United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Anatoly Shcharansky should be released from prison and permitted to emigrate. Urges continued expression of U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Maritime Services Financial Responsibility Act of 1983 - Requires owners of vessels engaged in foreign commerce and using the ports or navigable waters of the United States to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility to meet claims in connection with maritime services. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse clearance to such vessels which upon request do not have certification from the Federal Maritime Commission of compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to deny entry to, or detain at, any port or place in the United States any vessel which does not comply with provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
National Heritage Resource Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow creators of artistic properties an income tax deduction for the current fair market value of literary, musical, or artistic compositions which they contribute to charitable organizations. Requires: (1) that the artistic property be created by the taxpayer at least one year prior to the time of such contribution; (2) that the fair market value of such property be appraised within one year of the date of contribution; and (3) that the donee of such property show that the use of the property will be related to the charitable purpose or function of his organization. Denies a fair market value deduction for contributions of any letter, memorandum, or similar property produced by a Federal or State employee which arose out of the performance of such employee's official duties. Exempts such fair market value deduction from the application of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Equal Access to Voting Rights Act - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate guidelines to assure that registration and polling place facilities used for Federal elections are readily accessible to handicapped and elderly individuals. Sets forth minimum requirements for these guidelines. Requires States to make available registration and voting aids for handicapped and elderly individuals in Federal elections. Authorizes the Attorney General and aggrieved persons to bring actions in Federal court to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Competitive Shipping and Shipbuilding Act of 1983 - Requires that, by 1984, five percent of all bulk cargoes imported into or exported from the United States by water be carried on U.S.-flag ships. Requires yearly one percent increases until the percentage of bulk cargoes carried on U.S.-flag ships reaches 20 percent. Provides for credit to importers and exporters for the use of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes between foreign ports. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide relief from the requirements of this Act upon a finding that U.S.-flag ships are not available within guideline rates. Sets forth factors which the Secretary shall consider in determining the extent of relief granted. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish guideline rates for the carriage of bulk cargoes subject to this Act. Requires the Secretary to assure that such rates take into account certain objectives. Requires the Secretary, in order to establish guideline rates, to estimate the current cost of operating U.S.-flag ships in the foreign bulk trades of the United States and of constructing such ships. Requires such cost estimates to be published within six months after enactment of this Act. Requires such estimates to be revised annually. Requires that such rates: (1) be reviewed and adjusted at least annually; (2) not reflect costs greater than the estimated current costs; and (3) be the maximum rates which may be charged for the charter of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes governed by this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish interim guideline rates in the first calendar year following the enactment of this Act. Sets forth factors to be taken into account in determining such rates. Requires the Secretary to appoint and consult with an advisory committee to establish and review U.S.-flag ship operating costs, shipyard construction costs, guideline rates, and regulations. Requires anyone engaged in importing or exporting bulk commodities in U.S. foreign commerce whose business volume exceeds $1,000,000 annually to report to the Secretary on the percentages of such person's exports and imports carried on U.S. flag ships. Requires anyone who fails to transport the required percentage of U.S. bulk cargoes to use exclusively U.S. flag ships until the deficiency has been recouped, unless Secretarial relief has been granted. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth procedures for the investigation, prosecution, and judicial review of violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for taking or attempting to take property by force, violence, or intimidation from either a pharmacy or a person registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Increases the penalties if any person's life is endangered by use of a dangerous weapon or if any person is assaulted or killed during the commission of such offense. Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Housing Finance Opportunity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to permit the continued issuance of tax-exempt (interest excluded from gross income) mortgage revenue bonds after December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 100,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Establishes penalties for a vehicle manufacturer who fails to meet the minimum domestic content ratio. Directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and prepare a written report regarding policies and practices of vehicle manufacturers used to persuade U.S. motor vehicle dealers to favor foreign made parts rather than domestically produced parts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to exempt from the termination provisions of such Act provisions relating to the export of domestically produced crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that funding for community service employment programs for senior citizens under title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 for FY 1984 and subsequent fiscal years should be provided at levels sufficient to maintain or increase the number of employment positions provided under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Increases the Federal share payable under the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program from 80 percent to 90 percent. Applies such increase to construction begun after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Consumer Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1933 - Amends the Bankruptcy Code to prohibit any individual who has been a debtor in a bankruptcy case pending at any time in the preceding 180 days from being a debtor if: (1) the case was dismissed for willful failure to abide by court orders; or (2) the debtor requested and obtained the voluntary dismissal of the case following the filing of a request for relief from the automatic stay. Requires the debtor, within 30 days of filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 (liquidation), to give each secured creditor and the trustee a statement showing whether the debtor intends to retain or surrender the collateral, claim it as exempt, redeem it, or reaffirm debts secured by it. Sets a total exemption limit of $4,000 on personal and household items, of which each is valued at under $200. Requires debtors in a joint bankruptcy to choose either State or Federal exemptions. Makes nondischargeable any debts aggregating more than $500 incurred within 45 days of filing for bankruptcy. Declares that a debtor is able to repay a debt voluntarily. Prohibits private employers from terminating employees or discriminating against potential employees because of bankruptcy. Prohibits a trustee in bankruptcy from nullifying pre-petition payments made by a debtor to a creditor if the amount is: (1) less than $250 in a personal bankruptcy; or (2)less than $750 in a business bankruptcy. Prohibits approval of a repayment plan under Chapter 13 bankruptcies (repayment plan) if the holder of an allowed unsecured claim objects to the confirmation of the plan, unless: (1) the value of the property to be distributed under the plan on account of such claim is not less than the amount of such claim; or (2) the plan provides that all of the debtor's projected disposable income for the three-year period beginning on the date that the first payment is due under the plan will be applied to make such payments. Defines the term 'disposable income' for the purposes of the repayment plan. Requires the debtor to begin making payments to the trustee within 30 days after filing a repayment plan (currently payments do not begin until the plan is confirmed). Requires the trustee to hold such payments until a plan is confirmed or denied. Permits the debtor, unsecured creditors, or the trustee to request a modification of the repayment plan if the debtor's disposable income has changed substantially.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for using or attempting to use certain computers with intent to defraud, obtain property by false pretenses, embezzle, steal, or knowingly convert the property of another. Limits the kinds of computers covered by this Act to those operating in interstate commerce, or operating on behalf of the Federal Government or of a financial institution (where the prohibited conduct directly affects the computer operation). Specifies factors which Federal law enforcement officers must consider in determining whether to exercise jurisdiction over such offense, where concurrent jurisdiction exists with a State or local government. Directs the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the extent of the exercise of such Federal jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit the employment of any blind person, or person with impaired sight, at less than the applicable minimum wage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Amends the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 to delay the effective date of provisions requiring the withholding of tax on interest and dividends until 1984. Repeals provisions authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to delay the application of such provisions for certain payors.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $25,000 to $100,000 the allowable amount of the income tax tax deduction for eliminating architectural and transportation barriers for the handicapped and aged. Makes such tax deduction permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Federal nutrition programs, including the food stamp, child nutrition, and elderly feeding programs, should be protected from budget cuts; (2) the WIC (supplemental food program for women, infants, and children) should continue to be fully funded; and (3) the Federal Government should maintain primary responsibility for nutrition programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant posthumous U.S. citizenship to any alien who died while serving on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of hostilities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit the employment of any blind person, or person with impaired sight, at less than the applicable minimum wage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require Federal agencies which are about to dispose of surplus real property suitable for agricultural use to offer such property for sale to the individual who transferred such property to the agency or to the individual who leased such property from the agency for a specified period, provided that the individual had used such property for agricultural purposes. Requires the deed of conveyance of any property sold under this Act to provide that the property shall revert to the United States if it is not used and maintained for agricultural purposes for at least 15 years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit prayer in public schools or institutions. States that no person shall be required by the United States or any State to participate in prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
