval for failure to meet the specified requirements.  Sets forth the requirements for such procedures, including notifying the shipper before a contract becomes binding, no charges to the shipper for using such procedures, and the availability of independent parties to hear and resolve disputes.  Sets forth the responsibilities of the dispute settler, including the notification of all parties to the dispute of any and all decisions reached, and their obligations under the decision.  States that such decision shall not be legally binding on any party to the dispute. Makes the results of such decision admissible in a court proceeding at the discretion of the shipper.  Sets forth the conditions under which a shipper may be awarded attorney's fees.",2025-09-02T13:54:22Z,
96-hr-6544,96,hr,6544,Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1980,Commerce,1980-02-20,1980-02-20,Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Frenzel, Bill [R-MN-3]",MN,R,F000380,1,"Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce corporate income tax rates for corporations with taxable income of less than $300,000.  Reduces the income tax rate for mutual insurance companies. Reduces the maximum tax rate imposed on individual income to 50 percent of taxable income by calendar year 1983. Provides that small businesses may qualify for the five year deferral of payment of estate taxes if the value of such a business exceeds one-third of the adjusted gross estate of the decedent (currently, 65 percent of the adjusted gross estate).  Eliminates the $1,000,000 ceiling on eligibility for the four percent interest rate applicable to unpaid estate taxes of a qualifying small business. Eliminates the $100,000 limit for used property eligible for the investment tax credit. Allows individual taxpayers a ten percent income tax credit for investment in small business incentive stock (issues of stock aggregating less than $25,000,000 by corporations with equity capital of less than $25,000,000).  Limits the amount of such credit to $750 ($1,500 for taxpayers filing jointly).  Denies such credit to individuals who dispose of incentive stock within 12 months of purchase.",2025-09-02T13:54:23Z,
96-hr-6533,96,hr,6533,Patent Law Amendments of 1980,Commerce,1980-02-19,1980-02-19,Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Railsback, Thomas F. [R-IL-19]",IL,R,R000012,0,"Patent Law Amendments of 1980 - Sets forth patent rights in inventions made with Federal assistance.  Permits nonprofit organizations or small business firms to retain title to any subject invention except when the funding agreement provides otherwise.  Sets forth the factors which would determine such retention of title.  Makes such determinations subject to the review of the Comptroller General.  Directs the Comptroller General to advise the head of an agency when he believes that such agency's patterns of determinations are contrary to the policies and objectives of these provisions. Directs the Comptroller General to transmit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress on the manner in which such provisions are being implemented. Sets forth the requirements of a funding agreement with a small business firm or nonprofit organization, including:  (1) a requirement that the contractor disclose each subject invention to the Federal agency within a specified time or lose title rights; (2) a requirement that a contractor electing rights file patent applications within a reasonable time; (3) a requirement that a contractor electing rights permit the Federal agency a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice or have practiced for or on behalf of the United States any subject invention throughout the world; (4) the right of the Federal agency to periodic reporting on the utilization of such patent by the contractor or his licensees; (5) an obligation to include within the specification of a patent application a statement specifying that the invention was made with Government support and that the Government retains specified rights in such invention; and (6) prohibition upon the assignment of rights to a subject invention by a nonprofit organization without the approval of the Federal agency, except as specified. Permits a Federal agency to consider a request for retention of rights by the inventor when a contractor does not elect to retain title to a subject invention.  Prohibits a funding agreement from requiring the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor that are not subject inventions unless the head of the agency determines the use of the invention by others is necessary for the practical application of a subject invention or for the use of a work object of the funding agreement and can provide written justification for such determination.  Makes such a determination subject to a hearing and judicial review. Grants a Federal agency the right to require the contractor, assignee, or exclusive licensee of a subject invention to grant a license in any field of use to a responsible applicant.  Permits the Federal agency to grant such a license itself as specified. Entitles the United States to a specified percentage of the gross income received in any one licensing year from the licensing of a subject invention or several related subject inventions up to the amount of Federal funding under the funding agreement. Requires any person receiving the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States to agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of such invention will be manufactured substantially by the United States.  Permits the waiver of such an agreement as specified. Authorizes Federal agencies to:  (1) keep confidential any invention in which the Federal Government owns or may own an interest for a reasonable time to permit the filing of a patent application; and (2) exercise specified patent rights in inventions in which the Federal Government owns an interest. Requires persons requesting a license to supply the Federal agency granting such license with a plan for development and/or marketing of the invention.  Permits the agency to grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention if: (1) the interests of the Federal Government would be served thereby; (2) the desired practical application has not or will not be achieved under a non-exclusive license; and (3) such licensing is a reasonable and necessary incentive to achieve the investment of risk capital and expenditures. States that first preference in the exclusive or partially exclusive licensing of such inventions shall go to small business firms likely to bring the invention to practical application.  Requires each Federal agency to maintain a record of determinations to grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses.  