United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1983
Residential Mortgage Investment Act of 1983 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from specified prohibited transactions: (1) any qualified mortgage transaction engaged in by an employee benefit plan if such transaction received the prior approval of an independent fiduciary; (2) the purchase, retention, or sale by an employee benefit plan of interests in Federal or State guaranteed residential mortgage loans; and (3) any participation or dealings by an employee benefit plan in residential mortgage-backed securities if such securities bear one of the three highest ratings of a nationally recognized rating service. Prohibits the promulgation of rules or orders which limit, interpret or implement: (1) the exemptions or definitions of this Act; and (2) the term "reasonable rate of interest."
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from Federal income taxes members of the armed forces of the United States who die as a result of hostile action outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1983
Motor Vehicle Passenger Safety Act - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to add provisions on the promotion and use of safety belt systems. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States for the development and implementation of: (1) State-educational programs promoting the use and associated benefits of safety belt systems; and (2) State laws and regulations requiring the use of safety belt systems for passenger motor vehicles. Sets forth the allocation formula and terms and conditions for such grants. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a program to utilize public and private resources as a free public service in promoting the use and benefits of safety belt systems. Requires chief executive officers of Federal agencies to promote the use of such systems within their agencies and report annually to the Secretary on such activities. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by December 31, of each year on the grant program for the previous fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through FY 1996 for such program. Directs the President to promulgate regulations requiring: (1) Federal motor vehicles to be equipped with safety belt systems; (2) passengers in such vehicles to use the systems; and (3) the use of such systems while operating in Federal areas. Provides a civil penalty for violation of such regulations. Requires the President to report annually to Congress on the enforcement of such regulations. Prohibits any person from rendering inoperable any safety belt system installed in a motor vehicle in compliance with Federal standards, unless such vehicle will not be used during such time of inoperation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1983
Vocational Technical Education Act of 1983 - Establishes vocational-technical education programs to replace those under the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Title I: Purpose; Authorization of Appropriations; and Allotments - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 and for succeeding fiscal years for: (1) basic State grants and State administrative responsibilities; (2) consumer and homemaking education; (3) comprehensive career guidance and counseling programs; (4) industry-education partnership for training in high-technology occupations; (5) vocational education programs for youth with special needs; and (6) adult training, retraining, and employment development. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years for the President's Council on Vocational-Technical Education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and succeeding fiscal years for grants to State advisory councils on vocational-technical education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and succeeding fiscal years for assistance to States: (1) in preparing plans, updates, and progress reports; and (2) in conducting program evaluations. Requires a State, in order to receive any allotment under this Act, to: (1) establish a State board and a State advisory council on vocational-technical education; (2) have an approved State plan and application; (3) comply with evaluation and review and other provisions of this Act. Sets forth provisions for allotment among the States of appropriations for title II of this Act (after deduction of amounts required to be reserved for specified purposes). Bases such allotment on formulas using State allotment ratios and relative State populations of certain age groups. Allots the following percentages of title II funds on the basis of population aged: (1) 15 through 19 - 50 percent; (2) 20 through 24 - 20 percent; and (3) 25 through 65 - 15 percent. Allots the remaining 15 percent on the basis of the relative sums of such age group allotments. Set forth a formula for determining State allotment ratios based on relative State per capita income. Sets maximum and minimum limits on such ratios and sets ratios for specified territories and possessions of the United States. Sets forth a minimum State allotment amount. Provides for reallotment among other States of any amount which the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) determines will not be required for carrying out the State's program for any fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to reserve five percent of the appropriations for State basic grants and State administrative responsibilities for any fiscal year in order to: (1) transfer an amount within specified limits in any fiscal year to the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; (2) use an additional minimum amount in any fiscal year for the National Center for Research in Vocational Education; (3) use a minimum amount in any fiscal year for the program of special institutes; and (4) use the remainder of the reserved amount for other programs authorized under title III (National Programs). Authorizes the Secretary to reserve, from the remainder of the appropriations for State basic grants and State administrative responsibilities for any fiscal year, funds for vocational educational programs to eligible Indians through Indian tribes and through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Limits such amount to not more than one percent of such remainder and approximately equivalent to an amount based on the ratio of eligible Indian population aged 15 through 24 to the total population aged 15 through 24 of all the States. Directs the Secretary, from the amount so reserved, to enter into contracts with the tribal organization of any eligible Indian tribe, upon such tribe's request, to plan, conduct, and administer programs, or portions of programs, which are authorized by and consistent with the purposes of this Act. Subjects such contracts to specified terms and conditions under the Indian Self-Determination Act and other specified Federal laws. Authorizes the Secretary, from any remaining funds so reserved, to enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of the BIA for the operation of vocational education programs authorized by this Act in institutions serving eligible Indians, and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to receive such funds for such purposes. Directs the BIA to expend a matching amount to pay a part of the costs of such programs. Requires the BIA to expend during each fiscal year no less than the amount expended during the prior fiscal year on vocational education programs, services, and activities. Directs the Secretary and the Commissioner to prepare a joint plan for the expenditure of funds and the evaluation of such programs. Directs the Secretary to assume responsibility for the administration of the program, with the assistance and consultation of the BIA. Requires that the sum of any State's allotments for title II programs under this Act shall not be less than the total amount of payments made to the State under allotments determined under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 for FY 1983. Provides for ratable reductions of other State allotments in order to comply with this minimum State allotment requirement. Title II: State Programs - Part A: Basic State Grants - Authorizes the Secretary, from the State allotments, to make grants to assist States in funding vocational education programs, services, and activities carried out by State boards and eligible recipients. Requires that basic State grants be used, in accordance with approved State plans, for: (1) vocational education responsive to labor market demands or designed to keep abreast of technological changes, including part D high-technology industry-education partnership programs; (2) vocational education for populations with special needs, including part E youth programs; (3) postsecondary and adult vocational education for out-of-school youth and adults, including part F adult training, retraining, and employment development programs; (4) strengthening the institutional base of vocational education by updating curricula, equipment, materials, planning, and staff skills; (5) design and implementation of planned sequential vocational programs between secondary and postsecondary education levels; (6) teaching mathematics and science through practical applications related to occupational goals; (7) assigning personnel to coordinate responsiveness to the labor market; (8) vocational student organizational activities; (9) prevocational programs; (10) information collection and dissemination; (11) special supportive services and activities, including career counseling and guidance (under part C), work-study, cooperative, on-site, and apprenticeship, technical education, research, curriculum development personnel training, overcoming sex bias and stereotyping, residential vocational-technical schools, and exemplary and innovative demonstration programs; (12) construction of area vocational-technical