United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with certain international agreements relating to human rights by pursuing a more humane emigration policy and by ceasing harassment of Jews and others seeking to emigrate; (2) Soviet compliance with internationally recognized emigration rights would significantly promote improved relations with the United States; (3) the President should convey these concerns of Congress to the Soviet Union at every appropriate opportunity; and (4) the President should also convey these concerns to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44 of Title 18, United States Code - Amends the Federal criminal code to direct the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, assembly, importation, sale, or transfer any handgun model which is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, importer, dealer, or collector to manufacture, assemble, sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun (other than a curio or relic) which is not an approved model. Makes it unlawful for any non-licensee to sell or transfer any handgun (other than curio or relic) unless such person knows or has reasonable cause to believe such handgun is an approved model. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for permits to carry and purchase handguns and certify those meeting specified standards. Allows an individual possessing a permit under a certified State law to purchase a handgun if certain requirements are met. Makes it unlawful for a licensed dealer to transfer a handgun to a person not holding a permit under a certified State law unless certain procedures are followed. Requires in any such case that the transferee appear in person at the dealer's business premises. Requires the dealer, before delivery of the handgun, to forward a copy of a sworn statement by the transferee to the chief local law enforcement officer of the transferee's place of residence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an identity and record check. Prohibits delivery until 21 days after submission of the sworn statement. Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to sell to the same person, or for any non-licensee to purchase, three or more handguns during a period of one year without the prior approval of the Attorney General. Makes it unlawful for any person to fail to report the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his possession to the authorities within 24 hours after discovering such loss. Requires all licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to maintain accurate records of all handgun transfers. Makes any person who negligently transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury of an individual as a result of the use of such handgun by the transferee during commission of an offense. Makes it unlawful for any person to transport any firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce if such transportation violates a State law in a place through which the firearm is shipped or an ordinance at the place of sale, delivery, or other disposition. Increases the license fee for handgun dealers from $10 to $500 and for manufacturers and importers from $50 to $5,000. Makes it unlawful for any illegal alien, dishonorably discharged member of the Armed Forces, or U.S. citizen who has renounced such citizenship to possess, transport, or receive any firearm or ammunition. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970 to revise and increase the mandatory penalties for using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "illegally." Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense to two to ten years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and five to 25 years for a second offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the requirement, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences, unless the court finds the existence of enumerated mitigating circumstances. Adds a term of parole ineligibility as an additional restriction on first offenders (two years) and subsequent offenders (five years). Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to the Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Establishes the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration within the Department of Justice. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, in consultation with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities, to report on the intergovernmental problems involved in controlling illicit handgun traffic and the effectiveness of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Low-Income Energy Assistance Trust Fund Act of 1983 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to make unrefunded petroleum price control overcharges available for energy assistance. Establishes in the Treasury the Energy Assistance Trust Fund which shall be available for home energy assistance, residential energy efficiency programs, and other energy programs to assist low-income energy consumers. Appropriates funds which shall be transferred at least monthly from the general fund of the Treasury to the Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to hold the Trust Fund and report to Congress annually, starting with FY 1983, on the Trust Fund's financial condition and operations for the preceding fiscal year and for the next five fiscal years. Sets forth investment requirements pertaining to the Trust Fund. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office of Energy Special Counsel. Transfers the Office of Special Counsel of the Department of Energy to the Energy Special Counsel. Requires that the Energy Special Counsel transmit to the President and Congress a plan for the collection of petroleum price control overcharges made in violation of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973. Requires the Comptroller General to periodically review the Energy Special Counsel's activities and report quarterly to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy Act of 1983 - Title I: Authorizations by the Secretary of Energy for Certain Activities Outside the United States - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the publication in the Federal Register of authorizations for the production of special nuclear materials outside the United States. Provides that such an authorization will not become effective until at least 15 days after its publication. Requires reports submitted by the President to the Congress pursuant to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 to identify activities so authorized during the preceding year. Directs the Secretary of Energy to require persons who are engaged in activities requiring such authorization but who are not required to apply for authorization to report to the Secretary regarding such activities. Makes