United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1983
Declares that Congress: (1) condemns the violence in Northern Ireland; (2) urges U.S. citizens to refrain from any action which contributes to the violence there; (3) urges the parties to seek an early political settlement that secures the rights of both sides and achieves Irish unity; (4) believes that a reconciliation can be found between the two Irish political traditions and between Great Britain and Ireland; and (5) requests the President to convey to Britain and to Ireland the desire of Americans for lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Relief Act - Title I: Contracting and Marketing Practices - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare a take-or-pay clause of a pipeline contract to be against public policy and unenforceable for a three-year period: (1) to the extent that it requires a pipeline to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the pipeline has contracted to take; or (2) if such clause does not entitle a pipeline which makes a payment under such clause to take delivery of the gas during the one year period beginning on the date of payments. Defines "take-or-pay clause" to mean any contract provision which requires payment for the minimum quantity of natural gas contracted for under the contract in the event the pipeline fails to take delivery. Permits a pipeline, in the case of a contract for the first sale of natural gas, to: (1) request the seller to renegotiate the contract; and (2) indicate that, if there is no renegotiation within 30 days of the request, the pipeline will exercise its market-out-option. Permits a pipeline exercising its market out option to refuse delivery without incurring an obligation to pay for any amount of natural gas contracted for if the pipeline in its sole discretion determines that it could not market the gas. Declares any indefinite price escalator clause applicable to the first sale of natural gas to be against public policy and unenforceable. Defines "indefinite price escalator clause" as any provision of any contract which provides for the establishment or adjustment of the price for natural gas delivered by reference to prices for natural gas, crude oil, or any other commodity. Prohibits a pipeline from passing through its costs if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determines that the pipeline has failed to adopt practices minimizing amounts paid to purchase natural gas. Declares any minimum commodity beill requirement applicable to any sale of natural gas by any interstate or intrastate pipeline to be against public policy and unenforceable: (1) to the extent it requires the purchaser to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the purchaser has contracted to take; or (2) if such requirement does not entitle a purchaser who makes a payment under such requirement to take delivery of the natural gas involved subsequent to the date of payment provided under the requirement. Directs FERC to order an interstate pipeline, upon application by a producer of natural gas or by a purchaser of natural gas from a producer, to carry natural gas, for a just and reasonable consideration, between the producer and purchaser if FERC finds that: (1) the pipeline has available capacity; (2) no undue burden would be placed upon such pipeline by reason of the order; (3) construction of new facilities would not be required; and (4) the order would not impair the ability of the pipeline to render adequate service to its other customers. Directs FERC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to issue standards for interstate pipeline tariffs. Directs FERC to require, by rule, a first-sale purchaser of natural gas to file a copy of the contract with FERC. Title II: Wellhead Price Provisions - Revises ceiling price provisions for natural gas. Provides that the ceiling price for categories other than high-cost gas shall be the January 1982 ceiling price multiplied by the monthly equivalent of the modified price adjustment factor. Defines the "modified price adjustment factor" for any month as the lower of: (1) 75 percent of the quarterly percent change in the GNP implicit price deflator (as defined in the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978); or (2) the percent change in the energy index, computed and published as an annual rate by the Department of Labor, for the most recent month for which such percent change has been so published at least eight days before the beginning of the month for which the modified price adjustment factor is being calculated. Provides that for high-cost gas the maximum lawful price for any first sale shall be 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for categories of gas other than high-cost gas. Provides for an adjusted ceiling price for wells drilled on or after January 1, 1982, and before enactment. Repeals provisions permitting increases in the ceiling price of certain categories of natural gas if just and reasonable. Provides, as a general rule, that the maximum lawful price applies with respect to the recovery of all costs and profits associated with production and first-sale delivery of marketable natural gas. Prohibits the importation of natural gas if the first sale price in the United States of the gas exceeds 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for domestically produced gas. Directs the President to submit to Congress a report on the status of negotiations with Canada regarding modification of the border price for natural gas imported from Canada. Extends price controls and standby authority for two years beyond their present expiration dates.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Homesteading Act of 1983 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to revise the urban homesteading program. Discontinues participation by a State or State-designated agency in such program. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to: (1) donate property improved by a one-to four-family residence to a local government or a public agency designated by such government for use exclusively in a single-family homesteading program; (2) convey property suitable for a multifamily homesteading program to such government or agency for negotiated consideration; and (3) provide funds to such government or agency for the acquisition of property for use in a single-family or multifamily program. Requires that a single-family homesteading program provide for: (1) the initial conveyance of property by the government or agency without substantial consideration to a family of low or moderate income (income not exceeding 80 percent of the area median income) upon condition that the family agrees to repair all dangerous defects in the property within one year; (2) the conveyance of such property to such family without substantial consideration after such defects are repaired if the family agrees to occupy the property for at least five years and to make the improvements necessary to meet local housing standards within three years after the initial conveyance; (3) an equitable procedure for selecting property recipients that excludes current homeowners, considers the capacity of the applicant to contribute labor or obtain other assistance, and gives a priority to applicants who pay more than 30 percent of their income for substandard housing and who have little prospect for obtaining improved housing otherwise; and (4) the provision of technical and rehabilitation assistance to property recipients. Requires that a multifamily homesteading program provide for: (1) primarily residential use of all homestead properties following conversion or rehabilitation; (2) 75 percent occupancy by low-or moderate-income families; (3) cooperative ownership; (4) the exclusion of entities operated for profit as the first owners of converted or rehabilitated properties; (4) the contribution of labor by the occupants; (5) technical and rehabilitation assistance; and (6) minimal displacement of prior occupants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to a local government or agency for the provision of rehabilitation assistance for homestead property recipients. Requires that at least 75 percent of such assistance be allocated to aid families of very low income (income not exceeding 50 percent of the area median income). Lists the criteria to be used by the Secretary in selecting projects to receive homesteading assistance. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, as well as the Administrator of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to comply with the request of a local government or agency of an area for a listing of the vacant residential properties in that area to which the Secretary holds title. Requires that such listings be accessible to the public. Requires the annual report of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Congress to include an assessment of the extent of which homesteading programs consider the housing need and income of homestead applicants and an estimate of the median income of homestead recipients during the year. Authorizes appropriations for the urban homesteading program for FY 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1983
