legislation
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344 rows where congress = 96 and policy_area = "Commerce" sorted by introduced_date descending
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| 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 |
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| 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 … | 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 is… | 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 p… | 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 p… | 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 fo… | 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 allocate… | 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 Ac… | 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 … | 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 … | 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… | 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 … | 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 Pres… | 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-Pomer… | 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… | 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 p… | 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 speci… | 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 agenc… | 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 departmen… | 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 organiz… | 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 … | 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 … | 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 applic… | 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 b… | 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 ex… | 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 p… | 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 operatio… | 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 fu… | 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 s… | 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 availabl… | 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 … | 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 reexamin… | 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 fu… | 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… | 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 agenc… | 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 organiza… | 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 refinanci… | 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… | 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 |
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CREATE TABLE legislation (
bill_id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
congress INTEGER,
bill_type TEXT,
bill_number INTEGER,
title TEXT,
policy_area TEXT,
introduced_date TEXT,
latest_action_date TEXT,
latest_action_text TEXT,
origin_chamber TEXT,
sponsor_name TEXT,
sponsor_state TEXT,
sponsor_party TEXT,
sponsor_bioguide_id TEXT,
cosponsor_count INTEGER DEFAULT 0,
summary_text TEXT,
update_date TEXT,
url TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_congress ON legislation(congress);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_type ON legislation(bill_type);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_policy ON legislation(policy_area);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_date ON legislation(introduced_date);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor ON legislation(sponsor_name);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor_bioguide ON legislation(sponsor_bioguide_id);