American Defense Education Act - Authorizes a national program to provide incentives to local educational agencies to improve: (1) instruction in mathematics, science, communication skills, foreign languages, and technology; and (2) guidance and counseling. Title I: Elementary and Secondary Education Programs - Requires local education agencies which desire to participate in such national program to develop and carry out a program of improvement of instruction and student achievement. Sets forth requirements for such programs. Entitles participating local educational agencies to receive basic payments for each fiscal year equal to two percent of an established payment rate multiplied by the average daily attendance. Entitles agencies which show substantial evidence of meeting program goals to an incentive payment equal to an additional two percent of the established payment rate multiplied by the average daily attendance. Sets forth a formula for establishing such payment rate. Sets forth requirements for applications for payments. Directs the Secretary of Education ("the Secretary") to approve applications which meet such requirements. Sets forth provisions for participation in such program by children enrolled in private schools. Title II: Teacher Training and Postsecondary Programs - Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program of grants to institutions of higher education for coordination between such institutions and local education agencies in improving science and mathematics education, through precollege teacher training, development, and recruitment programs. Sets forth requirements for grant proposals and priorities in grant selection. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 for such grants. Title III: Research to Improve Instruction - Directs the Secretary to administer, through the National Institute of Education (NIE), in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, a program to support research and development into effective education in mathematics, the sciences, foreign languages, and technology. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education to be made available to NIE to carry out such educational research program for FY 1985 through 1987. Title IV: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary to administer the program and to pay each local educational agency with an approved application the amount to which it is entitled for each fiscal year. Provides for a joint survey and report to Congress by the Secretaries of Defense and Education, for each year from 1983 through 1987, on the academic achievement levels of U.S. 18-year-olds and the personnel training and educational needs of the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Declares it to be the policy of the Government that: (1) Federal procurement should be accomplished on a competitive basis wherever possible through the General Services Administration (GSA); (2) the use of multiple award schedules should be restricted to cases where competitive single awards are not feasible, sales volume justifies centralized procurement, and a valid need exists for functionally similar items with different prices and features; and (3) where the volume of products purchased is too low to provide a price advantage and commercial "off-the-shelf" products can be substituted for products designed to Government specifications, individual agencies should purchase items locally subject to review by GSA. Directs the Administrator of GSA to implement such policy, the recommendations on procurement contained in the Comptroller General's report of May 2, 1979, and the policy statement prepared by the Office of Acquisition Policy in response to such report. Directs the Administrator, within 60 days after enactment, to issue transitional regulations governing purchases from any multiple award schedule. Requires that such regulations: (1) include the requirement that whenever any agency procurement officer or employee determines that an item in such a schedule is available from a commercial source in the area at a lower cost and under conditions which are no less favorable to the Government than is the case under the schedule, the item shall be purchased from that source; and (2) establish procedures for the audit and review of any such purchase and the enforcement of such regulations by GSA. Repeals such regulations on the effective date of the regulations which are issued to implement the procurement policy declared by this Act and which apply to any item on a multiple award schedule. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress periodic reports on actions taken, and legislation needed, to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prorate the heavy trucks highway use tax where a truck is used on public highways more than 5,000 miles, but not more than 10,000 miles.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Biennial Budgeting Act of 1983 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish a two-year cycle for the presidential and congressional budget process. Requires each standing committee of Congress to review the laws and programs under its jurisdiction every other year and to consider the desirability of new legislation in such areas. Requires separate consideration for authorizing legislation, budget resolutions, and appropriation bills.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress a gold medal to Danny Thomas in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and outstanding work as an American. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions to be determined by said Secretary. Provides, effective October 1, 1983, funds not to exceed $22,000 to carry out the purposes of the Act. Provides that the Secretary may cause bronze duplicates of the medal to be coined and sold under regulations prescribed by the Secretary at a price sufficient to cover the costs of producing the gold medal. Directs that the appropriation used to carry out the provisions of the Act shall be reimbursed out of the proceeds from such coin sales. Provides that the medals are to be national medals.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Federal Employees Health Benefits Reform Act of 1983 - Increases the amount of the Government's contribution for an employee enrolled in an employee health benefits plan from 60 to 75 percent of the average subscription charge for such plan. Increases the maximum Government contribution for an enrollee from 75 to 100 percent of such subscription charge. Requires payment of a Government differential equal to five percent of the average subscription charge, in addition to the Government's contribution, for any enrollee who is over 65 years of age and not entitled to medicare benefits. Excludes such differential in determining the amount to be paid by the enrollee. Permits the following persons to elect to continue coverage under a Federal employees' health benefits plan for a specified period: (1) an employee who is involuntarily separated from the civil service due to a reduction in force; (2) the spouse of an enrollee whose marriage is dissolved by divorce or annulment, if the enrollee was enrolled for self and family; (3) an individual who elects to receive the lump-sum credit for civil service retirement benefits; and (4) an individual 22 years of age or older whose enrollment was based on such individual's being an unmarried child who was incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability which existed and did not terminate before the individual attained the age of 22. Requires such persons who elect to continue coverage to pay into the Employees Health Benefits Fund an amount equal to the sum of employee and agency contributions paid for the same level of benefits. Allows such a person to: (1) change to a lower level of benefits; (2) change coverage within 60 days after a change in family status; and (3) transfer enrollment to another plan under conditions prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Provides a temporary extension of coverage to allow persons who elected not to continue coverage or whose continued coverage is terminated to convert to a nongroup contract providing health benefits. Allows annuitants whose annuity is less than the amount required to be withheld for enrollment in a health benefits plan to pay the amount of any deficiency required for enrollment. Requires contracts for employee organization plans to require carriers to: (1) reinsure with other participating companies; (2) enter into an agreement approved by OPM with an underwriting subcontractor licensed to issue group health insurance in all States and the District of Columbia; and (3) meet minimum financial standards prescribed by OPM. Requires the service benefit plan and the indemnity benefit plan to provide, in addition to all currently authorized benefits: (1) nervous and mental disorder benefits; (2) alcoholism and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation benefits; and (3) comprehensive dental benefits. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for any service benefit, indemnity benefit, or employee organization plan which does not provide for 50 outpatient visits and 60 inpatient days of nervous and mental disorder benefits and two 28-day alcoholism treatment and rehabilitation benefits. Requires any limits on nervous and mental disorder benefits to be exceeded on a case by case basis only to the extent that a peer review mechanism determines such treatment to be necessary. Requires 80 percent of such excessive benefit claims to be paid from the balance of one percent of all contributions to the Employees Health Benefits Fund remaining after the expenses of administering provisions governing Federal employees health benefit plans are paid. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract with a carrier for any health benefits plan which does not provide 95 percent of the benefits that such plan or the most similar plan provided during the preceding year, unless the carrier and the OPM mutually agree to waive such requirement. Directs the OPM to: (1) provide a three week period during which enrollees in health benefits plans may change or cancel their enrollments before any contract term in which the rates or benefits of a plan will change, a new plan will be offered, or an existing plan will be terminated; and (2) make available to such enrollees information on such plans at least four weeks before such open enrollment period. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for a health benefits plan which excludes anyone because of nonactive employee status. Eliminates the requirement that the group of physicians under a group-practice prepayment plan include physicians representing at least three major medical specialties.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
National Education and Economic Development Act of 1983 - Provides for Federal assistance for improved elementary and secondary school programs in mathematics, science, technology, and foreign languages. Title I: Funding - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988. Directs the Secretary of Education ("the Secretary") to reserve from such appropriations: (1) not more than ten percent for specified programs of national significance under title IV of this Act; and (2) one percent for allocation to specified territories and possessions in accordance with their respective needs and to the Secretary of the Interior for schools operated for Indian children. Directs the Secretary to make allocations to States from the remaining funds, based on the relative numbers of children aged five through 17. Title II: Local School District Programs - Directs the State educational agency to distribute the State allocation among local educational agencies which have filed specified plans, based on the relative