A joint resolution making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1981, and for other purposes.

(House receded and concurred in certain Senate amendments with an amendment)

Appropriates fiscal year 1981 funds for necessary activities contained in the following appropriation Acts: (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1981; (2) District of Columbia Act, 1981; (3) Department of Housing and Urban Development-Independent Agencies Appropriation Act, 1981; (4) Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1981; (5) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1981; (6) Military Construction Appropriation Act, 1981; (7) Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1981; (8) Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1981; and (9)Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriation Act, 1981. Stipulates that such funds shall be available: (1) in the lesser amount as passed by the House of Representatives or the Senate as of October 1, 1980; (2) at rates no higher than the current rate for items included in only one version of an Act passed by both Houses; and (3) at the lower of current rates or the rate permitted by the House for activities included in an Act passed only by the House of Representative as of October 1, 1980, with specified exceptions. Requires provisions to be identical in bills passed by both Houses in order to be applicable, if such provisions were not included in the fiscal year 1980 appropriation Acts and are applicable to more than one appropriation.

Appropriates continuing funds for projects conducted during fiscal year 1980 and provided for by the Foreign Assistance and Related Progams Appropriation Act, 1981, at the rate set forth in the House conference report 96-787 with specified exceptions.

Appropriates continuing funds to the extent provided by the House of Representatives passed version of the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1981. Exempts the General Accounting Office from specified budgetary reductions. Limits salaries through December 15, 1980.

Appropriates continuing funds, at the current rate, for: (1) the Council on Wage and Price Stability; (2) the Attorney General in connection with State and local law enforcement agencies; (3) the Economic Development Administration; (4) Regional Action Planning Commissions; (5) the U. S. Travel Service; (6) Pretrial Services Agencies; (7) HUD for contributions to assisted housing; (8) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development; (9) the Senate; (10) nursing research; (11) health professions education and nurse training; (12) Community Mental Health Centers; (13) youth community conservation, youth employment and training, Young Adult Conservation Corps (at a specified rate) and private sector employment opportunities; and (14) State Medicaid Fraud Control Units. Prohibits the use of such appropriations for activities not authorized during fiscal year 1980.

Appropriates funds for necessary payments as provided by fiscal year 1980 appropriation Acts for: (1) black lung benefits; (2) Social Security benefits; (3) Public Health Service officers; (4) student loan program; (5) unemployment benefits; (6) Department of Labor special benefits; and (7) veterans' benefits.

Appropriates the necessary funds to: (1) carry out the authorized breeder reactor demonstration project at the current rate of operations; (2) process Cuban and Haitian entrants but not to exceed estimated amounts; (3) projects provided for in the Energy and Water Development Appropriation Act, 1981, with specified conditions; and (4) the National Health Service Corps not to exceed the fiscal year 1981 budget estimate.

Appropriates a specified amount for the low-income energy assistance program as passed by the House of Representatives, with specified exceptions concerning State allocations and total assistance to any one household. Authorizes the use of child nutrition program funds to pay valid claims submitted during fiscal year 1981 for meals served in September 1980. Appropriates amounts as provided in the House passed version of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1981, under the fiscal year 1980 authority and conditions.

Makes such appropriations available until the earlier of enactment of the applicable appropriation Act or December 15, 1980. Exempts such appropriations from specified limitations for submission and appropoval of apportionments. Charges expenditures made pursuant to this joint resolution to the applicable appropriation Act when enacted. Declares that any fiscal year 1981 appropriation requiring additional authorizing legislation shall not become effective before December 31, 1980.

Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to: (1) prevent the implementation of voluntary prayer and meditation programs in the public schools; (2) perform abortions, except to save the life of the mother or for rape or incest victims (when such rape or incest has been reported within 48 hours), unless otherwise restricted by a State; (3) replace the current Lau remedies for use as a guideline for services to students of limited English-language proficiency; or (4) increase wages for prevailing rate employees and crews of vessels in excess of specified amounts.

Appropriates necessary amounts for military construction projects to the extent provided in the House conference report 96-1433.

Earmarks specified funds for emergency activities caused by the eruption of Mount Saint Helens in Washington to remain available for obligation until spent.

Specifies the amount of funding for: (1) implementation of standby gasoline rationing plans; (2) strategic petroleum reserve petroleum acquisition; (3) the Postal Service; (4) Presidential transition expenses; and (5) countercyclical public service employment programs.

Authorizes the President to order a special census or revised estimate if a governmental unit is significantly affected by a major population change due to a large number of legal immigrants within six months of a regular decennial census.

Directs the Bureau of Prisons to maintain McNeil Island, Washington, pending disposal by the General Services Administration.

Defines alternative fuels for purposes of the alternative fuels program as including fuel derived from heavy oil resources and innovative systems for the direct combustion of minerals and organic materials other than petroleum and natural gas. Sets forth funding restrictions on direct combustion feasibility studies, synthetic fuel and biomass energy and alcohol fuels programs, and reserves for loan guarantees for the alternative fuels program.

Prohibits the use of: (1) funds to implement Department of Health and Human Services day care regulations; and (2) funds to implement Internal Revenue Service regulations concerning the rental of dwelling units to family members, the taxpayer's principal place of business, or personal use of a dwelling unit.

Continues funding at fiscal year 1980 levels for emergency energy conservation services.

Restricts funding of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank to the rate as passed by the Senate.