United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States which adopt and implement effective child passenger safety programs. Sets forth eligibility requirements for States to receive such grants and a limitation on apportionments. Requires the Secretary to establish, by regulation, standards for such programs. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1984 through 1986. Directs the Secretary to conduct an annual evaluation of each eligible State's child passenger safety program to measure its effectiveness on child safety seat usage.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Declares that the House of Representatives disapproves the administration's recommendation that the States be required to assume full funding of all joint State and federally funded rail service operating under State supported services provisions of the Rail Passenger Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Transfers marihuana from schedule I (abuse potential, no accepted medical use) to schedule II (accepted medical use) under the Controlled Substances Act. Amends such Act to establish in the Department of Health and Human Services an Office for the Supply of Internationally Controlled Drugs, to be responsible for regulating the domestic production and distribution of marihuana. Establishes procedures for the production and use of medicinal marihuana. Permits the distribution of medicinal marihuana only to hospitals and pharmacies registered to dispense schedule II controlled substances for the purposes of treating glaucoma, cancer, or research approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Provides for a marihuana abuse prevention and information program through the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the family planning program under title X of the Public Health Service Act should be administered in the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from repealing, amending, or otherwise modifying specified rules regarding network television syndication, network television financial interests, and prime time access before July 1, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1983 - Title I: Improved Identification for Motor Vehicle Parts and Components - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle security standard applicable to parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles, other than motorcycles, after the effective date of such standard, or manufactured as new replacement parts after such date. Directs the Secretary to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before promulgating such standard, which includes the effect on domestic motor vehicle production and sales. Stipulates that the standard shall not: (1) impose additional costs upon manufacturers in excess of $10 per motor vehicle; or (2) require the identification of more than 14 parts for any motor vehicle, nine parts for any truck, or four parts for any trailer. Declares that a Federal motor vehicle standard supercedes any State or local standard. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies on the development of security devices and systems. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on such devices and systems within one year of enactment. Provides for repeal of this title on a specified date. Title II: Antifencing Measures - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for removing or altering any identification number of any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulation. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or part which has had such number removed, with specified exceptions. Applies to the seizure and forfeiture of motor vehicles and parts those provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels and merchandise under the customs laws. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title III: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any motor vehicle, off-highway vehicle or vehicle part knowing that it has been stolen or that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used motor vehicle or off-highway mobile equipment to present to the appropriate customs officers the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Title IV: Reporting Requirements - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a task force to study problems relating to motor vehicle titling and controls over motor vehicle salvage which may affect the motor vehicle theft problem. Directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Treasury and Transportation and the Postmaster General, to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Relief Act - Title I: Contracting and Marketing Practices - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare a take-or-pay clause of a pipeline contract to be against public policy and unenforceable for a three-year period: (1) to the extent that it requires a pipeline to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the pipeline has contracted to take; or (2) if such clause does not entitle a pipeline which makes a payment under such clause to take delivery of the gas during the one year period beginning on the date of payments. Defines "take-or-pay clause" to mean any contract provision which requires payment for the minimum quantity of natural gas contracted for under the contract in the event the pipeline fails to take delivery. Permits a pipeline, in the case of a contract for the first sale of natural gas, to: (1) request the seller to renegotiate the contract; and (2) indicate that, if there is no renegotiation within 30 days of the request, the pipeline will exercise its market-out-option. Permits a pipeline exercising its market out option to refuse delivery without incurring an obligation to pay for any amount of natural gas contracted for if the pipeline in its sole discretion determines that it could not market the gas. Declares any indefinite price escalator clause applicable to the first sale of natural gas to be against public policy and unenforceable. Defines "indefinite price escalator clause" as any provision of any contract which provides for the establishment or adjustment of the price for natural gas delivered by reference to prices for natural gas, crude oil, or any other commodity. Prohibits a pipeline from passing through its costs if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determines that the pipeline has failed to adopt practices minimizing amounts paid to purchase natural gas. Declares any minimum commodity beill requirement applicable to any sale of natural gas by any interstate or intrastate pipeline to be against public policy and unenforceable: (1) to the extent it requires the purchaser to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the purchaser has contracted to take; or (2) if such requirement does not entitle a purchaser who makes a payment under such requirement to take delivery of the natural gas involved subsequent to the date of payment provided under the requirement. Directs FERC to order an interstate pipeline, upon application by a producer of natural gas or by a purchaser of natural gas from a producer, to carry natural gas, for a just and reasonable consideration, between the producer and purchaser if FERC finds that: (1) the pipeline has available capacity; (2) no undue burden would be placed upon such pipeline by reason of the order; (3) construction of new facilities would not be required; and (4) the order would not impair the ability of the pipeline to render adequate service to its other customers. Directs FERC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to issue standards for interstate pipeline tariffs. Directs FERC to require, by rule, a first-sale purchaser of natural gas to file a copy of