United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to commence a rulemaking relating to natural gas pipeline rate designs, and to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the President and the appropriate congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes Congress to enact laws regulating the amounts of contributions and expenditures intended to affect Federal elections. Authorizes the States to enact laws regulating the amounts of contributions and expenditures intended to affect State and local elections.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Presidential Proclamation 4771, dated July 2, 1980, is valid, remains in effect, and that therefore it remains the duty of young men to register with the Selective Service System in accordance with the Military Selective Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Railroad Retirement Board and representatives of railroad employees and carriers should jointly or independently study methods of financing the railroad retirement program, including a ton-mile tax. Requires a report to Congress by October 1, 1983, on the alternatives studied.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Civil Rights Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of affectional or sexual orientation. Provides that this Act shall not be construed to permit a finding of discrimination based on statistical differences or the fashioning of any remedy requiring a quota.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Postal Management Reform Act of 1983 - Abolishes the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service. Delegates the powers, functions, and duties of the Board (excluding the establishment of postal rates and the classification of mail) to the Postmaster General who shall be appointed by the President. Directs the Postmaster General to appoint the Deputy Postmaster General. Authorizes the Postal Rate Commission to fix postal rates and fees and to change the mail classification schedule at the request of the Postal Service or upon its own initiative. Provides for judicial review of decisions of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the copyright law to exclude from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who records copyrighted works on a video recorder if the recording is made for a private use and is not used in a commercial nature.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Designates the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, in Maryland, as the Gladys Noon Spellman Parkway. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to erect adjacent to such parkway an appropriate marker commemorating the contributions of Gladys Noon Spellman. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Hobbs Act Amendment of 1983 - Amends the Hobbs Act to establish penalties for obstructing, affecting, or interfering with commerce by willfully injuring, damaging, burning, or destroying to the value of $2,000 or more any real or personal property of any person at or near any place where work or business of an employer or owner is carried on or where such employer or owner transports, stores, or maintains property for business or other purposes. States that such violation, as well as the offense of interfering with commerce by extortion, shall not be nullified or mitigated even if committed in the course of a legitimate labor dispute.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to permit farmers and ranchers to transfer, encumber, or lease property securing Farmers Home Administration loans made before September 30, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide that the procedures available for AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children, part A of title IV of the Act) families for the collection of past-due support from Federal tax refunds shall also be available for non-AFDC families.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the collection of taxes, to provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regarding communication and harassment in connection with debt collection. Prohibits the publication of any tax deficiency which has not been adjudged to be payable by a competent court. Permits individual taxpayers to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages resulting from collection practices prohibited by this Act. Requires a Federal court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax. Specifies that a showing of fraud or malfeasance or a misrepresentation, for purposes of modifying or reconsidering a closing agreement between an individual taxpayer and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken into account only if such a showing or misrepresentation is determined by a competent court. Prohibits the Secretary from consenting to extend for more than one year the period for assessment of the income tax liability of any individual taxpayer. Requires the Secretary to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Makes binding on the Secretary : (1) a tax return prepared for the taxpayer by an officer or employee of the IRS acting in his official capacity to provide such assistance; and (2) written information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. Places the burden of proof, in administrative and judicial proceedings involving the IRS and a taxpayer, upon the IRS. Directs that all property of taxpayers, for purposes of the estate and gift tax, be valued at historical cost (original cost to the taxpayer or the basis of the property if it was not purchased). Prohibits the use in IRS personnel evaluations of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations. Precludes the Secretary from exercising any enforcement authority over churches or certain other organizations. Prohibits the audit of any group of taxpayers unless the Secretary has first met certain notice requirements or permitted members of the group to file an amended return. Sets forth conditions which must be met by the IRS before any action is taken to interfere with the property rights of a taxpayer. Requires the IRS, before securing the records of or personal data concerning any taxpayer, to: (1) notify the taxpayer in writing of the demand, the material sought, and the need for the material; (2) have commenced an action in a competent court against the taxpayer; and (3) have justified its need before the court consistent with the discovery rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. States that the IRS shall have no authority, in enforcing the tax obligations of any person, which conflicts with rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Grants to State or local governments having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce this Act. Permits an aggrieved person to file a civil action in State or Federal court against an insurer, if a State or local authority which has received notice of a complaint fails to act within 60 days or with respect to those authorities not having insurance discrimination laws. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights granted by this Act and that such denial raises an issue of general public importance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Provides that all Federal lands within the Hector Land Utilization Area in Seneca and Schuyler Counties in New York shall be considered part of the Green Mountain National Forest.