Sets forth conditions under which such license may be granted, including the periodic reporting of utilization efforts and the right of the Federal agency to terminate such license. States that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act which would require a disposition of rights in inventions of small business firms or nonprofit organization contractors in a manner which is inconsistent with this Act. Directs the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to establish regulations governing:  (1) the citation to the Patent and Trademark Office of prior art patents or publications which are pertinent to a later patent; and (2) the reexamination of a patent to determine whether such a prior patent or publication has any bearing on the patentability of any claim of such patent.  Authorizes any individual to:  (1) cite to the Office any such prior patent; and (2) request such a reexamination. Requires the Commissioner within 90 days of such a request to make a determination as to whether the cited prior patent raises a new question of the patentability of any claim of the later patent. Authorizes the Commissioner on his or her own initiative to make such a determination at any time. States that a determination that no new question is raised shall be final.  Directs the Commissioner, upon determining that there is a new question of patentability, to order and conduct a reexamination. Requires that the patent owner be provided at least two months to file a statement on such question and that the person making the reexamination request be provided two months to respond to such statement. Declares that the patent owner shall be provided an opportunity in any reexamination to amend any claim of the patent in order to distinguish the claim from the prior patent cited, or in response to a decision adverse to the patentability of the claim.  Authorizes the owner to appeal any adverse decision. Directs the Commissioner, upon the conclusion of any reexamination or appeal proceeding, to issue and publish a certificate cancelling any unpatentable claim, confirming any valid claim, and incorporating any amended claim in the patent. Declares that no prior patent or publication may be relied upon as evidence of nonpatentability in a civil action involving the validity or infringement of a patent unless:  (1) the prior patent or publication was cited by or to the office regarding application or reexamination proceedings for the patent; or (2) the court concludes that consideration of the prior patent or publication in such proceedings is unnecessary for adjudication. Sets forth circumstances under which a court may stay the proceedings of a civil action involving the infringement or validity of a patent to enable either party to such action to secure a determination on a request for reexamination of the patent by the Patent and Trademark Office. Provides the moving party in such action the right to dismiss the complaint commencing such action. Establishes the Patent and Trademark Office as an independent Government agency.  Designates the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks as the Chief Officer of the Office. Declares that the Commissioner shall be appointed to a six-year term office and shall be removable from office by the President for good cause. Sets forth conforming amendments.",2025-09-02T13:54:21Z,
96-sjres-146,96,sjres,146,"A joint resolution designating the week of May 11 through May 17 as ""National Small Business Week"".",Commerce,1980-02-18,1980-03-24,Referred to House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.,Senate,"Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]",UT,R,H000338,15,"(Measure passed Senate, amended)  Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of May 11 through 17, 1980, as ""National Small Business Week.""",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
96-hr-6524,96,hr,6524,A bill to amend the Small Business Act to increase the solar energy and conservation loan program authorization.,Commerce,1980-02-13,1980-02-13,Referred to House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. Luken, Thomas A. [D-OH-2]",OH,D,L000508,0,"Amends the Small Business Act to increase loan authorizations to small business concerns for solar energy and energy conservation measures from $30,000,000 to $50,000,000 in direct and immediate participation loans and from $45,000,000 to $100,000,000 in guaranteed loans.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
96-sjres-143,96,sjres,143,"A joint resolution to authorize and request the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning April 28, 1980, as ""National Small Business Week"".",Commerce,1980-02-06,1980-02-06,Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Nelson, Gaylord [D-WI]",WI,D,N000033,0,"Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week beginning April 28, 1980, as ""National Small Business Week.""",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
96-s-2248,96,s,2248,"A bill to amend the International Travel Act of 1961 to authorize additional appropriations, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1980-02-04,1980-05-22,Measure passed Senate.,Senate,"Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI]",HI,D,I000025,4,Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for programs to stimulate travel to the United States. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from reducing the number of employees or the funding of U.S. Travel Service offices in foreign countries below fiscal year 1979 levels.,2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
96-hr-6395,96,hr,6395,A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to modify certain post-employment restrictions applicable to officers and employees of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.,Commerce,1980-01-31,1980-10-03,Public Law 96-373.,House,"Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-11]",NY,D,S000124,0,"Amends the Consumer  Product Safety Act to eliminate a prohibition against regular officers or employees of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, above the GS - 14 level, accepting employment or compensation from any manufacturer subject to such Act, for a period of 12 months after terminating employment with the Commission.",2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
96-hr-6322,96,hr,6322,A bill to provide that flammability standards promulgated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and applicable to items of children's sleepwear also shall be applicable to items of children's underwear.,Commerce,1980-01-29,1980-01-29,Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.,House,"Rep. Boner, William H. [D-TN-5]",TN,D,B000615,0,Requires that flammability standards prescribed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission which apply to children's sleepwear items shall apply also to children's underwear items.,2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,