United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Amends the Energy Security Act to repeal the requirement that Congress approve the comprehensive strategy established by the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation to achieve the national synthetic fuel production goal established by such Act. Requires that preference in selecting proposals for synthetic fuels projects for financial assistance be given to proposals which are for research and development of synthetic fuel production and use. Eliminates the authority of the Corporation with respect to joint ventures by the Corporation for synthetic fuel project modules and Corporation synthetic fuel construction projects. Establishes a national goal of facilitating research and development in order to achieve domestic synthetic fuel production capability when the synthetic fuel industry matures and synthetic fuels become price competitive. (Under current law, there is a national goal of achieving a synthetic fuel production capability of at least 500,000 barrels per day of crude oil by 1987 and of at least 2,000,000 barrels per day of crude oil by 1992 from domestic resources.) Repeals the limitation on the authorization of financial assistance under such Act to any one synthetic fuel project or to any one person. Limits the funds available to the Corporation for obligation under the Energy Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Agricultural Export Subsidy Offset Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an export payment-in-kind program. States that such program shall make agricultural commodities owned by the Commodity Credit Corporation available at no cost to U.S. exporters and processors, or to foreign countries to encourage the sales of U.S. agricultural commodities. Requires the Secretary to ensure that: (1) such export sales do not displace usual U.S. marketings; (2) such commodities are not exported to any foreign country which is not eligible for most-favored-nation treatment for its goods; and (3) such commodities are not resold or transshipped to any other nation or used for purposes other than domestic purposes in such foreign country. Requires the Secretary to make such agricultural commodities available at no cost to U.S. processors if the Secretary determines that the program is placing such processors at an unfair competitive disadvantage. Requires the Secretary to carry out this program through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Prohibits the Secretary from making agricultural commodities owned by the Corporation available under this Act after December 31, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
National Commission on Neurofibromatosis Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within 60 days a National Commission on Neurofibromatosis which shall formulate a plan to identify the research needed to develop an effective treatment and a cure for neurofibromatosis. Sets forth operating and related provisions. Authorizes the Commission to transmit interim reports. Requires the Commission to make a final report to the President and to each House of Congress within two years. Terminates the Commission three months after submission of the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Flat Rate Tax Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the income tax tables. Provides for a flat income tax rate of ten percent for all individuals, estates, and trusts on taxable income exceeding the applicable zero bracket amount. Provides for a yearly cost-of- living adjustment to the zero bracket amount. Increases the amount of the personal tax exemption to $2,500.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Increases from 26 to 30 the number of members of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, by adding: (1) one elected officer of a local government of an area with a population of less than 10,000 and one elected school board member, to be appointed by the President; and (2) one judge of a U.S. court of appeals or district court and one chief justice or judge of a State court of last resort, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize a verdict of "guilty but insane" for any criminal defendant who raises the issue of insanity by notice as provided by Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Provides that a defendant is "guilty but insane" if his actions constitute all necessary elements of the offense charged other than the requisite state of mind. Provides that if the defendant is found "guilty but insane" the court may commit the defendant to serve all or a portion of a sentence in a suitable facility for treatment of his mental condition. Requires the defendant to serve the remaining portion of his sentence upon release from the mental facility.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a Member to include in the itemized report required after a visit to a foreign country an analysis of the extent to which the legislative objectives of such travel were realized. Prohibits a committee from reimbursing a Member or employee for travel expenses unless: (1) such person requests the committee to authorize the travel; (2) the request sets forth the itinerary, legislative objectives, and projected costs; and (3) the committee authorizes such travel by rollcall vote. Revises the prohibition on the use by a lame duck Member of local currencies owned by the United States for travel outside the United States to prohibit such use after a primary where the Member has been defeated for nomination to a Federal office (other than President).
