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Official portrait of Rep. Bryant, John W. [D-TX-5]

Rep. Bryant, John W. [D-TX-5]

United States · Official source

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2,633 records where Rep. Bryant, John W. [D-TX-5] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 4855 (98th)open

Methanol Energy Policy Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984

Methanol Energy Policy Act of 1984 - Title I: Methanol Demonstration Program for Federal Vehicles - Requires the Secretary of Energy to acquire at least 1,000 methanol-powered passenger automobiles during FY 1985 and conduct studies with respect to the performance and maintenance of such vehicles. Requires that methanol be offered for sale to the public for use in other vehicles through September 30, 1989. Authorizes the Secretary to provide Federal agencies with such methanol-powered vehicles at their request. Requires the agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in studies related to such vehicles. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Secretary. Title II: Demonstration Program for Methanol- Powered Buses - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to permit State and local entities which are eligible for grants under any other provision of such Act to apply to the Secretary of Transportation for grants for the acquisition of methanol-powered buses. Requires grant recipients to participate in a demonstration program under which the Secretary shall conduct studies and tests with respect to the performance and maintenance of such buses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for supplemental grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for the demonstration program. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Secretary. Title III: Interagency Commission on Methanol - Establishes the Interagency Commission on Methanol to develop and coordinate implementation of a national methanol energy policy. Requires the Commission to: (1) perform various studies with respect to the production, use, and promotion of methanol as a fuel; (2) develop a plan for the commercialization of methanol; (3) develop a public-awareness program on methanol as a transportation fuel; (4) coordinate Federal efforts with respect to methanol research and commercialization; and (5) ensure communication between Federal agencies involved in methanol demonstration projects and establish an information clearinghouse for parties working with or interested in methanol and related projects. Requires the Chairman of the Commission to establish a private sector advisory panel to inform the Commission about methanol-related matters. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Commission. Terminates the Commission upon the submission of its last report. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out this title. Title IV: Pipeline Study - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on the transportation of methanol through the interstate liquid pipeline system in the United States. Title V: Allocation of Highway Revenues - Provides that for purposes of the minimum allocation of highway revenues to States, the amount of estimated tax payments attributable to highway users in any State shall be increased by the estimated amount of tax such users would have paid if there were no special tax rate or tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code for any liquid which is at least 85 percent methanol, ethanol, or other alcohol. Title VI: Tax Incentives for the Use of Methanol As A Fuel - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of $1,000 for each passenger automobile purchased by the taxpayer the primary fuel for which is methanol, which is domestically manufactured, and the original use of which commences with the taxpayer. Imposes a tax of four and a half cents a gallon in the case of methanol or ethanol fuel: (1) sold by a person to an operator of a motor vehicle or motorboat as fuel; or (2) used by any person as a fuel in a motor vehicle or motorboat unless there was already a taxable sale of such liquid. Permits a tax exemption for methanol produced from natural gas if such methanol is used for an off-highway business use.

Bill· HRH.R. 4865 (98th)referred

Community Nursing Centers Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984

Community Nursing Centers Act of 1984 - Amends titles XVIII and XIX (Medicare and Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include coverage for community nursing center services. Defines "community nursing center services" as any of the following items and services furnished by a community nursing center (or through such a center) either at the center, an individual's home, or other location: (1) part-time or intermittent nursing care; (2) physical, occupational, or speech theraphy; (3) necessary supportive social services; (4) part-time or intermittent services of a home health aid; (5) medical supplies; (6) well-baby and health supervision services for infants and children; and (7) related support services. Defines a "community nusing center" as either a public or private free-standing center primarily engaged in providing nursing services and which meets stated requirements with respect to items and services furnished, personnel, individuals served, and record keeping. Requires a nursing plan of care to be developed for each patient. Provides for an independent review committee to provide plan reviews and utilization reviews. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate community nursing service areas, and no more than one community service center to serve such area (unless the Secretary determines that one such center is not adequate for such area). Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration programs under which payment will be allowed for community nursing services provided to individuals requiring services for periods of less than three months. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress concerning the cost effectiveness of community nursing center services under titles XVIII, XIX and V (Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant) of the Act.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 482 (98th)enacted

A joint resolution authorizing the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to establish a memorial in the District of Columbia or its environs.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984

Authorizes the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Incorporated to erect a National Law Enforcement Heroes Memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia or its environs in honor and recognition of law enforcement officials in the United States who died in the line of duty. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Fund, to select with the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, a suitable site on public grounds for such memorial. Subjects the design and any plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Declares that no moneys belonging to the United States or the District of Columbia shall be expended for the erection of such memorial other than expenses incurred in the process of site selection and approval of design and plans.