Economic Equity Act of 1983 - Title I: Tax and Retirement Matters - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the maximum deduction for contributions to an individual retirement plan: (1) shall be computed separately for each individual who is married; and (2) in the case of a married individual who has no compensation or less compensation than that of the spouse, shall be determined as if such compensation were the same as that of the individual's spouse. Treats alimony as compensation for purposes of determining an individual's income tax deduction for retirement savings. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require that a retirement plan that provides an annuity to a participant with at least ten years of creditable service shall provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of a participant who dies before the annuity starting date in an amount not less than the amount that would have been provided if the participant had survived and retired on such annuity date. Provides that a participant's election not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such an election. Requires a retirement plan to treat an individual who was the spouse of the participant on the annuity starting date and who survives the participant as if such individual were the spouse of the participant on the date of death of the participant whether or not divorced after the annuity starting date. Allows the assignment of the benefits of a qualified retirement plan in the case of a judgment decree or order relating to child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights pursuant to a State domestic relations law. Amends ERISA to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from age 25 to age 21. Amends ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accruals of creditable service to continue while an individual is on approved maternity or paternity leave at the rate of 20 hours service for each week of approved leave. Entitles former spouses of civil service employees or Members of Congress, who were married to an employee or Member for at least ten years during creditable service, to an annuity based upon a portion of retired or retainer pay unless otherwise provided by a spousal agreement or a state court decree of divorce or annulment. Entitles former spouses to survivor's benefits under the civil service plan unless the former spouse remarries before becoming 60 years of age or the employee or Member and former spouse elect to waive such benefit. Requires that such waiver be jointly made in writing. Includes displaced homemakers as a targeted group for purposes of the targeted jobs tax credit. Defines "displaced homemaker" as a person who: (1) has not worked, except in the home, for a substantial number of years; (2) has been dependent on public assistance or on the income of a family member but is no longer supported by that income; and (3) is a member of an economically disadvantaged family and is experiencing difficulty obtaining or upgrading employment. Increases the zero bracket amount for heads of households from $2,300 to $3,400. Title II: Dependent Care Program - Increases the income tax credit for household and dependent care services from a maximum of 30 percent of amounts paid to a maximum of 50 percent of amounts paid. Reduces such percentage to a minimum of 20 percent based on the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. Makes such income tax credit refundable. Treats as tax-exempt organizations certain organizations which provide nonresidential dependent care to the general public. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (through the Commissioner of the Administration of Children, Youth, and Families) to establish a grant program to assist nonprofit organizations in the establishment or operation of community-based child care information. Title III: Nondiscrimination in Insurance - Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act of 1983 - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Grants to State or local governments having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce this Act. Permits an aggrieved person to file a civil action in State or Federal court against an insurer, if a State or local authority: (1) has received notice of a complaint and fails to act within 60 days; or (2) has no insurance discrimination laws. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights granted by this Act and that such denial raises an issue of general public importance. Title IV: Regulatory Reform and Sex Neutrality - Requires the head of each Federal agency to: (1) conduct an ongoing review of the rules, regulations, programs, and policies of the agency to identify any which result in different treatment based on sex; and (2) submit annually a report to the Congress on such review. Sets forth rules of statutory construction relating to gender. Title V: Child Support Enforcement - Amends the Social Security Act to specify that the purpose of the child support enforcement program is to assure compliance with obligations to pay child support to each child in the United States living with one parent. Allows offsets of income tax refunds of an absent parent on behalf of children not receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Present law permits such offsets only in the case of children receiving AFDC payments.) Requires States to establish a child support clearinghouse through which child support payments can be paid, recorded, and forwarded. Revises State child support enforcement procedures. Allows allotments for child and spousal support to be taken from the pay of Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Defense Industrial Base Revitalization Act - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to direct the President to take immediate action to assist in the modernization of industries related to defense. Limits such assistance to small and medium-sized businesses unless national security requires otherwise. Directs the Secretary of Defense to determine immediately and semiannually which industries should be given priority and the type of assistance which would be most helpful. Directs the President to assist persons expanding the domestic capability to produce or process critical and strategic materials. Sets forth the terms of such assistance, including qualification through public solicitation and the President's right to refuse delivery of items exceeding market price. Prohibits the extension of assistance for establishments relocating from one area to another or for persons divesting other persons of contracts customarily performed by them. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 - 1988. Permits the President to utilize the borrowing authority of the Treasury as specified and to use unobligated funds in Department of Defense appropriations. Limits the amount of funds used to the amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts. Directs the President to implement a national program to train workers in skills necessary in key defense industries. Makes such assistance available through grants to State vocational education programs in States with previously approved plans for a five-year program of skills training. Requires that the State employment and training council be given an opportunity to participate in the development of, review, and comment on such plan. Requires the States to make contributions to such program in specified percentages to qualify for extensions of such programs. Directs the President to implement a grant program to assist institutions of higher education in obtaining and installing modern equipment to train scientific and technical personnel needed in the key industries. Sets forth the terms of such assistance, including application procedures, limits on grants, and the requirement that such equipment be purchased through competitive bidding. Requires such equipment to be of U.S. origin. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1984 - 1988. Directs the Comptroller General to monitor this program and submit an annual report to Congress. Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to study the public facilities or infrastructure essential to the defense industrial base and report to each Congress on recommendations for measures to avoid serious impediments to production. Sets forth the labor standards to be maintained on any project funded under this Act, including compliance with the wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act. Requires each executive department and agency to follow the principle of geographical dispersal to the degree possible in constructing any Government-owned industrial facility. Directs such departments and agencies to continuously assess the capability of the defense industrial base to satisfy near-term and increased mobilization production requirements. Increases the maximum obligation of any guaranteeing agency for loans necessary to prevent personal insolvency or bankruptcy that would impede the production and delivery of materials or the performance of services for the national defense. Decreases from 60 to 30 days the period provided for the congressional review and veto of such loan guarantees. Permits such a loan guarantee to be made immediately if both Houses adopt a concurrent resolution approving it. Postpones until the end of FY 1988 the termination date of certain provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950, including certain priorities, allocations, and expansion of productive capacity and supply provisions. Repeals the National Commission on Supplies and Shortages Act of 1974. Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to require any defense contractor who includes an offset agreement in excess of $5,000,000 in a defense contract with a nation other than the United States to file an annual report with the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the number and amount of offsets in such contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Emergency Housing Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends the Emergency Housing Act of 1975 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make emergency mortgage relief payments to mortgagees on behalf of certain delinquent mortgagors in a district when, for three consecutive months, the amount of delinquent mortgage loans exceeds a specified percentage of the amount of all loans accounted for in the mortgage delinquency series maintained by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board for such district or the nation. Provides for the discontinuation and reinstitution of such assistance program depending on such delinquency rate condition. Directs the Secretary to notify the mortgagees in a district of the institution or reinstitution of such a program in that district. Lists the conditions for assistance eligibility, which include requirements that: (1) the mortgage is not federally insured under the National Housing Act or the Housing Act of 1949; (2) the mortgagor has suffered a substantial reduction in income as a result of circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control which renders the mortgagor unable to make full mortgage payments; and (3) the Secretary has determined that assistance is necessary to avoid foreclosure and that it is likely that the mortgagor will be able to resume full mortgage payments within 36 months and pay the mortgage in full by its maturity date. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a mortgagor will be able to resume making full payments and pay the mortgage in full if the mortgagor suffered a reduction in income because of a loss of, or reduction in, employment. Requires each mortgagee, at least 30 days before instituting any foreclosure proceeding, to assist the mortgagor involved in applying for assistance under this Act, unless the mortgagor waives such assistance. Prohibits a mortgagee from instituting foreclosure proceedings until it receives notice of the Secretary's decision on such an application. Allows a mortgagor to apply for assistance after foreclosure proceedings have begun, in which event such proceedings shall be stayed pending the Secretary's decision. Requires an application to contain the mortgagee's certification that at least three full monthly payments are past due and that the mortgagee has extended a specified amount of voluntary forebearance. Declares that assistance payments shall: (1) not exceed amounts necessary to supplement the amounts the mortgagor is able to contribute; (2) be not less than the amount necessary to ensure that the total monthly housing expense of the mortgagor does not exceed 38 percent of his or her net effective income; and (3) be provided for a period not to exceed 18 months plus any period of delinquency, with an 18-month extension if necessary to avoid foreclosure. Directs the Secretary to establish certain procedures for ascertaining the mortgagor's financial circumstances to determine whether such payments should be adjusted or terminated. Declares that all assistance payments shall be secured by a lien on the property and repayable on terms prescribed by the Secretary, with certain restrictions. Allows a mortgagor to receive assistance under this Act more than once, except that payments may not be provided for a mortgagor for more than an aggregate of 36 months. Sets forth the authority of the Secretary to recapture such assistance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide homeownership counseling to persons assisted under this Act; and (2) approve or disapprove an application for assistance within 45 days. Creates the Homeowners Emergency Relief fund to be available to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations and limits expenditures for assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary and certain Federal agencies which supervise financial institutions to: (1) encourage such institutions to exercise forebearance with respect to residential mortgages; and (2) waive or relax limitations pertaining to the operations of such institutions or mortgagees with respect to mortgage delinquencies. Directs the Federal home loan banks, the Federal Reserve banks, and the National Credit Union Administration to give special consideration to advance, discount, or credit applications of the institutions or borrowers that have exercised forebearance in residential mortgage foreclosures. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress every 90 days on: (1) the rate of delinquencies and foreclosures in various housing markets; (2) the prospects of voluntary forebearance by mortgagees in such areas; (3) Government actions to encourage such forebearance and to provide assistance under this title; and (4) the default status of mortgages on multifamily properties with recommendations on curing and avoiding such defaults. Directs the Secretary to study and report on the use of alternative mortgage delinquency series under this title. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for grants by the Secretary to local governments and Indian tribes for the provision of shelter and essential services for individuals who are subject to life-threatening situations because of their lack of housing. Requires that a house which is rehabilitated with such assistance be used for emergency housing for at least three years. Directs the Secretary to: (1) consider the special housing needs of families and single women; and (2) ensure that such grants do not replace funds currently expended for such shelter and services. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture, prior to taking any action that would result in a borrower losing housing financed by a rural housing loan, to grant a moratorium on loan payments if the borrower shows that he or she is unable to continue making payments because of circumstances beyond his or her control. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that delinquent borrowers are informed of the availability of such assistance; and (2) provide technical assistance to borrowers applying for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to reamortize the accrued debt of a borrower if reamortization is likely to result in the resumption of payments by the borrower.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to use the public housing cost- based criteria used prior to January 1, 1983, in determining payments for the operation of low-income housing projects.
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
Enterprise Zone Act of 1983 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by this Act. Specifies that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits the designation of enterprise zones to 75 nominated areas per year over three years (one third of which such designations shall remain in effect. Specifies that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (with a population of at least 50,000) or 1,000 otherwise, or is within an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, or receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate enterprise zones on June 30, 1986, or three years after the publication of regulations pertaining to such zones, whichever is later. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Exempts enterprise zones from certain requirements relating to Federal environmental policy. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress every four years a report on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation. Requires that any property tax reduction effected by a local government under the terms of this Act be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. States that designation of an enterprise zone shall not give displaced persons from such an area any rights or benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers and Employees - Allows employers located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for increased employment expenditures and employment of the disadvantaged. Allows a three year carryback and 15 year carryover of such credit. Sets the amount of such credit at ten percent of the increase in payroll (taking into account a maximum of $15,000 in wages per year per employee) plus 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Disallows a deduction for the portion of wages taken into account for such credit. Allows employees located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to five percent of qualified wages earned per year (taking into account a maximum of $9,000 in wages per year). Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investment in certain tangible property located in enterprise zones. Limits such credit to five percent for zone personal property and ten percent for new zone construction property, including rental property. Requires that the property subject to such credit be predominantly used in the zone, be purchased after zone designation, and not be acquired from relatives or related corporations. Requires the recapture of such credit upon early disposition of the property. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle C: Reduction in Capital Gain Tax Rates - Eliminates the capital gains tax on property of corporations acquired after the enterprise zone designation and used in a zone business. Qualifies certain low-income rental housing located in an enterprise zone for such treatment. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of an enterprise zone has terminated. Exempts gain from the sale or exchange of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Allows noncorporate taxpayers to deduct from gross income 100 percent of any net capital gain from qualified enterprise zone property. Subtitle D: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that limitations on the cost recovery deductions for property financed with tax-exempt industrial development bonds shall not apply to enterprise zone property. Provides that the termination of the small issue exemption shall not apply to industrial development bonds the proceeds of which are used to finance facilities in such enterprise zones. Subtitle E: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified businesses (as defined in Title II of this Act), governments, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon the request of a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations which pertain to the carrying out of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve such request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in continuing the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement (including the Davis-Bacon Act and Fair Labor Standards Act) or which would present a danger to the public health and safety. Provides that such waivers or modifications of a rule shall remain in effect as long as the zone designations remain in effect. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote the coordination of all enterprise zone programs and consolidate all periodic reports required under such programs into one summary report. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Board to consider on a priority basis, and expedite the processing of, applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that to the maximum extent practicable foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.