the contract with FERC. Title II: Wellhead Price Provisions - Revises ceiling price provisions for natural gas. Provides that the ceiling price for categories other than high-cost gas shall be the January 1982 ceiling price multiplied by the monthly equivalent of the modified price adjustment factor. Defines the "modified price adjustment factor" for any month as the lower of: (1) 75 percent of the quarterly percent change in the GNP implicit price deflator (as defined in the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978); or (2) the percent change in the energy index, computed and published as an annual rate by the Department of Labor, for the most recent month for which such percent change has been so published at least eight days before the beginning of the month for which the modified price adjustment factor is being calculated. Provides that for high-cost gas the maximum lawful price for any first sale shall be 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for categories of gas other than high-cost gas. Provides for an adjusted ceiling price for wells drilled on or after January 1, 1982, and before enactment. Repeals provisions permitting increases in the ceiling price of certain categories of natural gas if just and reasonable. Provides, as a general rule, that the maximum lawful price applies with respect to the recovery of all costs and profits associated with production and first-sale delivery of marketable natural gas. Prohibits the importation of natural gas if the first sale price in the United States of the gas exceeds 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for domestically produced gas. Directs the President to submit to Congress a report on the status of negotiations with Canada regarding modification of the border price for natural gas imported from Canada. Extends price controls and standby authority for two years beyond their present expiration dates.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Declares the findings of the Congress that States should: (1) evaluate teacher training and performance requirements; (2) compare teacher recruitment, selection, training, certification, and licensing in other States; (3) establish commissions on teacher excellence; and (4) recommend to the President and the Congress ways in which public school instruction could be assisted by research, evaluation, new policy initiatives, and changes in existing Federal laws.
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 · 14 March 1983
Provides for the expiration, effective December 15, 1983, of the waiver of laws granted for the Alaska natural gas transportation system unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues, on or before such date, a final certificate of public convenience and necessity for the approved transportation system. Prohibits any Federal agency from providing financial assistance for the transportation system after approval of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to substitute a new title III (National Marine Sanctuaries) for the existing title III. Specifies congressional intent to authorize a program that: (1) establishes a system of marine sanctuaries by identifying marine environments of special significance due to their conservational, recreational, ecological, historical, educational, or esthetic value; (2) provides comprehensive area management complementing existing authorities; (3) supports scientific research and enhances public appreciation of such areas; and (4) facilitates public and private uses of such areas compatible with the primary objective of resource protection. Defines "marine environment" to mean: (1) the ocean waters and the continental shelf over which the United States asserts resource jurisdiction; and (2) the great Lakes and their connecting waters. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, upon the approval of the President, to designate an area as a national marine sanctuary if such designation fulfills the policies of this title and: (1) such area's resource or use values give it special national significance; (2) existing State and Federal authorities are inadequate to assure comprehensive area management; and (3) such area's size will facilitate comprehensive areawide management. Lists factors to be considered in making such findings. Requires the Secretary to consult with interested congressional committees, Federal, State, and Regional Fishery Management Council officials, and other persons in determining whether an area meets sanctuary designation standards. Sets forth designation provisions. Requires the Secretary to: (1) publish in the Federal Register notice of such designation and proposed implementing regulations; and (2) notify each House of Congress. States that a designation or designation term shall take effect unless: (1) Congress disapproves within 120 days; (2) the Secretary withdraws the designation; or (3) the Governor or Governors of States having jurisdiction over the area certify within 60 days of the designation date that such designation is unacceptable. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register the designation and terms of each sanctuary that takes effect under this title. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress (on or before November 1) regarding areas being considered for sanctuary designation. Establishes civil penalties of up to $50,000 for violations of this title. Vests jurisdiction in the U.S. district courts. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to specified submerged areas located in the Pacific Ocean off the California coastline and in the Atlantic Ocean off the Massachusetts coastline, from: (1) issuing any oil and gas lease; (2) granting any license or permit for any activity which both affects the areas and involves drilling for oil and gas; and (3) approving any exploration plan or any development and production plan which provides for such activities. Terminates the provisions of this Act of January 1, 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Tobacco Deregulation Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal specified tobacco programs, including: (1) price supports; (2) parity payments; (3) review and adjustment of quotas; and (4) marketing quotas. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 and the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to prohibit agricultural commodity assistance for tobacco. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Assistance Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from issuing any tobacco handling orders. Makes such provisions applicable to the 1984 and subsequent tobacco crops. Repeals provisions relating to compacts among States providing for the control or production of, or commerce in, tobacco within such States. Withdraws congressional consent to such compacts.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Cigarette Safety Act - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate, within 24 months, final performance standards for cigarettes and little cigars ensuring a minimal capacity for igniting smoldering fabric fires. Requires publication in the Federal Register, together with detailed reasons, of any decision not to promulgate a standard based on a finding that it is technologically impracticable or economically unreasonable. Authorizes the Commission to prohibit manufacturers from stockpiling such products to which such standards apply. Provides for judicial review of such standards in an appropriate U.S. court of appeals. Declares such cigarette safety standards to be subject to all remedial and penalty provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act for the first three fiscal years beginning after enactment.