Bill· HRH.R. 4800 (98th)open

A bill to require the Attorney General to include in the uniform crime reports information describing the incidence of certain offenses involving the expression of racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1984

Directs the Attorney General to include within the Uniform Crime Reports the incidence of the intentional destruction of religious property (robbery, burglary, theft, arson, vandalism and trespass) and offenses against persons and property committed to express racial, ethnic, or religious prejudices (homicide, assault, robbery, burglary, theft arson, vandalism and tresspass).

Bill· HRH.R. 4791 (98th)referred

Scout Commemorative Coins Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1984

Scout Commemorative Coins Act - Amends Federal law to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue Boy and Girl Scouts of the United States of America half dollar coins commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Scouts of America. Limits the number of coins that may be minted and sets forth certain features of such coins. Directs the Secretary to sell the minted coins for a certain price or for a price equivalent to the average cost of minting and distributing such coins. Authorizes appropriations.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 430 (98th)passed

A resolution entitled: "The Mandela Freedom Resolution".

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1984

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the: (1) Republic of South Africa should release Nelson Mandela from prison and should revoke Winnie Mandela's banning order; (2) President should use his position to secure the release of Nelson and Winnie Mandela; and (3) Speaker of the House is requested to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President and to the Republic of South Africa.

Bill· HRH.R. 4731 (98th)referred

Effective Schools Development in Education Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1984

Effective Schools Development in Education Act of 1984 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grants program to promote more effective schools and excellence in education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for such grants program. Allows program grants to be used to: (1) promote State educational agency (SEA) and local educational agency (LEA) awareness of effective schools information through conferences at schools and district and multidistrict offices and through onsite visits to model effective schools; (2) develop and implement systems of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication; (3) plan, review, and revise program activities; (4) support related effective schools efforts; (5) obtain technical assistance and consultant services from regional educational laboratories, research and development centers, institutions of higher education, and other nonprofit educational organizations; (6) design, develop, and publish educational materials on effective schools programs; (7) conduct program evaluations; and (8) otherwise identify, document, and disseminate information concerning exemplary effective schools programs. Requires that program grant applications by SEAs or LEAs demonstrate that: (1) the applicant has an effective schools improvement program in effect; (2) grant funds would be used to pay not more than one-half of the cost of any program or activity; (3) grant funds would be supplementary; and (4) independent annual evaluations will be conducted and reported. Directs the Secretary of Education, in selecting grant recipients, to: (1) consider the extent to which grant funds would be used to improve schools in districts with the greatest numbers or percentages of educationally deprived children and the extent to which the applicant's ongoing effective schools program has demonstrated the capacity to improve student achievement or behavior; (2) ensure reasonable geographic distribution of grants; and (3) designate grants as being available for a period of at least one but not more than three years. Sets forth provisions for technical assistance and program evaluation.

Bill· HRH.R. 4656 (98th)referred

A bill to continue in effect the current certification requirements with respect to El Salvador until the Congress enacts new legislation providing conditions for United States military assistance to El Salvador or until the end of fiscal year 1984, whichever occurs first.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1984

Continues to apply after the end of FY 1983 the certification requirements of the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1981 which relate to El Salvador until Congress enacts new legislation providing conditions for U.S. military assistance to El Salvador or until September 30, 1984, whichever occurs first.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 454 (98th)enacted

A joint resolution honoring the contribution of blacks to American independence.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1984

Expresses the appreciation of Congress to the descendants of blacks who contributed to American Independence. Encourages State and local governments and private organizations to conduct activities during Black History Month 1985 in honor of black involvement in the American Revolution.