school; (13) support of full-time personnel for specified purposes; (14) needy student stipends; (15) placement services; (16) industrial arts; (17) day care services; (18) vocational education through arrangements with private vocational education institutions, employers, and community-based organizations (as defined under the Job Training Partnership Act); (19) administrative and supervisory costs; (20) planning, evaluation, and reporting costs; (21) entrepreneurship programs consistent with the purposes of this Act; and (22) consortia with other States. Prohibits the use of funds for needy student stipends or for day care services for students' children unless the State board makes a finding that such use of funds under this Act is necessary because of inadequate funding of other programs or inadequates services in the area. Part B: Consumer and Homemaking Education - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to assist State consumer and homemaking education programs, including: (1) instructional programs, services, and activities to prepare youth and adults for the homemaking occupation; and (2) instruction in the areas of food and nutrition, consumer education, family living and parenthood education, child development and guidance, housing, home and resource management, and clothing and textiles. Permits such grants to be used, in accordance with approved State plans, to: (1) conduct programs in economically depressed areas; (2) encourage participation of traditionally underserved populations; (3) encourage elimination of sex bias and sex stereotyping; (4) improve, expand, and update programs; and (5) address priorities and emerging concerns at the local, State, and national levels. Permits such grants to be used for specified program development and improvement and for specified support services and activities. Sets forth provisions for information dissemination and leadership. Directs the State board to ensure that experience and information gained through carrying out such programs is shared with administrators for the purpose of program planning. Requires that funds available under this part be used to assist in providing State leadership qualified by experience and preparation in home economics education. Part C: Comprehensive Career Guidance and Counseling Programs - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to assist State career guidance and counseling programs. Requires that such grants be used, in accordance with approved State plans, for comprehensive programs to meet career development, vocational education, and employment needs of students and potential students, including assistance in: (1) self-assessment, career planning and decisionmaking, and employability skills; (2) transition and placement activities; (3) maintaining themselves in established occupations; (4) developing new skills in high-technology and skill-shortage areas; and (5) developing midcareer job seeking skills clarifying career goals. Requires that such programs: (1) encourage the elimination of sex, age, and race bias and stereotyping; (2) provide for community outreach; (3) seek collaboration of family, community, business, industry and labor; and (4) be accessible to all segments of the population, including women, minorities, handicapped, and economically disadvantaged. Requires that such programs consist of: (1) instructional activities and services to help students develop specified skills; (2) counselor education, support personnel training curriculum and instructional materials development, research, demonstration, and experimental projects, equipment acquisition, and State and local leadership and supervision; and (3) opportunities for counselors to obtain firsthand experience in business and industry and for students to become acquainted with business, industry, labor market, and training posibilities. Sets forth information dissemination and leadership provisions. Part D: Industry - Education Partnership for Training in High-Technology Occupations - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to States for industry-education partnership training programs in high-technology occupations. Requires that such grants be used in accordance with approved State plans which contain specified assurances. Requires that at least 50 percent of the funds for such programs be from non-Federal sources, and that at least 50 percent of such non-Federal funds be provided by participating business and industrial firms in cash or in-kind contributions. Requires coordination of such programs with part A programs. Requires active participation of the State council in the development of such programs. Permits States to designate funds available under part A in lieu of a non-Federal portion for program costs under this part, if an eligible recipient demonstrates that it is incapable of providing all or part of such non-Federal portion. Permits such grants to be used for: (1) vocational educational programs designed to train skilled workers and technicians in high-technology occupations; (2) administrative costs; (3) training and retraining of instructional and guidance personnel; (3) curriculum, equipment, and materials development and acquisition; and (4) such other activities authorized by this title as may be essential to programs under this part, including ensuring program access for women, minorities, the handicapped, and the economically disadvantaged. Directs the State board, in approving such programs, to give special consideration to specified factors. Limits administrative cost expenditures to five percent of the State's allotment for this part. Prohibits funds made available under this part from being used to provide job placement or stipends. Part E: Vocational Education Programs for Youth with Special Needs - Defines "eligible youth" for purposes of this part as youth (up to and including age 21) who are: (1) educationally or disadvantaged individuals needing assistance to participate or succeed in regular vocational programs; (2) handicapped individuals needing special assistance, instruction, or programs to participate in or profit from vocational education; (3) individuals of limited English proficiency who require instruction in the English language, or bilingual instruction until they are proficient in English, in order to participate in or profit from vocational education; or (4) single parents and heads of households, or persons who wish to enter occupations that are not traditional for their sex, who need special assistance in preparing for employment. Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to States to carry out programs, services, and activities authorized by this part. Permits such grants to be used, in accordance with State plans, for programs for eligible youth, including: (1) vocational education programs, services, and activities authorized under provisions for basic State grants and designed to meet special needs; (2) outreach, diagnostic assessment, and career guidance; (3) youth leadership development and vocational student organization activities; (4) improving institutional capacity to provide instruction and supportive services; (5) supplementary and remedial instruction; (6) open-entry, open-exit programs for individual needs; (7) worksite learning; (8) training instructional and support personnel to serve eligible youth in regular or special programs (such as bilingual programs); (9) extension of the schoolday or school year; (10) transition and work adjustment followup services; and (11) other activities to enable eligible youth to take full-advantage of high-quality vocational education. Requires eligible recipients to provide for program participation by eligible youth enrolled in nonprofit private schools in the area to be served, without commingling with State or local funds the Federal funds made available under this part to accommodate such students. Requires that at least 90 percent of the grant to each State under this part be allocated among eligible recipients, with approved plans, upon the basis of numbers of eligible youth served in the previous year and proposed to be served in the year for which such allocation is made. Requires coordination of programs under this part with programs for youth funded under title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), including summer youth employment and training programs. Directs the State board to consult with the State job training coordinating council (established under the JTPA) in order that programs funded under this part may be taken into account in recommendations for the Governor's coordinating and special services plan required under JTPA. Part F: Adult Training, Retraining, and Employment Development - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to States for funding programs, services, and activities under this part. Permits such grants to be used, in accordance with approved State plans, for vocational education and employment development authorized under basic State grant provisions and designed to meet the needs of: (1) individuals who have graduated from or left high school and who need additional vocational education to enter the labor force; (2) unemployed individuals who need training to obtain employment or increase employability; (3) employed individuals who need retraining to retain their jobs or training to upgrade skills to qualify for higher-paid or more dependable jobs; (4) displaced homemakers and single heads of households entering or reentering the labor force; and (5) employers who need assistance in training individuals in new employment opportunities or retraining employees in new skills. Permits such grants also to be used for: (1) short-term retraining; (2) cooperative institutional and worksite programs and quick-start customized training; (3) linkages between public and private sectors, eligible individuals, and training, employment, and economic development agencies; (4) cooperative