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Rural Electrification Administration assure that Federal agencies consider the needs of rural America in establishing rural telephone service policy. States that such agencies should consult on a routine basis with such Administration and with related State agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with certain international agreements relating to human rights by pursuing a more humane emigration policy and by ceasing harassment of Jews and others seeking to emigrate; (2) Soviet compliance with internationally recognized emigration rights would significantly promote improved relations with the United States; (3) the President should convey these concerns of Congress to the Soviet Union at every appropriate opportunity; and (4) the President should also convey these concerns to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Federal Anti-Tampering Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense to maliciously cause or attempt to cause injury or death to any person, or injury to any business' reputation, by adulterating a food, drug, cosmetic, hazardous substance or other product. Provides for a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000, or if personal injury or death results, a prison term of up to life. Establishes a separate offense, with similar penalties, for any person who willfully or maliciously conveys false information concerning an attempt at such adulteration if injury, fear of injury, or death results or if a governmental or commercial recall occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Natural Gas Import Policy Act of 1983 - Suspends an order issued under the Natural Gas Act authorizing the importation of natural gas unless: (1) the price and terms of the applicable import contract have been renegotiated to be responsive to current market prices and demand; and (2) the renegotiated contract and tariff adjustments have been filed with the Secretary of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Provides that in the case of any terminal or attendant facility located in the United States and constructed for the importation of Algerian natural gas (the authority for which is suspended by this Act), FERC shall permit recovery of the costs prudently incurred in connection with the construction of such facility to the same extent and in the same manner as if such facility were used and useful for the importation and transportation of natural gas (without regard to the suspension under this Act of importation authority). Prohibits FERC from permitting any rate of return on such costs. Includes "liquefied natural gas" within the term "natural gas" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Omnibus Congressional Compensation Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to eliminate the annual adjustment in compensation for Members of Congress. Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to make the President's recommendation for congressional salaries of an advisory nature only, unless otherwise provided by law. Provides that the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress shall be the rate payable on the date of enactment of this Act. Changes the provision of law which authorizes permanent appropriations for compensation for Members to authorize appropriations only for FY 1983. States that any increase in compensation, tax benefits, or increase in outside earned income limitations (including honoraria) shall take effect at the beginning of the Congress following the Congress during which such benefits are authorized. Amends rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and rule XII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require a recorded vote on such types of legislation. Makes it out of order in the House or Senate to consider such legislation if it contains items other than those relative to congressional benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Amends the Automobile Dealers Day in Court Act to prohibit a manufacturer from selling, leasing, or offering to sell or lease any passenger car, truck, or stationwagon to any person (or any other dealer) at a price lower than the price at which the same model is sold to its franchised dealers. Prohibits a manufacturer from imposing restrictions on some purchasers of automobiles, but not others. Requires that all rebates, discounts, refunds or other promotional inducement or benefit be provided to all ultimate purchasers of the same model of motor vehicle during the same period of time. Establishes an exception to the Act for the sale of automobiles to Federal, State or local governmental units. Applies this Act to importers of covered motor vehicles who import directly or through distributorships. Allows an automobile dealer to recover reasonable attorneys fees resulting from an action under this Act. Limits standing for a cause of action for termination of an agreement under this Act to dealers who comply with all reasonable provisions of the franchise agreement in question.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Acidic Deposition Study and Ecosystem Mitigation Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to provide for a program of acidic deposition analysis and mitigation. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report, within the five-fiscal- year period following the submission of the final comprehensive research plan under the Acid Precipitation Act of 1980, on acidic deposition to specified congressional committees. Sets forth required inclusions and procedures for such report. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to any State or interstate agency to develop and implement on-site methods of mitigating the harmful effects on ecosystems resulting from high acidity which may be due to acidic deposition. Limits such grants to 75 percent of project costs. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for the five fiscal years following the enactment date of this Act for the preparation of such report and the making of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Anatoly Shcharansky should be released from prison and permitted to emigrate. Urges continued expression of U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Commends the efforts of the Italian authorities to uncover the truth about the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II. Demands that the Bulgarian and Soviet Governments cooperate with Italian authorities in the investigation of the attempted assassination.