Bill· HRH.R. 4642 (98th)open

Fair Insurance Coverage Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1984

Fair Insurance Coverage Act - Prohibits any insurer from discriminating in an insurance contract against any person because of blindness. Includes within the prohibition refusing to make or negotiate a contract for insurance or giving different treatment with respect to terms, conditions, rates, or benefits because of blindness. Establishes a preference for State actions prior to judicial enforcement under this Act. Authorizes any aggrieved person, in the absence of State actions or jurisdiction, to bring an action under this Act for individual relief. Authorizes the Attorney General of the United States to bring an action for injunctive relief whenever there is reasonable cause to believe a person is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination or when an individual is aggrieved and an issue of general public importance is raised. Grants the Federal district courts jurisdiction of such actions regardless of the amount in controversy. Allows a court to order monetary, equitable, or other appropriate relief, including punitive damages.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 395 (98th)referred

A resolution calling upon the television and radio industry and other members of the news media voluntarily to refrain from projecting presidential election results or making predictions in presidential elections on election day until all the polls throughout the United States have closed.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1984

Calls upon the news media to voluntarily refrain from: (1) projecting presidential election results; or (2) predicting the outcome of such elections until all polling places have closed.

Bill· HRH.R. 4559 (98th)open

A bill to amend the Sherman Act to prohibit a rail carrier from denying to shipper of certain bulk commodities, with intent to monopolize, use of its track which affords the sole access by rail to such shippers to reach the track of a competing railroad or the destination of shipment.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Amends the Sherman Act to prohibit any rail carrier, with intent to monopolize, from denying a person the use, at reasonable terms, of a facility which is the sole facility for movement of such person's shipment of bulk ore, coal, or grain to the tracks of a competing carrier or to the destination of shipment. Declares that a carrier shall be conclusively presumed to have denied use of such facility with intent to monopolize if it denies use of such facility at reasonable terms to such a person and to other carriers for the transportation of such person's goods.

Bill· HRH.R. 4475 (98th)open

High Technology Research and Scientific Education Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

High Technology Research and Scientific Education Act of 1983 - Title I - The Credit for Increasing Research Activities; ACRS for R&D Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for research and development (R&D) expenditures. Modifies the definition of qualified research for purposes of the R&D credit to narrow the category of eligible activities for which the credit is allowable. Makes depreciation of research equipment eligible for the R&D credit. Eliminates the special three-year accelerated cost recovery system (ACRS) category for research equipment. Increases contract research expenses eligible for R&D credit purposes to 75 percent of the amount paid to others for research on the taxpayer's behalf. Provides that in-house and contract research expenses paid or incurred by a regular corporation will constitute qualified research expenses for R&D credit purposes. Provides that in the case of research being conducted in partnership form, the "in carrying on" test is applied at the partnership level, and the credit is apportioned among the partners in accordance with general partnership rules. Title II - Promotion of University Research and Scientific Education - Establishes a new income tax credit equal to 25 percent of payments to universities for basic research which exceed a fixed, maintenance-of-effort floor. Calculates the maintenance-of-effort floor as the greater of the annual average of university basic research payments over 1982-1983 or one percent of the average annual R&D budget over 1981-1983. Treats the portion of the university basic research payments which is not in excess of the maintenance-of-effort floor as contract research expenses eligible for purposes of computing the regular incremental R&D credit. Allows corporations an income tax deduction for contributions of scientific and technical property or services to an institution of higher education. Defines scientific property to mean computer software or other equipment used in a trade or business, which is donated for the direct education of students and faculty, for research and experimentation, or for research training in the United States in mathematics, the physical or biological sciences, engineering, or computer science. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of the allowable deduction for contributions of scientific property or services. Limits the amount of such deduction to ten percent of taxable income computed without regard to specified deductions. Provides for an income tax exclusion for the scholarships, fellowship grants, student loan forgiveness, or stipends of a graduate student in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or the physical or biological sciences. Specifies that such tax exclusion is not forfeited merely because the student is required, as a condition of the scholarship or fellowship, to perform future service in teaching or research.

