United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1983
Permanent Tax Treatment of Fringe Benefits Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any fringe benefit which qualifies as a: (1) no-additional-cost service; (2) qualified employee discount; (3) working condition fringe; or (4) de minimis fringe. Provides definitions and sets forth special rules for such tax exclusion. Limits the income tax deduction for operating on-premises employee recreational facilities. Allows an employer to elect to include the cost of such recreational facilities in employee income in lieu of the disallowance of such income tax deduction. Excludes from gross income reductions in tuition provided by an employer to employees.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) urge the Soviet Union to allow Lev Shapiro and his family to emigrate to Israel; and (2) inform the Soviet Union that the United States, in evaluating its relations with other countries, will consider the extent to which those countries honor their commitments to human rights under international law.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the new motor vehicle emission standards in certain States with respect to model years beginning after enactment of this Act. Repeals the requirement that new motor vehicles shall be sold with a production warranty and parts certification with respect to model years beginning after enactment of this Act. Requires the manufacture's performance warranty to cover the vehicle's first two years or first 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. (Currently the warranty covers the useful life of the vehicle.) Deletes the provision which declares that no such warranty shall be invalid on the basis of any part used in the maintenance or repair of a vehicle or engine if such part was certified. Deletes the provision which defines emission control device or system for purposes of such warranty. Deletes the requirement that the maintenance instruction which the manufacturer must furnish with each new motor vehicle shall correspond to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Requires that the maintenance instructions provide notice that maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any automobile automotive repair establishment or individual using any automotive part of the establishment's or individual's choosing. Deletes the waiver of the prohibition against the instructions including a condition that the purchaser must use a component or service identified by brand name or distinguishing between service performed by establishments affiliated with the manufacturer and independent establishments. Eliminates the prohibition against causing specified prohibited acts relating to the provision, use, maintenance, or inspection of emission control devices. Prohibits specified persons from knowingly removing or rendering inoperative any part or component placed in or on a motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine solely to control emissions in compliance with EPA regulations, except in connection with routine maintenance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Government Printing Office Pay Reform Act of 1983 - Requires the pay of Government Printing Office employees to be administered under the prevailing rate system and the General Schedule. Provides that employees who, upon enactment of this Act, hold positions for which the pay rates are determined by conference with the Public Printer or by appeal to the Joint Committee on Printing, shall, with specified exceptions, continue to receive basic pay at a rate not below the rate in effect immediately before enactment of this Act, plus any increase payable under the prevailing rate system or the General Schedule. Repeals the limitation on the number of apprentices that the Public Printer may employ at one time.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Requests the President to issue a proclamation commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the changes in the Federal estate tax laws which were made by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 are vital to the continuation of the family farm and small business, and should not be repealed or amended.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the continuing possibility that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to withholding of tax from interest and dividends will be repealed is creating, for all payors, an undue hardship within the meaning of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, and that the Secretary of the Treasury should exercise his authority under such Act to delay the effective date of such provisions until December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) restoration of a stable monetary system is necessary to assure economic growth and to maintain a liberal international economic system; (2) the Secretary of the Treasury should review his call for an international conference on the monetary system; (3) the International Monetary Fund should make use of its current assets and revise the conditions placed on its loans; (4) additional financial resources should be made available through bilateral arrangements; and (5) U.S. banks should be required to adjust the value of loans on which interest payments are not received and be allowed to increase deductible loss reserves in order to make such write-downs without endangering the banking system.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the windfall profit tax an amount of crude oil equal to residual fuel oil used in tertiary recovery processes. Defines "residual fuel oil." Disallows a depletion deduction for such exempt oil.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983
Technology Education Assistance and Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow corporations an increased income tax deduction for contributions of certain computer equipment to pre-college schools and certain other organizations which use the equipment for educational purposes. Limits the deduction to the lesser of: (1) the corporation's basis in the property plus 50 percent of its markup; or (2) twice its basis in the property. Allows corporations an income tax deduction for contributions of scientific equipment to institutions of higher education for use in direct education or in research or research training in the fields of mathematics, engineering, computer science, the physical or biological/medical sciences, and certain vocational educational programs. Allows corporations an income tax deduction for contributions of used scientific equipment to institutions of higher education. Limits the deduction to 150 percent of the taxpayer's original basis in the property, less accumulated depreciation. Expands the income tax credit for increasing research expenditures to include contract research expenses for payments to universities for faculty salaries, scholarships, grants, or loans for graduate students in mathematics, engineering, or science. Excludes such contract research expenses from the calculation of base period amounts, for purposes of determining whether the taxpayer has increased expenditures for research. Provides for an income tax exclusion for the scholarships, fellowship grants, student loan forgiveness, or stipends of a graduate student in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or the physical or biological sciences. Specifies that such tax exclusion is not forfeited merely because the student is required, as a condition of the scholarship or fellowship, to perform future service in teaching or research.