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
Comprehensive Smoking Prevention Education Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to inform the public of the health hazards of cigarettes through research, demonstration, and educational activities. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health to coordinate such Federal and private activities. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress biennially (with the first report due by January 1, 1984). Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to require cigarette packages to carry one of three specified label warnings on a rotating basis. Includes exports under such requirements. Makes it unlawful to advertise cigarettes without one of three specified warnings. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package cigarettes commercially without disclosing tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide levels on the package. Requires the Secretary to test such levels at least once a year. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package cigarettes commercially without first filing with the Secretary a list of chemical additives (types and amounts). Requires the Secretary to report at least annually to Congress regarding cigarette additives and their health hazards. Increases the fine for violation of such Act from $10,000 to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to reduce from $5,000 to $1,000 the limitation on multicandidate political committee contributions to a candidate or the candidate's authorized political committees.
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 · 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 · 25 February 1983
Amends the Act commonly known as the Second Morrill Act to repeal language relating to racial segregation in colleges. Provides that amendments made by this Act shall not be construed as affecting the eligibility of any land-grant college or institution, including Tuskegee Institute, to receive funds under the Act commonly known as the First Morrill Act or under the Second Morrill Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) noncompliance with the regulations established by the International Whaling Commission undermines international whale conservation efforts; (2) the President should encourage those nations which have filed objections to the International Whaling Commission's ban on commercial whaling to withdraw their objections; and (3) the Secretary of State, in reviewing the allocations of the total allowable level of foreign fishing under specified agreements, should consider whether a foreign nation filed an objection to the Commission's ban on commercial whaling and has not withdrawn its objection.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Solar Energy National Security and Employment (SENSE) Act of 1983 - Title I: Use of Solar and Other Renewable Forms of Energy Developed By Private Sector - Renewable Energy Small Business Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the energy percentage for energy property which is used in determining the qualified investment tax credit. Treats biomass recycling equipment as biomass property and includes biomass property as "energy property" for purposes of the energy percentage. Eliminates the requirement that the primary energy sources for a facility producing alcohol for fuel purposes not be oil or natural gas or a product of either one in order for such alcohol to be treated as "qualified fuel" for purposes of the energy percentage. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that a minimum of 12 percent of the loan authority of the Export-Import Bank in any fiscal year be made available only to businesses with $25,000,000 or less in previous-year sales and include an amount of loan authority for renewable energy transactions that is appropriate to the demand for such loans. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require that the rates for purchases by an electric utility of electric energy from any qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility be established at the incremental cost of alternative electric energy of such utility, unless the State regulatory authority or a nonregulated electric utility determines that a different rate would encourage cogeneration and small power production, would not discriminate against cogenerators and small power producers, and would be in the consumers' and the public's interest. (Currently, such rates must be just and reasonable to the consumers and in the public interest and must not discriminate against cogenerators and small power producers.) Requires a cogeneration facility or small power production facility to pay reasonable interconnection costs incurred by an electric utility which is required to offer to interconnect with such facility. Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to issue policy guidance to departments and agencies with respect to international trade issues involving renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 to require that a reasonable portion of the funds appropriated for nonnuclear programs of the Department of Energy be set aside for renewable energy and energy conservation businesses. Title II: Renewable Energy National Security - Renewable Energy National Security Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of a military department, when procuring energy systems, to procure systems that include energy-conserving equipment. Includes biofuels as a renewable form of energy for purposes of energy systems procurement by a military department. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for the use of biofuels in meeting Department of Defense energy needs to the extent feasible and consistent with overall defense needs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to encourage the use of energy-conserving devices and equipment in military construction projects, including family housing projects, where practical and economically feasible. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to include spoilt and contaminated grains among the accumulated stocks of agricultural commodities which the Commodity Credit Corporation may process into liquid fuels. Authorizes the Corporation to provide for the storage of liquid fuels so processed for use by the agricultural sector during periods of fuel shortages. Requires the Corporation to provide for the processing of spoilt and contaminated commodities into liquid fuels before the processing of stocks of usable feedstock. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a data base on the location of all stockpiles of renewable energy supplies and biofuels and of all renewable energy production facilities in the United States. Requires that such data be made available to Government departments and agencies upon request. Requires the Secretary of Defense to assess and report to the Armed Services Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the feasibility of using mobile energy systems that use renewable energy as emergency backup energy systems at military installations. Title III: Federal Training and Economic Development Programs to Create Jobs in Energy Conservation Industries - Part A: Short Title; Findings - Renewable Energy Employment Act - Sets forth the short title of this title and congressional findings. Part B: Job Training in Renewable Energy - Requires the Secretary of Labor to review all Federal job training or placement programs and to implement policies, procedures, and programs to develop a labor force skilled in energy conservation, weatherization of homes, and the use of renewable energy technologies. Part C: Housing and Community Development Programs - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain information on: (1) the areas to be served under the weatherization assistance program; (2) methods for providing priority assistance to elderly and severely handicapped low-income persons; (3) outreach activities with respect to such program; (4) labor plans; (5) policies to ensure that owners and renters are treated equitably; and (6) plans to ensure participation by Native Americans under such program. Requires the Secretary and the Director of the Community Services Administration to include in the annual report to the President and Congress on the weatherization program an evaluation of the effect of such program on energy conservation and employment. Authorizes appropriations for the weatherization program for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the potential for local energy development, including energy conservation and renewable energy use, among the factors which must be taken into account by the standards issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for determining the eligibility of cities and urban counties for urban development action grants. Includes among the activities of Community Development Programs which are eligible for assistance under such Act those amounts spent for energy needs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans for energy conservation and renewable energy development or retrofit for housing in rural areas. Requires Federal agencies administering financial assistance programs for economic development or job creation to consider the development of energy conservation and renewable energy as significant criteria for the provision of such assistance. Part D: Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include as non-fossil energy systems windmills, anaerobic digesters, alcohol distilleries, microhydroelectric generators, gasifiers, and solar heating systems. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in making loans to farmers and ranchers, to promote sustainable agriculture (a set of agricultural production practices which are designed to produce long term, sustainable yields of agricultural products, involve the use of renewable resources, and avoid the use of chemical products). Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to require that small farm extension programs assist small farm families in carrying out sustainable agriculture. Provides that sustainable agriculture extension programs shall consist of extension programs to provide farmers with assistance and current information with respect to sustainable agriculture. Permits all other persons in a State, in addition to universities and colleges in such State, to participate in agricultural research and extension programs. (Under current law, only universities and colleges in a State may participate in such programs.) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in carrying out the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, to ensure that adequate national support of extension, teaching, and agricultural research is provided to establish integrated multidisciplinary organic farming research projects. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report annually to Congress on sustainable agriculture in the United States. Title IV: Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives - Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 to extend the life of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank until September 30, 1990. (Under current law, the Bank will not exist after September 30, 1987.) Requires that a portion of the payments by the Bank to financial institutions to provide financial assistance for the installation of solar energy systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings be allocated for active solar energy. Provides that there shall be no Federal preference with respect to financial assistance between single-family and multifamily residences. Permits all financial institutions to apply directly to the Bank for financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1990 for the financial assistance program under the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 for the purchase and installation of residential and commercial energy conserving improvements and solar energy systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include passive solar energy property which uses convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer and which has significant impact on home energy savings as a "renewable energy source property" which is eligible for the residential energy credit. Makes the residential energy credit inapplicable to energy conservation and renewable energy source expenditures made after December 31, 1990. (Under current law, such credit is inapplicable to expenditures made after December 31, 1985.) Amends the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to permit a State to transfer up to ten percent of its allotment under the low-income home energy assistance program for States to block grants for support of energy related information systems. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a formalized information exchange on the Federal, State, and local levels with respect to conservation and renewable energy. Authorizes appropriations to provide financial assistance to States and local governments to coordinate such program. Amends the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a renewable energy and energy conservation information program. (This program replaces the solar energy information program required to be established under current law.) Requires the Secretary to establish a National Appropriate Technology Service to provide individualized technical assistance to anyone interested in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Secretary of Transportation to consider the use or integration of renewable fuels and any approaches which maximize conservation and renewable energy applications in determining maximum feasible average fuel economy. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling requirements for consumer goods particularly in cases where there is a direct consumer benefit to save energy or utilize renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to provide reduced-rate loans to small businesses for acquisition of system performance ratings from testing laboratories for energy conservation and renewable energy systems and technologies. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require State regulatory authorities to adopt and publish standard contracts with respect to: (1) the sale of electric energy by utilities to small power production facilities of not more than 100 kilowatts capacity; and (2) the purchase of electric energy produced by such facilities by utilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to include renewable energy as a discrete energy sector in all publications of "The Monthly Energy Review." Requires Federal agencies with renewable energy programs to submit annual reports on such programs to Congress. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to specified Federal agencies.