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
State and Local Fiscal Assistance Amendments of 1983 - Extends the general revenue sharing program through FY 1987. Authorizes appropriations to the State and Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund to pay entitlement amounts to State and general local governments. Entitles each State government to an amount equal to any amount allocated to that government from the Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer. Sets forth requirements governing such an offer. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Permits contracts requiring a dealer to purchase motor fuel exclusively from a particular refiner or distributor if such contract assures the dealer the right to purchase fuel elsewhere if the refiner or distributor does not have such fuel readily available. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within 90 days of enactment and annually thereafter to provide to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) information regarding the number of barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Permits civil actions to be brought by the FTC or private parties against violators of this Act. Directs the FTC to prescribe regulations required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Emergency Educational Facilities Repair and Renovation for Jobs Act - Title I: Elementary and Secondary Educational Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1988 to the Department of Education to provide funds under this title to local educational agencies (LEAs) to employ unemployed individuals in maintenance, repair, renovation, and reconstruction of public school facilities. Requires States desiring to receive an allocation of such funds to submit a statement of assurances to the Secretary of Education concerning allocation of funds to LEAs and compliance with fiscal control and fund accounting procedures. Directs the Secretary to allocate one percent of such funds to specified U.S. territories and possessions and the remainder among the States and the District of Columbia on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) unemployed residents; (2) unemployed residents of areas of substantial unemployment (at least six and one-half percent for the most recent 12 months); (3) "excess" (number of unemployed individuals in excess of four and one-half percent of the civilian labor force either in the State or in areas of substantial unemployment) unemployed residents; and (4) low-income children. Prohibits the State educational agency (SEA) from reserving from the amount allocated to the State more than (1) one percent for administrative cost; and (2) four percent for special needs. Directs the SEA, from the remainder, to allocate: (1) three-fourths among counties on the basis of relative numbers of unemployed residents and within each county according to the fund distribution formula under specified provisions of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA); and (2) one-fourth among the LEAs on the basis of such ECIA formula. Requires that at least 70 percent of the funds made available to any LEA under this title be used for salaries and wages and associated benefits for individuals employed directly or indirectly by the LEA in such public school facilities repair, renovation, or reconstruction programs. Requires that, to the maximum extent feasible, funds under this title be used for projects and activities for which on-site labor can begin within 90 days of receipt of such funds. Requires that such funds be used in accordance with State and local procedures for: (1) assisting SEAs and LEAs to conform their public school facilities with specified requirements under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and with post-construction requirements of government environmental protection or health and safety programs; (2) public school facilities repair, renovation, and reconstruction; (3) conversion of presently unused structures into adult training centers; (4) energy efficiency remodeling or renovation; and (5) asbestos detection, removal, or containment in facilities used by students. Authorizes the Secretary, on request, to issue rulings to any SEAs or LEAs on the proper construction and application of this title. Title II: Reconstruction at Postsecondary Institutions and Renovation of Academic Facilities - Directs the Secretary to carry out programs of financial assistance to institutions of higher education and to higher education building agencies for the reconstruction or renovation of academic facilities and libraries if the primary purpose of such assistance is to enable such institutions to: (1) economize on the use of energy resources, with a priority for the use of coal, solar, and renewable resources; (2) conform their academic facilities and libraries with specified requirements under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and with post-construction requirements of government environmental protection or health and safety programs; (3) reconstruct and renovate research facilities; and (4) detect, remove, or contain asbestos hazards in facilities used by students. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1988 to the Department of Education to provide funds to States to employ unemployed individuals in maintenance, repair, renovation, and reconstruction of academic facilities at institutions of higher education. Sets forth annual State plan requirements for any State desiring to participate in the grant program under this title. Directs the Secretary to prescribe basic criteria for the consideration of State plans. Sets forth provisions for allocation of funds which are similar to those for title I of this Act (except that the factor of relative numbers of low- income children is replaced by relative numbers of students enrolled in institutions of higher education in each State). Sets forth provisions for use of funds and for the Secretary's authority which are similar to those for title I of this Act. Title III: Public Library Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1988 to the Department of Education to provide funds for the repair, renovation, remodeling, and alteration of facilities for public libraries. Directs the Secretary to allot from such funds to each State the minimum allotment specified under certain provisions of the Library Services and Construction Act. Provides for the allocation of the remainder of such funds among the State on a similar basis as those for allocation under titles I and II of this Act (but without the factors of relative numbers of low-income children or college students). Sets forth provisions for use of funds which are similar to those under titles I and II of this Act, but requires that only 60 percent (rather than 70 percent) of such funds be used for salaries and wages of the individuals employed in maintenance, repair, renovation, or reconstruction. Directs State library administrative agencies, to the maximum extent feasible, to consider relative unemployment in each county in determining projects to be funded under this title. Directs the Secretary to administer this title under existing regulations for title II (Public Library Construction) of the Library Services and Construction Act, but may, on request, issue rulings to any State on issues concerning the proper construction and application of this title. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth nondiscrimination provisions and other general requirements. Prohibits the employment, in a subsidized wage position under this Act, of individuals who have voluntarily terminated without good cause, within the preceding six months, full-time employment at or exceeding the Federal minimum wage. Requires that individuals in employment subsidized under this Act be paid at either the highest of the federal minimum wage, the applicable State or local minimum wage, or the prevailing wage for employment in similar occupations by the same employer. Sets forth program labor standards relating to conditions of employment and training, health and safety standards, workers' compensation benefits, and job benefits and working conditions. Prohibits use of funds under this Act for contributions on behalf of any participant to retirement systems or plans. Prohibits displacement of any currently employed worker by participants in programs funded under this Act. Prohibits such programs from impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements. Requires the written concurrence of the labor organization and the employer concerned before any such program which would be inconsistent with the terms of a collective bargaining agreement may be undertaken. Prohibits program participants from being employed or job openings being filled when: (1) any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job; or (2) the employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise reduced its work force with the intention of filling the vacancy by hiring a participant whose wages are subsidized under this Act. Prohibits creation of jobs in a promotional line that will infringe in any way on the promotional opportunities of currently employed individuals. Requires recipients of funds under this Act to provide the Secretary with assurances that none of such funds will be used to assist, promote, or deter union organizing. Requires that an opportunity for comment be provided for any labor organization representing a substantial number of employees engaged in similar work or training in the same areas as that proposed to be funded under this Act. Applies the wage rate requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act to all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in works federally assisted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1983