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for taxpayers who receive agricultural commodities under a Federal payment-in-kind program: (1) no income shall be treated as realized by receipt of such commodities; but (2) any gain realized from the sale or exchange of such commodities shall be included in gross income and shall be treated as ordinary income. Treats such commodities as commodities produced on acreage diverted from agricultural use for purposes of the estate tax valuation of farm property.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Railroad Retirement Board and representatives of railroad employees and carriers should jointly or independently study methods of financing the railroad retirement program, including a ton-mile tax. Requires a report to Congress by March 30, 1983, on the alternatives studied.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Equal Access to Voting Rights Act - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate guidelines to assure that registration and polling place facilities used for Federal elections are readily accessible to handicapped and elderly individuals. Sets forth minimum requirements for these guidelines. Requires States to make available registration and voting aids for handicapped and elderly individuals in Federal elections. Authorizes the Attorney General and aggrieved persons to bring actions in Federal court to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for taking or attempting to take property by force, violence, or intimidation from either a pharmacy or a person registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Increases the penalties if any person's life is endangered by use of a dangerous weapon or if any person is assaulted or killed during the commission of such offense. Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits a law varying the compensation of Members of Congress from taking effect until after an election of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Housing Finance Opportunity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to permit the continued issuance of tax-exempt (interest excluded from gross income) mortgage revenue bonds after December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Office Machine and Equipment Dealers Act - Title I - Contracts Between Dealers and Suppliers - Declares that any supplier of office products who enters into a dealer agreement shall act in good faith in performance and termination of such agreement. Specifies seven duties of a supplier to a dealer. Title II - Procedures for Termination - Allows a supplier to terminate a dealer agreement before a specified expiration date (or at any time if such agreement does not contain an expiration date) by offering the dealer, within 60 days of the intended termination, fair and reasonable compensation for the value of the agreement. Permits the parties to resort to arbitration to determine the amount of such compensation if a controversy occurs. Title III - Miscellaneous Provisions - Grants any party the right to file an action for damages or equitable relief in Federal district court for violations of this Act. States that this Act shall not be construed to modify any provision of the antitrust laws or to supersede any State law which provides additional or stronger standards than those in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends rule XLIX of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a two-thirds vote on legislation that increases the statutory limit on the public debt.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to increase the tariff on imported roses. (Makes the U.S. tariff consistent with the tariff imposed by the European Economic Community.)
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for using or attempting to use certain computers with intent to defraud, obtain property by false pretenses, embezzle, steal, or knowingly convert the property of another. Limits the kinds of computers covered by this Act to those operating in interstate commerce, or operating on behalf of the Federal Government or of a financial institution (where the prohibited conduct directly affects the computer operation). Specifies factors which Federal law enforcement officers must consider in determining whether to exercise jurisdiction over such offense, where concurrent jurisdiction exists with a State or local government. Directs the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the extent of the exercise of such Federal jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Older Americans Vocational Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a model grant program for centers for older persons' vocational needs and employment opportunities. Sets forth application requirements for grant eligibility and for such centers. Requires such centers to: (1) provide certain services; and (2) in providing services, to give priority treatment to certain older persons. Limits any such grant to $400,000 for any fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to operate a national clearinghouse for information on such centers. Permits any business or labor organization, public agency, or nonprofit or profitmaking organization, as well as a State, State or local educational agency, educational institution, postsecondary educational institution, or private vocational training institution, to be an eligible recipient of such a grant. Defines "older person" as an individual 55 years of age or older. Authorizes appropriations for such model grant program for FY 1984 through 1986. Amends the Vocational Education Act of 1965 to add to the purposes of such Act: (1) the overcoming of age discrimination and age stereotyping in vocational education programs; (2) the furnishing of equal educational opportunity in such programs to persons of all ages; and (3) the provision of part-time employment to older persons who need the earnings to continue full-time vocational training. Requires State vocational education programs to assign personnel to review such programs for: (1) assurance that grant distribution addresses older persons' needs; (2) age bias in such programs; (3) age discrimination in program hiring, firing, or promotion; (4) recommendations for overcoming age stereotyping and bias in such programs; and (5) assisting interested parties in improving vocational educational opportunities for older persons. Requires that State advisory councils on vocational education include older persons with employment and training program experience, including older persons who are minority group members. Requires that the State five-year plans for vocational education set forth: (1) the uses which the State intends to make of Federal vocational education assistance to meet the special needs of older persons; and (2) policies and procedures to assure equal access to vocational education programs by older persons.