United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Establishes the Special Joint Committee on Arrangements to provide for the congressional commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Harry S. Truman. Declares it the duty of such committee to: (1) arrange a joint meeting of the Congress in commemoration of such anniversary; (2) plan proceedings for such joint meeting; and (3) coordinate activities with the Truman Centennial Committee. Enumerates the powers of such joint committee. Provides that the expenses of such joint committee may not exceed a specified amount and shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to prohibit a pesticide's registration without certain third-party data showing that such pesticide will not cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assign at least ten full-time investigators to carry out the National Laboratory Audit Program within the Office of Pesticide Programs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Water Resources Research Act of 1983 - Authorizes the establishment, subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, of one water resources research and technology institute in each State at certain colleges or universities. States that each such institute shall: (1) have responsibility for planning, conducting, and/or arranging for competent research in relation to water resources; and (2) cooperate with other colleges and universities in the State to develop a statewide program designed to resolve State and regional water and related land problems. Requires the Secretary to make grants to each institute to be matched at specified rates by non-Federal dollars. Requires each institute, prior to the receipt of funds each fiscal year, to submit to the Secretary a water research program. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for a detailed evaluation of each institute to determine whether such institute warrants continued Federal support. Provides for such evaluations within two years of establishment and for reevaluations at intervals not to exceed four years. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to carry out this section for FY 1984 through 1988. Permits the Secretary to make additional grants (on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis) to other qualified institutions and agencies of local or State government for research concerning any aspect of a water-related problem which the Secretary may deem to be in the national interest. States the application requirements for such grants. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to carry out this section for FY 1984 through 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to certain organizations for technology development concerning any aspect of water-related technology which the Secretary may deem to be of State, regional, or national importance. Authorizes the Secretary to establish any condition for the matching of funds for such grants in the best interest of the Nation considering the technology needs for water resources. States the requirements for applications for grants under this section. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for carrying out this section for FY 1984 through 1988. Repeals the Water Research and Development Act of 1978. Requires that rules and regulations established under such Act shall remain in effect until superseded by new rules and regulations promulgated under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983
Amends the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 to disallow any claim by a contractor against the Government unless it is submitted to the contracting officer within three years after the act which is the basis of the claim occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Dedicates the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California to Phillip Burton. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to inform the public of the contributions of Phillip Burton through the use of signs, maps, and interpretive programs and to establish an appropriate memorial to him within the recreation area. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983
Balanced Monetary Policy Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require the Board of Governors and the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve System to establish yearly targets for money and total credit aggregates and for real interest rates consistent with historic levels. Requires the Board and the Federal Open Market Committee to take necessary actions to assure that such targets are achieved, on average, on an annual basis. Requires a written report to specified Congressional committees if such targets cannot or should not be achieved because of unfavorable economic conditions. Requires the Board of Governors to transmit specified information to Congress biannually. Requires the Board to announce publicly changes in objectives and plans at the time those changes are determined. Requires the President to state for the System's record the administration's position on each vote on monetary policy taken by the Board and by the Federal Open Market Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe annual adjustments to the formula for determining the primary insurance amount in order to ensure that the replacement rate for the primary insurance amount for January of the following year does not fall below a specified percentage.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Prohibits the implementation of certain regulations proposed by the Office of Personnel Management (published in the Federal Register on March 30, 1983) that change the administration of the civil service system by establishing a performance management system and revising regulations concerning reductions-in-force, pay administration under the Fair Labor Standards Act, bargaining policy in labor-management relations, and the prevailing rate pay system. Voids any such regulations which became effective before enactment of this Act. Prohibits the implementation of any other regulations that would have the same effect.