education to improve management and increase productivity; (5) training for small business entrepreneurship; (6) recruitment, job search, counseling, remedial services, information and outreach to help individuals take advantage of vocational educational programs and services, with particular attention to reaching women, older workers, individuals with limited English proficiency, the handicapped, and the disadvantaged; and (7) curriculum development, equipment and material acquisition, personnel training, pilot projects, and related and additional services and activities. Requires specified State assurances with regard to programs under this part. Requires coordination of programs under this part with programs for dislocated workers under title III (Training and Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of JTPA. Directs the State board to consult with the State job training coordinating council in order that programs under this part may be taken into account in recommendations for the Governor's coordination and special services plan. Directs the State board to encourage program coordination between eligible recipients of funds under this part and the appropriate private industry council established under JTPA. Title III: National Programs - Directs the Secretary to maintain a national vocational education data system. Requires States receiving assistance under this Act to cooperate in supplying information for such system. Directs the Secretary, in maintaining and annually updating such system, to make such system compatible with: (1) the occupational information data system established under this Act; (2) other systems developed or assisted under labor market information provisions under JTPA; and (3) other occupational supply and demand information systems developed or maintained through Federal assistance (directs the Secretary to cooperate with the Secretary of Labor in this). Directs the Secretary to secure data about program enrollees and completers, placement and followup, staffing, and expenditures by major purposes of this Act. Establishes a National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee consisting of specified Federal officials. Directs the Committee, with funds available under title I, to: (1) annually provide funds for and assist State occupational coordinating committees; (2) improve coordination among administrators and planners of programs authorized by this Act and JTPA, employment security agency administrators, researchers, and Federal, State, and local employment and training agency personnel; (3) develop and implement an occupational information system to meet common needs of vocational education and employment and training programs; and (4) study the effects of technological change on new and existing occupational areas and the required changes in knowledge and job skills. Requires each State receiving assistance under this Act to establish a State occupational information coordinating committee composed of representatives of the State board, employment security agency, economic development agency, job training coordinating council, and agency for administering programs under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Directs the State committee, with funds from the national committee, to implement an occupational information system in the State designed to meet the needs of State board programs under this Act and administering agencies under JTPA. Establishes the President's Council on Vocational-Technical Education consisting of members appointed by the President, with a majority representing the private sector of the economy and the remainder with broad experience in education and economic and human resources development (at least one of whom is a member of the National Commission for Employment Policy established under JTPA). Directs the Council to: (1) assess national needs with respect to occupations requiring less than a baccalaureate degree; (2) identify ways to encourage cooperation between the private sector of the economy and vocational-technical education; (3) evaluate program needs for updated equipment, curricula, competent staff, and other necessary components for student preparation and worker training and retraining for the workplace; (4) make appropriate recommendations; and (5) advise the President, Congress, and Secretary on the implementation of this Act, JTPA, and adequate policies for vocational- technical education programs. Directs the Council to report its findings and recommendations to the President, Congress, and Secretary every third year. Provides that the National Center for Research in Vocational Education established under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 shall continue to be operated with funds made available under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make an annual grant for the Center's operation; and (2) on the basis of solicited applications and the advice of non-Federal experts in vocational education administration and research, designate the entity to be the Center once every five years. Requires that the Center: (1) be a nonprofit entity associated with a public or private nonprofit university which has made, or is prepared to make, a substantial financial contribution towards its establishment; and (2) have a Director, appointed by such university and assisted by the advisory committee on research and program development. Sets forth provisions for program improvement activities. Authorizes the Secretary, after consultation with the advisory committee on research and program improvement, to use funds reserved under title I to establish not less than ten research institutes for vocational education at a minimum level of $300,000 each per year. Directs the Secretary to designate these institutes for a five-year period on the basis of competitive applications, the advice of non-Federal experts in vocational education and research, and specified criteria. Requires such institutes to: (1) conduct research and leadership development activities on nationwide programs in employment-related education; and (2) serve as independent entities for research and development focused on one or more specified areas. Authorizes the Secretary to also use such reserved funds for national program improvement activities through grants and contracts to private and public entities to assist vocational educational programs and supportive services of States and eligible recipients assisted under this Act. Includes graduate fellowship awards among such activities. Authorizes the Secretary to award solicited and unsolicited grants and contracts for program improvement activities. Requires that such awards include: (1) a program of small grants to entities such as individual researchers, community colleges, and State advisory councils; (2) requests for proposals consistent with the objectives of program improvement provisions; and (3) the funding of proposals initiated in the field. Directs the Secretary, in establishing such institutes and making such awards, grants, and contracts, to require recipients to contribute, in cash or in kind, at least ten percent of the costs of the institute or project. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that program improvement activities represent a coordinated effort; and (2) include a summary and appraisal of such activities in the report to Congress on vocational education. Authorizes the Secretary, from funds available to carry out this title, to develop and implement, through grants and contracts, cooperative employer-education demonstration programs. Requires that such programs: (1) be established and operated by employers or consortia of employers, or recognized labor organizations or building trades councils, in cooperation with State boards and eligible recipients in two or more States; (2) provide worksite job training for vocational education graduates or advanced students which is linked to classroom and laboratory instruction provided by an eligible recipient; (3) provide placement services; (4) demonstrate cooperative programs between vocational education and the private sector; and (5) where practical, involve projects (such as housing rehabilitation in inner cities or economically depressed rural areas) that will benefit the public or result in increased opportunities for the disadvantaged, the handicapped, or women. Permits funds for such cooperative demonstration programs to be used for institutional and on-the-job training, supportive services, and technical and other assistance. Permits such programs to operate on a school-year, year-long, or summer basis, and be of whatever duration the Secretary specifies as appropriate. Requires that at least 25 percent of the cost of such cooperative demonstration programs be provided in cash or in kind by the recipient of the grant or contract. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory committee on research and program improvement to advise the Secretary: (1) on selection and management of programs funded under this title; (2) with respect to policy issues in the administration of the Center and in the selection and conduct of research and demonstration projects and activities by the center (also advising the Director of the Center on such issues, selection, and conduct); and (3) in the selection of research institutes. Sets forth provisions for advisory committee membership. Provides that members shall not be Federal employees. Requires the advisory committee to meet at least three times annually at the call of the Secretary, including at least one meeting at the Center. Title IV: General Provisions - Part A: State Administrative Responsibilities - Sets forth requirements relating to the functions of State boards of vocational education. Includes among State board responsibilities: (1) appointment of a State director of vocational education and other personnel to administer this Act; and (2) convening and meeting at least four times annually. Requires the State board to assign at least one full-time individual to assist it in specified ways. Directs each State to reserve a specified amount from its basic State grant for State board functions. Sets forth requirements relating to State advisory councils on vocational-technical education. Limits membership of each council to 15, a majority of whom must be represenatatives of private sector employment. Sets forth other membership representation requirements. Sets forth council functions and duties, including biennial evaluation of vocational education program delivery systems assisted under this Act and under JTPA, and of the adequacy and effectiveness of Federal, State, local, and private efforts to strengthen and improve vocational education in the State. Directs the Secretary, from sums appropriated for such State councils and allotted in a specified manner, to make grants to State councils to carry out their functions. Sets maximum and minimum limits on the amount of each such grant. Part B: Planning and Applications - Sets forth requirements for three-year State plans, to be submitted to the Secretary. Sets forth requirements for State applications for funds for each fiscal year under this Act. Sets forth requirements for three-year local plans by eligible recipients, to be formulated with the assistance of local advisory councils and to be submitted to the State board. Part C: Evaluation and Review - Sets forth requirements for program evaluation by State boards with the assistance of the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to report every two years to the Congress on the status of vocational education in the Nation, including a summary of State program evaluations, with conclusions and recommendations. Sets forth requirements for local progress reports and amendments to local plans. Part D: Federal Administrative Responsibilities - Sets forth provisions for payments to States for administrative costs. Sets forth maintenance of effort requirements. Sets forth provisions for withholding of funds from States by the Secretary, and for judicial review of such withholding. Part E: Transitional and Conforming Amendments - Sets forth provisions for the transition from requirements (including expenditure of funds) under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to requirements under this Act. Transfers the personnel, property and records of: (1) the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education established under such Act to the President's Council on Vocational-Technical Education established under this Act and to the advisory council on research and program improvement established under this Act; and (2) the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under such Act to the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under this Act. Repeals the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Makes conforming amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Adult Education Act, the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Vocational Education Amendments of 1968. Part F: Definitions of Terms - Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1983
Requires the Attorney General of the United States, the Federal Trade Commission, and all other appropriate Federal agencies and officials to enforce the antitrust laws, including the prohibition against vertical price restraints. Directs such officials and agencies to cease propounding arguments in court designed to weaken such prohibition, and to submit to Congress proposed legislation to make any desired changes in such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Comprehensive Trade Law Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Countervailing and Antidumping Duties - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to direct the administering authority to order the suspension of all entries of merchandise subject to a preliminary determination in an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation if the preliminary determination of the International Trade Commission (ITC) is affirmative. Imposes the burden of persuasion with respect to allegations in such investigations upon the person in possession of the specific information necessary to verify or negate such allegations. Establishes within the Department of Commerce the Small Business International Trade Advocate Office (Advocate) which shall assist small businesses in the preparation for, and participation in, any proceedings related to the administration of the U.S. trade laws (including arguing on behalf of petitioners who are financially unable to prosecute antidumping and countervailing duty investigations). Provides that the Advocate may request the ITC to conduct on behalf of small businesses no more than three fact- finding investigations in a given fiscal year. Requires the Advocate each fiscal year to report its activities to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the administering authority and the ITC to make available under a protective order confidential information submitted by a party to an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation upon receipt of an application which describes the information requested. (Current law requires that the application must describe the information with particularity and must set forth the reasons for the request.) Requires that the information to be disclosed shall include all confidential information available to or prepared by the administering authority during an investigation, excluding customer names and the identity of market research organizations. Declares that it shall not be a requirement of disclosure that the person making the request demonstrate a need to have access to the information. Requires the administering authority or ITC to act upon requests for such information within ten days. Directs the ITC, in determining material injury or the threat of material injury in antidumping or countervailing duty investigations, to consider the cumulative impact of imports of merchandise under investigation when combined with imports of the same class or kind which are subject to similar investigations. Declares that in determining whether a petition requesting an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation states a cause of action the absence of a history of imports in sufficient volume to be a present cause of material injury shall not be a basis for a negative determination when a capability to increase exports is asserted. Amends the definition of the nature of a subsidy to require the ITC, in determining whether there is a threat of material injury, to consider information other than the information presented to it by the administering authority and to consider whether the alleged subsidy is related to a promotional program benefitting a specific industry. Sets forth the time periods to be considered by the ITC in determining material injury or threat of material injury. Requires the ITC, in determining threat of material injury, to consider evidence of: (1) increasing domestic inventories of imported merchandise; (2) new or increased capability to manufacture or export such merchandise in the countries under investigation or shift of production and exports among industry product lines; and (3) any effort by a foreign government or instrumentality to promote the development or growth of export capability of the industry under investigation through a combination of policies or programs. Authorizes the imposition of countervailing duties upon merchandise which is likely to be imported into the United States if such merchandise meets all the other requirements for the imposition of countervailing duties. Requires the imposition of countervailing or antidumping duties on merchandise if a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury or the establishment of an industry in the United States is materially retarded by sales of imports or offers of sales of imports. Requires the ITC to make its preliminary determination in antidumping or countervailing duty investigations on the basis of the information contained in the petition and any information received by way of questionnaire response. Provides an extension of time for making a preliminary determination if the ITC does not believe the information contained in the hearing and the questionnaire responses establish material injury. Requires the ITC, in such a case, to schedule a hearing during which interested parties may address the factual issues of concern to the ITC. Permits an extension of time during which the preliminary determination by the administering authority in an antidumping or countervailing duty case may be made only if the petitioner files a timely request for such extension and the case is extraordinarily difficult. (Current law permits such extension if either of these conditions is met.) Excludes claims for antidumping and countervailing duties from the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to compromise Government claims. Amends the Trade Agreement Act of 1979 to require the ITC, in cases involving revocation of countervailing duties, not to base a negative determination of potential material injury on any export taxes, duties, or other charges levied on the export of merchandise to the United States specifically intended to offset the subsidy received. Directs the administering authority, upon being notified of a negative determination of potential material injury based upon clear and convincing evidence presented by any party seeking revocation, to revoke an existing countervailing duty order and refund the countervailing duties that had been collected. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit the ITC and the administering authority from reviewing a final determination in a countervailing or antidumping duty case or the suspension of an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation less than five years after publication of notice of that determination or suspension. Authorizes the administering authority, after review, to revoke a countervailing or antidumping duty order or to terminate a suspended investigation. Prohibits the administering authority from taking such actions unless, upon clear and convincing evidence presented by any party seeking revocation or termination of a suspended investigation: (1) the administering authority finds that it is substantially unlikely that subsidized sales or sales at less than fair value will be resumed; and (2) the ITC makes a negative determination of potential material injury to U.S. industries by imports covered by the order or investigation. Prohibits the administering authority from revoking a countervailing duty order or terminating a suspended investigation on the basis of any export taxes, duties, or other charges levied on exports to the United States specifically intended to offset the subsidy received. Prohibits the administering authority from revoking a countervailing or antidumping duty order or terminating a suspended investigation unless the affected foreign manufacturers, producers, or exporters give assurances that they shall not receives subsidies or make sales at less than fair value. Sets forth penalties for violations of such assurances. Requires the administering authority and the ITC to continue an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation if the administering authority, within 20 days of publication of the notice of suspension of an investigation, receives a request for continuation of the investigation from the petitioner. Changes the definition of "interested parties" to include: (1) a trade or business association at least ten percent of whose members manufacture, produce, or wholesale a like product in the United States; and (2) a coalition which includes one or more certified unions or recognized groups of workers associated with the production of a like product in the United States and one or more entities which manufacture, produce, or wholesale a like product in the United States. Changes the definition of "like product." Directs the administering authority to reimburse petitioners, upon request, for the costs of preparing an investigation petition and of participating in an investigation if the investigation results in the issuance of a countervailing or antidumping duty order or a suspension agreement. Requires the payments to be made out of an account which shall be established by the administering authority and into which all countervailing and antidumping duties shall be paid. Declares that there shall be no presumption for or against agency action in any civil proceeding arising under the antidumping or countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930. Permits the administering authority to extend the deadline for a final determination in a countervailing duty investigation to the date of its final determination in an antidumping duty investigation if an antidumping duty investigation is initiated simultaneously with the countervailing duty investigation. Adds definitions of "negative determination" and of "affirmative determination" with respect to antidumping and countervailing duty determinations. Authorizes the administering authority to suspend a countervailing duty investigation if the subsidizing government or the exporters who account for substantially all of the imports of the merchandise subject to the investigation agree: (1) to eliminate the subsidy program completely within six months, except that the administering authority shall not accept an agreement unless the suppression or undercutting of price levels of domestic products by imports of that merchandise will be prevented; or (2) to cease exports of that merchandise to the United States within six months. Authorizes the administering authority, for the purpose of determining the net subsidy, to subtract from the gross subsidy only the amount of: (1) any payment made to qualify for or to receive the benefit of the subsidy; and (2) any loss in the value of the subsidy resulting from its deferred receipt if the deferral is mandated by Government order. Changes the definition of "subsidy" to include a domestic subsidy provided directly or indirectly to a supplier of any input to the class or kind of merchandise imported into the United States. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to require the ITC to review countervailing duty orders, upon request, if the request is received before a countervailing duty petition is filed with the administration authority. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit designating a country as a country under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures until the country has committed itself under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to eliminate its export subsidies. Permits countries which are beneficiary developing countries under the Trade Act of 1974 to be designated as countries under the Agreement if, in lieu of such commitment such country agrees: (1) to phase out existing export subsidies within five years; (2) not to increase existing export subsidies, nor extend such subsidies to new merchandise, nor introduce new export subsidies; and (3) to eliminate within one year export subsidies on merchandise which the ITC determines is either produced by an import sensitive U.S. industry or already competitive in the U.S. market and would be competitive in the absence of export subsidies. Requires the President to review the status of and compliance with such agreements at least once during each 12-month period following the date on which the agreement becomes effective and upon the request of certain interested parties. Sets forth the effect of a finding by the President that a country designated as "a country under the Agreement" has not honored its commitments relating to eliminating subsidies. Requires that a countervailing duty order shall presumptively apply to all merchandise of the class of kind which have been determined to materially injure U.S. industries and which are exported from the country investigated, except that differing duties may be imposed if the administering authority determines that there is a significant differential between companies receiving subsidy benefits or if a State-owned enterprise is involved. Adds to the definition of "subsidy" specified programs and protections when used as part of a program to develop a significant export capability in a particular product sector. Requires that the foreign market value of the merchandise under investigation shall be the constructed value of the merchandise if the administering authority determines that the cost to the foreign producer of any foreign material incorporated in the merchandise under investigation is unreasonable. Requires that the cost of such preference or subsidy shall be included in the constructed value of the imported merchandise. Authorizes the administering authority to accept an agreement to restrict the volume of imports of merchandise into the United States (with either the government of the country where the merchandise which is being investigated is produced or with the exporters of such merchandise who account for substantially all the imports of such merchandise) if the agreement will eliminate completely the injurious effect of such imports. Authorizes the administering authority to prescribe regulations governing the entry or withdrawal from warehouse for consumption of merchandise covered by: (1) agreements to eliminate completely sales at less than fair value or to cease exports of merchandise; or (2) agreements to eliminate injurious effect. Requires the administering authority to have received the written consent of the petitioner before suspending an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation. Prohibits making an adjustment to the foreign market value of an import for specified differences in circumstances of sale or discounts. Requires the purchase price and exporter's sales price to be adjusted by being reduced by, among other costs, the costs relating to the circumstances of sale. Requires that "cost relating to" circumstances of sale rather than "differences in" circumstances of sale shall be taken into account if they cause a difference between the U.S. price and the foreign market value of the merchandise. Requires that the foreign market value of imported merchandise shall be the weighted average price of all sales or offers for sale of such merchandise subject to specified conditions. Prohibits the administering authority from using items selected by foreign manufacturers, producers, or exporters, or the U.S. importers of merchandise under investigation when the authority uses averaging or sampling techniques to determine the foreign market value of such merchandise. Revises the definition of sales at less than the costs of production to include sales through a related party if such sales are made below the cost of production including related party marketing costs. Requires such sales to be disregarded in determining foreign market value if they have been made over an extended period of time and in substantial quantities. (Current law requires that such sales, in order to be disregarded must also have been at prices which do not permit recovery of all costs within a reasonable period of time in the normal course of trade.) Includes within the definition of "exporter" for purposes of determining U.S. price, any person who owns or controls five percent (currently 20 percent) or more of the voting power or control in the business carried on by the person by whom or for whose account the merchandise is imported into the United States and also five percent (currently 20 percent) or more of such power or control in the business of the exporter, manufacturer, or producer. Requires that any differences between the U.S. price and the foreign