authorizations for the production of special nuclear material outside the United States effective with respect to a non-nuclear-weapon state only if the Secretary of Energy determines that such state adheres to the criteria governing U.S. nuclear exports for peaceful uses. Requires the Secretary to publish and submit to the President any recommendation for such an authorization with respect to a non-nuclear-weapon state which does not adhere to such criteria. Authorizes the President to allow such an authorization by executive order if withholding it would prejudice the achievement of U.S. nonproliferation objectives or jeopardize the common defense and security, unless Congress, after reviewing such an order, adopts a concurrent resolution opposing or vetoing such order. Provides that conduct which results in the termination of U.S. nuclear exports to another nation shall result also in the suspension of authorizations for the production of special nuclear material in such nation. Title II: Highly Enriched Uranium - Authorizes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue export licenses for highly enriched uranium for nuclear reactors only if: (1) there is no alternative nuclear reactor fuel available; (2) the proposed recipient of the uranium has indicated that it will use an alternative nuclear reactor fuel when one becomes available; and (3) the executive branch is developing an alternative nuclear reactor fuel. Requires the NRC to determine a kilogram limit on the amount of highly enriched uranium of U.S. origin that will be allowed at any one time in each foreign country and at each reactor site in each such country. Requires the NRC and the executive branch to support efforts to improve physical security arrangements for exports of highly enriched uranium. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a plan for the development of alternative nuclear reactor fuels for use in foreign reactors. Title III: Arrangements Involving Reprocessing - Requires a determination by the NRC (currently only the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of State) that a significant increase of the risk of proliferation will not result from the Secretary of Energy entering into a subsequent arrangement for: (1) reprocessing of special nuclear material in a facility which has not processed power reactor fuel assemblies or been the subject of such an arrangement prior to enactment of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978; or (2) retransfer to a non-nuclear-weapon state of plutonium, resulting from such processing, in quantities greater than 500 grams. Requires a new or amended agreement for cooperation before approval is given to a nation or group of nations for: (1) retransfer to a third country for reprocessing of special nuclear material, in quantities greater than 31 metric tons, exported by the United States or produced through the use of nuclear material and equipment or sensitive nuclear technology exported by the United States; or (2) reprocessing of special nuclear material in quantities greater than 31 metric tons or the subsequent retransfer of plutonium, resulting from such processing, in quantities greater than 240 kilograms. Title IV: Special Functions of the Secretary of Defense in Nuclear Nonproliferation Matters - Requires the approval of the Secretary of Defense for international cooperation agreements, export licenses, and subsequent arrangements with respect to nuclear material. Title V: Exports of Reprocessing Components and Technology - Prohibits, with specified exceptions, the exportation under a cooperation agreement of: (1) any component part or group of component parts determined by the President to be essential to the operation of a complete facility for nuclear fuel reprocessing; (2) any information, excluding restricted data, which is not available to the public and which is important to the design or operation of such a facility; or (3) other assistance essential to nuclear fuel reprocessing. Title VI: Exports Licensed by the Department of Commerce - Prohibits the issuance by the Secretary of Commerce of a validated license under the Export Administration Act of 1979 for the export to a non-nuclear-weapon state of goods or technology to be used in a production or utilization facility unless the Secretary of Energy determines that such state adheres to the criteria governing U.S. nuclear exports for peaceful uses. Requires the Secretary of Energy, in the event a determination is made to issue a license prohibited under this provision, to publish such decision and to submit the license application in question to the President. Authorizes the President to allow the issuance of such a license by executive order if withholding it would jeopardize the common defense and security, unless Congress, after reviewing such an order, adopts a concurrent resolution opposing or vetoing the order. Provides that conduct which results in the termination of U.S. nuclear exports to another nation shall result also in the prohibition of the issuance of a license for the export of goods or technology to be used in any production or utilization facility.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States, local public agencies, and nonprofit organizations for projects designed to prevent domestic violence and to provide immediate shelter and other assistance for victims and dependents of victims of domestic violence. Sets forth conditions for receiving the formula grants, including that the State: (1) distribute funds to local public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for domestic violence programs and services; (2) distribute at least 70 percent of such funds to private nonprofit organizations and give special emphasis to supporting community-based projects; (3) set forth procedures to assure an equitable distribution of grants within the State; (4) designate a State agency to administer the domestic violence program and coordinate all such programs within the State; (5) set forth procedures to assure active citizen participation within the State; (6) provide assurances that any project funded will coordinate its activities with other State programs and be administered by appropriately trained personnel; and (7) comply with reporting requirements. Declares that the Secretary shall not disapprove any application except after notice of and opportunity for a hearing. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to Indian tribes and intertribal organizations. Provides that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Limits the total amount of grants to any local program to $150,000 for not more than a three-year period. Limits the grant for any fiscal year to $50,000. Requires local public agencies and private organizations to provide the following shares of Federal funding: (1) 25 percent in the first year; (2) 33.33 percent the second year; and (3) 50 percent the third year. Requires that at least 75 percent of grants be distributed to entities providing immediate shelter and related assistance to victims. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental grants to States for: (1) administrative costs; (2) developing and implementing programs; (3) assuring active citizen participation; and (4) developing a media campaign. Provides that each State will be allotted at least $45,000 in formula grants and $7,500 in supplemental grants. Requires each State receiving assistance to submit detailed annual reports to the Secretary on the implementation of programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate a director of programs carried out under this title; (2) establish a national information clearinghouse on domestic violence, in coordination with the child abuse clearinghouse; (3) make recommendations to Congress regarding domestic violence programs; and (4) obtain information on research relating to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the programs no later than two years after funds are obligated. Sets forth confidentiality requirements with respect to records of persons assisted under this title. Establishes the Federal Interagency Council on Domestic Violence to assist the Secretary in coordinating Federal programs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress within 18 months of enactment on the nature and incidence of abuse of elderly individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Discount Window Standards Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to revise Federal Reserve bank discount window standards. Provides that, where denial would cause severe damage to the economy or severe unemployment, discounts of 90 days obligations (direct loans) shall be advanced to individuals, partnerships, and corporations. Makes such discounts (direct loans) available to State and local governments solely to assist them to provide basic services to their citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Adds the South Africa Investment Prohibition Act as a new title to the President's war powers authority. Directs the President to issue regulations prohibiting U.S. investment in South Africa. Directs the President to establish mechanisms to monitor compliance with such regulations. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibition. Terminates such prohibition after the President submits to Congress a determination that South Africa has made progress toward full participation by all South Africans in the life of that country and toward an end to discrimination, unless Congress adopts a resolution disapproving such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Designates the Mono Lake National Monument in California. Provides that the monument area shall become part of the Inyo National Forest. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire the lands and waters within the monument. Specifies acquisition procedures. Requires the Secretary to protect the geologic, ecologic, and cultural resources and to provide for recreational use of the monument. Requires the Secretary to permit the full use of the monument for scientific study and research. Permits individuals holding currently valid grazing permits within the monument boundaries to continue to exercise grazing rights. Permits the reissuance of existing permits to the current permit holder as of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive management plan for the monument. Requires the construction of a visitor center within the monument. Withdraws federally owned lands and waters within the monument from entry or appropriation under the mining laws, from operation of the mineral leasing laws and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, and from disposition under the public land laws. Requires the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, the State of California, the city of Los Angeles, and the Mono County Board of Supervisors, to study and report to specified congressional committees on the consumptive use of water diverted from the Mono Lake basin. Requires the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences for a study of the biological, ecological, historical, and aesthetic values of Mono Lake and the impacts of declining water levels thereon. Requires the Academy to transmit such study to specified congressional committees and to the Chief of the Forest Service by January 1, 1987. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
National Science and Mathematics Teachers Development Act - Establishes the National Science and Mathematics Teachers Development Board in the Department of Education. Requires that the functions of the Secretary of Education under this Act be carried out through the Board. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education for continuing education programs designed to improve the skills and competence of secondary school teachers of science and mathematics. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations for related administrative expenses. Sets forth application requirements for program participation by institutions of higher education. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria to achieve equitable distribution of assistance under this Act among the States and areas within each State. Limits the amount of any grant under this Act to a single institution of higher education to $200,000. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplementary matching grants to institutions of higher education under specified conditions. Limits each grant to $250,000. Sets forth provisions for payments to institutions of higher education under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress by December 31, 1985, on expenditures under this Act, Board activities, and types of grants made, with recommendations for further legislation to develop adequate science and mathematics teacher training.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Emergency Housing Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends the Emergency Housing Act of 1975 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make emergency mortgage relief payments to mortgagees on behalf of certain delinquent mortgagors in a district when, for three consecutive months, the amount of delinquent mortgage loans exceeds a specified percentage of the amount of all loans accounted for in the mortgage delinquency series maintained by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board for such district or the nation. Provides for the discontinuation and reinstitution of such assistance program depending on such delinquency rate condition. Lists the conditions for assistance eligibility, which include requirements that: (1) the mortgage is not federally insured under the National Housing Act or the Housing Act of 1949; (2) the mortgagor has suffered a substantial reduction in income as a result of circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control which renders the mortgagor unable to make full mortgage payments; and (3) the Secretary has determined that assistance is necessary to avoid foreclosure and that it is likely that the mortgagor will be able to resume full mortgage payments within 36 months and pay the mortgage in full by its maturity date. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a mortgagor will be able to resume making full payments and pay the mortgage in full if the mortgagor suffered a reduction in income because of a loss of, or reduction in, employment. Requires each financial institution or mortgagee, at least 30 days before instituting any foreclosure proceeding, to notify the mortgagor involved of the availability of assistance under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide homeownership counseling to persons assisted under this Act; and (2) approve or disapprove an application for assistance within 45 days. Sets forth the authority of the Secretary to recapture assistance provided under this Act. Creates the Homeowners Emergency Relief Fund to be available to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations and limits expenditures for assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary and certain Federal agencies which supervise financial institutions to waive or relax limitations pertaining to the operations of certain mortgagees and financial institutions with respect to mortgage delinquencies in order to encourage forebearance in residential mortgage loan foreclosure. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress every 60 days on: (1) the rate of delinquencies and foreclosures in various housing markets; (2) the prospects of voluntary forebearance by mortgagees in such areas; (3) Government actions to encourage such forebearance and to provide assistance under this title; and (4) the default status of mortgagees on multifamily properties with recommendations on curing and avoiding such defaults. Directs the Secretary to study and report on the use of alternative mortgage delinquency series under this title. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for grants by the Secretary to local governments, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations for the provision of shelter and essential services for individuals who are subject to life-threatening situations because of their lack of housing. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture, prior to taking any action that would result in a borrower losing housing financed by a rural housing loan, to grant a moratorium on loan payments if the borrower shows that he or she is unable to continue making payments because of circumstances beyond his or her control. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that delinquent borrowers are informed of the availability of such assistance; and (2) provide technical assistance to borrowers applying for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to reamortize the accrued debt of a borrower if reamortization is likely to result in the resumption of payments by the borrower.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Anatoly Shcharansky should be released from prison and permitted to emigrate. Urges continued expression of U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to implement procedures for identifying social security benefit checks issued under title II which have not been negotiated within 12 months and to credit the appropriate social security trust fund, on a monthly basis, for the amount of all unnegotiated benefit checks drawn on such trust fund. Requires the Secretary to pay a benefit check presented for payment after it has been credited to one of the trust funds, and to recharge such trust fund, if such check is otherwise proper. Authorizes appropriations to reimburse the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for the total amount of unnegotiated benefit checks.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends the Military Selective Service Act to repeal the prohibition against providing student loans for persons who were required to but have not registered under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolutions as an independent nonprofit corporation. Permits the Academy to use "United States" or "U.S." or any other reference to the United States Government or Nation in its title, corporate seal, emblem, or other mark of recognition in any fiscal year only if there is an authorization of appropriations for the Academy for such fiscal year provided by law. Sets forth the powers and the duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Authorizes the Academy to: (1) conduct research on the causes of war and the elements of peace; (2) provide peace education and research programs; (3) conduct training in conflict resolution; (4) disseminate information on peace learning; (5) establish a Center for International Peace; and (6) establish a United States Medal of Peace and other medals or honors. Authorizes the Academy to refuse research requests of Federal agencies for reason of cost or of inappropriateness to the Agency's purpose or independence. Prohibits the Academy from undertaking to influence the passage or defeat of any Federal, State, local, or United Nations legislation, but permits Academy personnel to testify or make other appropriate communication when formally requested to do so by a legislative body, committee, or member thereof. Provides for appointment of members of the Academy's Board of Directors. Sets forth grounds for removal of Board members. Permits Board meetings to be closed only in exceptional circumstances. Sets forth provisions for Academy officers, employees, procedures, and records. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel actions of the Academy or financial assistance by the Academy. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for an Academy principal office capitalization fund. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for FY 1984 and 1985 for Academy programs and administration. Requires that Academy expenses in connection with the United States Medal of Peace or the accompanying cash award be paid out of the private funds of the Endowment. Restricts contract-making authority under this Act to the extent and amounts provided in appropriation Acts. Directs the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy to report to the Congress and the President, beginning two years after the enactment of this Act and at two-year intervals thereafter. Directs the President to transmit to the Congress the recommendations of the appropriate Federal agencies with respect to such report and to any legislation concerning the Academy. Requires the appropriate congressional committees to hold hearings to review such report and recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Equal Access to Voting Rights Act - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate guidelines to assure that registration and polling place facilities used for Federal elections are readily accessible to handicapped and elderly individuals. Sets forth minimum requirements for these guidelines. Requires States to make available registration and voting aids for handicapped and elderly individuals in Federal elections. Authorizes the Attorney General and aggrieved persons to bring actions in Federal court to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the AfricaTown National Historical Park and District in Alabama. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the owners of real and personal property within the park boundaries to render financial, technical, and other assistance in the interpretation and preservation of such properties. Permits the construction of administrative facilities, a visitors' center, a museum, a theater, and a library on park land. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the Administrator of General Services to notify each State whenever surplus Federal real property within the State is available for disposition. Requires the Administrator to convey such property at reduced cost to a State or local government if such government, within a specified period, submits to the Administrator a State-approved plan for the use of such property for public park or public recreational purposes. Prohibits the approval or submission of a plan until the public is provided an opportunity to submit comments.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Declares that the presidential certification submitted to the Congress with respect to sending military aid to El Salvador is null and void. Directs the President to immediately suspend such assistance. Requires the suspension to remain in effect during 1983. Prohibits the President from making another such certification until Congress enacts a joint resolution declaring that El Salvador has met specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 100,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Establishes penalties for a vehicle manufacturer who fails to meet the minimum domestic content ratio. Directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and prepare a written report regarding policies and practices of vehicle manufacturers used to persuade U.S. motor vehicle dealers to favor foreign made parts rather than domestically produced parts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Minority Telecommunications Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare a purpose of such Act to be to provide for greater diversity of ownership and control of domestic and international telecommunications by requiring persons regulated under such Act to implement equal opportunity employment programs. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to: (1) establish criteria that ensures the eligibility of minorities for initial broadcast station licenses and construction permits; and (2) incorporate such criteria in any solicitation of applications for such a license or permit. Authorizes the Commission to declare that groups other than minorities are eligible for such license or permit if their eligibility would further the purpose declared by this Act. Sets forth circumstances under which the Commission may consider an applicant who does not satisfy such eligibility criteria. Directs the Commission to certify an assignment of a license or construction permit or a transfer of a corporate licensee or permittee to a minority assignee or transferee as necessary to effectuate a policy change (thus qualifying such assignment or transfer as an involuntary conversion to similar property and, therefore, a nonrecognition of gain under the Internal Revenue Code) if the Commission finds such action consistent with the purpose declared under this Act. Requires the Commission to permit a station licensee whose license has been designated for a revocation or renewal hearing to transfer or assign such license to a qualified minority applicant at a certain reduced market value prior to a final Commission order revoking, or denying renewal of, the license. Authorizes the Commission to waive its rules relating to the multiple ownership of telecommunications facilities for small business investment companies if the Commission finds that such waiver would enhance investment opportunities for minorities in telecommunications. Requires radio and television broadcasters, networks, common carriers, television cable systems, satellite operators, and the headquarters of such entities to establish, implement, and maintain an equal employment opportunity policy and program. Sets forth program guidelines and requirements, including requirements concerning the recruitment, training, and promotion of minority and female employees. Requires such entities to file with the Commission such program and an annual statistical report identifying by race and sex the number of employees in various job categories. Declares that an entity shall be deemed to be in compliance with equal employment opportunity program requirements when its work force has attained 80 percent of workforce parity for minorities and women in both total full-time employment and in the positions of managers, professionals, technicians, and sales persons. Requires applicants for construction permits, assignment of a license or construction permit, transfer of control, or license renewal to file an equal opportunity program with the Commission. Directs the Commission to designate an application for hearing if: (1) the Commission is unable to find that an applicant has maintained an effective program; and (2) the applicant's work force represents less than 50 percent of work force parity for minorities and women. Prohibits the Commission from considering in such hearing any improvements made in employment parity after designation of an application for hearing. Establishes the Advisory Committee on Minority Telecommunications Development to advise the Commission on policies which would further full participation by minorities in communications. Directs the Committee to report to the Commission within one year and to continue advising the Commission until Congress determines that minorities have attained full participation in the employment and ownership of telecommunications facilities. Makes specified funds available to the Commission to reimburse civic and community organizations (particularly, organizations representing minorities) and small