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to authorize the Corporation to purchase foreign-produced strategic and critical materials and petroleum and petroleum products from persons who have gotten such products by bartering U.S. agricultural exports through normal commercial channels. Transfers such products to the strategic materials and petroleum stock piles, respectively. Directs the Corporation to promote and coordinate such barter arrangements. Limits new spending authority under this Act to amounts appropriated. Sets forth financing and antitrust provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Sexual Exploitation of Children Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code dealing with the sexual exploitation of children. Increases the penalties for the sexual exploitation of children from $10,000 to $75,000 and, on a subsequent conviction, from $15,000 to $150,000. Establishes as an affirmative defense to prosecution that the medium (upon which such prosecution is based), when taken as a whole, possesses serious literary, artistic, scientific, social or educational value.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Broadcast Licensing, Renewal, and Deregulation Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish new procedures for reviewing petitions to deny broadcast license applications. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station licensee unless the actions of the licensee evidences such serious disregard for the Communications Act and for the rules and policies of the FCC that denial of the application is justified. Prohibits the FCC from considering the applications of other persons for a broadcast station's facilities when the FCC is acting upon a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station. Permits persons holding construction permits or station licenses to transfer the permit or license without first obtaining an FCC finding that the transfer serves the public interest. Requires the FCC to be notified of such transfer. Provides for public notice of the transfer. Provides for disposition by the FCC of objections to such transfer. Prohibits the FCC from considering whether the public interest would be served by the transfer of the permit or license involved to a different person. Repeals certain provisions relating to the application of the antitrust laws. Prohibits the FCC from imposing requirements on radio or television licensees relating to: (1) programs; (2) programming formats; (3) ascertainment; (4) commercialization; and (5) maintenance of program logs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Environmental Protection Act of 1983 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the existing governmental entities charged with preventing air, water, and land pollution have not adequately protected the environment. States the purpose of this Act to be to protect Americans against adverse effects of environmental changes through the establishment of a multimember independent regulatory commission. Title II: Establishment of Commission - Establishes the Environmental Protection Commission as an independent regulatory commission to be composed of five members appointed by the President with the Senate's approval. Sets forth provisions governing the members, officers, powers, and functions of the Commission and the functions of the Chairman of the Commission. Directs the Science Advisory Board to provide such scientific advice as the Commission may request. Sets forth guidelines for the nomination, selection, and appointment by the Chairman of an individual to fill any vacancy on the Board. Requires the Chairman to issue regulations regarding conflicts of interest with respect to members of the Board. Title III: Transfer of Functions - Transfers to the Commission all functions, not otherwise transferred by this Act, of: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency; and (2) the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Part A: Personnel Provisions - Provides for the appointment and compensation of Commission officers and employees and the procurement and compensation of experts and consultants. Part B: General Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions governing the authority of the Commission to: (1) exercise transferred functions; (2) delegate functions to its officers and employees; (3) reallocate functions among its offices and reorganize its structure; (4) enter into and perform contracts; and (5) promulgate rules. Requires the Commission, for each proposed action to promulgate or revise a rule, to: (1) establish and make available to the public a rulemaking docket containing the comments and certain documentary information concerning each rule; (2) publish a notice of the proposed action which shall include a statement of the purpose and basis of the rule and the period available for public comment; (3) allow any person to present oral or written data on the rule during the comment period; and (4) keep the record of the rulemaking open for 30 days after completion of the proceeding to provide for submission of rebuttal or supplementary information. Requires the promulgated rule to be accompanied by: (1) a statement of its basis and purpose; (2) a justification of major changes to the rule as proposed; and (3) a response to significant data submitted during the comment period. Provides for the judicial review of such rules. Authorizes a six-month extension of a statutory deadline for the promulgation of such a rule if such extension is necessary to afford the public and the agency adequate opportunity to carry out rulemaking requirements. Authorizes the Commission to: (1) establish, alter, discontinue, or maintain regional and other field offices as necessary; (2) acquire and maintain schools, research and training facilities, and accommodation as may be necessary for employees; (3) establish eating facilities for employees at its installations; (4) provide certain facilities, services, and supplies for employees at remote locations; (5) use the resources of Federal, State, local, and foreign instrumentalities with their consent; (6) permit public and private organizations to use its facilities for Commission purposes; (7) acquire copyrights, patents, applications for patents, licenses under copyrights and patents, and releases for past patent or copyright infringement; (8) accept and use gifts, bequests, and devises of property; (9) provide advice and technical assistance related to its functions; (10) establish a working capital fund; and (11) transfer funds among Commission appropriations, with certain limitations. Directs the Commission to procure a seal of office. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and Congress at the beginning of each regular session of Congress a comprehensive report on the administration of its functions. Requires that such report include: (1) an appraisal of the incidence of health and other effects to the population resulting from environmental causes; (2) an evaluation of the degree of observance of environmental rules; (3) a summary of outstanding problems confronting the Commission; and (4) specified information on voluntary environmental standards developed with the Commission's assistance. Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Sets forth provisions governing the transfer and allocation of personnel, appropriations, and other resources transferred to the Commission under this Act. Terminates the Environmental Protection Agency and positions in such Agency which were expressly authorized by law or compensated at an Executive Schedule pay rate. Declares that this Act shall have no effect on orders issued, determinations made, proceedings pending, or civil actions commenced before its enactment. Provides that statutory requirements for notice, hearings, and administrative or judicial review applicable to functions transferred by this Act shall continue to apply to such functions. Title VI: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Sets forth the effective date of this Act. Provides that funds available to any agency the functions of which are transferred by this Act may, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, be used to pay the compensation of interim officers and other expenses of establishing the Commission or transfering functions until funds for such expenses are otherwise available. Authorizes the President to designate an officer on the executive branch to act as a Commission officer for 120 days or until such office is filled, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
United States Immigration Court Act of 1983 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a United States Immigration Court, consisting of a 70-judge trial and a six-judge appellate division. Sets forth jurisdictional provisions and appellate review procedures. Grants jurisdiction to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to review immigration matters such as deportation, exclusion and asylum. Provides for exclusion without hearing under specified circumstances. Permits any alien physically present in the United States or at a land border or port of entry to apply for asylum unless exclusion or deportation proceedings have been instituted. Prescribes conditions under which asylum shall be considered even where exclusion or deportation proceedings have been instituted. Provides for a public asylum hearing and requires aliens to be advised of right of counsel. Sets forth effective dates and transition procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Declares that the United States supports the efforts of the U.S. Soccer Federation to bring the World Cup to the United States in 1986. Designates the Secretary of Commerce as the official U.S. representative in any discussions with the Federation Internationale de Football Association.
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 · 22 March 1983
Florida Frontier Rivers Conservation District Act of 1983 - Establishes the Florida Frontier Rivers Conservation District in Florida. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to request the Governor of Florida to establish a Florida Frontier Rivers Conservation District Management Steering Committee, which shall develop a comprehensive management plan for the District. Requires that such plan contain: (1) a resource assessment of the District; (2) a map delineating the boundaries of the District and the areas of natural, historical, recreational, aesthetic, scenic, cultural, agricultural, and ecological significance; (3) a land use capability map and a statement of land and water use policies for the District; (4) a program for coordinating Federal, State, and local policies and programs with respect to the District; (5) a public use program; (6) financial information; (7) a program for public and local government participation in the management of the District; (8) a program for State and local government implementation of the plan; and (9) a program to implement the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act with respect to the surface and ground waters of the District. Provides that Florida shall adopt and submit the plan to the Secretary for approval. Sets forth approval procedures. Requires the Secretary to submit the approved plan to Congress. Requires the Secretary to monitor the implementation of the plan. Requires the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance to Florida for the purpose of developing and implementing the plan. Sets forth conditions for land acquisition by both the State and the Secretary. Requires Committee review of Federal assistance applications and proposals for direct Federal actions which involve housing, industrial park, highway, or sewage or waste treatment facility construction in the District and in Florida. Requires further review and approval or disapproval by the Secretary of such applications or proposals. Authorizes appropriations for assistance in development of the plan and for land acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1983
Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 to the General Services Administration for: (1) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; and (2) funds to Federal, State, and local agencies and to nonprofit organizations for the collection, preservation, and publication of historically significant documents.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1983
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. Redefines such offense as using a firearm to commit a felony over which the district courts have exclusive jurisdiction or carrying a firearm during such a felony involving violence. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "unlawfully". Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense to not less than five years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and ten years for a second or subsequent offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences. Makes a first offender ineligible for parole for five years and a second or subsequent offender ineligible for ten years. Expresses the sense of Congress that the executive prosecute vigorously such offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1983
Federal Anti-Tampering Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense to knowingly cause or attempt to cause injury or death to any person by tampering with any article, product, or commodity which is produced or distributed for human use or consumption. Provides for a prison term of up to ten years and a fine of up to $25,000 for an attempt, or if serious bodily injury or death results, a prison term of up to 20 years or life, respectively; and a fine of up to $100,000. Establishes separate penalties for any person who either knowingly, or willfully and maliciously conveys false information concerning an attempt at such adulteration. Grants the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture authority to investigate violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Parental Kidnapping Offense Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for intentionally restraining a child in violation of another person's right of custody or visitation and: (1) concealing the child without good cause for more than seven days; or (2) restraining the child without good cause for more than 30 days. Applies the crime to persons having a relationship to the child. Includes as jurisdictional bases the movement of the child or legal custodian in interstate or foreign commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the highway use tax on heavy trucks. Increases the excise tax on diesel fuel from nine cents per gallon to 12 cents per gallon in 1983 and from 12 cents per gallon to 14 cents per gallon in 1984. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations exempting from such increases diesel fuel used in automobiles and light trucks.
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 · 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 · 9 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that for every two dollars a business deducts under the accelerated cost recovery system, one dollar in wages must be paid to new employees of the business. Provides an exception for small businesses whose depreciation deduction does not exceed $5,000. Specifies that a business which does not meet this requirement shall be limited to the depreciation available under the former asset depreciation range system. Prohibits employers from replacing present employees with new employees for the purpose of complying with the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the national security policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength. Sets forth the principles and goals of such a policy.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1983
Skilled Enlisted Reserve Training Act - Directs the Secretary of each military department to establish a skilled enlisted reserve training program to obtain adequate numbers of enlisted members with critical technical skills. Permits each Secretary to enter into agreements with a qualified person under which the Secretary agrees to provide educational assistance in a technical field in exchange for that person's agreement to perform either three or more years of active or six or more years of reserve service in the armed forces. Permits the Secretary to pay up to 100 percent of educational expenses and a monthly stipend. Sets forth eligibility requirements. Requires accepted members to complete basic training before beginning technical training. Sets forth the penalties for noncompletion of training, including possible reimbursement of educational assistance. Requires the Secretary concerned to approve the courses and educational institution before entering an agreement with a member. Permits the Secretary to provide assistance to educational institutions providing courses of training. Permits the Secretary to detail members for instructional and administrative duties at such institutions. Directs the President to make an annual report to Congress concerning such program. Authorizes appropriations.
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
National Dairy Equity Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982, to reduce milk support prices from $13.10 to $12.10 per hundredweight through the end of FY 1983. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to reduce FY 1984 and FY 1985 support prices to $11.60 per hundredweight if he determines, after consulting the dairy industry, that FY 1984 and FY 1985 milk purchases will exceed FY 1983 and FY 1984 purchases, respectively. Provides for 50-cent increases (up to $12.60) if purchase levels fall below seven billion and five billion pounds respectively. Eliminates the two 50-cent milk producer assessments. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should use his authority to reduce dairy surpluses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Prohibits the importation of certain species of kangaroos and kangaroo products (currently allowed to be imported under an administrative exception to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 if in accordance with the management plans of Australian states).