Title I: Labor Standards - Requires any United States person who has or controls an enterprise in South Africa which employs more than 20 people to insure that in operating such enterprise the following employment principles are implemented: (1) desegregation in any employment facility; (2) equal employment for all employees; (3) equal pay for equal work; (4) establishment of a minimum wage and salary structure; (5) increase in the representation of nonwhites in managerial, supervisory, administrative, clerical, and technical jobs; (6) improvement of the quality of employees' lives outside the work environment; and (7) recognition of labor unions and fair labor practices. Declares that the Secretary may issue guidelines and give advisory opinions on compliance with such principles. Directs the Secretary of State to establish an Advisory Council in South Africa to advise the Secretary with respect to the implementation of such employment principles and to review the annual reports which each U.S. person covered by this Act must submit to the Secretary on the progress made in implementing such principles. Directs the Secretary to establish in the United States an American Advisory Council to make policy recommendations regarding labor practices of U.S. persons in South Africa and to review such persons' progress in implementing such employment practices. Directs the Secretary: (1) to take specified actions to insure compliance with the implementation of such employment principles; and (2) to review the compliance of such persons at least biennially. Sets forth penalties for noncompliance. Authorizes the President to waive compliance with the implementation of such principles if such compliance would harm U.S. national security. Title II: Prohibition on Loans and Importation of Gold Coins - Prohibits any U.S. financial or lending institution from making any loan directly or through a foreign subsidiary to South Africa unless such loan is for educational, housing or health facilities available to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis. Prohibits the importation of any gold coin minted in South Africa or sold by South Africa. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to enforce the prohibitions on loans and the importation of gold coins. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions for one year if South Africa meets specified conditions. Title III: General Provisions - Directs Federal agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in carrying out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Neighborhood Development Demonstration Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a three-year demonstration program to determine the feasibility of assisting neighborhood development activities by providing Federal matching funds to certain nonprofit neighborhood development organizations on the basis of amounts received from the private sector. Authorizes the Secretary to select, through a competitive process, up to 100 organizations to participate in the program in the first year, 200 in the second, and 300 in the third. Directs the Secretary to establish a neighborhood development advisory council to evaluate the applicants and recommend selections. Requires the Secretary to: (1) assign each participating organization a program year during which time voluntary private contributions shall be eligible for matching; and (2) establish a ratio of between three and ten Federal dollars for each dollar contributed which the Secretary shall pay to each organization at the end of each three-month period of the organization's program year. Limits the maximum amount the Secretary may pay to any organization for a year to $50,000. Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) assistance is provided to organizations only if their applications include certification by the local government of the area involved that such assistance is consistent with the housing and community development, conservation, and revitalization objectives of such governments; and (2) the neighborhood development activities conducted comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the activities carried out under this Act and any findings or recommendations concerning the demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Tenant Rental Contribution Act of 1983 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to declare that income limits for occupancy and rents in public housing shall be fixed by the public housing agency and approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Decreases from 30 to 25 the percentage of a tenant's adjusted income payable as rent for: (1) public housing under such Act; (2) rental housing assisted under the National Housing Act; or (3) rental housing assisted through the rent supplement program of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965. Applies the definitions of the terms "income" and "adjusted income" under the United States Housing Act of 1937 to such other Acts. Amends such definitions to specify: (1) amounts to be excluded from "income"; and (2) amounts to be deducted from "income" to determine "adjusted income."
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 · 22 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with certain international agreements relating to human rights by pursuing a more humane emigration policy and by ceasing harassment of Jews and others seeking to emigrate; (2) Soviet compliance with internationally recognized emigration rights would significantly promote improved relations with the United States; (3) the President should convey these concerns of Congress to the Soviet Union at every appropriate opportunity; and (4) the President should also convey these concerns to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44 of Title 18, United States Code - Amends the Federal criminal code to direct the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, assembly, importation, sale, or transfer any handgun model which is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, importer, dealer, or collector to manufacture, assemble, sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun (other than a curio or relic) which is not an approved model. Makes it unlawful for any non-licensee to sell or transfer any handgun (other than curio or relic) unless such person knows or has reasonable cause to believe such handgun is an approved model. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for permits to carry and purchase handguns and certify those meeting specified standards. Allows an individual possessing a permit under a certified State law to purchase a handgun if certain requirements are met. Makes it unlawful for a licensed dealer to transfer a handgun to a person not holding a permit under a certified State law unless certain procedures are followed. Requires in any such case that the transferee appear in person at the dealer's business premises. Requires the dealer, before delivery of the handgun, to forward a copy of a sworn statement by the transferee to the chief local law enforcement officer of the transferee's place of residence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an identity and record check. Prohibits delivery until 21 days after submission of the sworn statement. Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to sell to the same person, or for any non-licensee to purchase, three or more handguns during a period of one year without the prior approval of the Attorney General. Makes it unlawful for any person to fail to report the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his possession to the authorities within 24 hours after discovering such loss. Requires all licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to maintain accurate records of all handgun transfers. Makes any person who negligently transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury of an individual as a result of the use of such handgun by the transferee during commission of an offense. Makes it unlawful for any person to transport any firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce if such transportation violates a State law in a place through which the firearm is shipped or an ordinance at the place of sale, delivery, or other disposition. Increases the license fee for handgun dealers from $10 to $500 and for manufacturers and importers from $50 to $5,000. Makes it unlawful for any illegal alien, dishonorably discharged member of the Armed Forces, or U.S. citizen who has renounced such citizenship to possess, transport, or receive any firearm or ammunition. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970 to revise and increase the mandatory penalties for using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "illegally." Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense to two to ten years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and five to 25 years for a second offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the requirement, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences, unless the court finds the existence of enumerated mitigating circumstances. Adds a term of parole ineligibility as an additional restriction on first offenders (two years) and subsequent offenders (five years). Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to the Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Establishes the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration within the Department of Justice. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, in consultation with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities, to report on the intergovernmental problems involved in controlling illicit handgun traffic and the effectiveness of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Requires that general revenue sharing payments be made to each unit of general local government not later than the fifth day after the beginning of each quarter.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Adds the South Africa Investment Prohibition Act as a new title to the President's war powers authority. Directs the President to issue regulations prohibiting U.S. investment in South Africa. Directs the President to establish mechanisms to monitor compliance with such regulations. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibition. Terminates such prohibition after the President submits to Congress a determination that South Africa has made progress toward full participation by all South Africans in the life of that country and toward an end to discrimination, unless Congress adopts a resolution disapproving such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Critical Waterways Improvement Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct: (1) a lock and dam (to be called Grays Landing) to replace lock and dam numbered 7, Monongahela River, Pennsylvania; and (2) a lock and abutment (to be called Point Marion lock) to replace the lock and abutment at lock and dam numbered 8, Monongahela River, Pennsylvania. Requires construction of such projects to be carried out on an expedited basis and according to specified recommendations. Authorizes and directs the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to rehabilitate the Gallipolis Dam and to replace the Gallipolis locks on the Ohio River, Ohio and West Virginia, according to specified recommendations. Directs the Secretary to mitigate fish and wildlife habitat losses resulting from such construction by purchasing, at Federal expense, specified land. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer such land to the State of West Virginia for operation and maintenance. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a specified multipurpose lock and dam project to replace the William Bacon Oliver lock and dam, Black Warrior River, Alabama. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to replace the Winfield locks on the Kanawha River, West Virginia. Establishes procedures for the submission of final environmental impact statements to Congress for the navigation projects authorized by this Act. Sets forth procedures concerning the judicial review of such environmental impact statements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Emergency Housing Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends the Emergency Housing Act of 1975 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make emergency mortgage relief payments to mortgagees on behalf of certain delinquent mortgagors in a district when, for three consecutive months, the amount of delinquent mortgage loans exceeds a specified percentage of the amount of all loans accounted for in the mortgage delinquency series maintained by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board for such district or the nation. Provides for the discontinuation and reinstitution of such assistance program depending on such delinquency rate condition. Lists the conditions for assistance eligibility, which include requirements that: (1) the mortgage is not federally insured under the National Housing Act or the Housing Act of 1949; (2) the mortgagor has suffered a substantial reduction in income as a result of circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control which renders the mortgagor unable to make full mortgage payments; and (3) the Secretary has determined that assistance is necessary to avoid foreclosure and that it is likely that the mortgagor will be able to resume full mortgage payments within 36 months and pay the mortgage in full by its maturity date. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a mortgagor will be able to resume making full payments and pay the mortgage in full if the mortgagor suffered a reduction in income because of a loss of, or reduction in, employment. Requires each financial institution or mortgagee, at least 30 days before instituting any foreclosure proceeding, to notify the mortgagor involved of the availability of assistance under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide homeownership counseling to persons assisted under this Act; and (2) approve or disapprove an application for assistance within 45 days. Sets forth the authority of the Secretary to recapture assistance provided under this Act. Creates the Homeowners Emergency Relief Fund to be available to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations and limits expenditures for assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary and certain Federal agencies which supervise financial institutions to waive or relax limitations pertaining to the operations of certain mortgagees and financial institutions with respect to mortgage delinquencies in order to encourage forebearance in residential mortgage loan foreclosure. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress every 60 days on: (1) the rate of delinquencies and foreclosures in various housing markets; (2) the prospects of voluntary forebearance by mortgagees in such areas; (3) Government actions to encourage such forebearance and to provide assistance under this title; and (4) the default status of mortgagees on multifamily properties with recommendations on curing and avoiding such defaults. Directs the Secretary to study and report on the use of alternative mortgage delinquency series under this title. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for grants by the Secretary to local governments, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations for the provision of shelter and essential services for individuals who are subject to life-threatening situations because of their lack of housing. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture, prior to taking any action that would result in a borrower losing housing financed by a rural housing loan, to grant a moratorium on loan payments if the borrower shows that he or she is unable to continue making payments because of circumstances beyond his or her control. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that delinquent borrowers are informed of the availability of such assistance; and (2) provide technical assistance to borrowers applying for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to reamortize the accrued debt of a borrower if reamortization is likely to result in the resumption of payments by the borrower.
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 · 7 February 1983
Domestic Commodity Assistance Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute surplus Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) stocks to eligible agencies (as defined in this Act). Requires the CCC to pay for commodity processing with funds or with in-kind payments to the processor. Requires the Secretary to publish an annual announcement of such anticipated surplus stocks for the coming three-year period. Provides that up to 2,000,000 metric tons of wheat available under the Food Security and Wheat Reserve Act of 1980 may be used for domestic purposes. Requires the CCC to use any additional reserves to replenish such stocks. Provides for State distribution of commodities under this Act. States that if a State agency cannot meet the requests for a given commodity such agency shall give special consideration to organizations that serve low-income and unemployed persons. Requires the Secretary and the States to work with private companies and recipient agencies to make it easier for recipients to process such commodities into end use products. Directs the Secretary to use moneys saved on storage and spoilage to process commodities into food products for agencies serving low-income and unemployed persons.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
National Heritage Resource Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow creators of artistic properties an income tax deduction for the current fair market value of literary, musical, or artistic compositions which they contribute to charitable organizations. Requires: (1) that the artistic property be created by the taxpayer at least one year prior to the time of such contribution; (2) that the fair market value of such property be appraised within one year of the date of contribution; and (3) that the donee of such property show that the use of the property will be related to the charitable purpose or function of his organization. Denies a fair market value deduction for contributions of any letter, memorandum, or similar property produced by a Federal or State employee which arose out of the performance of such employee's official duties. Exempts such fair market value deduction from the application of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Appropriates otherwise unappropriated Treasury funds for FY 1983 for agricultural commodity distribution among the States under the Community Services Block Grant Act. Sets forth a distribution formula based on unemployed and poverty-level persons and FY 1982 agricultural distributions. Permits unused funds to be used for food programs for unemployed and low-income people.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolutions as an independent nonprofit corporation. Permits the Academy to use "United States" or "U.S." or any other reference to the United States Government or Nation in its title, corporate seal, emblem, or other mark of recognition in any fiscal year only if there is an authorization of appropriations for the Academy for such fiscal year provided by law. Sets forth the powers and the duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Authorizes the Academy to: (1) conduct research on the causes of war and the elements of peace; (2) provide peace education and research programs; (3) conduct training in conflict resolution; (4) disseminate information on peace learning; (5) establish a Center for International Peace; and (6) establish a United States Medal of Peace and other medals or honors. Authorizes the Academy to refuse research requests of Federal agencies for reason of cost or of inappropriateness to the Agency's purpose or independence. Prohibits the Academy from undertaking to influence the passage or defeat of any Federal, State, local, or United Nations legislation, but permits Academy personnel to testify or make other appropriate communication when formally requested to do so by a legislative body, committee, or member thereof. Provides for appointment of members of the Academy's Board of Directors. Sets forth grounds for removal of Board members. Permits Board meetings to be closed only in exceptional circumstances. Sets forth provisions for Academy officers, employees, procedures, and records. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel actions of the Academy or financial assistance by the Academy. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for an Academy principal office capitalization fund. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for FY 1984 and 1985 for Academy programs and administration. Requires that Academy expenses in connection with the United States Medal of Peace or the accompanying cash award be paid out of the private funds of the Endowment. Restricts contract-making authority under this Act to the extent and amounts provided in appropriation Acts. Directs the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy to report to the Congress and the President, beginning two years after the enactment of this Act and at two-year intervals thereafter. Directs the President to transmit to the Congress the recommendations of the appropriate Federal agencies with respect to such report and to any legislation concerning the Academy. Requires the appropriate congressional committees to hold hearings to review such report and recommendations.
