United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Small Business Procurement Reform Act of 1983 - Requires that any Government procurement contract for which a notice for bidding is published in the Commerce Business Daily remain open for bidding for at least 45 days. Establishes exceptions to such requirement in specified circumstances. Amends the Small Business Act to establish a goal of 35 percent participation by small business concerns with each Federal agency for the procurement of items which the Small Business Administration (SBA) determines can be produced by small business. Directs each Federal agency to take all feasible steps to subdivide large procurements into smaller components on which small businesses can bid. Requires any Federal agency to provide small business concerns, upon request, with copies and summaries of laws and regulations materially affecting the performance of contracts open for bids under $100,000. Establishes Government procurement contract arbitration panels within the SBA to facilitate the resolution of contract disputes between any small business concern and any Federal agency having procurement authority. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee to advise the Administrator of the SBA and Congress on Government procurement contracts awarded to or set aside for small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for outpatient occupational therapy services.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
States that the Government should restore balance to the Department of Energy's FY 1984 budget by maintaining funding for energy conservation, solar and renewable energy, and weatherization programs and by distributing information on conservation and renewable and solar energy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1983
Child Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors even if the material is not found to be "obscene."
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1983
Economic Equity Act of 1983 - Title I: Tax and Retirement Matters - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the maximum deduction for contributions to an individual retirement plan: (1) shall be computed separately for each individual who is married; and (2) in the case of a married individual who has no compensation or less compensation than that of the spouse, shall be determined as if such compensation were the same as that of the individual's spouse. Treats alimony as compensation for purposes of determining an individual's income tax deduction for retirement savings. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require that a retirement plan that provides an annuity to a participant with at least ten years of creditable service shall provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of a participant who dies before the annuity starting date in an amount not less than the amount that would have been provided if the participant had survived and retired on such annuity date. Provides that a participant's election not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such an election. Requires a retirement plan to treat an individual who was the spouse of the participant on the annuity starting date and who survives the participant as if such individual were the spouse of the participant on the date of death of the participant whether or not divorced after the annuity starting date. Allows the assignment of the benefits of a qualified retirement plan in the case of a judgment decree or order relating to child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights pursuant to a State domestic relations law. Amends ERISA to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from age 25 to age 21. Amends ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accruals of creditable service to continue while an individual is on approved maternity or paternity leave at the rate of 20 hours service for each week of approved leave. Entitles former spouses of civil service employees or Members of Congress, who were married to an employee or Member for at least ten years during creditable service, to an annuity based upon a portion of retired or retainer pay unless otherwise provided by a spousal agreement or a state court decree of divorce or annulment. Entitles former spouses to survivor's benefits under the civil service plan unless the former spouse remarries before becoming 60 years of age or the employee or Member and former spouse elect to waive such benefit. Requires that such waiver be jointly made in writing. Includes displaced homemakers as a targeted group for purposes of the targeted jobs tax credit. Defines "displaced homemaker" as a person who: (1) has not worked, except in the home, for a substantial number of years; (2) has been dependent on public assistance or on the income of a family member but is no longer supported by that income; and (3) is a member of an economically disadvantaged family and is experiencing difficulty obtaining or upgrading employment. Increases the zero bracket amount for heads of households from $2,300 to $3,400. Title II: Dependent Care Program - Increases the income tax credit for household and dependent care services from a maximum of 30 percent of amounts paid to a maximum of 50 percent of amounts paid. Reduces such percentage to a minimum of 20 percent based on the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. Makes such income tax credit refundable. Treats as tax-exempt organizations certain organizations which provide nonresidential dependent care to the general public. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (through the Commissioner of the Administration of Children, Youth, and Families) to establish a grant program to assist nonprofit organizations in the establishment or operation of community-based child care information. Title III: Nondiscrimination in Insurance - Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act of 1983 - 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: (1) has received notice of a complaint and fails to act within 60 days; or (2) has no 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. Title IV: Regulatory Reform and Sex Neutrality - Requires the head of each Federal agency to: (1) conduct an ongoing review of the rules, regulations, programs, and policies of the agency to identify any which result in different treatment based on sex; and (2) submit annually a report to the Congress on such review. Sets forth rules of statutory construction relating to gender. Title V: Child Support Enforcement - Amends the Social Security Act to specify that the purpose of the child support enforcement program is to assure compliance with obligations to pay child support to each child in the United States living with one parent. Allows offsets of income tax refunds of an absent parent on behalf of children not receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Present law permits such offsets only in the case of children receiving AFDC payments.) Requires States to establish a child support clearinghouse through which child support payments can be paid, recorded, and forwarded. Revises State child support enforcement procedures. Allows allotments for child and spousal support to be taken from the pay of Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Air Travelers Security Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to declare congressional policy with respect to the marketing and sale of passenger air transportation. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to vacate Order 82-12-85, adopted on December 16, 1982, and to adopt as its final decision in docket numbered 36595 the recommended order of an administrative law judge dated June 1, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
United States Olympic Checkoff Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns a contribution of one dollar of their income tax refunds or any cash amount voluntarily forwarded with their returns to support the U.S. Olympic Trust Fund. Establishes in the Treasury a U.S. Olympic Trust Fund (trust fund). Appropriates to such trust fund an amount equal to the amount designated on tax returns. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee. Allows specified administrative expenses to be paid from such trust fund.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Relief Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for veterans exposed to herbicides during service in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era who suffer from specified diseases which may be caused by exposure to such herbicides, developed to a ten percent degree of disability. Permits the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to determine what other diseases may be due to exposure to herbicides, chemicals, or environmental hazards. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year of enactment incorporating such determinations and setting forth the standards used to reach them.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the maximum size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1983
Emergency Shelter for the Homeless Act of 1983 - Title I: General Provisions - Defines terms to be used in this Act. Title II: Grants for Operation of Shelters for Homeless Adults - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to pay general operating costs of emergency shelters for homeless adults. Condition the eligibility of a State, local government, or nonprofit organization on requirements that: (1) an emergency shelter is operating in the area served by such entity; (2) such entity operated an emergency shelter some time during the three years preceding the enactment of this Act; and (3) such entity agrees to expend an amount equal to and in addition to the grant amount to operate emergency shelters. Lists grant application requirements, including requirements for: (1) material describing shelters operated by the applicant within the preceding three years; (2) material specifying the bed capacity of shelters operated by someone else; (3) information on the unemployment and vacant housing rates and the number of unrelated individuals living below the poverty level in the area served by the applicant; (4) an assurance that the applicant will repay grant funds not expended for operating emergency shelters; and (5) a report describing a discussion between any State or local government applicant and community representatives concerning emergency shelter expenditures. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a notice of the availability of funds for such grants when the amount approved for applicants is less than the amount appropriated for such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Grants for Renovating and Converting Facilities for Use as Shelters for the Homeless - Permits the Secretary to make competitive grants to States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to renovate or convert facilities to be used as emergency shelters for the homeless. Sets forth information that must be included in an application for such a grant, including: (1) the number of individuals in the area who need emergency shelters and the number of individuals for whom shelter would be provided; (2) material demonstrating that notice and an opportunity to comment has been provided to the neighborhood in which the facility will be located; and (3) assurances that the applicant will expend, within one year, such grant amount and an additional contribution equal to 25 percent of such amount to renovate or convert such facility and will operate such facility as an emergency shelter for three years and as an emergency shelter, or for another approved public purpose, for four additional years. Requires repayment of 80 percent of grant funds not used as prescribed in this title. Prohibits the Secretary from making any grant that would result in a disproportionate burden on any one section of a locality. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of the availability of grant funds whenever amounts appropriated exceed amounts approved for such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Demonstration Projects relating to Emergency Shelter for the Homeless - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations for the operation of demonstration projects that develop and apply innovative approaches to provide basic services to the homeless. Conditions grant eligibility on an entity's agreement to expend such grant amount plus a contribution equal to ten percent of such amount on such a project. Directs the Secretary to publicize the availability of grant funds when amounts appropriated exceed amounts requested and approved. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Coordinating Council to Assist the Homeless - Establishes the Federal Coordinating Council on the Homeless. Requires the Council to report to both Houses of Congress within 90 days on: (1) the extent to which existing Federal law providing assistance to the homeless is and can be utilized; and (2) whether assistance currently provided is adequate for the purpose of each Act. Terminates the Council 30 days after it transmits its report. Directs the Secretary to submit a copy of the report to the chief executive officer of each State. Title VI: Federal Assistance for Eligible Homeless People Under SSI Program - Amends the Social Security Act to exclude an emergency shelter from the definition of a "public institution" to allow otherwise eligible shelter residents to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits. Title VII: Tax Incentives for Emergency Shelters and Single Room Occupancy Facilities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit equal to 25 percent of the qualified expenditures for the construction or rehabilitation of an emergency shelter facility or a single room occupancy facility. Provides for an income tax exclusion of the interest earned on tax-exempt bonds issued to finance qualified shelter facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Vietnam Veterans National Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell a medal in honor of the members and former members of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam. Declares that the Secretary shall offer such medals for sale to the public at a price sufficient to cover the cost of minting and distributing of such medals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
World War I Veterans Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements and to certain surviving spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
State and Local Fiscal Assistance Amendments of 1983 - Extends the general revenue sharing program through FY 1987. Authorizes appropriations to the State and Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund to pay entitlement amounts to State and general local governments. Entitles each State government to an amount equal to any amount allocated to that government from the Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,500. Phases out such credit in annual increments after 1988. Defines "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1983 and before January 1, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Designates May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day. Authorizes and requests the President to: (1) call upon all nations to designate May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day; (2) urge the Soviet Union to permit the Sakharovs to freely choose their place of residence; and (3) direct the American delegation to the United Nations to introduce a resolution in the General Assembly calling upon that body to designate May 21, 1983, as International Sakharov Day.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Prohibits the shipment in interstate or foreign commerce of steel jaw leghold traps and articles of fur from animals that were caught in such traps. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Natural Gas Policy Act Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth: (1) ten Congressional findings concerning natural gas; and (2) the purposes of this Act. Title II: Amendments to the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to add to the definition of Btu. Sets forth a method of determining the number of Btu's per unit volume of natural gas. Defines definite price provision, indefinite price provision, market-out provision, and take-or-pay provision, for purposes of the use of such terms in a contract for the first sale of natural gas. Requires the price under any contract for the first sale of natural gas in effect on November 8, 1978, to remain the price after November 8, 1978, unless the contract expressly and specifically by its plain language authorizes prices established by Congress, in which case any price not in excess of the applicable maximum lawful price may apply. Repeals the annual inflation adjustment factors. Provides that the maximum lawful price for any first sale of natural gas shall be deemed to include all costs necessary to, or associated with, the delivery of marketable natural gas to the purchaser. Authorize an adjustment to the seller for necessary costs which deprive the seller of a just and reasonable return. Authorizes the purchaser an adjustment if the purchaser provides the seller consideration in addition to the maximum lawful prices. Establishes a transportation rate of no less than $0.05 per million Btu's end requires all revenues in excess of such amount to be credited back to the pipeline's customers. Declares null and void all indefinite price provisions in all contracts for the first sale of natural gas. Deems all contracts for the first sale of natural gas which is affected by deregulation to include a market-out provision. Deems all take-or-pay provisions in effect as of enactment to be reduced by 50 percent. Declares null and void any first sale contract which restricts the right of the purchaser to contest the contract. Requires all first sale contracts to be filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and made available to the public. Confers jurisdiction on the FERC to resolve contract disputes, on petition by any party to a contract. Directs the FERC to promulgate a final rule establishing the interest rate at which refunds shall be paid by natural gas companies on any collections made in excess of approved rates. Directs the FERC to undertake and complete a comprehensive study of minimum bill and related provisions in interstate pipeline tariffs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Elementary School Guidance and Counseling Incentive Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations: (1) for FY 1984 through 1988 for comprehensive elementary school guidance and counseling programs, supplemental grants to States for such programs and research and demonstration programs; (2) through FY 1988 for employment of one new and/or additional elementary guidance counselor per school district, evaluation of programs, and in-service counselor training; and (3) for teacher and counselor centers. Provides formulas, based on the population of elementary school children, for determining allotments to States for such programs. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Elementary/Secondary Education to administer State allotments and State plans through the Office of Guidance and Counseling of the Department of Education. Requires that each State, to be eligible for such allotments, submit to the Assistant Secretary a State plan for providing comprehensive elementary school guidance and counseling programs for a five-year period, with necessary annual revisions, which meets such criteria as the Assistant Secretary may by regulation prescribe. Sets forth required provisions of such plans and programs. Provides for appeal by a State of a final action of the Assistant Secretary to a circuit court of appeals. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary, through the Office of Guidance and Counseling, to make supplemental grants to States with approved plans for distribution to local educational agencies and for support of State agency leadership activities on the basis of statewide needs and priorities in elementary school guidance and counseling. Sets forth approved uses of such grants. Directs the Assistant Secretary to carry out a research and demonstration program relating to elementary and secondary school guidance and counseling. Directs the Assistant Secretary to make an annual evaluation report to the appropriate congressional committees. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include training for counselors under the teacher centers program. Provides for a program of in-service training for elementary school guidance counselors. Requires the designation of professionally trained counselors: (1) at the Federal level, to provide information on, and to administer, such programs; and (2) at the State, local school district, and intermediate administrative unit levels, to supervise such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer. Sets forth requirements governing such an offer. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Permits contracts requiring a dealer to purchase motor fuel exclusively from a particular refiner or distributor if such contract assures the dealer the right to purchase fuel elsewhere if the refiner or distributor does not have such fuel readily available. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within 90 days of enactment and annually thereafter to provide to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) information regarding the number of barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Permits civil actions to be brought by the FTC or private parties against violators of this Act. Directs the FTC to prescribe regulations required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Condemns the trial and conviction of Dr. Viktor Brailovsky by the Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express to the Soviet Union U.S. concern and opposition to the internal exile of Dr. Brailovsky and to the Soviet Union's refusal to permit Dr. Brailovsky and his family to emigrate; (2) the Soviet Union should comply with various international agreements by reversing Dr. Brailovsky's conviction and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; and (3) the Soviet Union should cease persecuting individuals seeking to emigrate and should cease denying basic rights to Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to prohibit the awarding of Federal contracts to persons who have violated certain judicial orders or orders issued by the National Labor Relations Board. Limits the period of such ban to not more than three years after the Secretary has certified the identify of such person to the Comptroller General. Permits the awarding of Federal contracts to such person during the period of the ban if the Federal agency or department, after notice and opportunity for hearing to all interested parties, certifies to the Secretary that there is no other source for the material or services furnished by such person.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Authorizes the Commission on Arts and Antiquities of the Senate (the Commission) to provide for the design and sculpture of a marble bust of Carl Hayden. Authorizes the Commission to accept such bust and to place it in an appropriate location. Authorizes until December 31, 1983, the solicitation and acceptance of gifts to carry out this resolution. Provides funds for the Commission's expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1983
Title I: Labor Standards - Requires any United States person who has or controls an enterprise in South Africa which employs more than 20 people to insure that in operating such enterprise the following employment principles are implemented: (1) desegregation in any employment facility; (2) equal employment for all employees; (3) equal pay for equal work; (4) establishment of a minimum wage and salary structure; (5) increase in the representation of nonwhites in managerial, supervisory, administrative, clerical, and technical jobs; (6) improvement of the quality of employees' lives outside the work environment; and (7) recognition of labor unions and fair labor practices. Declares that the Secretary may issue guidelines and give advisory opinions on compliance with such principles. Directs the Secretary of State to establish an Advisory Council in South Africa to advise the Secretary with respect to the implementation of such employment principles and to review the annual reports which each U.S. person covered by this Act must submit to the Secretary on the progress made in implementing such principles. Directs the Secretary to establish in the United States an American Advisory Council to make policy recommendations regarding labor practices of U.S. persons in South Africa and to review such persons' progress in implementing such employment practices. Directs the Secretary: (1) to take specified actions to insure compliance with the implementation of such employment principles; and (2) to review the compliance of such persons at least biennially. Sets forth penalties for noncompliance. Authorizes the President to waive compliance with the implementation of such principles if such compliance would harm U.S. national security. Title II: Prohibition on Loans and Importation of Gold Coins - Prohibits any U.S. financial or lending institution from making any loan directly or through a foreign subsidiary to South Africa unless such loan is for educational, housing or health facilities available to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis. Prohibits the importation of any gold coin minted in South Africa or sold by South Africa. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to enforce the prohibitions on loans and the importation of gold coins. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions for one year if South Africa meets specified conditions. Title III: General Provisions - Directs Federal agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in carrying out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Water Supply Rehabilitation and Conservation Act of 1983 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to make loans for the rehabilitation, expansion, or improvement of certain water supply systems to: (1) any department, agency, or instrumentality of a State or local government which operates a water supply system for at least 10,000 persons; or (2) any person who operates a water supply system under certain conditions. Prohibits such loans from exceeding 80 percent of the cost of such water supply project. Limits the amount the Secretary may lend under this Act, in any fiscal year: (1) to any water system supply operator; and (2) for water supply projects in any State. Prohibits any loans under this Act: (1) which do not have a purpose related to water supply or water conservation; (2) for water acquisition by one water supplier of another water supplier who services more than 1,000 persons; or (3) for any project solely intended to increase the number of persons served by a water supply system. Sets forth procedures for applying for such loans (including the payment of one percent of the amount of such loan requested). Authorizes the Secretary to make loans under this Act only to technologically and financially feasible systems which constitute a reasonable risk under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans under this Act to an operator of a water supply system only if the Secretary determines that such operator will implement a model water conservation program or its equivalent. Defines "model water conservation program." Requires the Secretary to enter into an agreement with each person to whom a loan is made under this Act. Sets forth some of the terms of such agreement. Directs that amounts submitted with loan applications and loan repayments be deposited in the Treasury. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Neighborhood Development Demonstration Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a three-year demonstration program to determine the feasibility of assisting neighborhood development activities by providing Federal matching funds to certain nonprofit neighborhood development organizations on the basis of amounts received from the private sector. Authorizes the Secretary to select, through a competitive process, up to 100 organizations to participate in the program in the first year, 200 in the second, and 300 in the third. Directs the Secretary to establish a neighborhood development advisory council to evaluate the applicants and recommend selections. Requires the Secretary to: (1) assign each participating organization a program year during which time voluntary private contributions shall be eligible for matching; and (2) establish a ratio of between three and ten Federal dollars for each dollar contributed which the Secretary shall pay to each organization at the end of each three-month period of the organization's program year. Limits the maximum amount the Secretary may pay to any organization for a year to $50,000. Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) assistance is provided to organizations only if their applications include certification by the local government of the area involved that such assistance is consistent with the housing and community development, conservation, and revitalization objectives of such governments; and (2) the neighborhood development activities conducted comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the activities carried out under this Act and any findings or recommendations concerning the demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Tenant Rental Contribution Act of 1983 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to declare that income limits for occupancy and rents in public housing shall be fixed by the public housing agency and approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Decreases from 30 to 25 the percentage of a tenant's adjusted income payable as rent for: (1) public housing under such Act; (2) rental housing assisted under the National Housing Act; or (3) rental housing assisted through the rent supplement program of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965. Applies the definitions of the terms "income" and "adjusted income" under the United States Housing Act of 1937 to such other Acts. Amends such definitions to specify: (1) amounts to be excluded from "income"; and (2) amounts to be deducted from "income" to determine "adjusted income."
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Increases from 26 to 30 the number of members of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, by adding: (1) one elected officer of a local government of an area with a population of less than 10,000 and one elected school board member, to be appointed by the President; and (2) one judge of a U.S. court of appeals or district court and one chief justice or judge of a State court of last resort, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no limitation should be placed on the Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on a residential mortgage.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
National Commission on Down Syndrome Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Commission on Down Syndrome to formulate a long-range plan for the study, prevention, and treatment of Down Syndrome. Requires a final report to the President and the Congress within 12 months after the Commission is organized. Requires the Secretary to submit a related budget analysis to specified congressional committees. Terminates the Commission three months after submission of the final report. Authorizes specified appropriations.
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
Residential Mortgage Investment Act of 1983 - Permits employee benefit plans, as defined under this Act, to engage in any qualified mortgage transaction involving any qualified residential mortgage loan, provided transactions between all parties are at arm's length. Permits such plans to participate in any mortgage pool, provided such pool conforms to specified requirements with regard to permitted investments. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations to carry out this Act. Provides that this Act shall supersede any and all contrary provisions of State law, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits the imposition of Federal excise tax on a plan or pool that engages in a transaction described under this Act.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Addabbo, Joseph P. [D-NY-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000052_200.jpg)