numbers of children aged five through 17. Permits local agencies to combine to operate joint programs. Permits the State agency to reserve up to five percent of the State allocation for State programs and administration. Provides that local agencies shall receive such grants if they have comprehensive plans covering up to three-year periods on file with the State agency. Requires the school board of the local agency to approve such plan and to certify that State agency comments were given due consideration. Requires that the size and scope of the program contained in the plan involve a total expenditure in excess of $25,000 from Federal, State, and local resources. Sets forth requirements for comprehensive plan contents. Requires local agencies to use such funds for one or more of the following programs and activities: (1) acquisition of technological equipment, including microcomputers and cable television; (2) acquisition, development, and use of educational software programs in mathematics, science, technology, and foreign languages; (3) inservice personnel training in the use of technological hardware and software and in upgrading and modernizing content and methods in such course areas and technology career awareness; (4) payment of bonuses, fees, and other arrangements with employees or consultants for attracting and retaining qualified teachers in such course areas; (5) establishing cooperative programs with local businesses, universities, libraries, museums, and other institutions and organizations to use equipment, software, and personnel to enrich, expand, and modernize school district offerings and career awareness activities in such areas; (6) informational activities to assist administrators and school board members in the selection and evaluation of equipment and activities; (7) promotion of student interest and assessment of student achievement in such course areas; (8) programs for children with special needs; (9) construction and remodeling of facilities; and (10) program monitoring, planning, evaluation, and management. Sets forth provisions relating to program participation of children enrolled in private schools. Title III: State Programs and Administration - Requires States, in order to receive funds under this Act, to file with the Secretary a State plan for a period not to exceed three years submitted by the State educational agency. Sets forth requirements for such plan. Directs State educational agencies to review and, if necessary, comment on any local plan, in order to determine consistency with Federal requirements and to propose improvements. Directs the State agency to make payments to local agencies within a specified period. Provides for withholding of payments until the local agency certifies that State comments were fully considered. Directs the State agency to monitor the local agency activities and to require such recordkeeping as the Secretary considers necessary to meet audit and evaluation responsibilities under this Act. Permits State's to impose requirements applicable to projects and programs assisted under this Act, if such requirements do not conflict with Federal law. Requires the State agency to spend at least 60 percent of sums reserved for State programs and administration for one or more of the following purposes: (1) research in curriculum, materials, and teacher improvement in courses involving mathematics, science, technology, and foreign languages; (2) evaluation of technological hardware and software; (3) experimental and pilot programs to test the effectiveness of curriculum innovations, new technologies in education, and coordination activities between local agencies and other organizations; (4) technical assistance; (5) programs to promote student interest; (6) examining the relationship of market place needs for persons in such course areas and the preparation of students for careers in those areas or enrollment in higher education courses leading to such careers; (7) programs involving resources of outside entities to assist State and local educational officials in such activities; and (8) dissemination of information on such activities. Permits such funds to be used for grants and contracts with public and nonprofit private agencies and institutions. Requires States, in order to receive payments under this Act, to establish State advisory councils. Sets forth requirements for the appointment of State council members. Sets forth the duties of the State council, including program review and recommendations. Requires the State council to report annually to the Secretary and the National Advisory Council. Sets forth provisions for State council meetings. Directs the State agency to pay not more than 20 percent of the sum reserved for State programs and administration to the State council. Provides that the State council is to determine the expenditure of such funds. Authorizes the State agency to pay administrative expenses under this Act, using up to 20 percent of its reserved sum or $75,000, whichever is greater (with the Secretary paying the excess, if any, from amounts reserved for national programs). Title IV: Programs of National Significance - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and contracts with institutions of higher education (and consortia), regional laboratories and centers, State and local educational agencies, and other educational organizations and institutions, for: (1) determining hardware technology developments applicable for classroom use; (2) experiments with and assessments of educational benefits of hardware and software approaches; (3) assessment of national progress in elementary and secondary mathematics, science, technology, and foreign language programs; and (4) specified exemplary, pilot, and dissemination programs. Directs the Secretary, from sums reserved for such purpose, to pay the Secretary of the Interior for programs at schools operated for Indian children, pursuant to specified agreements. Directs the Secretary, beginning in FY 1985, to make an annual report to the President and Congress on specified matters relating to purposes and programs under this Act. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Education and Technology. Sets forth requirements for appointment of national council members. Sets forth national council duties, including program review and evaluation. Directs the national council to advise the President, the Congress, and the Secretary through annual reports and other means as to its findings, activities, and recommendations. Directs the Secretary to allocate a specified minimum amount for national council purposes. Directs the Secretary to review and, if necessary, comment on State plans, in order to determine consistency with Federal requirements and to propose recommendations. Directs the Secretary to make specific payments, as soon as possible, to any State whose State plan is not inconsistent with Federal requirements. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions relating to withholding of payments to States by the Secretary and to judicial review of such withholding. Provides that all but specified provisions of the General Educational Provisions Act shall apply to programs under this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to availability of appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Natural Gas Marketing Act of 1983 - Provides that whenever a gas distributing company, State commission, municipality, or State files a complaint under the Natural Gas Act alleging that any rate proposed to be charged by a natural gas company is not just and reasonable, and certifies that such proposed rate results in a retail price for natural gas that is in excess of the prices of a competing fuel available to existing retail customers served by any of the natural gas company's wholesale customers, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) shall set the matter for hearing and decision. Suspends any rate increase until issuance of a final appealable order upon completion of the hearing. Places the burden of proof on the natural gas company. Directs FERC to prescribe an adjustment in the natural gas company's rates if the company does not discharge its burden of proof.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Strategic Trade Act of 1983 - Declares the policy of the United States with respect to export controls on strategic goods and technology. Establishes a National Security Control Agency within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy to assist in carrying out the national security export control policy responsibilities of the Secretary of Defense. Requires the Secretary to appoint the Director of the Agency who shall act as the Defense Department representative to the Interagency Advisory Committee for Export Policy. Sets forth as the principal divisions of the Agency the: (1) Operations Division; (2) Compliance Division; (3) COCOM Division, which shall carry out functions relating to the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM); (4) Licensing Division; and (5) Legal Affairs and Congressional Relations Division. Authorizes the President to delegate the authority conferred on the President by this Act. Authorizes the President, in order to carry out the national security export control policy, to impose export controls on any goods or technology subject to U.S. jurisdiction or exported by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Grants the Director the right to review any export application for national security reasons. Requires the Director to notify the licensing authority whenever the Director requires any revision with respect to any goods or technology, or with respect to the countries or destinations affected by national security export controls. Requires the Director to notify the licensing authority whenever the Directory denies an export license for national security reasons. Requires the Director, in requesting regulations to carry out national security controls, to emphasize: (1) safeguards to prevent a country that poses a threat to U.S. security from diverting covered goods and technologies to military use; and (2) the need to prevent the reexport of such goods and technologies to countries that pose a threat to U.S. security. Declares that U.S. policy toward individual countries shall not be determined solely on the basis of a country's communist or noncommunist status. Sets forth other factors to be considered. Directs the President to review controls maintained cooperatively with other nations, at least once every three years. Directs the President to review other controls annually. Requires the Director to establish and maintain a national security control list as a part of the commodity control list. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Director, to review and revise the national security control list to insure that export controls cover and control such goods and technologies and the mechanisms through which they may be effectively transferred. Makes the Secretary primarily responsible for including in the national security control list certain militarily critical technologies. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on actions taken with respect to such list. Declares that a qualified general license may be required instead of a validated license for the export of goods or technology subject to national security controls except where: (1) the export of such goods or technology is restricted pursuant to a multilateral agreement which requires the approval of the parties to the agreement; or (2) the United States is seeking the agreement of other suppliers to apply comparable controls and a validated license is necessary in the Director's judgement until such agreement is reached. Requires the Director to review the foreign availability of any goods or technology the export of which requires a validated license. Requires a finding of foreign availability to be based on reliable evidence (uncorroborated representations by license applicants are not sufficient). Declares that a technology or goods subject to national security export controls which is not possessed by a