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
Competitive Shipping and Shipbuilding Act of 1983 - Requires that, by 1984, five percent of all bulk cargoes imported into or exported from the United States by water be carried on U.S.-flag ships. Requires yearly one percent increases until the percentage of bulk cargoes carried on U.S.-flag ships reaches 20 percent. Provides for credit to importers and exporters for the use of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes between foreign ports. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide relief from the requirements of this Act upon a finding that U.S.-flag ships are not available within guideline rates. Sets forth factors which the Secretary shall consider in determining the extent of relief granted. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish guideline rates for the carriage of bulk cargoes subject to this Act. Requires the Secretary to assure that such rates take into account certain objectives. Requires the Secretary, in order to establish guideline rates, to estimate the current cost of operating U.S.-flag ships in the foreign bulk trades of the United States and of constructing such ships. Requires such cost estimates to be published within six months after enactment of this Act. Requires such estimates to be revised annually. Requires that such rates: (1) be reviewed and adjusted at least annually; (2) not reflect costs greater than the estimated current costs; and (3) be the maximum rates which may be charged for the charter of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes governed by this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish interim guideline rates in the first calendar year following the enactment of this Act. Sets forth factors to be taken into account in determining such rates. Requires the Secretary to appoint and consult with an advisory committee to establish and review U.S.-flag ship operating costs, shipyard construction costs, guideline rates, and regulations. Requires anyone engaged in importing or exporting bulk commodities in U.S. foreign commerce whose business volume exceeds $1,000,000 annually to report to the Secretary on the percentages of such person's exports and imports carried on U.S. flag ships. Requires anyone who fails to transport the required percentage of U.S. bulk cargoes to use exclusively U.S. flag ships until the deficiency has been recouped, unless Secretarial relief has been granted. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth procedures for the investigation, prosecution, and judicial review of violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Declares that the presidential certification submitted to the Congress with respect to sending military aid to El Salvador is null and void. Directs the President to immediately suspend such assistance. Requires the suspension to remain in effect during 1983. Prohibits the President from making another such certification until Congress enacts a joint resolution declaring that El Salvador has met specified conditions.
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
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 100,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Establishes penalties for a vehicle manufacturer who fails to meet the minimum domestic content ratio. Directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and prepare a written report regarding policies and practices of vehicle manufacturers used to persuade U.S. motor vehicle dealers to favor foreign made parts rather than domestically produced parts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Directs the President to resume negotiations with the Soviet Union on a treaty prohibiting: (1) the testing, deployment, production, or use of any weapons system designed to damage or interfere with a spacecraft; and (2) the stationing in outer space of any weapon designed to inflict injury or damage on the Earth, in the atmosphere, or on objects placed in space. Requires such a treaty to provide for verifying compliance with its terms. Directs the President to request the United Nations to bring about multilateral negotiations banning all weapons based in space.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Department of Education should withdraw all remaining proposed regulations relating to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 and should increase its efforts to provide technical assistance to States and local schools for improved services to handicapped children; and (2) any final regulations promulgated by the Department under such Act should be rejected if they would dilute the strength of the protection of the educational rights of handicapped children.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Department of State should refuse to approve the opening of honorary South African consulates within the United States; (2) the Secretary of State should reassess the purpose and need for existing honorary consulates; and (3) the Secretary should rescind the approval granted for the establishment of the honorary South African consulate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as long-term capital gain, amounts actually paid to a taxpayer with respect to a small business participating debenture which constitute the distribution of a share of the earnings of the issuer. Defines "small business participating debenture" (SBPD) as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which: (1) is a general obligation of such business; (2) bears interest at a specified rate; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's total earnings. Defines "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $10,000,000; (2) the face value of all of whose outstanding SBPD's does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats losses on small business participating debentures as ordinary losses. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on such debentures.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that more money should be made available for jobs and programs in socially productive industries by reducing the amount of tax dollars spent on nuclear weapons, foreign military intervention, and wasteful military programs. Endorses the Jobs with Peace Week of April 10 through April 16, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Community Renewal Employment Act - Declares the purpose of this Act to be the provision of employment opportunities to long-term unemployed individuals in high unemployment areas through grants for labor and related costs associated with the repair, maintenance, or rehabilitation of essential community facilities and for public safety and health activities. Authorizes appropriations to enable eligible entities to provide opportunities for unemployed individuals under this Act. Authorizes such appropriations in a specified amount for FY 1983. Limits the authorization of such appropriations in each succeeding fiscal year to an amount to the product of $10,000 multiplied by 20 percent of the number of "long-term unemployed individuals" (i.e. the average number of individuals in the civilian labor force who, in the first three months of the fiscal year for which the appropriation is to be made, had been unemployed for 15 or more weeks as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on a seasonally adjusted basis). Makes eligible entities under specified circumstances: (1) States; (2) local governments with populations of 50,000 or more; (3) consortia of local governments; (4) existing concentrated employment program grantees serving rural areas under the Job Training Partnership Act; and (5) Native American Indian, Alaska Native, and Oklahoma Indian groups. Makes individuals aged 16 or older eligible to participate in such program only if they are unemployed at the time of eligibility determination and for at least of the 20 weeks prior to such determination, with specified exceptions. Limits wages for eligible individuals to 52 weeks in a two-year period. Requires that priority be given to those who have exhausted unemployment insurance benefits and those who have been unemployed for the longest periods immediately preceding selection. Allocates 73 percent of grant funds under this Act in any fiscal year to specified eligible entities (States, local governments and consortia, and rural concentrated employment programs) within which the average unemployment rate for the preceding 12-month period was nine percent or more of the civilian labor force. Allocates 15 percent