United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1983
Veterans Disability Compensation Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Veterans Disability Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for such veterans' dependents, and the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and for children as well as the rates of supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for children. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes an exception to the commencement of period of payment rule for an increased award of compensation by reason of a temporary increase in compensation for hospitalization or treatment of a veteran (thus making such temporary increase payable before the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the increase become effective). Amends the Veterans' Compensation, Education, and Employment Amendments of 1982 to revise the effective dates respecting Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) coverage for deaths and disabilities incurred before and after FY 1982. Includes certain adopted children within the definition of child for veterans' benefits purposes. Decreases to ten percent disabling the degree of deafness a veteran suffering from service- connected total blindness must be rated to qualify for additional disability compensation. Reduces from 40 percent to 30 percent disabling the degree of deafness a veteran suffering from service-connected blindness with 5/200 visual acuity or less must be rated to qualify for such additional compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1983
Increases the maximum number of associate members of the Board of Veterans Appeals from 50 to 65. Permits the Chairman to designate a temporary member. Limits such designees to one per section of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1983
Veterans' Housing Benefits Amendments of 1983 - Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to make advances to the holder of a veteran's primary mortgage when such veteran: (1) is living in the dwelling concerned; (2) is unemployed or suffered a substantial reduction in household income; (3) is at least six months delinquent in payments; and (4) has a reasonable prospect of being able to resume full payments within six months. Sets limits on the amount of assistance which may be advanced. Requires the veteran to repay the advance with interest at the rate specified by the Administrator for veterans' guaranteed loans within 48 months. Makes the Administrator's decisions regarding advances final and nonreviewable. Terminates the advance program after two years. Authorizes the Administrator to make guaranteed loans to eligible veterans for manufactured homes permanently affixed to a lot. Permits the Administrator to exclude from the computation of a veteran's aggregate guaranty or insurance entitlement any amount taken over by any veteran-transferee, not just an immediate veteran-transferee, who consents to use his own entitlement. Extends by five years, through FY 1989, the Administrator's grants to States to assist in the establishment or improvement of State veterans' cemeteries. Authorizes the Administrator to make contributions to local authorities for the construction of traffic controls or other improvements or devices necessary for safe ingress to or egress from a national cemetery.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Veterans Administration Health Programs Amendments of 1983 - Extends by three years, from FY 1984 to FY 1987, the period during which Vietnam-era veterans may request psychological readjustment counseling from the Veterans Administration. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to conduct a comprehensive study of the readjustment of Vietnam-era veterans to civilian life. Requires that such study include a nationwide survey of the prevalence and incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder and related readjustment problems among such veterans and a survey of their health status in relation to that of the general population. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such study by December 31, 1985. Increases the amount of reimbursement which the Administrator shall pay to a State for furnishing domiciliary, hospital, or nursing home care to eligible veterans who receive such care in State facilities. Directs the Administrator to report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees every three years on the appropriate rates for payments. Extends from FY 1983 to 1984 the authority of the Administrator to contract for hospital care or medical services in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands without reference to patient loads or incidence of provision of medical services for veterans treated by the Veterans Administration in the contiguous 48 States. Directs the Administrator to establish an Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to advise the Administrator or on the administration of benefits for and needs of women veterans. Directs Committee to report annually to the Administrator on the activities of the Veterans Administration pertaining to women, together with assessments of needs and recommendations for future action. Directs the Administrator to submit such report to Congress. Prohibits the Administrator from disposing of real property under his or her jurisdiction until 180 days (currently, 30 days) have elapsed since the Administrator notified the Veterans' Affairs Committees of such intention. Requires the Administrator to determine that certain real property under his or her jurisdiction is not needed by the Veterans Administration to carry out its functions before such property may be declared excess. Permits the Administrator to release the reversionary interest of the United States restricting the use of specified lands in Biloxi, Mississippi to use as a public park or for other public purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Republic of South Africa should comply with international human rights agreements by ending its "black-spot" policy and by allowing forcibly relocated South Africans to return to ancestral lands; (2) U.S. nonrecognition of South African "homeland" sovereignty should continue; (3) travel to the United States should be denied to "homeland" officials who seek to enter this country under "homelands" visas; and (4) the President should send a copy of this resolution to the Republic of South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983