Bill· HRH.R. 4510 (98th)referred

Alamo Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Alamo Commemoration Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue half dollar coins with a design emblematic of the 150th anniversary of the battle of the Alamo. Terminates such minting authority on December 31, 1986. Authorizes appropriations.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 385 (98th)open

A resolution to express the sense of the House of Representatives regarding certain actions to be taken by the new Secretary of the Interior.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that, upon confirmation, the new Secretary of the Interior should act to insure that the policies and programs of the Department of the Interior conform with the expressed will of the Congress and regain public support and confidence.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 237 (98th)open

A concurrent resolution declaring the support of the United States for the people of Afghanistan in their struggle to be free of foreign domination.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Declares that it should be U.S. policy to: (1) support the people of Afghanistan in their struggle to be free from foreign domination; (2) provide the Afghans, upon request, with material assistance; and (3) pursue a negotiated settlement of the war in Afghanistan based on the total withdrawal of Soviet troops and the recognition of the right of the Afghans to choose their own destiny.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 236 (98th)referred

A concurrent resolution on behalf of the independent Soviet peace movement.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Expresses the support of Congress with respect to the right of Soviet peace groups to freely express their views and to organize within the Soviet Union. Calls upon the Soviet Union to: (1) honor its obligations under the World Disarmament Campaign Resolution by allowing the flow of information on peace and disarmament; (2) cease its harassment of peace groups in its country; and (3) honor its obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Bill· HRH.R. 4447 (98th)open

A bill to provide for the temporary suspension of deportation for certain aliens who are nationals of El Salvador, and to provide for Presidential and Congressional review of conditions in El Salvador and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983

Directs the President to investigate and report to the Congress within 18 months concerning the living conditions and available assistance for El Salvadorans displaced inside and outside their country. Requires such investigation to report on the fate of El Salvadoran deportees. Requires the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to hold hearings within two years to consider appropriate U.S. steps to assure the personal safety and equitable distribution of assistance to such displaced El Salvadorans. Provides for a three-year moratorium on specified categories of El Salvadoran deportations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4464 (98th)open

International Telecommunications Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983

International Telecommunications Act of 1983 - Title I: General - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to create a new title dealing with international telecommunications. Declares that it is U.S. policy to rely upon marketplace competition and the private sector to provide international telecommunications services, to reduce unnecessary regulations, and to encourage entry by new carriers into the international communications marketplace. Sets forth the U.S. policy to promote the interconnection of international telecommunications facilities based upon the cost of providing such facilities. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deregulate international telecommunications services or carriers as competition develops, unless the deregulation may result in a significant adverse impact upon the national defense and security or emergency preparedness or upon the competitiveness of U.S. businesses with foreign competitors. Directs the FCC to publish a list of those international telecommunications carriers which are regulated by the FCC on the date of enactment of this title. Authorizes the FCC to classify or reclassify as a dominant international carrier any international telecommunications carrier that has market power. Lists factors that the FCC shall consider in determining whether a carrier has such market power. Requires that, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, any carrier that has control over essential facilities or that owns both international and domestic transmission facilities in excess of $50,000,000 shall be classified as a dominant international carrier for at least two years. Requires each international telecommunications service which is being provided under tariff on the date of enactment to continue to be provided under tariff for at least six months. Directs the FCC to determine which of such services must continue to be regulated. Directs the FCC to review biennially any determination that such a service must be regulated. Requires every international telecommunications carrier to establish, upon reasonable request, interconnection of its regulated service or facilities with: (1) a telecommunications carrier; (2) a telecommunications facility or private or Government telecommunications system; and (3) any customer premises equipment which is owned or leased by a customer of such carrier. Prohibits the charges for such interconnection from being imposed in a discriminatory manner. Requires such charges to be based on the cost of the services or facilities provided for such interconnection. Requires that telecommunications carriers which provide both international telecommunications and domestic telecommunications treat the two operations as separate entities for purposes of interconnection requirements. Requires such carriers which provide interconnection between their domestic and international operations to provide other carriers with interconnection of equal quality and at the same rates. Sets forth the maximum penalty for violations of the interconnection requirements. Title II: Communications Satellite Act of 1962 - Amends the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 to require the President, in order to achieve the objectives and carry out the purposes of this Act, to: (1) exercise supervision over and issue public instructions to the Communications Satellite Corporation (the Corporation) in connection with its relationships and activities with foreign governments, international entities, and the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Intelsat) to ensure that such relationships are consistent with the national interest; and (2) appoint a Government representative to participate in all of the Corporation's activities with respect to Intelsat. Requires the FCC: (1) upon receipt of the agenda for an Intelsat meeting, to provide public notice and opportunity for comment on the agenda; (2) to make recommendations to the President on the instructions to the Corporation; and (3) require the Corporation to place in a public file all Intelsat documents which are circulated to foreign signatories of Intelsat except those which contain personal information about Intelsat participants and contractor evaluation reports. Authorizes the FCC to issue instructions to the Corporation on regulatory matters within FCC jurisdiction. Requires the President's instructions, in the event of a conflict, to prevail over FCC instructions. Amends the International Maritime Satellite Act to direct the President to appoint a Government representative to participate in all of the Corporation's activities with respect to the International Maritime Satellite Organization (Inmarsat). Requires the FCC to: (1) make public its recommendations to the President on the President's instructions to the Corporation; (2) upon receipt of the agenda for an Inmarsat meeting, provide public notice and opportunity for comment on the agenda; and (3) require the Corporation to place in a public file all Inmarsat documents which are circulated to foreign signatories except those which contain personal information about Inmarsat participants and contractor evaluation reports. Authorizes the FCC to issue instructions to the Corporation on regulatory matters within FCC jurisdiction. Requires the President's instructions, in the event of a conflict, to prevail over FCC instructions. Requires the Corporation, after a specified time, to engage solely in: (1) investing in Intelsat and Inmarsat; (2) representing the United States on the Intelsat Board of Governors and the Inmarsat Council; (3) furnishing Intelsat services; (4) furnishing Inmarsat services; and (5) researching and developing new technologies for the Intelsat and Inmarsat satellite systems. Requires the Corporation to divest all divisions and affiliates that engage in any other activity. Sets forth a schedule for such divestiture. Imposes penalties for violations of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 4428 (98th)referred