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Directs the U.S. Postal Service to submit to Congress (rather than to the Postal Rate Commission) any proposed change in the nature of postal service which would have nationwide impact. Requires any statement of proposed change to include an estimate of the impact of such change upon the public, business mail users, service levels, and postal finances. Provides that no proposed change shall become effective if either House of Congress adopts a resolution disapproving it within 60 days after it is submitted to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Ocean and Coastal Resources Management and Development Block Grant Act - Establishes within the Treasury an Ocean and Coastal Resources Management and Development Fund. Limits the total amount payable into the Fund during any fiscal year. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to use specified portions of such funds to: (1) carry out the National Sea Grant College Program; and (2) provide national ocean and coastal resources management and development block grants to each coastal State. Requires such States to report grant allocation and project information, and provide opportunity for public comment before receiving such grants. Sets forth a grant allocation formula based on: (1) actual and future outer continental shelf lease sales, including oil and gas; (2) coastal related energy activities; (3) shoreline mileage; and (4) coastal population. Establishes a minimum grant of one-half of one percent of authorized funds for States having approved coastal management programs. Specifies activities authorized by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (and coastal energy impact program), and living marine and natural resource management projects as the only eligible uses of block grants. Requires States receiving such grants to submit an expenditure assessment to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to promulgate implementing regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Title I: National Development Investment - National Development Investment Act - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to cite such Act as the National Development Investment Act and to revise the emphasis of such Act from primary Federal initiative to coordination of investments between the public and the private sectors. Sets forth the findings of Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, upon the application of an eligible State, economic development district, distressed unit of local government (with a population under 50,000 and located outside an economic development district), Indian tribe, or nonprofit economic development organization, to make a grant for a portion of the cost of projects submitted in a development investment strategy. Sets forth eligible activities for such development investment assistance, including repairs, rehabilitation, and small business establishment. Sets forth specific eligibility criteria for applicants for such assistance. Requires an application for a grant under this Act to include: (1) a certification that the area concerned meets certain distress requirements; (2) a certification of any responsibilities which the Secretary has agreed to perform; and (3) a development investment strategy prepared in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to consider specified purposes of this Act in approving applications. Lists as criteria any one of which an area must meet in order to be eligible for a grant under this Act: (1) a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average; (2) an unemployment rate above the national average for the most recent 24 month period; and (3) a sudden economic dislocation resulting in job loss. Sets forth the information to be contained in a grant applicant's development investment strategy. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to establish a revolving loan fund for making or guaranteeing loans to small businesses for initial or working capital, or the purchase of facilities or equipment. Limits to $1,000,000 the amount of any such grant. Limits the amount of any grant under this Act to a maximum 50 percent of the cost of completing the project as determined at the time of the grant application. Permits the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of a project in the case of an Indian tribe. Limits expenditures in any one State to a maximum 15 percent of the appropriations made pursuant to this Act, except for expenditures to Indian tribes. Requires the Secretary, each fiscal year, to obligate minimum amounts of funds for such grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through FY 1986. Authorizes the Secretary to make economic development planning grants to States, economic development districts, Indian tribes, distressed counties, and distressed units of local government with population of over 50,000 if located outside an economic development district. Earmarks such grants for coordination of investment for community facilities, economic development, manpower training, and transportation services. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate Federal, State, and local development investment efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct any demonstration program to test the feasibility of new ways to increase productivity, foster innovative technology, match labor force with labor markets, or encourage economic diversity and regional balance. Limits the amount of any such grant to not more than 75 percent of the cost of economic development planning or of investment strategy preparation. Requires the Secretary, each fiscal year, to obligate minimum amounts of funds for such grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through FY 1986. Declares that the Secretary of Commerce shall administer this Act with the assistance of a specified Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with other persons and agencies. Prohibits the approval of any grant unless the Secretary is satisfied that the project concerned will be properly and efficiently administered, operated, and maintained. Sets forth the powers of the Secretary under this Act. Permits the Secretary to discharge any of his responsibilities relative to a project by accepting a certification of the grant applicant's performance of such responsibilities. Requires the Secretary to make comprehensive annual reports to Congress detailing operations under this Act. Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted under this Act to be paid the prevailing rate of wage in the locality. Requires the Secretary to maintain a permanent record of all applications approved for financial assistance. Requires each recipient of assistance to keep records, to review the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of the project, and to file an annual audit and biannual reports. Grants the Secretary and the Comptroller General access to any books, documents, papers, and records of any recipient, subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor that are pertinent to assistance received under this Act. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986. Declares that any contract entered into pursuant to this Act shall be effective only to such extent and in such amounts as may be provided in advance in an appropriation Act. Title II: Appalachian Regional Development - Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to declare that investments under such Act shall also be made in severely distressed and underdeveloped counties lacking resources for basic services. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988 for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes the Commission to lease office space through FY 1988. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1991 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases from 70 to 80 percent the subsequent Federal share of an Appalachian development highway segment when a participating State proceeds to construct a segment of such a highway without the aid of Federal funds. Applies such increase to projects approved after March 31, 1979. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to States and public and nonprofit entities for projects which will: (1) assist in the creation or retention of permanent private sector jobs, the upgrading of the region's manpower, or the attraction of private investment; (2) provide special assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped counties which lack financial resources for improving basic services; (3) assist in achieving the goal of making primary health care accessible in the region; or (4) otherwise serve the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the authorization of any financial assistance to enable plant subcontractors to undertake work previously performed in another area by other subcontractors or contractors. Prohibits grants with funds authorized after October 1, 1983, from exceeding 50 percent of the costs of any approved project. Permits such grants to increase the Federal contribution to any project to such percentage as the Commission determines within specified limitations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Extends the termination date of such Act from 1982 to October 1, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Sunset Review Act of 1983 - Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to jointly develop and maintain an inventory of all Federal programs and tax expenditures. Requires such inventory to classify all such programs and expenditures according to the jurisdiction of the various legislative committees of the two Houses. Requires the General Accounting Office (GAO), before the beginning of the 99th Congress, after consultation with the appropriate legislative committees and the Congressional Budget Office, to submit a draft inventory to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Requires such Committees to notify each legislative committee of the programs and tax expenditures which are classified within its jurisdiction. Allows any legislative committee to propose revisions of such inventory within 30 days after notification. Requires that such inventory be published in a single document. Requires that an update be made of such inventory at the beginning of every Congress. Specifies information to be contained in such an inventory. Directs the GAO to publish a supplement to such inventory which includes certain budget information. Requires each legislative committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, by a specified date in the first session of every Congress beginning with the 100th Congress, to report a resolution setting forth an agenda for the sunset review of selected Federal programs within its jurisdiction, or, in the case of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, of selected tax expenditures. Directs the committees of each House to develop their sunset review agenda in consultation with any other committee which has concurrent jurisdiction over any programs or tax expenditures involved. Requires, where practicable, that related programs and expenditures be reviewed during the same Congress. Requires the report accompanying any agenda reported in the 105th Congress and every fifth Congress thereafter to summarize the programs and expenditures reviewed and not reviewed during the five previous Congresses. Prohibits either the House or the Senate from considering a primary expense resolution for any legislative committee in any Congress until that committee has developed and submitted its sunset review agenda. Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to incorporate such agendas into a consolidated sunset review agenda and to report such consolidated agenda to its House in the form of a concurrent resolution, within seven legislative days after all committee sunset review agendas have been submitted. Requires the consolidated sunset review agenda to be adopted in the House and in the Senate no later than March 30 in the first session of each Congress. Sets forth the procedures for the consideration and adoption of such agenda. Requires each committee of the House or the Senate, not later than May 15 in the second session of each Congress, to report a bill or bills modifying, continuing, or terminating each program or tax expenditure which it has been directed to review under the consolidated sunset review agenda adopted during the first session. Requires such bill to be accompanied by a report. Requires each department, agency, and instrumentality in the executive branch of the Government which is responsible for the administration of a Federal program or tax expenditure selected for sunset review to provide the appropriate congressional committees with its views, information, and assistance. Directs the Comptroller General to supply specified information on audits. Directs the Comptroller General, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment, and the Director of the Congressional Research Service to furnish congressional committees such information as requested to assist in conducting sunset review of programs or tax expenditures under this Act. Exempts foreign intelligence or counterintelligence programs designated by the President as requiring protection from unauthorized disclosure. Directs the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate to review such programs pursuant to the spirit of this Act. Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to accord with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Emergency Mathematics and Science Education Act - Amends the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to add a new program for emergency mathematics and science education at elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education to provide elementary and secondary education assistance under such program for the first two fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Conditions such authorization upon increased appropriations under specified provisions of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Sets forth provisions for allocation of such program funds among the States. Permits States to reserve five percent of such allocation for State administration and planning activities. Requires States to distribute the remainder among local educational agencies, with 75 percent allocated on the basis of school-age population and 25 percent on the basis of number of children from low income families. Sets forth permitted uses of program funds by local