businesses for their expenses of participating in rule making proceedings. Earmarks a specified portion of the funds appropriated for the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities to be available for the development of facilities owned and operated by, and available to, minorities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the limitation on the value of used property that can be used for a tax credit with respect to property acquired by a minority company in the purchase of any operating telecommunications facility. Requires the Commission to include in its annual report to Congress information on the participation of minorities as employees and owners of telecommunications facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide additional financing for the railroad retirement system by increasing the railroad retirement taxes on employers, employees, and employee representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to exempt from the termination provisions of such Act provisions relating to the export of domestically produced crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of individual taxpayers interest on reparation payments made to such taxpayers for persecution under the German National Socialist regime.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Directs the President to resume negotiations with the Soviet Union on a treaty prohibiting: (1) the testing, deployment, production, or use of any weapons system designed to damage or interfere with a spacecraft; and (2) the stationing in outer space of any weapon designed to inflict injury or damage on the Earth, in the atmosphere, or on objects placed in space. Requires such a treaty to provide for verifying compliance with its terms. Directs the President to request the United Nations to bring about multilateral negotiations banning all weapons based in space.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Department of Education should withdraw all remaining proposed regulations relating to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 and should increase its efforts to provide technical assistance to States and local schools for improved services to handicapped children; and (2) any final regulations promulgated by the Department under such Act should be rejected if they would dilute the strength of the protection of the educational rights of handicapped children.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that funding for community service employment programs for senior citizens under title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 for FY 1984 and subsequent fiscal years should be provided at levels sufficient to maintain or increase the number of employment positions provided under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish an Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to advise the Administrator or on the administration of benefits for and needs of women veterans. Directs Committee to report annually to the Administrator on the activities of the Veterans Administration pertaining to women, together with assessments of needs and recommendations for future action. Directs the Administrator to submit such report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Consumer Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1933 - Amends the Bankruptcy Code to prohibit any individual who has been a debtor in a bankruptcy case pending at any time in the preceding 180 days from being a debtor if: (1) the case was dismissed for willful failure to abide by court orders; or (2) the debtor requested and obtained the voluntary dismissal of the case following the filing of a request for relief from the automatic stay. Requires the debtor, within 30 days of filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 (liquidation), to give each secured creditor and the trustee a statement showing whether the debtor intends to retain or surrender the collateral, claim it as exempt, redeem it, or reaffirm debts secured by it. Sets a total exemption limit of $4,000 on personal and household items, of which each is valued at under $200. Requires debtors in a joint bankruptcy to choose either State or Federal exemptions. Makes nondischargeable any debts aggregating more than $500 incurred within 45 days of filing for bankruptcy. Declares that a debtor is able to repay a debt voluntarily. Prohibits private employers from terminating employees or discriminating against potential employees because of bankruptcy. Prohibits a trustee in bankruptcy from nullifying pre-petition payments made by a debtor to a creditor if the amount is: (1) less than $250 in a personal bankruptcy; or (2)less than $750 in a business bankruptcy. Prohibits approval of a repayment plan under Chapter 13 bankruptcies (repayment plan) if the holder of an allowed unsecured claim objects to the confirmation of the plan, unless: (1) the value of the property to be distributed under the plan on account of such claim is not less than the amount of such claim; or (2) the plan provides that all of the debtor's projected disposable income for the three-year period beginning on the date that the first payment is due under the plan will be applied to make such payments. Defines the term 'disposable income' for the purposes of the repayment plan. Requires the debtor to begin making payments to the trustee within 30 days after filing a repayment plan (currently payments do not begin until the plan is confirmed). Requires the trustee to hold such payments until a plan is confirmed or denied. Permits the debtor, unsecured creditors, or the trustee to request a modification of the repayment plan if the debtor's disposable income has changed substantially.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as long-term capital gain, amounts actually paid to a taxpayer with respect to 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 such business; (2) bears interest at a specified rate; (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 total earnings. Defines "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $10,000,000; (2) the face value of all of whose outstanding SBPD's does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats losses on small business participating debentures as ordinary losses. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on such debentures.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should ratify the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Transfers methaqualone from Schedule II (abuse potential, but has accepted medical use) to Schedule I (abuse potential, with no accepted U.S. medical use) of the Controlled Substances Act. Makes this Act effective within six months of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to transport to the decedent's place of burial the remains of a member of the uniformed services entitled to retired or retainer pay who dies in a military medical facility.