Congressional Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983

Congressional Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit for contributions to candidates for the office of U.S. Representative. Limits the amount of such credit to $100 for any one qualified candidate, and $200 for all qualified candidates. Requires that such contributions be verified in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury. Prohibits a candidate from misrepresenting his eligibility for office or the eligibility of a potential contributor for the tax credit. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the use of such political tax credits not later than June 30 following each Federal election. Adds a new title to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971: "Title V: Financing of General Election Campaigns for the House of Representatives." Sets forth requirements for the qualification of candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives to receive contributions eligible for the tax credit provided by this Act. Requires a candidate to certify to the Federal Election Commission that neither he nor his authorized committee will accept any contribution or make any campaign expenditure in excess of prescribed limits. Requires further that the candidate maintain a separate accounting of contributions which qualify for the income tax credit for political contributions provided by this Act and that the candidate provide any appropriate information to the Commission for purposes of auditing or examining campaign contributions. Requires the candidate to certify the receipt of a certain amount of threshold contributions. Limits to $20,000 the amount of personal funds (from the candidate or his immediate family) that a candidate may spend in an election. Waives spending limits for eligible candidates whose opponents have exceeded applicable expenditure limits or who have otherwise failed to meet the requirements of this Act. Requires independent expenditures in excess of $5,000 to be reported to the Commission and each candidate within specified time frames. Qualifies a candidate against whom more than $5,000 in independent expenditures have been made for premium postal rates. Requires the Commission to verify upon request the eligibility of a candidate under this Act to the Secretary. Requires the Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign accounts of ten percent of the qualified candidates under this Act to determine compliance with the expenditure limitations and other requirements of this Act. Empowers the Commission to bring a civil suit in U.S. district court to enforce any requirement of this Act or recover any amounts resulting from an audit of campaign expenditures. Permits private citizens to file complaints with the Commission and initiate court actions. Authorizes appropriations. Includes within the definition of "contribution" for purposes of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 certain extensions of credit for advertising and broadcasting in excess of $1,000 for a period of more than 60 days. Limits to $90,000 (adjusted for inflation) in any calendar year the amount of contributions which candidates for U.S. Representative may accept from non-party multicandidate political committees. Specifies exceptions for candidates in general and special elections. Limits to $240,000 the expenditure amounts for such candidates. Permits candidates for the office of U.S. Representative to make expenditures independently of the campaign committee of his party in specified circumstances. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide candidates for the office of U.S. Representative with equal time in broadcast media to respond to the remarks of an opposing candidate.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 226 (98th)passed