market value of imported merchandise which are due to circumstances of sales shall reflect the actual selling expenses incurred by the purchasers in their markets. Repeals the provision for posting security in lieu of estimated antidumping duties pending an early determination of the antidumping duty. Authorizes the administering authority, upon request by an interested party, to negotiate settlement agreements the implementation of which shall be subject to the withdrawal of the petitions resulting in the antidumping or countervailing duty investigation. Provides for the enforcement of such agreements. Title II: Escape Clause - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize an entity which is representative of an industry (including an industry which produces parts irrevocably destined for incorporation in an article like or directly competitve with an imported article) to petition the ITC for import relief. Requires that the ITC, in determining whether increased imports of an article are causing or threatening serious injury to domestic industries, shall take into account whether the article under investigation is incorporated in an imported article. Deletes the provision which defines "substantial cause" for purposes of injury determination as a cause which is important and not less than any other cause. Requires that the ITC, whenever it has reason to believe that the increased imports are attributable to circumstances which come within the purview of other remedial provisions of law, shall promptly notify the appropriate agency and such agency shall initiate the appropriate action. Requires that an affirmative determination of serious injury under this title shall be considered to be an affirmative determination of material injury under other remedial provisions of law if the affirmative determination of serious injury has been made within 12 months of the date on which the petition was filed under the other statutes. Requires that the ITC, if it finds that a serious injury or the threat of a serious injury exists, shall, in order to prevent or remedy such injury: (1) find the amount of increase in or imposition of any duty; (2) determine a tariff rate quota on such article; (3) determine the quantitative import restriction on the import into the United States of such article; or (4) recommend any combination of such actions. Requires at least six months to elapse between investigations of import injury. Requires the ITC to determine, within 45 days of the filing of a petition, whether or not a reasonable indication that conditions for an affirmative finding of serious import injury exist if a petitioner alleges that imports of an article have increased by more than ten percent in volume or 20 percent relative to domestic production in the previous 12 months. Requires the Commissioner of Customs, if the ITC makes an affirmative determination of such indication, to order the suspension of liquidation of entry of such articles. Requires the suspension to continue until: (1) the ITC makes a negative determination of serious injury; or (2) import relief actions take effect. Requires an additional duty to be imposed on any article that is subject to a suspension of liquidation of entry if the ITC makes an affirmative determination of import injury. Deletes the provision authorizing the President to grant trade adjustment assistance instead of import relief to an industry which has been seriously injured by imports. Directs the President, if the President finds that it is in the national economic interest to provide import relief, to either place into effect the determination of the ITC or to negotiate one or more orderly marketing agreements pursuant to the ITC's determination. Requires the President, if the President determines that the import relief recommended by the ITC is not in the national economic interest and that there are alternatives which offset the injury to the same extent as the ITC's recommendations, to transmit to Congress a document setting forth: (1) such determination; (2) the reasons why the ITC's recommendation is not in the national economic interest; (3) other information with respect to the alternatives; and (4) proposed legislation to implement the President's recommendation. Provides for expedited consideration of the President's proposal in the Congress. Requires the President, within 31 days of the submission of such proposal to Congress to: (1) proclaim the actions recommended by the ITC if Congress does not enact the President's proposal; or (2) take the action recommended in the President's proposal. Requires that the import relief proclamation, if it provides for the imposition of or an increase in the rate of duty, shall also provide for periodic review and adjustment of the duty rate in order to maintain substantially the same amount of import relief that has been proclaimed. Requires that bilateral or multilateral orderly marketing agreements negotiated by the President shall limit the export from foreign countries and the import into the United States of articles subject to the import relief proclamation. Prohibits an orderly marketing agreement from becoming effective unless the ITC determines that it provides at least the same level and duration of import relief as found by the ITC to be necessary. Requires the President to proclaim the import relief found by the ITC if the ITC finds that the orderly marketing agreement does not provide the necessary import relief or if the ITC is evenly divided on the question. Requires the import relief to last for not less than five years and not more than ten years. (Current law terminates import relief after five years unless renewed.) Authorizes the import relief to be phased down during the period of such relief but only after the first three years have elapsed. Deletes the provisions providing for extension of import relief. Authorizes the President to reduce or terminate import relief but only after at least five years have elapsed. Requires at least one year to elapse between the end of a period of import relief with respect to an article and the beginning of a new investigation into import relief with respect to such article. (Current law requires two years to elapse between investigations.) Title III: Enforcement of United States Rights - Authorizes the administering authority, based upon information available to it or upon a petition filed with it, to initiate investigations relating to the enforcement of U.S. rights under trade agreements and relating to the U.S. response to certain unfair foreign trade practices. (Current law authorizes the President to begin such investigations.) Authorizes the administering authority to take specified steps to enforce such rights or to respond to the foreign trade practices. Declares that a foreign practice that denies fair and equitable market opportunities to U.S. goods or services or denies to U.S. businesses fair and equitable opportunities for the establishment of an enterprise shall be considered an unreasonable practice which burdens U.S. commerce. Declares that foreign industrial targeting of a specific sector or sectors of the economy shall be considered an unreasonable practice that burdens U.S. commerce. Requires the administering authority to take action if a foreign government has engaged in industrial targeting which causes or threatens to cause material injury to a U.S. industry or which materially retards the establishment of an industry in the United States. Authorizes any interested person to file a petition with the administering authority requesting action to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements and to respond to certain foreign trade practices. Requires the administering authority to review the sufficiency of the allegations of the petition within 20 days of its filing date. Requires the administering authority, if it finds that the petition provides the basis for action, to publish the petition and provide an opportunity for hearing. Requires the administering authority, if it finds no basis for action in the petition, to reject the petition and inform the petitioner of the reasons for the rejection. Deletes the provision requiring consultation with the affected foreign country regarding issues raised by the petition. Directs the administering authority to present questionnaires to the affected foreign governments and foreign enterprises to develop information about the allegations. Requires the administering authority to verify the information provided by such governments and enterprises and relied upon by the administering authority. Requires the final determination of the administering authority to be based upon the best information available if the foreign governments or entities do not respond to the questionnaires or if the responses cannot be verified. Requires the administering authority to issue a preliminary determination within five months of the initiation of the investigation. Requires the administering authority, if the preliminary determination is affirmative, to take specified actions on a provisional basis. Requires the administering authority to make a final determination within 11 months of the initiation of the investigation. Requires specified actions to be taken within 30 days if the final determination is affirmative. Requires the administering authority to consult closely with the petitioner on the nature of the action taken. Directs the administering authority to make confidential information submitted during an investigation available upon request. Prohibits disclosing customer names and the identity of market research organizations. Authorizes the administering authority, if the contracting parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) disapprove an action taken by the United States, to modify or terminate the action or take such other action as it deems appropriate to compensate an adversely affected foreign country. Defines "administering authority" to mean the U.S. Trade Representative or any other U.S. officer to whom the responsibilities of the administering authority under this title are transferred by law. Requires the administering authority to collect data on foreign nontariff trade barriers, foreign barriers to investment, and foreign government programs to promote particular industries. Requires the administering authority to report quarterly to Congress on the information collected. Provides for judicial review of determinations of the administering authority by the U.S. Court of International Trade. Requires the Court to hold unlawful any determination found to be unsupported by substantial evidence on the record or otherwise not in accordance with law. Title IV: Private Remedies - Amends the Revenue Act of 1916 to permit a civil suit against manufacturers, exporters, or importers of an article if: (1) the article is manufactured or produced in a foreign country and imported or sold within the United States at a price less than the foreign market value or constructed value of such article; (2) the importation or sales cause or threaten material injury to U.S. industry or labor or prevent the establishment or modernization of any industry in the United States; and (3) the person filing the suit is injured in business or property because of the importation or sale. Authorizes a plaintiff, if a defendant is found liable, to recover the costs of the action, damages for the injury sustained, or appropriate equitable relief. (Current law provides for criminal penalties and treble damages in civil suits.) Declares that the standard of proof in such actions is the preponderance of the evidence. Grants subpoena power to the district court involved in the case. Makes the District Director of the U.S. Customs Service for the port through which the article is commonly imported the agent of the manufacturer or exporter for service of process. Imposes a four year statute of limitation on such actions. Supends the running of the statute of limitation during certain administrative proceedings under the Tariff Act of 1930. Authorizes the court to enjoin further importation, sale, or distribution of the article or take any other action authorized by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure if the defendant fails to comply with court orders. Preserves the confidentiality of information used in such action. Requires such an action to be expedited in every way possible. Includes within the foreign market value or constructed value of the article any subsidy provided to the manufacturer, producer, or exporter of the article. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the provisions of this title are consistent with the GATT. Title V: Miscellaneous - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
Synthetic Fuels Corporation Fiscal Accountability Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Security Act to prohibit the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation from making new awards of financial assistance after the date of the enactment of this Act and before the date on which the Corporation's comprehensive strategy for achieving the national synthetic fuel production goal is approved by Congress. Makes limitations on Corporation construction projects effective upon the enactment of this Act rather than upon approval of the comprehensive strategy as provided under current law.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to revise the benefit levels of individuals becoming eligible for benefits in or after 1979 so that they are equal to the benefit levels of individuals who became eligible for benefits before 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
Children's Television Education Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require that every television broadcast station broadcast each Monday through Friday a minimum of one hour per day of programming specifically designed to enhance the education of children. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe regulations necessary to carry out such requirement. Requires that such regulations be initially prescribed within 180 days after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Commission, beginning four years after such enactment, and periodically thereafter, to review the effectiveness of such regulations and amend or supplement them as necessary. Permits such regulations to require a greater amount of broadcasting of children's educational television programing than the specified minimum required under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
National Organ Transplant Act - Title I: Amendment to Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make planning and operations grants for local organ procurement organizations. Sets forth eligibility criteria. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1989. Directs the Secretary to establish a private nonprofit United States Transplantation Network to provide a central registry linking donors and potential recipients. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health a National Center for Organ Transplantation to coordinate Federal organ transplantation activities; and (2) appoint an advisory council for such Center. Requires the Secretary to publish an annual organ transplantation report. Title II: Medicare and Medicaid Amendments - Amends the Social Security Act to permit Medicare organ transplantations at specified centers. Exempts organ procurement activities from specified cost limits. Requires States to develop written Medicaid payment polices for organ transplants. Requires State Medicaid plans to participate in any transplant program established under Medicare. Requires designated Medicare transplant centers to serve Medicaid patients. Title III: Prohibition of Organ Purchases - Prohibits the sale of human organs. Subjects violators to maximum penalties of $50,000 or five years in prison, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should urge the Japanese to extend the current voluntary auto export limits beyond March 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1983
Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to assist State governments in funding State established veterans' services programs which assist veterans with their benefits. Sets forth grant application procedures, including a description of the State plan for coordination of a State veterans' services assistance program with the programs of local veterans' service organizations. Requires a State plan to show that the delivery of services will be managed at the local level and that a State will increase the amount of matching funds it provides in each fiscal year through the third fiscal year of the grant. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to evaluate grant applications. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1983
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to: (1) double the maximum amount of the personal expense allowance provided for eligible individuals and eligible spouses who are in medical institutions; and (2) provide that subsequent annual increases in such amounts include cost of living adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the proposed United States Steel-British Steel purchase agreement is adverse to the interests of the United States, the steel industry, and U.S. steel workers; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce take action under existing laws, including the United States-European Community Steel arrangement, to determine if there are any violations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the transfer of ownership or management of any civil meteorological satellite system and associated ground system equipment to the private sector is not presently appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 to prohibit the provision changing the figure used in determining the hourly pay rates for Federal employees from taking effect before the effective date of the comparability increase in such pay rates for FY 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
Authorizes the Veterans Administration to furnish each veteran with a compensable service-connected disability such drugs and medicines as may be prescribed by any licensed physician for treatment of the service-connected disability.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
Designates the week beginning February 12, 1984, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to single parent youths.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