National Employment Priorities Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings and purposes of this Act and definitions. Title II: Federal Adjustment Assistance - Requires the Secretary of Labor to implement a comprehensive assistance program for employees who lose their employment with an establishment which is required under title III of this Act to give advance notice of plant closings and permanent layoffs. Requires that such program include: (1) training programs; (2) job placement services; (3) payments for reasonable expenses incurred by employees in searching for new employment in a geographical area away from such establishment; (4) payments for moving expenses; and (5) education assistance. Requires the Secretary, to the extent practicable, to provide such assistance before employment loss occurs and through existing programs. Provides that the Secretary shall consult with a business establishment and with any affected labor organizations in order to develop a retraining plan which meets the manpower needs of such establishment. Requires the payment of travel and subsistence allowances to employees receiving assistance under this program. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to retrain employees of a business undergoing plant closings and laying off employees. Makes a business concern eligible for assistance under this Act if: (1) such business concern intends to undertake a change of operations which will result in a substantial employment loss; (2) all reasonable efforts and the resources of such business concern are inadequate to prevent such employment loss; (3) such assistance will enable such business concern to operate on an improved economic basis within a reasonable time period and without the change of operations; and (4) such business concern has complied with notice requirements under title III of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide eligible business concerns with enough financial assistance to substantially contribute to their economic viability if equivalent financial assistance is unavailable from conventional sources and if it is reasonably likely that they will repay the United States. Provides that such financial assistance may include loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies, and an assumption of debt. Authorizes the Secretary to provide eligible business concerns with enough technical assistance to substantially contribute to their economic viability. Provides that such assistance may include research and development grants and contracts which will provide new employment opportunities. Requires the Secretary to issue a certificate of procurement credit to a business concern which complies with notice requirements under title III of this Act if such business concern will be able to offer additional employment opportunities upon entering into a procurement contract with the Government. Provides that bids submitted by a business concern with such a certificate shall be treated by Government agencies as if they are equal to 95 percent of the amount stated in the bids. Makes local governments eligible for assistance under this Act if, as a result of a change of operations of a business concern, there will be a substantial decrease in the amount of revenues paid to such governments, a substantial increase in demand for social services provided by them, or a substantial increase in the number of unemployed individuals residing within their jurisdiction. Authorizes the Secretary to provide to eligible local governments grants, loans, and loan guarantees to increase the availability of social services and to implement any plan for a public works project approved by the Secretary. Makes employers other than business concerns required to comply with notice requirements under title III of this Act and cooperative associations of employees eligible for assistance under this Act if such employers and cooperative associations will create or expand employment opportunities and provide continuous employment over a substantial period of time, and substantially equivalent assistance is unavailable from any other source. Authorizes the Secretary to provide to such employers and cooperative associations loans, loan guarantees, and technical assistance for expanding operations in an establishment required to comply with notice requirements under title III of this Act, constructing new establishments, and undertaking research and development projects to identify new markets and employment opportunities. Establishes priority requirements for the provision of assistance under this title. Title III: Advance Notice of Plant Closings and Permanent Layoffs - Requires a business concern to give written notice with respect to any intended change of operations in a State which will result in the number of employees suffering an employment loss in any 18-month period equaling or exceeding the lesser of 100 employees or 15 percent of the employees at such establishment. Requires that the notice be given to the Secretary, the employees, representatives of affected labor organizations at such establishment, and local government units as required by the Secretary. Sets forth time requirements with respect to such notice. Requires the Secretary to inform each employee who receives such notice of the availability of assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct an investigation of any intended change of operations at an establishment with respect to which notice is required under this Act if the Secretary receives a written request for such an investigation within 60 days after such notice is given from an authorized representative of an affected labor organization or from at least 10 percent of the employees notified. Provides that the Secretary may conduct such an investigation regardless of whether such notice is given if such investigation would serve the purposes of this Act or if at least 50 percent of the employees of the establishment involved request an investigation. Requires the Secretary to publish a report containing his or her findings resulting from such an investigation and recommendations to prevent or minimize the harmful economic and social effects of the intended change of operations of the business which is investigated. Title IV: Employer Responsibilities - Requires a business concern which is required to give notice under title III of this Act and which reduces the weekly wages of an employee to less than 85 percent of the average weekly wages paid to such employee during the 26 weeks preceding such reduction or which suspends or terminates the employment of such employee to give such employee a written statement of employment status. Provides that such an employee shall be treated as suffering an employment loss if: (1) such statement does not include an assurance that such employee's wages will be increased or that such employee will be reinstated; or (2) the business concern fails to give such statement to such employee. Requires the business concern to give such an employee a lump sum