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the persecution of members of the Baha'i religion in Iran by the Government of Iran.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983

States that the Congress: (1) holds Iran responsible for upholding the rights of the Baha'is; (2) condemns Iran's decision to destroy the Baha'i faith; and (3) calls upon the President to work with appropriate foreign governments to form an appeal to Iran concerning the Baha'is, to cooperate with the United Nations in its efforts on behalf of the Baha'is, and to provide humanitarian assistance for Baha'is who flee Iran.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 225 (98th)open

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the United States delegation to the United Nations to introduce a resolution in the General Assembly calling for the immediate withdrawal of all Syrian and Syrian controlled forces from Lebanon.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the United Nations to introduce before the U.N. General Assembly a resolution calling for the withdrawal of Syrian and Syrian-controlled forces from Lebanon in order to facilitate the return of peace to the country.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 227 (98th)open

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the adverse impact of early projections of election results by the news media.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the news media should voluntarily refrain from projecting election results before the polls close; and (2) the news media and industry, trade and professional organizations should voluntarily adopt guidelines to assure that exit interview data is not used to project election results before the polls close.

Bill· HRH.R. 4360 (98th)open

Industrial Competitiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983

Industrial Competitiveness Act - Title I: Council on Industrial Competitiveness - Establishes in the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the Council on Industrial Competitiveness. Sets forth the duties of the Council including the duty to: (1) collect and analyze information concerning current and future economic trends and market opportunities; (2) create forums where national leaders will identify national economic problems; (3) provide policy recommendations regarding specific issues concerning industrial strategies; and (4) evaluate existing government policies and business practices in terms of their competitive impact. Sets forth the membership and powers of the Council. Requires the Council to report to Congress and the President, within one year of enactment of this title, recommendations for changes in Federal policy necessary to implement effective industrial strategies. Requires the Council to report annually to the President, Congress, and the Bank for Industrial Competitiveness on the major industrial development priorities of the United States and the policies needed to meet such priorities. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Bank for Industrial Competitiveness - Subtitle A: Bank for Industrial Competitiveness - Establishes the Bank for Industrial Competititveness which shall be an agency of the United States. Sets forth the powers of the Bank and the qualifications for members of the board of directors. Authorizes the Bank to provide financial assistance to: (1) businesses in mature or linkage industries which require revitalization and modernization in order to be competitive in a world market; and (2) businesses in emerging industries which require financial assistance to develop and market new products or technologies. Limits the amount of aid for each project to 30 percent of the funding necessary to carry out the project. Sets forth the requirements for applications for such assistance. Sets forth the terms and conditions for financial assistance from the Bank. Terminates the authority of the Bank to make loans, issue loan guarantees, and purchase capital stock of applicants ten years after the effective date of this title. Sets forth the amount of capital stock the Bank shall have. Authorizes the Bank to issue obligations to provide sufficient funds to carry out the Bank's purposes and to renew, refund or pay other obligations. Limits the amount of the Bank's outstanding obligations to five times the paid-in capital of the Bank. Prohibits any of the loans made, guaranteed, or committed to be guaranteed under this title from being eligible for purchase by, or commitment to purchase by, or sale or issuance to, any Federal agency or government-owned entity. Exempts obligations of the Bank from taxation. Authorizes the Bank to enter into appropriate agreements respecting obligations of the Bank. Sets forth provisions dealing with moneys of the Bank. Exempts from taxation all property of the Bank except for the Bank's real property. Authorizes the Bank to inspect all documents of an applicant relating to the applicant's financial affairs and to all facilities and properties of the applicant. Requires the Bank to submit an annual report to the President and Congress. Terminates the Bank 30 years after the effective date of this title. Subtitle B: Secondary Markets for Industrial Mortgages - Authorizes the Bank to purchase and to make commitments to purchase industrial mortgages from any qualified financial institution. Authorizes the Bank to set priorities regarding the types of industrial mortgages to be purchased. Sets forth conditions which such mortgages must meet. Prohibits an industrial mortgage from being purchased unless specified conditions are met. Authorizes the Bank to set aside mortgages held by it and to issue and sell securities based upon the set aside mortgages. Subtitle C: Investment in Public Industrial Development Banks - Authorizes the Bank to invest in the stock of public industrial development finance institutions established at the State, local, or regional levels. Requires that the Bank be given, in return for its investment, one or more seats on the Board of Directors of the public development bank in which it invests. Prohibits the Bank from contracting with institutions that offer no reasonable prospect of return. Sets forth conditions for participation by the Bank in public industrial development banks. Subtitle D: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations beginning in FY 1985.