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to require the U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund to oppose any credit drawing on the Fund by any country which practices apartheid.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that more money should be made available for jobs and programs in socially productive industries by reducing the amount of tax dollars spent on nuclear weapons, foreign military intervention, and wasteful military programs. Endorses the Jobs with Peace Week of April 10 through April 16, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Record Rental Amendment of 1983 - Prohibits the owner of a particular phonorecord of a sound recording from renting, leasing, or lending such recording for commercial advantage unless authorized to do so by the copyright owner.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Consumer Video Sales Rental Amendment of 1983 - Prohibits the owner of a particular copy of a motion picture or other audiovisual work from renting, leasing, or lending such copy for commercial advantage unless authorized to do so by the copyright owner.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Community Renewal Employment Act - Declares the purpose of this Act to be the provision of employment opportunities to long-term unemployed individuals in high unemployment areas through grants for labor and related costs associated with the repair, maintenance, or rehabilitation of essential community facilities and for public safety and health activities. Authorizes appropriations to enable eligible entities to provide opportunities for unemployed individuals under this Act. Authorizes such appropriations in a specified amount for FY 1983. Limits the authorization of such appropriations in each succeeding fiscal year to an amount to the product of $10,000 multiplied by 20 percent of the number of "long-term unemployed individuals" (i.e. the average number of individuals in the civilian labor force who, in the first three months of the fiscal year for which the appropriation is to be made, had been unemployed for 15 or more weeks as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on a seasonally adjusted basis). Makes eligible entities under specified circumstances: (1) States; (2) local governments with populations of 50,000 or more; (3) consortia of local governments; (4) existing concentrated employment program grantees serving rural areas under the Job Training Partnership Act; and (5) Native American Indian, Alaska Native, and Oklahoma Indian groups. Makes individuals aged 16 or older eligible to participate in such program only if they are unemployed at the time of eligibility determination and for at least of the 20 weeks prior to such determination, with specified exceptions. Limits wages for eligible individuals to 52 weeks in a two-year period. Requires that priority be given to those who have exhausted unemployment insurance benefits and those who have been unemployed for the longest periods immediately preceding selection. Allocates 73 percent of grant funds under this Act in any fiscal year to specified eligible entities (States, local governments and consortia, and rural concentrated employment programs) within which the average unemployment rate for the preceding 12-month period was nine percent or more of the civilian labor force. Allocates 15 percent among specified eligible entities (local governments and consortia and rural concentrated employment programs) which do not meet such unemployment criteria. Allocates five percent to States for use in high unemployment areas which are not being served by eligible entities. Reserves two percent for eligible Native American groups. Reserves five percent for distribution in the Secretary's discretion. Provides that the 73 percent and 15 percent allocations to eligible entities shall be distributed on the basis of relative members of: (1) unemployed individuals; (2) unemployed residing in areas of substantial unemployment (i.e. those areas which are of sufficient size and scope to sustain a program under this Act and which had an average rate of unemployment of at least six and one-half percent for the most recent 12 months); and (3) "excess unemployed individuals" (i.e. the number of individuals which is in excess of four and one-half percent of the civilian labor force). Provides that the five percent allocation to States shall be made available by Governors to areas which did not qualify for the other allocations but which have: (1) had an average civilian unemployment rate of nine percent or more for the three most recent months; (2) had large-scale losses of jobs caused by the closing of facilities, mass layoffs, natural disasters, or similar circumstances; or (3) experienced sudden or severe economic dislocations. Provides that funds reserved for Native American eligible entities shall be allocated on an equitable basis, taking into account the extent to which regular employment opportunities have been lacking. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for such Native American programs. Provides that the Secretary's discretionary funds be reserved for distribution to eligible entities serving areas of high unemployment or designated enterprise zones, or areas affected by mass layoffs, natural disasters, or Federal Government actions. Sets forth provisions for availability and reallocation of funds under this Act. Requires that allocations be made within 45 days after appropriation of such funds. Requires eligible entities to file with the Secretary plans which: (1) describes projects to be assisted; (2) have been reviewed by the appropriate economic development district or other appropriate agencies; and (3) are not inconsistent with the appropriate community development plans for such area. Provides that such plans shall be deemed acceptable unless, within 30 days of the filing, the Secretary: (1) finds that a plan violates the provisions of this Act; and (2) provides a written explanation to the eligibility entity. Grants such entity 30 days to file a revised plan. Requires eligible entities to give priority to projects on the basis of the: (1) severity and duration of unemployment within localities; (2) degree to which project activities will lead to the expansion of unsubsidized employment in the private sector; (3) level of need for activities and services; and (4) extent of coordination with economic and community development activities funded from sources other than this Act. Limits to 25 percent that portion of the funds provided to any eligible entity which may be used for the cost of administration (including supervision) and the acquisition of supplies, tools, and equipment. Requires that the remainder of