payment, in addition to other payments required by this Act, if the business concern fails to prevent such employee's loss of employment. Requires a business concern which is required to give notice under title III of this Act to: (1) pay to each employee who suffers an employment loss as a result of a change in operations a weekly income maintenance payment for one year; and (2) make payments to any employee benefit plan in effect with respect to each such employee for one year. Provides that no business concern shall be required to make total payments exceeding $25,000 to any employee suffering an employment loss. Provides that no business concern shall be required to make payments to such an employee if: (1) such employee begins employment with any other establishment of such business concern; (2) such employee refuses to accept employment which is within a reasonable commuting distance, which provides wages and benefits equal to or better than those of the employee's previous job, and which is similar to such employee's previous position; (3) such employee refuses to participate or fails to make satisfactory progress without good cause in a training or placement program under this Act; or (4) such employee receives a retirement benefit under a pension plan to which the business concern contributed. Requires a business concern to pay moving expenses for an employee who accepts employment with such business concern within three years after such employee's employment loss occurs. Provides for an extension of the one-year period of payments under this title to an employee if such employee is between 53 and 61 years old at the end of the one year. Requires the Secretary to reimburse the business concern involved for any such payments. Provides that any payment required under this title which a business concern fails to make shall be treated as a debt owed by such business concern to the United States and requires the Secretary, upon request, to make such payment to the employee involved. Provides that a business concern which transfers ownership or control of an establishment in order to avoid liability for any subsequent employment loss shall be liable to the United States for the amount of employee assistance which the business concern owning or controlling the establishment at the time the employment loss occurs fails to provide. Requires a business concern required to give notice under title III of this Act to offer to any employee who suffers an employment loss any employment which becomes available at another establishment of such business concern within three years following such employment loss and which such employee is qualified to perform, to the extent that the provision of such employment does not violate any collective-bargaining agreement in effect. Provides that an employee of a business concern required to give notice under title III of this Act who suffers an employment loss shall be eligible to participate in any employee benefit plan in effect with respect to such employee during any period when such business concern is required to make payments to such plan under this title. Sets forth vesting requirements with respect to such plans. Provides that an individual who knowingly accepts employment with a business concern which has given notice as required under title III of this Act shall not be considered an employee of such business concern for purposes of assistance under this Act. Makes a business concern which is required to give notice under title III of this Act liable to local government units for any loss of revenue which occurs during the three fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which the business concern implements its change of operations. Provides that any such payment which a business concern fails to make shall be treated as a debt owned by such business concern to the United States and requires the Secretary, upon request, to make such payment to the local government involved. Makes a business concern whose change of operations involves a transfer of operations outside the United States when an economically viable alternative exists liable to the United States for loss of revenue. Title V: Administration - Imposes criminal penalties on anyone who fraudulently obtains assistance under this Act and on anyone who gives the notice required under title III of this Act and makes false statements or fails to disclose material facts required under such title. Imposes civil penalties on any business concern which fails to: (1) give notice as required by title III of this Act; (2) provide assistance to employees pursuant to title IV of this Act; or (3) pay any debt owed to the United States pursuant to this Act within 180 days after such debt is incurred. Makes it unlawful for a business concern required to give notice under title III of this Act to: (1) fail to offer an employee who suffers an employment loss other employment at an alternative establishment; or (2) discriminate against an employee who participates in any investigation under this Act. Requires the suspension or reduction of assistance payments with respect to any person who has fraudulently obtained such assistance. Requires the Secretary to maintain operating reserves with respect to anticipated claims under loan guarantees made under title II of this Act. Requires that mortgages acquired by the Secretary as security for any loans made under such title be recorded by the Secretary according to State law. Specifies time periods within which Congress may disapprove rules promulgated by the Secretary to carry out this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress: (1) a report evaluating the effectiveness of the assistance programs under this Act; and (2) legislative proposals which provide assistance to local government units adversely affected by changes of operations of business concerns and which require business concerns to provide employment information for inclusion in the job bank and matching program established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act. Establishes in the Department of Labor the National Employment Priorities Administration which shall carry out the provisions of this Act. Establishes a National Employment Priorities Advisory Council which shall give advice to the Secretary, evaluate the programs under this Act, and conduct various employment studies. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Act of 1983 - Establishes a National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission to evaluate existing and potential public outdoor recreation policies, programs, and opportunities and to recommend outdoor recreation policies and activities which should be instituted at the Federal, State, and local levels and by the private sector in order to protect existing recreation resources and to meet future recreation needs. Requires the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the President and Congress within 18 months after its establishment. Terminates the Commission six months after submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Urges the United States and the Soviet Union to begin talks aimed at creating a jointly administered United States-Soviet student exchange program. Sets forth certain aspects of such exchange program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Appropriates FY 1984 funds for Centers for Disease Control epidemiological and medical research on acquired immune disorders and related opportunistic infections.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Appropriates FY 1984 funds for National Institutes of Health scientific and medical research on acquired immune disorders and related opportunistic infections.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual's "years of coverage" for purposes of computing such individual's primary insurance amount under title II shall include those years (up to a specified maximum) during which such individual had a child age six or under in his or her care for more than six months.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to restore the minimum monthly social security benefit with respect to benefits for months after December 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require that, upon the death of an individual who was married at least three years prior to the date of death or was divorced after at least three years of marriage, the surviving spouse or surviving divorced spouse shall inherit all of the wages and self-employment income credited to such individual during marriage.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement that the amount of monthly benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or mother be reduced by the amount such spouse, surviving spouse, or mother receives in monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to enable an insured individual's spouse who has attained the age of 50 and is not entitled to any other monthly benefits to obtain a transition benefit for four months upon the death of the insured individual. Establishes the amount of such transition benefit at 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the insured individual or, if it is higher, 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Social Security Modernization Act - Amends title II (Old age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the combined earnings of a married couple which are attributable to the period of their marriage shall be shared equally between them for purposes of determining the eligibility for and amount of OASDI benefits to which each spouse is or may become separately entitled. Credits the survivor of the marriage with 100 percent of the combined total wages for the period of the marriage. Provides that this Act shall not apply in specified cases where it would result in a reduction of OASDI benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide full benefits for disabled widows and widowers without regard to age.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the combined earnings of a married couple which are attributable to the period of their marriage shall be shared equally between them for purposes of determining the eligibility for and amount of old-age or disability insurance benefits to which each spouse is or may be come separately entitled if: (1) their marriage lasted at least three years; (2) they are divorced; and (3) either of them elects to have such combined earnings so shared. Makes this Act inapplicable to a surviving divorced spouse if it would result in a reduction in OASDI benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Ethics in Government Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require the Attorney General, within five days after the Speaker of the House has certified that an individual in one of specified positions has been found in contempt of Congress, to apply to the court for the appointment of an independent counsel. Requires such counsel to bring the certified statement of facts before the grand jury for its action and to prosecute any resulting indictments.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to extend medical benefits to a former spouse who was married at least 20 years to a member with at least 20 years of service when a minimum of ten years rather than 20 years of such marriage and service coincide. Repeals the requirements that the former spouse be unmarried and have no medical coverage under an employee-sponsored health plan. Grants medical benefits to a former spouse who has a disease or disability attributable to the nature or location of a member's or former member's military service. Limits the health care available to such former spouses to that necessary for the treatment of such a disease or disability. Applies this Act to all eligible former spouses, regardless of the date of divorce.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the executive branch should begin to coordinate and improve its projections and analysis of world population, resources, and environmental trends as outlined in the Global 2000 study.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should reduce imports of apparel to no more than 25 percent of the American apparel market.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Hazardous Substances Response Act of 1983 - Title I: Hazardous Waste Response Revenue - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the miscellaneous excise tax provisions for environmental taxes to add a tax on the generation of hazardous wastes. Imposes such tax on the generation of hazardous wastes that, after the effective date of this Act, are transported, disposed of, or placed in storage for a period of more than one year. Sets forth the amount of such taxes through FY 1990, based on the degree of hazard of the waste and the safety of the method of disposal, storage, or transportation. Doubles such amounts for FY 1991 through 1995. Makes the generator of the hazardous wastes liable to pay such taxes. Requires assessment of such taxes with respect to every taxable transportation, storage, or disposal of hazardous wastes, whether or not previously imposed on the same quantity of hazardous wastes. Provides for taxation of fractional parts of tons and distances. Terminates such taxes after September 30, 1995. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, before July 31, 1985, to notify the Secretary of the Treasury, and publish in the Federal Register, a classification of all listed hazardous wastes and their residues wastes as: (1) extremely hazardous waste; (2) highly hazardous waste; or (3) nontoxic hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to notify the Secretary and publish such classification simultaneously with any listing of a substance as hazardous waste after such date. Requires public notice and opportunity for hearing prior to such classification. Sets forth criteria for the three classifications of hazardous wastes. Requires that all hazardous wastes and their known residues be classified. Requires that any hazardous waste or residue not otherwise classified by the Administrator shall be considered to be highly hazardous waste. Sets forth requirements for records, statement, and returns relating to such taxes. Makes such taxes on generation of hazardous wastes effective on October 1, 1985. Title II: Hazardous Substances Response Trust Fund - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ("the Superfund Act") to revise provisions for audits by each Inspector General of each department or agency delegated responsibility to obligate money in the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Directs each such Inspector General to report annually to the President and the Congress on such auditing of the Fund and to specifically identify any improper uses of the Fund. Provides for reimbursement to the Fund for any improper expenditures. Provides that revenues from the tax on generation of hazardous wastes shall be transferred to the Fund. Extends through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for the Fund. Increases the yearly amount of such authorization of appropriations for FY 1986 through 1995 (above the yearly amount currently authorized through FY 1985). Authorizes the President to make grants to States to cover all or a portion of the costs of establishing and implementing: (1) authorized State hazardous waste programs, in accordance with specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act; and (2) State programs to perform specified types of activities described in provisions for the use of the Fund with regard to releases or threats of releases of hazardous substances in the environment. Limits the amount which may be so granted to States in any fiscal year. Authorizes the President to designate a Federal official to implement the responsibilities given the President by such provisions for grants to State hazardous waste programs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Increases the number of judicial divisions in the Northern District of Ohio. Changes the location of the district courts for such divisions. Sets guidelines for the assignment of active, full-time district court judges sitting in Akron and Youngstown.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct shall consist of a Subcommittee on Investigations and a Subcommittee on Adjudications. Sets forth the functions of such subcommittees. Provides that Members, officers, or employees of the House shall be investigated by or tried before such subcommittees within five years after any alleged violation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 65 percent to 100 percent the amount of costs which may be taken into account by a corporation for purposes of the income tax credit for certain basic research performed under contract by colleges, universities, and research organizations. Expands the types of costs which may be taken into account for purposes of such credit to include salaries and costs incurred for the instruction of courses in math, science, computer science and engineering regardless of specific commercial objective.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Dedicates the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California to Phillip Burton. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to inform the public of the contributions of Phillip Burton through the use of signs, maps, and interpretive programs and to establish an appropriate memorial to him within the recreation area. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Civil Rights Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of affectional or sexual orientation. Provides that this Act shall not be construed to permit a finding of discrimination based on statistical differences or the fashioning of any remedy requiring a quota.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Proclaims Nelson Mandela an honorary citizen of the United States and requests the President to take steps to secure his unconditional release from prison in South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Proclaims Winnie Mandela an honorary citizen of the United States and requests the President to seek from South Africa a revocation of her banishment to Brandfort, South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions which terminate the income tax exclusion for amounts received by an employee under an educational assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983
Directs the President to furnish to the House of Representatives, within ten days after adoption of this resolution, documents relating to: (1) military assistance furnished to Honduras; (2) certain military intelligence activities in Nicaragua and Honduras; and (3) combat activities of and casualties incurred by Nicaragua and Honduras.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Global Resources, Environment, and Population Act of 1983 - Declares it to be the public policy to: (1) promote national population stabilization; (2) encourage other nations to achieve population stabilization; and (3) coordinate research and national planning concerning global trends in population characteristics, the availability of natural resources, and environmental change. Directs all Federal agencies to: (1) use reliable demographic research in planning and decisionmaking which affect national and global population characteristics; and (2) develop procedures to insure the consideration of population characteristics, population stabilization, and environmental, economic, and natural resource aspects in agency planning and decisionmaking. Directs each agency head to: (1) review the agency's statutory authority, policies, and regulations to determine whether there are any impediments to complying with this Act; and (2) recommend the necessary administrative or legislative actions to eliminate such impediments. Establishes an Interagency Council on Global Resources, the Environment, and Population to: (1) coordinate research, conduct studies, and report to the President and Congress on trends in population characteristics; (2) assess the impact of such trends on population stabilization, the environment, and the availability of natural resources; (3) recommend legislative and administrative actions to modify or eliminate Federal programs, laws, and regulations which limit the achievement of the policies of this Act; and (4) recommend to Congress and the President a national population policy and policies to encourage global population stabilization at a level which maintains the highest possible standard of living and does not deplete the world's natural resources or degrade the global environment. Requires the President to submit to Congress, annually, a national population change and planning report which includes: (1) an evaluation of the impact that national and global trends in population characteristics, the availability of natural resources, and environmental change will have on the nation's economy and national security; and (2) recommendations for necessary legislative actions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Tuolumne River in California as a component of the national wild and scenic rivers system.