Bill· HRH.R. 4324 (98th)referred

A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to preserve the principles of the Federal Communications Commission's personal attack and political editorial rules through the 1984 election campaign, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1983

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a broadcast licensee to provide any person whose personal qualities are attacked during the presentation of views in a broadcast on a controversial issue of public importance with: (1) notification of the time, date, and identification of the broadcast; (2) a script or tape of the attack; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond over the licensee's facilities. Excludes from such requirement any attack: (1) on a foreign group or foreign public figure; (2) made by a legally qualified candidate for public office during the use of a broadcast station; (3) made by such a candidate on another such candidate; or (4) made on a bona fide news show. Requires any licensee which endorses or opposes any candidate in an editorial to transmit to the opposing candidates (in the case of an endorsing editorial) or to the candidate (in the case of an opposing editorial): (1) notification of the date and time of the editorial; (2) a script or tape of the editorial; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond over the licensee's facilities. Terminates the application of this Act on December 31, 1984. Suspends the personal attack rule and the political editorial rule of the Federal Communications Commission until after such date. Prohibits the Commission from repealing or modifying such rules after October 31, 1983, and before January 1, 1985. Voids any such action taken by the Commission after October 31, 1983, and before enactment of this Act. Allows the Commission to repeal or modify such rules beginning on January 1, 1985, provided that no repeal or modification shall become effective until 120 days of continuous session of Congress after it is published as final.

Bill· HRH.R. 4299 (98th)open

Cable Consumer Protection Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1983