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Title I: National Jobs Creation - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide that such Act may be cited as the National Jobs Creation Act of 1983. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for a portion of the cost of projects submitted in a jobs creation strategy, upon application of States, local governments, Indian tribes, public nonprofit organizations established for jobs creation purposes, or multijurisdictional units within a State which meet certain eligibility criteria. Permits such job creation assistance to be for: (1) construction, repair, rehabilitation, and improvement of public facilities, including the acquisition of land and other public works improvements to encourage and support private development; (2) revolving loan funds to promote establishment and growth of small businesses and to retain indigenous firms and entrepreneurs which contribute to the creation, retention, and expansion of private sector jobs; and (3) jobs creation activities which address and prevent economic dislocation and facilitate economic adjustment which contributes to economic diversification and long-term economic vitality of the area. Permits States local governments, Indian tribes, or multijurisdictional units within a State which meet eligibility "distress requirements" to apply for such grants. Requires grant applications to include: (1) a certification that the area for which the grant is to be made meets the distress requirements; (2) a certification relative to the performance of any responsibilities which the Secretary has agreed to accept under specified provisions of this Act; and (3) a jobs creation strategy prepared in accordance with specified provisions of this Act. Sets forth factors which the Secretary must consider in approving grant applications. Sets forth "distress requirements." Requires that any area receiving such a grant have: (1) a per capita income of 80 percent or less or the national average; (2) an unemployment rate two percent above the national average for the most recent 24-month period for which statistics are available; or (3) experienced or about to experience a sudden economic dislocation resulting in job loss that is significant both in terms of the number of jobs eliminated and the effect upon the employment rate of the area. Requires that documentation of distress be: (1) supported by Federal data, when available through the State government; (2) accepted by the Secretary unless it is determined to be inaccurate; and (3) gathered from the most recent statistics available. Sets forth requirements for the job creation strategy which a grant applicant must prepare. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants under this title to an applicant to establish a revolving loan fund for making or guaranteeing loans to: (1) small businesses for initial or working capital or the purchase of facilities or equipment; (2) businesses where capital is needed to complete financing necessary to retain the business in the area. Limits any grant for the establishment or recapitalization of a revolving loan fund to $1,000,000. Prohibits loans or guarantees from such a fund unless: (1) such financial assistance is not otherwise available from private lenders on specified terms; and (2) reasonable assurance of repayment is provided. Requires the grantee to administer the fund. Prohibits the United States from exercising any control over such administration. Provides that any grant for a project for any eligibility activity under this title shall be in an amount which, when added to that available from all other sources, is sufficient to complete the project, but limits such grant amount to 50 percent of the project completion cost as determined at the time of the grant application. Prohibits any additional funds from being granted or otherwise made available under this title for any project for which such a grant has been made. Limits the amount of any grant for the establishment of a revolving loan fund under this title to an amount equal to that available from all other sources. Limits the amount of any additional grant for the recapitalization of such a fund to one-third of the amount available from all other sources. Prohibits the expenditure in any one State of more than 15 percent of the appropriations made pursuant to this title. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1983 and 1984. Prohibits approval of any grant under this title unless the Secretary is satisfied that the project will be properly and efficiently administered, operated, and maintained. Authorizes the Secretary to discharge any responsibilities of his or her relative to a project for which a grant may be made under this title by accepting a certification by the applicant of the applicant's performance of such responsibilities. Authorizes the Secretary to rescind such acceptance, if necessary. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on operations under this title for FY 1983 and thereafter, by February 1 of the following year. Directs the Secretary to maintain a list of applications approved for a grant under this title, as a permanent part of the Department of Commerce records and available for public inspection. Requires each grant recipient to keep specified records for audit purposes. Grants the Secretary and the Comptroller General access for audit and examination to pertinent records of grant recipients. Title II: Appalachian Regional Transition Assistance - Appalachian Transition Act of 1983 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to declare that investments under such Act shall also be made in severely distressed and underdeveloped counties lacking resources for basic services and in areas without access to sufficient health services. Adds as a purpose of such Act the orderly transition from special Federal assistance to increased State, local, and private investment in Appalachian regional development. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes the Commission to lease office space through FY 1984. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1984 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases from 70 to 80 percent the subsequent Federal share of an Appalachian development highway segment when a participating State proceeds to construct a segment of such a highway without the aid of Federal funds. Applies such increase to projects approved after March 31, 1979. Extends to October 1, 1984, the date by which specified Federal grant-in-aid programs must be authorized in order to be covered by provisions for supplements to such programs. Authorizes the Commission, after September 30, 1983, to make grants to States and public and nonprofit entities for projects to assist: (1) in creation or retention of permanent private sector jobs, upgrading of the region's manpower, or attraction or private investment; (2) severely distressed and underdeveloped counties which lack financial resources for improving basic services; or (3) in reducing infant mortality or in providing adequate health manpower or reasonable access to primary health care for every resident of the region. Prohibits approval of any project for assistance under such Act after September 30, 1983 (except for development highways and local development district support, research, and technical assistance) unless the Commission determines such project: (1) is necessary for a related private sector commitment which assures either the direct creation or retention of jobs in the region of a specific private investment substantially enhancing area economic development potential; (2) will upgrade manpower for jobs in the region through training relevant to the regional job market; (3) assists a facility to provide safe drinking water, affordable waste disposal, or other similar basic service in a county designated by the Commission as severely distressed or under developed; or (4) assists, for a limited period, the provision of primary health care, infant mortality reduction, or recruitment of health manpower in designated areas. Limits, after September 30, 1983, grants under such Act to 50 percent of project costs (except development highways projects). Permits such grants to increase the Federal contribution to any project to such percentage as the Commission determines within the limitations in such Act. Prohibits funds authorized under this title from being approved under such Act for projects for: (1) libraries, cultural centers, or recreation facilities; (2) construction of schools, hospitals, or government office buildings; (3) community centers, or social services facilities (with specified exceptions); or (4) operations, except costs for startup and first year. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such Act for FY 1984 (in addition to the appropriations authorized for administrative expenses and for the Appalachian development highway system and local access roads). Extends the termination date of such Act to October 1, 1984. (Such termination does not apply to the Appalachian development highway system provisions of such Act). Repeals specified provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Agricultural Produce Bailment Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends the Bankruptcy Act to require bankruptcy courts to give priority to allowed unsecured claims of farmers arising from the sale or conversion of farm produce to or by a debtor who operates a farm produce storage facility. Specifies that such sale or conversion must have occurred within 180 days before the filing of the petition or before the cessation of the debtor's business, whichever occurs first. Limits the payment of any such claim to $2,000 per individual. Permits a bankruptcy court to expedite the procedures for determining interests in and the disposition of grain and proceeds held by debtors who own or operate grain storage facilities. Requires the court to expedite such procedures if requested by a trustee or a claimant. Sets forth factors for the court to consider before deciding whether to shorten the time periods for procedures. Lists the procedures which may be expedited. Specifies administrative details.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Urges the United States Postal Service to issue a postage stamp commemorating members of the uniformed services who have been prisoners of war or missing in action especially those missing as a result of the conflict in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
American Conservation Corps Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program called the American Conservation Corps. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those on public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands provide documented public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that, in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires that such appropriations come from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except for certain purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish pay rates and to coordinate the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions to award academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as necessary. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and Congress detailing the activities carried out under this Act. Entitles to an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board any Federal employee displaced rightly or wrongly by activities under this Act. Grants similar appeal rights to the employees of any contract grantee similarly displaced.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1982 - Establishes criminal penalties applicable to licensees under the Gun Control Act of 1968 who import, manufacture, or sell a "restricted handgun bullet," except as authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury. Establishes additional criminal penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year's imprisonment, for: (1) using a restricted handgun bullet to commit a Federal felony; or (2) carrying a restricted handgun bullet unlawfully during commission of a Federal felony.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit prayer in public schools or institutions. States that no person shall be required by the United States or any State to participate in prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
National Health Care Reform Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish actuarial categories, including an aged and disabled actuarial category, of individuals eligible for Federal financial assistance toward the purchase of membership in a health care plan qualified under this Act (health care contributions). Sets forth category factors. Requires the Secretary to delineate health care areas according to specified criteria. Title I: Health Care Contributions - Makes every individual who is a resident citizen of the United States or a lawful resident alien eligible for a health care contribution. Provides that dependents of eligible individuals are not eligible for health care contributions unless they are aged or disabled. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax exclusion for contributions paid by an eligible individual's employer toward the premium of such plan. Sets forth exclusion conditions. Allows a taxpayer a tax credit for such membership premium. Directs the Secretary to make a contribution to electing individuals in lieu of medicare benefits. Entitles an individual whose family income is below specified guidelines to receive a direct health care contribution. Limits contributions to one eligible individual per family. Entitles an eligible aged or disabled individual to such a contribution only if he or she has: (1) elected to receive such a contribution in lieu of Medicare benefits; and (2) waived any right for the aged or disabled for the plan year. Provides for such transfer of funds from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Allows the Secretary to enter into a contract with any State under which the State will determine contribution eligibility and amount. Directs the Secretary to issue a health care voucher to eligible individuals in the amount of the contribution. Requires the Secretary to make payments to a plan presenting such vouchers. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding any portion of the health care payments to which a plan is entitled to offset any amount owed to the United States by the plan, an eligible individual, or any other person. Prohibits the Secretary from denying payment of an invalid voucher unless a plan has actual knowledge of such invalidity at the time of acceptance. Prohibits the assignment or attachment of a health care voucher. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude such health care voucher payments from gross income. Title II: Qualified Plans - Allows a plan to apply to the Secretary for certification as a qualified plan in one or more health care areas. Requires the Secretary to act upon such application within 30 days. Directs the Secretary to provide a plan with a written explanation and a hearing in the event of disapproval. Requires a plan to provide a written membership agreement. Limits membership to eligible residents of the health care area in which a plan is located. Requires each plan to establish an annual premium for each actuarial category. Sets a maximum individual cost per plan year for basic health services. Allows group premium reductions. Requires a plan to: (1) report annually to the Secretary with enrollment information; (2) submit to the Secretary any proposed coverage changes; and (3) provide financial information and make payments to the Health Benefits Assurance Corporation established under this Act. Requires a plan to file a plan brochure with the Secretary. Allows: (1) members of a plan to refuse services by a plan provider; and (2) health care personnel to refuse for moral reasons to provide certain services. Requires arbitration of specified grievances between an individual and a plan. Requires the Secretary to disqualify a plan if any proposed changes will prevent such plan from providing basic health care services or will require excessive out-of-pocket expenditures. Requires the Secretary to provide information about qualified plans and to help process applications for health care vouchers. Permits only a chartered health care contribution agent to serve as an authorized agent for more than 25 persons. Prohibits State payments under title III (Unemployment Compensation) and title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act to any eligible person who is not a member of a qualified plan. Requires membership in a plan in order to qualify for supplemental security income and food stamp benefits. Exempts specified persons from such membership requirements. Grants standing to a plan to assert the rights of its members. Requires the Federal Government to contribute to the premium of a health plan on behalf of Federal employees. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee an insurance policy of a qualified plan where similar insurance is not available at commercially reasonable rates. Establishes the Health Benefits Assurance Corporation to periodically review health plan applications for financial certification. Requires the Corporation to establish a protective fund to assure the provision of services by plans financially unable to meet their obligations. Establishes a revolving fund in the U.S. Treasury for the Corporation to use to carry out its duties. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse a plan for nonmember services. Sets forth arbitration procedures. Provides for judicial review of any agency action by the Health Court. Establishes the Health Court. Grants such Court exclusive jurisdiction over all civil actions brought to enforce this Act and all civil claims and disputes arising under this Act and under agreements by or with qualified plans. Prohibits the commencement, or requires the suspension, of any Federal or State bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding during any period for which a receiver has been appointed. Establishes a Health Court of Appeals with jurisdiction over appeals brought from the Health Court. Allows the Supreme Court to review cases in the Health Court of Appeals by writ of certiorari. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of this Act or specified sections of the Internal Revenue Code. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and contracts to compensate public or private nonprofit charitable organizations for providing graduate medical education and training for health care professionals. Revises the medical expense deduction provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to exclude the separate deduction for medical insurance and to prohibit any deduction for premiums paid to qualified health care plans. Repeals provisions of the Social Security Act concerning professional standards review, uniform reporting, capital expenditure limitations, hospital utilization and bylaws, and customary charges. Repeals specified provisions of the Public Health Services Act concerning health maintenance organizations, health planning, and health resources development. Title IV: Effective Dates and Nonseverability - Establishes the effective date of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from making a direct health care contribution to an individual who has not made a timely election to receive the health care contribution instead of Medicare benefits. Repeals Medicare after more than 50 percent of the eligible persons elect health care contributions. Requires a State to notify the Secretary by a certain date of its irrevocable election to accept health care contributions instead of Medicaid benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission from investigating or taking any action concerning any State regulated profession until Congress enacts legislation which expressly provides that the Commission has authority over professions and that the Commission's authority preempts State authority. Vacates any such action taken during the period beginning on January 25, 1983, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Corcoran, Tom [R-IL-14]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000773_200.jpg)