United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Ethnic Affairs Broadcasting Clearinghouse Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish the Ethnic Affairs Clearinghouse. Directs the Clearinghouse to: (1) establish a clearinghouse for complaints about the portrayal of ethnic groups in radio and television broadcast programming; (2) collect and disseminate information about such portrayal; (3) conduct an annual conference to draw public attention to such portrayal; (4) submit to Congress an annual report on its activities, including a compilation of all complaints received; and (5) provide such information to the FCC for possible consideration when reviewing license applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to reimburse eligible veterans for reasonable charges for chiropractic services. Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule of reasonable charges. Requires the Administrator to make annual reports to the Veterans Affairs Committees for four years concerning the use and reimbursement of chiropractic services.
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
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that regulations relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be amended or altered in any manner which will lessen the comprehensive coverage of such statute in eliminating gender discrimination throughout the American educational system.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Veterans Administration Health Programs Amendments of 1983 - Extends by three years, from FY 1984 to FY 1987, the period during which Vietnam-era veterans may request psychological readjustment counseling from the Veterans Administration. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to conduct a comprehensive study of the readjustment of Vietnam-era veterans to civilian life. Requires that such study include a nationwide survey of the prevalence and incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder and related readjustment problems among such veterans and a survey of their health status in relation to that of the general population. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such study by December 31, 1985. Increases the amount of reimbursement which the Administrator shall pay to a State for furnishing domiciliary, hospital, or nursing home care to eligible veterans who receive such care in State facilities. Directs the Administrator to report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees every three years on the appropriate rates for payments. Extends from FY 1983 to 1984 the authority of the Administrator to contract for hospital care or medical services in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands without reference to patient loads or incidence of provision of medical services for veterans treated by the Veterans Administration in the contiguous 48 States. Directs the Administrator to establish an Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to advise the Administrator or on the administration of benefits for and needs of women veterans. Directs Committee to report annually to the Administrator on the activities of the Veterans Administration pertaining to women, together with assessments of needs and recommendations for future action. Directs the Administrator to submit such report to Congress. Prohibits the Administrator from disposing of real property under his or her jurisdiction until 180 days (currently, 30 days) have elapsed since the Administrator notified the Veterans' Affairs Committees of such intention. Requires the Administrator to determine that certain real property under his or her jurisdiction is not needed by the Veterans Administration to carry out its functions before such property may be declared excess. Permits the Administrator to release the reversionary interest of the United States restricting the use of specified lands in Biloxi, Mississippi to use as a public park or for other public purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Republic of South Africa should comply with international human rights agreements by ending its "black-spot" policy and by allowing forcibly relocated South Africans to return to ancestral lands; (2) U.S. nonrecognition of South African "homeland" sovereignty should continue; (3) travel to the United States should be denied to "homeland" officials who seek to enter this country under "homelands" visas; and (4) the President should send a copy of this resolution to the Republic of South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1983
Commission to Reform Federal Campaign Finance Act of 1983 - Establishes the Commission to Reform Federal Campaign Finance (the Commission) to advise and assist the Congress in developing legislation to reform: (1) the financing of Federal election campaigns; and (2) the role of nonparty multicandidate political action committees in the financing of such campaigns. Delineates the composition, tenure, compensation, and duties of such Commission. Directs the Commission to consider specified matters and to report its recommendations to the Congress by a specified date. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of such report. Directs the Congressional Research Service, the General Accounting Office, and the Federal Election Commission to prepare and transmit briefing papers to the Commission. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Weatherization and Employment Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 to carry out the low-income weatherization assistance program established under such Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop and publish a plan for the implementation of the weatherization program during FY 1985 through 1994. Requires the President to identify in the annual budget submitted to Congress before the start of FY 1986 and through FY 1994 the funding needed for the weatherization program for each fiscal year and the amount needed to complete the program in accordance with the implementation plan. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1994 to carry out the weatherization program. Requires the Secretary to submit a biennial report to Congress on the number of dwelling units weatherized under the weatherization program, the average energy savings per unit, the weatherization measures which have yielded especially high energy savings, and legislative changes necessary to meet the goals of the program. Provides that a minimum of ten percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for the weatherization program shall be allotted to a performance fund which shall provide financial assistance to those States which have demonstrated the best performance during the previous fiscal year in providing weatherization assistance under such program. Eliminates the requirement that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program establish policies and procedures for securing, to the maximum extent practicable, the services of volunteers, training participants, and public service employment workers. Increases from $800 to $2,500 the maximum amount of financial assistance which may be spent for the labor and materials used in the weatherization of one dwelling unit. Specifies the deadlines for the disbursement of funds by the Secretary to the States under the weatherization program. Requires that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program give priority in providing weatherization assistance to low-income individuals receiving assistance under the low- income energy assistance program. Requires that the regulations promulgated by the Secretary to carry out the weatherization program provide that assistance to the States may be used to provide information, education, and technical assistance to the residents of low-income dwellings in which weatherization materials have been installed. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to encourage the development of new methods to weatherize multifamily rental dwellings which will benefit both the owners and the occupiers. Authorizes the Secretary to use, in any fiscal year, up to two percent of the funds appropriated for the weatherization program to make grants to local weatherization agencies to carry out field testing of energy saving methods and materials. Includes as "weatherization materials" for purposes of the weatherization program any furnace efficiency modifications. Permits a State to determine whether an insulating or energy conserving device or technology constitutes "weatherization materials" for purposes of such program. Makes such a determination subject to the Secretary's approval. Provides that the term "low-income" shall mean income below any income level established as poverty level under any Federal program being carried out in a State applying for assistance under the weatherization program if such State so elects. Requires that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program: (1) submit a training plan for weatherization workers, crew supervisors, field staff, and program directors; (2) arrange for inspections by trained persons of eligible dwellings at least once after the installation of weatherization materials to determine if such materials were the most cost effective and appropriate and were installed correctly; and (3) provide for coordination between the weatherization program and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. Makes funds available for the training plan. Requires the Secretary to establish a system for monitoring State and local use of funds under the weatherization program and to promulgate regulations governing cost reporting by local agencies. Provides that the standards governing weatherization efforts by the States shall provide that the procedures to be applied to determine the optimum set of cost- effective weatherization measures to be installed in a dwelling unit shall include State procedures set forth in the State's application and approved by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt holdings in an independent local newspaper business from the tax on excess business holdings of private foundations. Defines an "independent local newspaper business" as: (1) a proprietorship which publishes an independent local newspaper; (2) a partnership which publishes such a newspaper and which has none of its outstanding partnership interests traded in an established securities market; and (3) a corporation which publishes such a newspaper and which has none of its outstanding capital stock traded in an established securities market.
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 · 7 April 1983
Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties of up to five years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine ($1,000,000 fine for a corporation) for trafficking or attempting to traffic in counterfeit marks in the foreign or domestic commerce of the United States. Permits any injured owner of a mark registered on the principal register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to sue for either treble claimant's damages or treble defendant's profits, whichever is greater, in Federal district court.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1983
Computer Contribution and Teacher Training Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow corporations an increased income tax deduction for charitable contributions of computer equipment to elementary and secondary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit certain credit transactions for the acquisition of securities of United States corporations by either United States or non-United States persons where such a transaction is financed by either United States or non-United States lenders if such a transaction is or could be prohibited if made or the transaction had otherwise occurred in a lender's office or other place of business in a State. Permits the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to exempt any class of persons from the application of such regulation. Sets forth the private right of action for violations of such margin requirements. Applies the provisions of this Act to any purchase or carrying of securities 30 days after enactment of this Act, if the loan or extension of credit involved originated, or if the loan proceeds used were disbursed, on or after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Emergency Vietnam Veterans' Jobs Training Act of 1983 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish an on-the-job training program for Vietnam-era and disabled veterans. Requires that such program be carried out through payments to employers who employ such veterans in jobs that involve significant training of employees. Requires an eligible veteran to have been unemployed for at least 15 of the last 20 weeks before applying for participation. Establishes maximum periods of assisted training: 12 months for a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or more, six months for any other veterans. Requires employers to provide approved training for at least six months. Permits an approved veteran to select an approved program of job training with any for-profit private employer which hires the veteran into the regular work force with the expectation of permanent employment after the training ends. Directs the Administrator to make payments to such employers, not exceeding 50 percent of the wages paid to the training veteran. Sets forth the requirements an employer's training program must fulfill, including a certification that the wages and benefits paid to a participating veteran are equivalent to those paid to other employees participating in a similar program of training, and that there is a reasonable certainty that a position of that type will be available to such veteran upon completion. Prohibits the Administrator from approving programs involving seasonal or temporary jobs or industries in which a substantial number of experienced workers are unemployed. Prohibits the Administrator from making payments when the conduct or progress of the veteran is unsatisfactory due to circumstances within the employer's control. Authorizes the Administrator to disapprove further participation by eligible veterans in any previously approved program failing to meet the requirements of this Act. Permits veterans otherwise eligible for this program to pursue, instead, a full-time vocational training program at an approved educational institution. Sets forth the conditions of such training. Directs the Administrator to provide an outreach and public information program to inform both eligible veterans and employers about this program. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures and obtain the assistance of disabled veterans outreach program specialists and personnel in regional offices of the Veterans Administration. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide for the participation of eligible veterans in training programs under this Act and under the Jobs Training Partnership Act. Requires the Secretary to make special efforts to inform eligible veterans of training opportunities. Requires both the Secretary and the Administrator to provide employment counseling services to any eligible veteran who requests them. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985. Terminates this program after 15 months for the initial application period and after 27 months for the payment of assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from restricting the hours of operation or reducing the operating power of any AM broadcast station if: (1) such restriction or reduction would prevent the station from operating at full daytime power from two hours before sunrise until two hours after sunset; and (2) operation during such period would not interfere with the protected signal of an existing station. Prohibits the Commission from denying an application for a license to operate a new AM station or an application to expand the hours of operation of an existing station solely on the grounds that: (1) the area has adequate broadcasting service; or (2) an FM channel is available for the area. Prohibits the Commission from placing an applicant for a station license or construction permit at a disadvantage because that applicant is licensed to operate a station with restricted hours in the area if such applicant certifies that it will relinquish the restricted license if its application is approved. Exempts any application to alter the hours of operation of a standard broadcast station from public notice and comment requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Minority Telecommunications Ownership Tax Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the investment tax credit for the purchase of used telecommunications property pursuant to a Federal Communications Commission tax certificate. Defines "FCC tax certificate" as any certificate granted by the Federal Communications Commission which provides that the purchase of the property is necessary or appropriate to effectuate an FCC policy with respect to the ownership and control of systems of communication by wire or radio. Extends the nonrecognition of gain for FCC-certified sales or exchanges of radio broadcasting stations to systems of communications by wire or radio.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in an area, from: (1) entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State; or (2) limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in such area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Fair Trade in Steel Pipe and Tube Products Act of 1983 - Provides the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority necessary to enforce the terms of the Steel Pipe and Tube Arrangement between the United States and the European Community. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary), not later than October 1 of each year, to compute the annual import ceilings for steel pipe and tube articles. Provides for intra-annual adjustments for such ceilings. Requires the Secretary to consult with the European Community if it appears that the annual import ceilings for any year might be exceeded. Requires the Secretary to seek an agreement with the European Community which will result in compliance with the import ceilings for the rest of the year. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to enforce the import ceilings if an agreement cannot be reached with the European Community. Permits adjustment of the import ceiling if domestic manufacturers cannot meet the demand for steel pipe and tube products.
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
Dairy Production Act of 1983 - Title I: Dairy Compliance Program - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982, to eliminate the scheduled 50-cent milk assessments. Sets milk support levels at $13.10 per hundredweight for FY 1984 through FY 1985 for those farmers producing at or below their 1981-1982 marketing history levels. Sets forth provisions for farmers with less than full, or no 1981-1982 production levels. Establishes a reduced dairy compliance price (of up to $12.00, resulting in a blend price of not less than $12.10 per hundredweight) for overproduction as determined annually by the Secretary of Agriculture. Provides that the difference between the price support received and the reduced dairy compliance price shall be remitted to the Commodity Credit Corporation and credited to the Dairy Stabilization Settlement Fund to be used to: (1) reduce dairy program costs; and (2) make diversion payments ($10.00 per hundredweight) to farmers reducing production below their 1981-1982 marketing histories. Prohibits the transfer of marketing histories. Requires farmers to get marketing history certifications from their county committees. Provides civil penalties for program violations. Title II: Dairy Promotion Program - Provides for the creation of a National Dairy Promotion and Research Board made up of milk producers appointed by the Secretary from nominations provided by certified dairy organizations. Empowers such Board to budget, develop, and administer dairy promotion and nutrition programs. Funds such program through mandatory 15-cent per hundredweight producer assessments. Terminates such program after its initial September 30, 1985, period unless its continuation is approved by at least 50 percent of the voters in a producer referendum. Provides civil penalties for program violations. Authorizes appropriations. Stipulates that appropriated funds shall not be used to cover Board expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Declares that the House of Representatives deplores the denial of the rights of Hungarians and people of other nationalities in Transylvania by the Romanian Government. Requests the President and the Secretary of State to discuss the human rights of the Hungarians in Transylvania with the Government of Romania.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Air Travelers Security Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to declare congressional policy with respect to the marketing and sale of passenger air transportation. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to vacate Order 82-12-85, adopted on December 16, 1982, and to adopt as its final decision in docket numbered 36595 the recommended order of an administrative law judge dated June 1, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Relief Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for veterans exposed to herbicides during service in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era who suffer from specified diseases which may be caused by exposure to such herbicides, developed to a ten percent degree of disability. Permits the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to determine what other diseases may be due to exposure to herbicides, chemicals, or environmental hazards. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year of enactment incorporating such determinations and setting forth the standards used to reach them.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to three named individuals in full satisfaction of all their claims against the United States arising out of the taking of real property located in Dallas, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the maximum size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Vietnam Veterans National Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell a medal in honor of the members and former members of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam. Declares that the Secretary shall offer such medals for sale to the public at a price sufficient to cover the cost of minting and distributing of such medals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
World War I Veterans Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements and to certain surviving spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
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 · 24 February 1983
Increases the amount of reimbursement which the Administrator of Veterans Affairs shall pay to a State for furnishing domiciliary, hospital, or nursing home care to eligible veterans who receive such care in State facilities. Directs the Administrator to report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees every three years on the appropriate rates for payments.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bryant, John W. [D-TX-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000997_200.jpg)