among specified eligible entities (local governments and consortia and rural concentrated employment programs) which do not meet such unemployment criteria. Allocates five percent to States for use in high unemployment areas which are not being served by eligible entities. Reserves two percent for eligible Native American groups. Reserves five percent for distribution in the Secretary's discretion. Provides that the 73 percent and 15 percent allocations to eligible entities shall be distributed on the basis of relative members of: (1) unemployed individuals; (2) unemployed residing in areas of substantial unemployment (i.e. those areas which are of sufficient size and scope to sustain a program under this Act and which had an average rate of unemployment of at least six and one-half percent for the most recent 12 months); and (3) "excess unemployed individuals" (i.e. the number of individuals which is in excess of four and one-half percent of the civilian labor force). Provides that the five percent allocation to States shall be made available by Governors to areas which did not qualify for the other allocations but which have: (1) had an average civilian unemployment rate of nine percent or more for the three most recent months; (2) had large-scale losses of jobs caused by the closing of facilities, mass layoffs, natural disasters, or similar circumstances; or (3) experienced sudden or severe economic dislocations. Provides that funds reserved for Native American eligible entities shall be allocated on an equitable basis, taking into account the extent to which regular employment opportunities have been lacking. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for such Native American programs. Provides that the Secretary's discretionary funds be reserved for distribution to eligible entities serving areas of high unemployment or designated enterprise zones, or areas affected by mass layoffs, natural disasters, or Federal Government actions. Sets forth provisions for availability and reallocation of funds under this Act. Requires that allocations be made within 45 days after appropriation of such funds. Requires eligible entities to file with the Secretary plans which: (1) describes projects to be assisted; (2) have been reviewed by the appropriate economic development district or other appropriate agencies; and (3) are not inconsistent with the appropriate community development plans for such area. Provides that such plans shall be deemed acceptable unless, within 30 days of the filing, the Secretary: (1) finds that a plan violates the provisions of this Act; and (2) provides a written explanation to the eligibility entity. Grants such entity 30 days to file a revised plan. Requires eligible entities to give priority to projects on the basis of the: (1) severity and duration of unemployment within localities; (2) degree to which project activities will lead to the expansion of unsubsidized employment in the private sector; (3) level of need for activities and services; and (4) extent of coordination with economic and community development activities funded from sources other than this Act. Limits to 25 percent that portion of the funds provided to any eligible entity which may be used for the cost of administration (including supervision) and the acquisition of supplies, tools, and equipment. Requires that the remainder of such funds be used to provide wages and related employment benefits to eligible participants. Requires that eligible participants be employed in community improvement projects, in one or more listed activities involving: (1) public facilities repair, rehabilitation, or improvement; (2) public lands conservation, rehabilitation, or improvement; or (3) public safety and health. Sets forth general requirements relating to employment and projects under this Act. Limits the number of subsidized jobs to five percent of the work force of an eligible entity, with specified exceptions. Requires that eligible participants be paid prevailing wages if such wages are higher than the applicable minimum wage. Limits the individual yearly wage subsidy to $10,000, but permits adjustments for particular areas. Permits individual yearly wage supplements from other sources of up to 50 percent of the maximum wage subsidy. Requires that participants be allowed sufficient time off from work activities to participate effectively in job search activities. Requires eligible entities to maintain an individual work record for each participant. Sets forth program labor standards relating to conditions of employment and training, health and safety standards, workers' compensation benefits, and job benefits and working conditions. Prohibits use of funds under this Act for contributions on behalf of any participant to retirement systems or plans. Prohibits displacement of any currently employed worker by participants in programs funded under this Act. Prohibits such programs from impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements. Requires the written concurrence of the labor organization and the employer concerned before any such program which would be inconsistent with the terms of a collective bargaining agreement may be undertaken. Prohibits program participants from being employed or job openings from being filled when: (1) any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job; or (2) the employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise reduced its work force with the intention of filling the vacancy by hiring a participant whose wages are subsidized under this Act. Prohibits creation of jobs in a promotional line that will infringe in any way on the promotional opportunities of currently employed individuals. Requires recipients of funds under this Act to provide the Secretary with assurances that none of such funds will be used to assist, promote, or deter union organizing. Requires that an opportunity for comment be provided for any labor organization representing a substantial number of employees engaged in similar work or training in the same areas as that proposed to be funded under this Act. Applies the wage rate requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act to all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in works federally assisted under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and for succeeding fiscal years to enable the United States Employment Service to provide funds to State employment service agencies to: (1) certify and refer unemployed individuals as eligible for program participation; and (2) assist program participants in finding regular unsubsidized employment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Prohibits any cooperation with South Africa with respect to atomic energy. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from issuing any license or authorization for the export of any nuclear materials, equipment, or technology to South Africa. States that the authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 may not be used to distribute any nuclear material, source material, or byproduct material to South Africa. Prohibits any U.S. agency or official from permitting the transfer to, or use by, South Africa of nuclear material, equipment, or technology. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from authorizing any activity which would constitute engaging in the production of special nuclear material in South Africa. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from issuing an export license for any goods or technology which: (1) are intended for a nuclear related end use or end user; (2) have been identified as items which could be of significance for nuclear explosive purposes; or (3) are otherwise subject to certain procedures of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Secretaries of Commerce, Energy, and State to prepare lists of goods and technology transferable to South Africa notwithstanding the provisions of this Act which could help that country develop a nuclear capability. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prohibit the export of such goods and technology. Prohibits any officer or employee of the executive branch from making available to South Africa any technology or other information which could increase that country's nuclear capability. Terminates any license or authorization described in this Act which was issued before enactment of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Coyne, William J. [D-PA-14]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000846_200.jpg)