States that the United States: (1) condemns the Soviet destruction of Korean Air Lines flight 7; (2) calls for an explanation from the Soviets; (3) extends its sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and supports their rights to obtain reparations from the Soviets; (4) calls on the Soviets to assist in the recovery of the remains of the victims; (5) calls for an international investigation by the International Civil Aviation Organization; (6) declares its intention to demand that the Soviets modify their air defense procedures to assure the safety of commercial airliners; (7) finds that this incident will make it difficult for the U.S. and other nations to accept the Soviets as responsible members of the international community; and (8) urges our allies and other nations to cooperate with specified demands on the Soviets.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury should develop a method for printing currency in a manner which will make the denomination of such currency identifiable to an individual who is blind.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Wine Equity Act of 1983 - Requires the President to direct the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to negotiate the harmonization of tariff and nontariff barriers on wine with each designated major trading country. Requires negotiations with designated major trading countries which do not export wine to the United States in order to eliminate all tariff and nontariff trade barriers of such countries to the importation of U.S. wine. Requires the President to impose tariff and nontariff trade barriers equal or substantially equivalent to the barriers applied by a designated major trading country if such country does not provide harmonization to U.S. produced-wine with 180 days of the country's designation as a designated major trading country. Provides for removing such U.S. tariff and nontariff barriers. Requires the USTR to report to specified congressional committees at the beginning and end of each negotiation. Requires the USTR to consult with such committees to identify further tariff and nontariff barriers to and potential markets for U.S. wine. Provides for assistance for the USTR from other Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to provide a mandatory additional prison term of five years for any person who carries or uses, during a commission of a felony, armor-piercing bullets. Requires the court to not suspend any sentence, grant probation or parole, or impose concurrent sentences.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Women's Business Ownership Act of 1983 - Establishes the National Commission on Women's Business Ownership to review: (1) the status of women business owners nationwide; (2) the role of the Federal Government in aid to and the promotion of women business owners; and (3) data collection procedures with regard to women-owned businesses and Federal initiative and procurement. Directs the Commission to recommend: (1) new private sector initiatives regarding management and technical assistance to women business owners; (2) ways to create greater access to credit for women in business; and (3) ways to enhance procurement opportunities for women business owners. Terminates the Commission on the date that it transmits its final report to the President and to each House of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Directs the Small Business Administration to assign a break-out procurement center representative to each major procurement center to review and evaluate the procurement methods for military items and develop and implement appropriate changes based on these findings. Directs the Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of the Department of Defense to assign technical advisors to assist each break-out procurement center representative. Requires each major procurement center to submit quarterly reports to the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and the Comptroller General regarding the cost savings through the use of break-out procurement procedures. Authorizes the Inspector General of the Department of Defense to pay a cash award to employees of the two major procurement centers which achieve the greatest percentage of savings through the use of break-out procurement procedures. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress regarding break-out procurement procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Provides for reimbursement of travel expenses of certain presidential appointees. Increases the number of pounds of household goods and personal effects which Federal agencies are authorized to pay for moving in connection with the transfer or reassignment of an employee. Requires that Federal regulations relating to moving expenses for Federal employees shall provide that the reassignment or transfer of an employee for permanent duty outside the employee's commuting area shall take effect only after the employee has been given a reasonable period of advance notice. Provides for payment of living expenses to such Federal employees for 60 (currently 30) days while they are occupying temporary quarters. Permits extending such payments for an additional 60 days if the head of the agency concerned determines that there are compelling reasons for the continued occupancy of temporary quarters. Limits reimbursement in connection with the sale of an employee's residence to 10 percent of the sale price or $15,000 whichever is less. Limits reimbursement in connection with the purchase of a new residence to 5 percent of the purchase price or $7,500 whichever is less. Links increases in such amounts to the Consumer Price Index. Provides for reimbursement of: (1) Federal, State, and city income taxes incurred by an employee for moving or storage expenses; and (2) income taxes incurred due to the reimbursement of such taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
White House Conference on the Homeless and the Hungry Act - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on the Homeless and the Hungry to develop recommendations and stimulate a national assessment of the problem of hunger and homelessness in the United States. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the planning and conduct of the Conference. Directs Conference participants to give special consideration to: (1) providing long-range planning to ensure appropriate shelter and nutrition for all needy families; (2) accelerating the availability of emergency community food and shelter facilities; (3) exploring ways of using Government surplus food for the hungry; (4) encouraging States to exchange information on available services and issues of mutual concern; (5) providing incentives for private developers and criteria to rehabilitate abandoned housing; and (6) improving data collection activities. Directs the Conference to submit its final report to the President within 120 days of its formation. Requires the report's findings and recommendations to be made available to the public. Requires the President to transmit recommendations for implementing the report's recommendations to Congress within 120 days after receiving such report.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Urges the Secretary of Education to postpone further action on the reorganization of certain programs in the Department of Education until a study by the General Accounting Office determines that such reorganization would not reduce the ability of the Department to achieve the goals intended by Congress when it authorized the affected programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1983
Entitles an inspector for the Immigration and Naturalization Service or the United States Customs Service to a civil service annuity after such inspector reaches age 50 and completes 20 years of combined service as an inspector, Federal fire fighter, or Federal law enforcement officer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1983
Establishes the Kamehameha National Monument in Hawaii. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to provide facilities to commemorate the historical significance of the monument. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that nursing care and home health aid services may be provided on a daily basis as home health services for up to 90 days with monthly physician certification of the need for such services, and after the 90 day period, on a physician certification of exceptional circumstances. Limits to 20 the number of home health service visits covered under Medicare in the case of individuals who were furnished certain home health services but continue to need nursing care or the services of a home health aide.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1983
Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to give equal weight in making oil and gas leasing decisions to the potential for environmental damage, potential for the discovery of oil and gas, and the potential for adverse impact on the coastal zone. (Currently, the Secretary is to strike the proper balance between the three.) Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to require the use of the best available and safest technologies and operating procedures on all new drilling and production operations and, wherever practicable, on existing operations wherever failure of equipment or procedures would have significant effect on safety, health, or the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1983
Sales Representation Contractual Relations Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth findings and definitions. Title II: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Subjects a principal to an indemnification action by a sales representative where a written contract exists between them under which the sales representative solicits orders from accounts and prospective accounts for the merchandise of the principal. Enumerates items to be included in any such written contract in order to conform with this Act. Title III: Indemnification - Exempts a principal from any indemnification action brought under this Act where: (1) a contract exists between the principal and sales representative which meets the requirements of Title I; or (2) the conduct of the principal for which indemnification is sought occurred before the sales representative had solicited orders on behalf of the principal for a period of 18 months. Permits a sales representative to bring an action for indemnification against a principal in any U.S. district court or State court where the principal: (1) terminates, without good cause, a sales representative from the assignment to solicit orders; or (2) reduces the size of any geographical territory assigned, the rate of commission paid, or the number of accounts assigned to a sales representative. Sets forth a formula for the computation of the amount of indemnification a principal shall pay in such an action. Provides that in an indemnification brought under this Act, the burden of proof shall be placed on the principal to show that the termination or reduction was for good cause if the sales representative presents certain evidence.
![Official portrait of Rep. Dwyer, Bernard J. [D-NJ-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000586_200.jpg)