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Clean Campaign Act of 1983 - Adds a new title to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971: "Title V: Financing of General Election Campaigns for the House of Representatives". Establishes eligibility criteria entitling candidates to receive campaign payments on a matching basis. Establishes formulae to determine such sums. Limits expenditure of personal funds to $20,000 per election. Waives spending limits for eligible candidates whose opponents have spent sums exceeding the limit imposed upon such candidates. Requires specified independent expenditures to be reported to the Commission and to each candidate within specified time-frames. Permits additional payments to certain candidates who have waived specified broadcasting rights. Requires the Federal Election Commission to certify the eligibility of candidates to the Secretary of the Treasury, who shall disburse funds to such candidates. Directs the Secretary to establish a separate United States House of Representatives Election Campaign Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Directs the Commission to audit campaign accounts. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes the use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Commission to institute repayment actions in U.S. district courts. Delineates the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Requires the Commission to make certain reports to the House of Representatives. Authorizes appropriations. Limits to $90,000 in any calendar year the amount of contributions which congressional candidates or their authorized political committees may accept from non-party multicandidate political committees. Specifies exceptions for candidates in general and special elections. States that any extension of credit for advertising on broadcasting stations, in newspapers or magazines, or by direct mail, or for other types of public political advertising shall be considered a contribution, if such credit is: (1) in excess of $1,000; and (2) for a period exceeding 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Requests the President to grant posthumous citizenship to William Penn, founder of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and his wife, Hannah Callowhill Penn.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convey U.S. concern for the welfare of Ethiopian Jews and seek ways to assist Ethiopian Jews to emigrate freely.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties of up to five years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine ($1,000,000 fine for a corporation) for trafficking or attempting to traffic in counterfeit marks in the foreign or domestic commerce of the United States. Permits any injured owner of a mark registered on the principal register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to sue for either treble claimant's damages or treble defendant's profits, whichever is greater, in Federal district court.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Prohibits the implementation of certain regulations proposed by the Office of Personnel Management (published in the Federal Register on March 30, 1983) that change the administration of the civil service system by establishing a performance management system and revising regulations concerning reductions-in-force, pay administration under the Fair Labor Standards Act, bargaining policy in labor-management relations, and the prevailing rate pay system. Voids any such regulations which became effective before enactment of this Act. Prohibits the implementation of any other regulations that would have the same effect.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
National Park System Protection and Resources Management Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) collect, analyze, and document data on the factors which degrade or threaten to degrade the natural and cultural resources of the national park system; and (2) transmit to Congress a biennial State of the Parks report. Provides that such report shall include: (1) a description of the condition of each national park unit's natural and cultural resources, of the factors which damage or threaten such resources, and of the ongoing and planned mitigation actions and their results; (2) a description of the systemwide efforts to address the resource protection requirements listed above; (3) a discussion of systemwide resource protection and management policies for natural and cultural park resources; (4) a discussion of the adequacy of congressional appropriations in addressing protection and resource management programs; and (5) a discussion of funding needs to implement such policies and measures. Requires the National Park Service to solicit public involvement in the preparation of such report. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees an annual report on the 50 most critical natural and the 50 most critical cultural resource problems within the national park system. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences for development of a plan for the National Park Service to conduct natural and cultural resources inventories and research on the problems and solutions with respect to national parks. Requires the plan to be submitted to the Secretary and the appropriate congressional committees. Requires that resource management plans for each national park unit be prepared and updated continually. Provides that general management plans for each park unit shall be based upon the park's resource management plan. Directs the Secretary to review and revise the current land classification system for the preservation and use of national park system lands. Requires the development of a new classification for maximum resource protection for sensitive ecosystems and cultural resources of special research value. Requires that those park units designated as biosphere reserves or world heritage sites receive priority consideration for monitoring and resource protection efforts. Expresses the sense of Congress that park and legislative officials establish ways to ensure the protection of international parks designated as biosphere reserves. Permits the Secretary to exercise the authority to issue leases within a national park unit, permit the use or development of such an area, or dispose of lands and waters within such an area only if the exercise of such authority will not have a significant adverse effect on the park unit. Restricts the Secretary's authority to act in areas adjacent to national park units in the same way, unless any significant adverse effects on the national parks are less important than the public interest value of a proposed action. Requires Federal agencies conducting activities within, or adjacent to, any national park unit to insure, to the extent practicable, that such activities will not significantly degrade the natural or cultural resources of the park unit. Provides for notification of the Secretary by a Federal agency if a proposed agency action may degrade or threaten the natural or cultural resources of a national park unit. Requires the Secretary to respond in writing on the foreseeable impact on park resources of a proposed agency action and to recommend any changes in such action needed to avoid adverse effects on park resources. Authorizes the Secretary to request information regarding a proposed agency action where the agency fails to notify the Secretary and the Secretary determines that such action may threaten park resources. Requires the Secretary to consider any adopted city, county, State, or Federal development plan during the deliberations on a proposed agency action. Requires the Secretary to hold a public hearing: (1) if requested by the affected government unit; and (2) if the Secretary's response to the proposed action is to be negative. Requires the proposing Federal agency to comply fully with the Secretary's recommendations in all cases where the proposed agency action would occur upon Federal lands or waters within the boundaries of a national park unit. Permits the proposing Federal agency to proceed with its action after consideration of the Secretary's recommendations in cases where the proposed action would occur on non-Federal lands within the boundaries of a national park unit, if the public interest in the proposed action is greater than the public interest in avoiding the adverse effects on the park resources involved. Provides that when the proposed agency action would involve areas adjacent to a national park boundary, the Federal agency must consider the Secretary's recommendations and must notify the Secretary of its decision to proceed. Sets forth notification requirements when proposed agency action differs from the Secretary's recommendation. Requires proposing agencies to notify specified congressional committees. Requires the Secretary to publish notices of proposed Federal actions and responses in the Federal Register. Exempts emergency, disaster, and national security actions from this Act. Requires actions under this Act to be brought in the U.S. district court in the district in which the national park unit involved is located. Provides for the Secretary to cooperate with, and provide technical assistance to, governmental and other entities to protect national park system resources. Requires the superintendent of each park unit to work with governmental and other entities which influence or control lands, resources, and activities within or adjacent to the park unit to develop a mutually compatible land use plan for the general area. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local governments for park resource protection and for the development of such plan. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986 for such grant. Provides that such cooperative efforts shall be initiated in at least two park units for each administrative region, as well as in all biosphere reserves and world heritage sites, within one year after enactment of this Act. Requires that such efforts be initiated within two years after enactment of this Act in all national park units. Requires that each park unit or regional office have on its staff a person to coordinate the activities required by this Act. Directs the Secretary to initiate a training program for park personnel in the principles and techniques necessary to carry out the requirements of this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish a public information program to inform park visitors and the public of the need to protect park resources. Directs the Secretary to assure that the National Park Service includes adequate numbers and distribution of professional and scientific personnel to provide for park resource protection and management. Requires that general management plans for each national park unit be updated at least every ten years. Requires the Director of the National Park Service to assist potential donors of property located adjacent to or within national park units in satisfying the requirements under the Internal Revenue Code relating to charitable contributions. Provides that if provisions of this Act conflict with provisions of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the provisions of such Act shall prevail. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Amends the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to establish a South Pacific Fishery Management Council consisting of Oregon and California with jurisdiction over the fisheries seaward of California. States that such Council shall have seven voting members. Reduces the existing Pacific Fishery Management Council's voting membership from 13 to nine.