such funds be used to provide wages and related employment benefits to eligible participants. Requires that eligible participants be employed in community improvement projects, in one or more listed activities involving: (1) public facilities repair, rehabilitation, or improvement; (2) public lands conservation, rehabilitation, or improvement; or (3) public safety and health. Sets forth general requirements relating to employment and projects under this Act. Limits the number of subsidized jobs to five percent of the work force of an eligible entity, with specified exceptions. Requires that eligible participants be paid prevailing wages if such wages are higher than the applicable minimum wage. Limits the individual yearly wage subsidy to $10,000, but permits adjustments for particular areas. Permits individual yearly wage supplements from other sources of up to 50 percent of the maximum wage subsidy. Requires that participants be allowed sufficient time off from work activities to participate effectively in job search activities. Requires eligible entities to maintain an individual work record for each participant. Sets forth program labor standards relating to conditions of employment and training, health and safety standards, workers' compensation benefits, and job benefits and working conditions. Prohibits use of funds under this Act for contributions on behalf of any participant to retirement systems or plans. Prohibits displacement of any currently employed worker by participants in programs funded under this Act. Prohibits such programs from impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements. Requires the written concurrence of the labor organization and the employer concerned before any such program which would be inconsistent with the terms of a collective bargaining agreement may be undertaken. Prohibits program participants from being employed or job openings from being filled when: (1) any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job; or (2) the employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise reduced its work force with the intention of filling the vacancy by hiring a participant whose wages are subsidized under this Act. Prohibits creation of jobs in a promotional line that will infringe in any way on the promotional opportunities of currently employed individuals. Requires recipients of funds under this Act to provide the Secretary with assurances that none of such funds will be used to assist, promote, or deter union organizing. Requires that an opportunity for comment be provided for any labor organization representing a substantial number of employees engaged in similar work or training in the same areas as that proposed to be funded under this Act. Applies the wage rate requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act to all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in works federally assisted under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and for succeeding fiscal years to enable the United States Employment Service to provide funds to State employment service agencies to: (1) certify and refer unemployed individuals as eligible for program participation; and (2) assist program participants in finding regular unsubsidized employment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Prohibits any cooperation with South Africa with respect to atomic energy. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from issuing any license or authorization for the export of any nuclear materials, equipment, or technology to South Africa. States that the authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 may not be used to distribute any nuclear material, source material, or byproduct material to South Africa. Prohibits any U.S. agency or official from permitting the transfer to, or use by, South Africa of nuclear material, equipment, or technology. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from authorizing any activity which would constitute engaging in the production of special nuclear material in South Africa. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from issuing an export license for any goods or technology which: (1) are intended for a nuclear related end use or end user; (2) have been identified as items which could be of significance for nuclear explosive purposes; or (3) are otherwise subject to certain procedures of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Secretaries of Commerce, Energy, and State to prepare lists of goods and technology transferable to South Africa notwithstanding the provisions of this Act which could help that country develop a nuclear capability. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prohibit the export of such goods and technology. Prohibits any officer or employee of the executive branch from making available to South Africa any technology or other information which could increase that country's nuclear capability. Terminates any license or authorization described in this Act which was issued before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Home Recording Act of 1983 - Amends the copyright law to exempt from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who makes a single video recording of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, or a single audio recording of a musical work or sound recording, in his or her private home solely for private household use. Requires the compulsory licensing of manufacturers and importers of video and audio recording devices and media. Sets forth procedures for: (1) determining royalty fees to be paid by such manufacturers and importers; and (2) distributing such fees to the owners of copyright of audiovisual works included in television transmissions and musical works and sound recordings included in radio or television transmissions or distributed in the form of phonorecords. Provides for the determination of royalty fees by: (1) voluntary negotiation between importers and manufacturers and representatives of copyright owners; or (2) compulsory arbitration when a voluntary agreement is not reached. Specifies criteria to be considered by an arbitration board in determining royalty fees. Authorizes the Register of Copyrights to confirm fees determined under arbitration or, under specified circumstances, to deny such fees and initiate new arbitration proceedings. Provides for the judicial review of the Register's decision. Requires royalty fees to be redetermined every three years. Sets forth penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Requires the Office of Personnel Management to provide a 30-day period each year during which Federal employees may transfer enrollments between health benefit plans.
![Official portrait of Del. Fauntroy, Walter E. [D-DC-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000046_200.jpg)