Cable Consumer Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to add a new title dealing with cable telecommunications. Grants the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the States, and local franchising authorities jurisdiction over cable systems. Authorizes any State or local government or franchising authority to award, in accordance with the provisions of the new title, cable franchises within its jurisdiction. Prohibits cable operators, other than those operating on December 31, 1983, from providing its cable system basic service, cable service, or telecommunications service without a cable franchise. Grants State and local franchising authorities jurisdiction to assure the availability and fair terms of any basic service and any telecommunications service. Authorizes the FCC to establish minimum cable system standards for: (1) technical specifications; (2) public, governmental, and educational access capacity; (3) system interconnection; (4) equal employment opportunity and affirmative action; and (5) cross ownership of cable and other media. Authorizes State and local governments or franchising authorities to establish additional requirements to assure that cable systems are constructed and operated in the public interest. Prohibits a State or local government or franchising authority from regulating cable service unless that service is not subject to competition in the relevant market. Requires cable services to be presumed to be subject to effective competition. Authorizes a cable operator to contract with a franchising authority to provide specific cable services under specific conditions. Authorizes the FCC and State or local franchising authorities to adopt regulations to encourage fair and reasonable treatment of cable subscribers. Declares that nothing in the Act shall be construed as prohibiting a franchising authority and cable operator from agreeing that certain cable services shall not be provided or shall be provided subject to conditions if such cable services are obscene or otherwise unprotected by the Constitution. Authorizes the imposition of franchise fees by State or local governments or franchising authorities. Limits the amount of a franchise fee to five percent of the cable operator's gross revenues. Excludes certain taxes and charges from the definition of franchise fee. Requires franchise renewal applications to be filed 24 to 36 months before expiration of a franchise. Sets forth the schedule for consideration of a renewal application by the franchising authority. Prohibits cable operators or cable subscribers from using the cable system to collect personally identifiable information with respect to a cable subscriber without the prior written consent of that subscriber. Permits the collection of such information for billing purposes, to monitor cable operator performance, to monitor for unauthorized reception of telecommunications, or to collect aggregate information about subscriber viewing patterns. Requires such information to be destroyed when it is no longer used or to be used for such purposes. Prohibits disclosure of personally identifiable information obtained for such purposes or personally identifiable information with respect to the services provided to or received by a particular cable subscriber except upon the prior written consent of the subscriber or pursuant to a court order. Requires that a subscriber's consent shall be valid for no more than one year and shall be revocable. Prohibits imposing a penalty or offering an incentive to obtain such consent. Requires the consent to be expressed and signed on a document intended solely for evidencing the subscriber's consent. Requires the cable subscriber to be notified at least 14 days before personally identifiable information is disclosed pursuant to a court order. Requires cable operators to inform subscribers of their right to prevent disclosure of personally identifiable information. Requires that a subscriber shall have access to all personally identifiable information regarding that subscriber which is collected and maintained by a cable operator or other cable subscriber. Provides for civil damages for violations of subscriber privacy. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting existing cable franchises. Authorizes making such franchises subject to this Act. Authorizes a cable operator to invoke this Act if within one year after its enactment the cable operator can prove that its franchise is an unconscionable contract. Prohibits any person from using the mail or any means of interstate commerce in furtherance of an offer to pay money or give something of value to an official in order to influence the official's decision or to induce the official to influence a franchising authority decision relating to a cable television franchise. Prohibits any person from using the mail or any means of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer to pay money or give something of value to any person while knowing or having reason to know that such payment will be offered, given, or promised to an official to influence the official's decision or to induce the official to influence a franchising authority decision relating to a cable television franchise. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Prohibits any person or government authority from intercepting or receiving broadband telecommunications unless specifically authorized to do so or otherwise specifically authorized by Federal law. Requires a State or local franchising authority to adopt regulations to assure that no landlord, mobile home park owner, or governing body of a condominium or cooperative shall interfere with the installation of cable television facilities upon their property except for imposing certain safety and compensation requirements. Requires the FCC to report to Congress every five years on whether it believes changed circumstances in telecommunications services and basic services warrant amendment or repeal of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 4300 (98th)open

Missing Childrens Assistance Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1983

Missing Children's Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to require the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to establish and maintain a national toll-free telephone line for reporting information regarding the location of missing children. Directs the Administrator to establish a national resource center and clearinghouse to: (1) provide technical assistance to State and local governments and agencies in locating missing children; (2) coordinate public and private efforts to recover missing children; and (3) disseminate information on innovative missing childrens' programs, services, and legislation. Requires the Administrator to publish an annual summary of research on missing children and prepare a comprehensive plan for coordinating activities of all agencies and organizations responsible for missing children. Authorizes the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Board on Missing Children, to make grants for research or demonstration or service programs designed to: (1) educate parents and community agencies on ways to prevent the abduction of children; (2) assist in the recovery or tracking of missing children; (3) aid communities in collecting material to assist parents in the identification of their children; (4) demonstrate the psychological consequences of a child's abduction; and (5) collect data on investigative practices utilized by law enforcement agencies. Requires the Administrator to appoint an Advisory Board on Missing Children to assist the Administrator in coordinating programs and activities relating to missing children. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988.

Law· HRH.R. 4294 (98th)enacted

A bill to name the Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the "James E. Van Zandt Veterans' Administration Medical Center", and to name the Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Dublin, Georgia, the "Carl Vinson Veterans' Administration Medical Center".

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1983

Designates the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania, as the James E. Van Zandt Veterans Administration Medical Center. Designates the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Dublin, Georgia, as the Carl Vinson Veterans Administration Medical Center.

Bill· HRH.R. 4260 (98th)referred

A bill to provide a moratorium until June 30, 1988, on changes to the Federal Communications Commission rules regarding network television syndication, network television financial interests, and prime time access.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 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 after August 1, 1983, and before July 1, 1988. Voids any action taken in violation of this Act. Declares that such prohibition shall not apply to any such rule with respect to any network that has fewer than 150 affiliated television licensees which carry not more than 25 hours of network programming per week.