nation or combination of nations threatening to national security may not be deemed to be available from foreign sources until the Secretary of State verifies that negotiations with the foreign sources have been undertaken and have failed. Directs the President to negotiate with governments of countries possessing such technologies or goods to prevent them from becoming available to hostile countries. Requires the Director to establish within the Agency a capability to monitor the foreign availability of goods or technology subject to export controls under this Act. Requires other Federal agencies responsible for export controls and the National Security Control Agency to furnish information concerning foreign availability of such goods and technology to each other, if specified conditions are met. Authorizes the Director to appoint technical advisory committees to advise and assist the Director in carrying out the national security export control policy. Directs the President to enter into negotiations with the government participating in the group known as the Coordinating Committee to reach agreements: (1) to publish a list of items controlled for export by agreement of the Committee; (2) to hold periodic meetings to discuss export control policy issues; and (3) on more effective enforcement procedures. Requires U.S. nongovernmental entities which enter into a commercial agreement with the government of a foreign country to which exports are restricted for national security purposes to report the agreement to the Director. Directs the Secretary of State to negotiate with other countries regarding their cooperation in restricting the export of goods and technology. Requires the Director to work with enforcement agencies to ensure: (1) the denial of all further exports to any party or parties responsible for the diversion of U.S. exports to unauthorized uses, regardless of whether such goods or technology are available from sources outside the United States; and (2) that other appropriate steps are taken to deter further use of the previously exported goods or technology. Requires the Director to take such action when there is reliable evidence that goods or technology which were exported subject to national security controls have been diverted to an unauthorized use and/or consignee in violation of an export license. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to refer export applications to the Director when the Director finds that it is necessary to review an application. Requires the Secretary to review only those applications where the Director has recommended that the request for export be denied or approved subject to specified conditions. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the head of any department or agency exercising any function under this Act to suspend the authority of any person to export or import any or all goods or technology and to order the seizure of any goods or technology intended for export in violation of the suspension if, during an enforcement investigation, the agency finds that there is reason to believe there is a violation of this Act. Requires that the Secretary of the Treasury be notified of such suspension. Requires property which is the subject of a violation of this Act to be subject to forfeiture to the U.S. Government whether or not it is within the jurisdictional boundaries of the United States. Sets forth the powers of agencies to investigate possible violations of this Act. Sets forth the jurisdiction of the courts, the duties of the U.S. Attorneys, and other judicial procedures. Provides for protecting the confidentiality of information submitted in compliance with this Act. Requires the Director to try to simplify regulations issued under this Act and the commodity control list. Exempts the functions exercised under this Act from certain provisions relating to administrative procedure and judicial review. Expresses the intent of the Congress that there be public participation in the formation of regulations issued under this Act. Requires the President to coordinate the authority granted to the President under this Act with the authority provided for the control of arms exports under the Arms Export Control Act. Makes certain civil aircraft equipment which is to be exported to a country other than a controlled country subject to export controls exclusively under this Act and the Export Administration Act of 1979. Requires authorizing legislation before any appropriation can be made to the Commerce Department for expenses to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Defense Department to carry out this Act for each of FY 1984 and 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Repeals specified provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 which for FY 1983 through 1985: (1) reduce and delay cost of living increases in annuities and retired or retainer pay based on Government service; and (2) reduce, in relation to the amount of such increases, the pay of members and former members of the uniformed services holding Federal civilian positions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to increase the maximum daily benefit for unemployment and sickness for registration periods after June 30, 1983. Increases the monthly amount to be taken into account as employee remuneration in determining the number of benefit days for which an employee is entitled. Redefines periods of high unemployment as three consecutive months of railroad unemployment at five percent or more. Increases employer and employee representative contributions to the railroad unemployment insurance account after March 31, 1983. Decreases from .5 percent to .25 percent the amount of unemployment contributions which shall be deposited in the railroad unemployment insurance administration fund. Repeals the Railroad Retirement Board's authority to transfer funds from the Railroad Retirement Account to the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Account.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during which such individual has such illness.