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a three-year moratorium on the imposition of specified sanctions in nonattainment areas. Prohibits, during such period, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from taking the following actions pursuant to specified provisions of such Act: (1) prohibiting construction or modification of any major stationary source; (2) disapproving any project, or refusing to award any grant under such Act; and (3) withholding, conditioning, or restricting any grant for construction of any sewage treatment works. Prohibits, during such period, any person from bringing any action under specified provisions of such Act against: (1) the Administrator for failure to impose such sanctions; and (2) any person alleged to be constructing or proposing to construct any new or modified major emitting facility without a permit under plan requirements for nonattainment areas.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Long-Range Research and Development Tax Planning Act of 1983 - Amends the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 to make permanent the income tax credit for increasing research activities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) to declare that contributions, gifts, or payments by union members to a separate fund which is used by the union for political purposes must be voluntary and unrelated to moneys required as a condition of employment. Declares it to be unlawful to use moneys paid to an organization as a condition of employment for any type of election or campaign activities by such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Medicare Vision Act of 1983 - Provides coverage under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for: (1) eye examinations for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses; (2) procedures performed to determine the refractive state of the eyes; and (3) services performed by a doctor of optometry. Permits payment for services under part B for services performed by an optometrist, or services performed by another doctor which could be performed by an optometrist, only if payment is made on the basis of an assignment.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Church Audit Procedures Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the Secretary of the Treasury from investigating or auditing churches unless the Secretary possesses evidence causing him to believe that a church: (1) is carrying on an unrelated trade or business; or (2) should not be granted tax-exempt status. Restricts the Secretary from beginning any investigation unless he has first provided the church with written notice that an investigation is being commenced. Sets forth the requirements of such notice. Requires that the Secretary must first approve an application by the regional counsel of the internal revenue region for examination of church records and religious activities before beginning any such examination. Requires the Secretary, prior to the approval of any such application, to offer in writing an opportunity for a conference to discuss facts, evidence, and issues relevant to the investigation. Requires the Secretary to notify the church in writing of the approval of the application for examination at least 15 days prior to the commencement of such examination. Limits the examination of religious activities to that necessary to determine whether an organization is a church or convention or association of churches. Limits the examination of church records to that necessary to determine the amount of tax imposed. Allows an organization which claims that the Secretary has violated the provisions of this Act to bring a civil action for injunctive relief against the Secretary. Reduces the statute of limitations for collection after assessment of tax to three years in the case of any organization which is a church or convention or association of churches.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Uniform Marine Recreational Fishing Licensing Act of 1983 - Prohibits persons between the ages of 16 and 62 from engaging in fishing for recreation in tidal waters without a marine recreational fishing license, except persons fishing from a licensed vessel or licensed fishing pier. Prohibits any vessel from transporting marine recreational fishermen for a fee without a marine recreational fishing vessel license. Prohibits the charging of a fee for the privilege of fishing from a pier without obtaining a marine recreational fishing pier license. Declares that, except as provided in this Act, no State or political subdivision may establish, continue in effect, or enforce any law or regulation which establishes a marine recreational fishing license or marine recreational fishing vessel license. Sets forth provisions to be incorporated in State marine recreational licensing programs before such programs can be approved by the Secretary of the department in which the National Marine Fisheries Service is operating. Requires the Secretary to make Federal marine recreational fishing licenses available only in States which do not have such programs. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act and enforcement provisions. Requires all funds derived from the sale of Federal marine recreational fishing licenses be used for scientific research and habitat enforcement programs having direct benefits to marine recreational fishing. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Urges the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Attorney General to: (1) ensure that their respective agencies place as much emphasis on duties relating to the facilitation of international air commerce as is given to law enforcement duties at U.S. gateway and preclearance airports; and (2) develop jointly and implement, before the beginning of the 1984 Summer Olympics, a national plan to consolidate such functions of the agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Equal Access Act - Prohibits public schools that allow students to participate in extracurricular activities from receiving Federal funds if they deny equal access or opportunity for students and faculty to engage in voluntary prayer or religious discussion on school premises during noninstructional periods.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Dedicates the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California to Phillip Burton. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to inform the public of the contributions of Phillip Burton through the use of signs, maps, and interpretive programs and to establish an appropriate memorial to him within the recreation area. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to specified congressional committees on the advisability of replacing only the Federal individual income tax or replacing both the Federal individual income tax and the Federal corporate income tax with a simplified income tax on gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition, "engaged in the business," with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Makes it unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who does not reside in the same State if the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that acquisition of the firearm by such person would violate any State or local law or ordinance. Requires such transfer to be face to face. Presumes a licensee to have actual knowledge of the published laws of the State. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements, under specific circumstances. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Allows the government to voluntarily dismiss criminal charges prior to trial and still proceed with revocation. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Requires a warrant to be issued for such search. Restricts the firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Revises the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to: (1) include use of a destructive device; (2) delete the act of "carrying" a firearm to commit a felony; and (3) limit such offense to felonies over which the Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Retains the current penalty (one to ten years) for first offenses. Increases the penalty for second or subsequent offenses to five to 25 years imprisonment (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the requirement, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Gun Control Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions to make the following changes. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires (instead of permits) the Secretary to grant release unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Imposes on the applicant the burden of proof. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Extends the types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should express U.S. opposition to the Soviet Union's policies of forced labor. Declares that the Soviet Union should cease such practices and honor their international commitments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in an area, from: (1) entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State; or (2) limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in such area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Energy Consumer Regulatory Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 by repealing provisions relating to energy conservation improvements to buildings. Repeals provisions of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act and the Energy Security Act relating to residential energy conservation service and commercial and apartment energy conservation service. Repeals energy efficiency standards and requirements for consumer products other than automobiles under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to repeal retail regulatory policies for electric and gas utilities. Repeals provisions of the Energy Conservation and Production Act relating to electric utility rate design initiatives. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by repealing provisions relating to State energy conservation programs and general emergency energy authorities. Repeals the Emergency Energy Conservation Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Transfers marihuana from schedule I (abuse potential, no accepted medical use) to schedule II (accepted medical use) under the Controlled Substances Act. Amends such Act to establish in the Department of Health and Human Services an Office for the Supply of Internationally Controlled Drugs, to be responsible for regulating the domestic production and distribution of marihuana. Establishes procedures for the production and use of medicinal marihuana. Permits the distribution of medicinal marihuana only to hospitals and pharmacies registered to dispense schedule II controlled substances for the purposes of treating glaucoma, cancer, or research approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Provides for a marihuana abuse prevention and information program through the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from repealing, amending, or otherwise modifying specified rules regarding network television syndication, network television financial interests, and prime time access before July 1, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
United States - Mexico Good Neighbor Employment Act of 1983 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to establish a program for the nonimmigrant admission of Mexican nationals as temporary workers in the United States. Provides that: (1) the Attorney General shall establish annual and monthly quotas for temporary worker visas based on the chronological order of application; (2) such temporary services or labor shall not exceed 180 days per year; (3) such visas shall not limit the geographic area or employment within which an alien may work unless specific restrictions are requested by the Secretary of Labor in order to protect domestic workers; (4) an alien who violates the 180-day visa limitation or any imposed geographic restriction shall be ineligible for another temporary visa for five years; and (5) an alien who enters the United States illegally shall be ineligible for obtaining a temporary work visa for ten years. Excludes such temporary Mexican workers from the definition of "immigrant" for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Includes such workers within the category of aliens whose nonimmigrant status may not be adjusted to that of an immigrant. Prohibits the Attorney General from consenting to the reapplication for admission of any such workers whose 180-day limitation has been exhausted. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish and expand U.S. consulates in Mexico in order to implement such temporary worker program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make the nature of such program known to Mexican nationals residing in the United States. Requires the Attorney General to report semiannually to Congress regarding the temporary worker visa program. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should establish with Mexico an advisory commission to advise the Attorney General with regard to such temporary worker program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit an Immigration and Naturalization Service official or employee from entering a farm or outdoor operation without a warrant or the owner's consent.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Declares that the House of Representatives deplores the denial of the rights of Hungarians and people of other nationalities in Transylvania by the Romanian Government. Requests the President and the Secretary of State to discuss the human rights of the Hungarians in Transylvania with the Government of Romania.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the highway use tax on heavy trucks. Increases the excise tax on diesel fuel from nine cents per gallon to 12 cents per gallon in 1983 and from 12 cents per gallon to 14 cents per gallon in 1984. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations exempting from such increases diesel fuel used in automobiles and light trucks.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1983
Child Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors even if the material is not found to be "obscene."