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 · 15 February 1983
California Wilderness Act of 1983 - Designates as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System the following lands in the State of California: (1) the Boundary Peak Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (2) the Caliente Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (3) the Caples Creek Wilderness in the Eldorado National Forest; (4) the Caribou Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (5) the Carson - Iceberg Wilderness in the Stanislaus and Toiyabe National Forests; (6) the Castle Crags Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (7) the Chanchelulla Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (8) the Cinder Buttes Wilderness in the Lassen National Forest; (9) the Cucamonga Wilderness Additions in the Angeles National Forest; (10) the Deep Wells Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (11) the Dick Smith Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest; (12) the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness in the Sierra National Forest; (13) the Domeland Wilderness Additions in the Sequoia National Forest; (14) the Emigrant Wilderness Additions in the Stanislaus National Forest; (15) the Excelsior Wilderness in the Inyo National Forest; (16) the Fish Canyon Wilderness in the Angeles National Forest; (17) the Granite Chief Wilderness in the Tahoe National Forest; (18) the Granite Peak Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (19) the Hauser Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (20) the Hoover Wilderness Additions in the Toiyabe National Forest; (21) the Ishi Wilderness in and adjacent to the Lassen National Forest; (22) the John Muir Wilderness Additions in the Inyo and Sierra National Forests; (23) the Lassen Volcanic Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (24) the Marble Mountain Wilderness Additions in the Klamath National Forest; (25) the Minarets Wilderness Additions in the Sierra and Inyo National Forests; (26) the Mokelumne Wilderness Additions in the Eldorado, Stanislaus, and Toiyabe National Forests; (27) the Monarch Wilderness in the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests; (28) the Mt. Shasta Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (29) the North Fork Wilderness in the Six Rivers National Forest; (30) the Pattison Wilderness in the Shasta Trinity National Forest; (31) the Pine Creek Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (32) the Pyramid Peak Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (33) the Red Buttes Wilderness in the Klamath and Rogue River National Forests; (34) the Russian Peak Wilderness in the Klamath National Forest; (35) the San Gorgonio Wilderness Additions in the San Bernardino National Forest; (36) the San Jacinto Wilderness Additions in the San Bernardino National Forest; (37) the San Joaquin Wilderness in the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and the Devils Postpile National Monument; (38) the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (39) the San Rafael Wilderness Additions in the Los Padres National Forest; (40) the Santa Rosa Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest; (41) the Scodies Wilderness in and adjacent to the Sequoia National Forest; (42) the Sheep Mountain Wilderness in the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests; (43) the Sill Hill Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest; (44) the Siskiyou Wilderness in the Six Rivers, Klamath, and Siskiyou National Forests; (45) the Snow Mountain Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest; (46) the South Sierra Wilderness in the Sequoia and Inyo National Forests; (47) the South Warner Wilderness Additions in the Modoc National Forest; (48) the Thousand Lakes Wilderness Additions in the Lassen National Forest; (49) the Timbered Crater Wilderness in and adjacent to the Lassen National Forest; (50) the Trinity Alps Wilderness in and adjacent to the Klamath, Shasta Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests; (51) the Ventana Wilderness Addition in the Los Padres National Forest; (52) the Yolla-Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness Additions in and adjacent to the Six Rivers and Mendocino National Forests; (53) the Royal Gorge Wilderness in the Tahoe National Forest; (54) the Machesna Mountain Wilderness in and adjacent to the Los Padres National Forest; (55) the Bucks Lake Wilderness in the Plumas National Forest; (56) the Echo-Carson Wilderness in the Eldorado and Toiyabe National Forests and in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit; and (57) the Mill Creek Wilderness in the Lassen National Forest. Abolishes the previous classifications of the High Sierra Primitive Area, the Emigrant Basin Primitive Area, and the Salmon - Trinity Alps Primitive Area. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review and report to the President on the suitability for preservation as wilderness of the Monache Wilderness Study Area in the Sequoia National Forest. Requires the Secretary to maintain its presently existing wilderness character. Directs the Secretary to acquire any privately owned lands within the Trinity Alps, Granite Chief, Royal Gorge, Castle Crags, and Mount Shasta Wilderness areas designated by this Act. Adds the following lands to the National Park System: (1) the Mt. Raymond Addition in the Sierra National Forest (to be incorporated into Yosemite National Park); and (2) the Jennie Lakes Additions in the Sequoia National Forest (to be incorporated into Kings Canyon National Park). Requires the Secretary of the Interior to study, and make recommendations to Congress on, the possible designation of such lands as national park wilderness. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior specified land in the Stanislaus National Forest for administration as part of Yosemite National Park. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture specified land in the Sierra National Forest. Designates the following lands as wilderness: (1) the Yosemite Wilderness in Yosemite National Park; and (2) the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. Requires the lands which have been added to the National Park System by this Act and which represent potential wilderness additions to be designated wilderness upon notice that all uses thereon prohibited by the Wilderness Act have ceased. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review and report to the President on the suitability for preservation as wilderness of the Orleans Mountain Planning Area in the Six Rivers National Forest. Requires the Secretary to conduct a special study on the suitability of the Ski Study Area in the Orleans Mountain Planning Area for an alpine ski facility. Directs the Secretary to maintain the presently existing wilderness character of such planning area. Requires that timber volumes within such planning area be included in the base used to determine potential yield for the national forest concerned. Subjects certain mining activities within the North Fork Smith roadless area to only those Federal laws and regulations applicable to national forest lands designated as nonwilderness.
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
Amends the Small Business Act to specify the maximum interest rate on disaster loans made by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to homeowners or small businesses for disasters commencing on or after January 1, 1983. Prohibits the SBA from imposing a cap of less than $100,000 for real property and less than $20,000 for personal property on loans made to individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to allow nonprofit volunteer fire departments and rescue squads to receive donations of Federal surplus personal property.
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
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 · 8 February 1983
Requires that any concurrent resolution on the budget reported by the House Committee on the Budget which includes any procedure which has the effect of changing any rule of the House shall be referred to the Committee on Rules with instructions to report it within 5 days. Grants the Committee on Rules jurisdiction to report any such concurrent resolution with amendments which change or strike out any such procedure. Makes it out of order in the House to consider any concurrent resolution on the budget which contains directions to one or more committees to change laws, bills, or resolutions to increase or decrease an authorization for enactment of budget authority (other than spending authority) within their jurisdictions for any fiscal year. Requires a committee only to subdivide its allocations and report to the House the subdivisions made by it of discretionary action amounts. Declares that requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and the Rules of the House of Representatives concerning budget waivers and referral of entitlements in excess of budget ceilings shall not apply to bills estimated not to exceed $5,000,000. Declares that certain points of order shall not apply to any bill or resolution which, as reported to the House, would not be in violation of them. Declares that the requirement that the House consider certain budgetary legislation only after adoption of the first budget resolution shall not apply to any bill or resolution that: (1) provides new budget authority which first becomes effective in the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the bill or resolution is to be considered by the House; or (2) increases or decreases revenues which first become effective in the second fiscal year. Allows the Budget Committee to file its report on the first concurrent resolution on the budget while the House is not in session. Permits consideration of the concurrent resolution on the budget at any time after the fifth legislative day following the day on which the report of the Committee on the Budget has been available to Members. Permits the Committee on Appropriations to report its individual appropriations measures as soon as committee consideration is completed. Repeals the provisions of this resolution immediately prior to noon on January 3, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Passenger Car Crashworthiness Rating and Labeling Act - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle safety standard establishing passenger car crashworthiness rating and labeling requirements. Sets forth provisions of such motor vehicle safety standard.
![Official portrait of Rep. Beilenson, Anthony C. [D-CA-24]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000318_200.jpg)