educational agencies. Sets forth requirements for State educational agency use of program funds. Requires that sums available for postsecondary assistance be used to award congressional scholarships to 300 individuals in the first fiscal year beginning after enactment of this Act and to 600 individuals in the second such year. Sets forth requirements for eligibility nomination, and selection of congressional scholars. Provides that such scholars shall be selected by a committee composed of the Librarian of Congress the Secretary of Education, the Director of the Office of Science of Science and Technology Policy, and two individuals appointed by the Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader respectively. Obligates such congressional scholars to teach elementary or secondary school mathematics, science, or other appropriate subjects for at least five years or to repay the total amount of the scholarship, plus interest at a rate prescribed by the Secretary of Education. Directs the Secretary to make available funds appropriated for FY 1984 or 1985 for postsecondary assistance under the program for grants for mathematics and science improvement and employment-based education programs in new and emerging technologies in the following amounts: (1) ten percent to institutions of higher education; and (2) 25 percent to community and junior colleges. Directs the Secretary of Education, from funds available for such purpose for FY 1984 or 1985, to make grants to institutions of higher education for summer institutes and workshops for teachers and supervisors of mathematics and science programs. Permits such institutes to be conducted in other areas of national need, as determined by the Secretary. Directs the Director of the National Institute of Education, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, to investigate effective methods of mathematics and science instruction. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1984 and 1985. Directs the Secretary to make challenge grants available to provide up to one-third of the cost of: (1) purchase of modern scientific equipment for use in teaching and research; (2) training of faculty in the use of new laboratory and research equipment; and (3) sharing scientific and engineering equipment among academic and business laboratories and research centers. Limits the amount which may be made available for such challenge grants for FY 1985. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, to assess, before September 30, 1984, the current need for improvements in and purchases of laboratory equipment and facilities. Limits the total amount which may be appropriated pursuant to this Act for FY 1984. Limits the amount of such appropriation which may be available for elementary and secondary assistance and for postsecondary assistance. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to extend through FY 1985 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Pre-College Science Teacher Training program; and (2) the Minority Institutions Science Improvement program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the executive branch of Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
States that the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) between the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) pursue a complete halt to the nuclear arms race; (2) decide when and how to achieve a mutual verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and further deployment of nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems; (3) give special attention to destabilizing weapons; (4) pursue reductions through numerical ceilings and other means; (5) preserve present limitations on nuclear weapons; and (6) incorporate ongoing negotiations in Geneva on land-based intermediate-range nuclear missiles into the START negotiations. Requires that every effort be made to reach common positions with the NATO allies.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
States that the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) pursue a complete halt to the nuclear arms race; (2) decide when and how to achieve a mutual and verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and further deployment of nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems; (3) give special attention to destabilizing weapons; and (4) proceeding from this freeze, pursue major, mutual, and verifiable reductions in nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Limits the term of the President and the Vice President to six years and prohibits any person from holding either office more than once. Precludes any person who has held either office for more than four years to which another person was elected, from being elected to such office. Repeals the 22nd amendment to the Constitution on the limitation on presidential terms of office.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
States that the President should, at the earliest possible date: (1) request Senate consent to ratification of the Threshold Test Ban and Peaceful Nuclear Explosion Treaties; and (2) resume trilateral test ban treaty negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Hunger to conduct a continuing comprehensive study of the problems of hunger and malnutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a comprehensive study and review of the problems of children, youth, and families.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1982
Space Commerce Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue licenses for launching private sector space objects. Sets forth the conditions for issuing a license, including the ability to meet liability insurance requirements. Establishes criminal penalties for launching private space objects without such a license. Directs the Secretary to establish requirements for liability insurance to be carried by any licensee. Permits the Administrator to suspend or revoke a license for failure to comply with applicable regulations. Excludes from this Act space objects launched by or on behalf of the United States Government. Establishes the Commercial Space Study Commission to study the direction of future Government involvement and regulation of private sector commercial activity in outer space. Directs the Commission to report to Congress within a specified time. Terminates the Commission 60 days after its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1982
Establishes the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Requires the Commission to: (1) plan and develop appropriate activities to commemorate the bicentennial of the Constitution; (2) encourage private organizations, and State and local governments to organize and participate in bicentennial activities; (3) coordinate activities throughout all the States; and (4) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of bicentennial information. Directs the Commission to seek assistance from private and governmental agencies and organizations. Requires the Commission to submit a report of its recommendations to the President, Congress and the Judicial Conference within two years of enactment of this Act and annually until its termination. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and such sums as necessary through FY 1989.
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