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Emergency Vietnam Veterans' Jobs Training Act of 1983 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish an on-the-job training program for Vietnam-era and disabled veterans. Requires that such program be carried out through payments to employers who employ such veterans in jobs that involve significant training of employees. Requires an eligible veteran to have been unemployed for at least 15 of the last 20 weeks before applying for participation. Establishes maximum periods of assisted training: 12 months for a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or more, six months for any other veterans. Requires employers to provide approved training for at least six months. Permits an approved veteran to select an approved program of job training with any for-profit private employer which hires the veteran into the regular work force with the expectation of permanent employment after the training ends. Directs the Administrator to make payments to such employers, not exceeding 50 percent of the wages paid to the training veteran. Sets forth the requirements an employer's training program must fulfill, including a certification that the wages and benefits paid to a participating veteran are equivalent to those paid to other employees participating in a similar program of training, and that there is a reasonable certainty that a position of that type will be available to such veteran upon completion. Prohibits the Administrator from approving programs involving seasonal or temporary jobs or industries in which a substantial number of experienced workers are unemployed. Prohibits the Administrator from making payments when the conduct or progress of the veteran is unsatisfactory due to circumstances within the employer's control. Authorizes the Administrator to disapprove further participation by eligible veterans in any previously approved program failing to meet the requirements of this Act. Permits veterans otherwise eligible for this program to pursue, instead, a full-time vocational training program at an approved educational institution. Sets forth the conditions of such training. Directs the Administrator to provide an outreach and public information program to inform both eligible veterans and employers about this program. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures and obtain the assistance of disabled veterans outreach program specialists and personnel in regional offices of the Veterans Administration. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide for the participation of eligible veterans in training programs under this Act and under the Jobs Training Partnership Act. Requires the Secretary to make special efforts to inform eligible veterans of training opportunities. Requires both the Secretary and the Administrator to provide employment counseling services to any eligible veteran who requests them. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985. Terminates this program after 15 months for the initial application period and after 27 months for the payment of assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Environmental Protection Act of 1983 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the existing governmental entities charged with preventing air, water, and land pollution have not adequately protected the environment. States the purpose of this Act to be to protect Americans against adverse effects of environmental changes through the establishment of a multimember independent regulatory commission. Title II: Establishment of Commission - Establishes the Environmental Protection Commission as an independent regulatory commission to be composed of five members appointed by the President with the Senate's approval. Sets forth provisions governing the members, officers, powers, and functions of the Commission and the functions of the Chairman of the Commission. Directs the Science Advisory Board to provide such scientific advice as the Commission may request. Sets forth guidelines for the nomination, selection, and appointment by the Chairman of an individual to fill any vacancy on the Board. Requires the Chairman to issue regulations regarding conflicts of interest with respect to members of the Board. Title III: Transfer of Functions - Transfers to the Commission all functions, not otherwise transferred by this Act, of: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency; and (2) the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Part A: Personnel Provisions - Provides for the appointment and compensation of Commission officers and employees and the procurement and compensation of experts and consultants. Part B: General Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions governing the authority of the Commission to: (1) exercise transferred functions; (2) delegate functions to its officers and employees; (3) reallocate functions among its offices and reorganize its structure; (4) enter into and perform contracts; and (5) promulgate rules. Requires the Commission, for each proposed action to promulgate or revise a rule, to: (1) establish and make available to the public a rulemaking docket containing the comments and certain documentary information concerning each rule; (2) publish a notice of the proposed action which shall include a statement of the purpose and basis of the rule and the period available for public comment; (3) allow any person to present oral or written data on the rule during the comment period; and (4) keep the record of the rulemaking open for 30 days after completion of the proceeding to provide for submission of rebuttal or supplementary information. Requires the promulgated rule to be accompanied by: (1) a statement of its basis and purpose; (2) a justification of major changes to the rule as proposed; and (3) a response to significant data submitted during the comment period. Provides for the judicial review of such rules. Authorizes a six-month extension of a statutory deadline for the promulgation of such a rule if such extension is necessary to afford the public and the agency adequate opportunity to carry out rulemaking requirements. Authorizes the Commission to: (1) establish, alter, discontinue, or maintain regional and other field offices as necessary; (2) acquire and maintain schools, research and training facilities, and accommodation as may be necessary for employees; (3) establish eating facilities for employees at its installations; (4) provide certain facilities, services, and supplies for employees at remote locations; (5) use the resources of Federal, State, local, and foreign instrumentalities with their consent; (6) permit public and private organizations to use its facilities for Commission purposes; (7) acquire copyrights, patents, applications for patents, licenses under copyrights and patents, and releases for past patent or copyright infringement; (8) accept and use gifts, bequests, and devises of property; (9) provide advice and technical assistance related to its functions; (10) establish a working capital fund; and (11) transfer funds among Commission appropriations, with certain limitations. Directs the Commission to procure a seal of office. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and Congress at the beginning of each regular session of Congress a comprehensive report on the administration of its functions. Requires that such report include: (1) an appraisal of the incidence of health and other effects to the population resulting from environmental causes; (2) an evaluation of the degree of observance of environmental rules; (3) a summary of outstanding problems confronting the Commission; and (4) specified information on voluntary environmental standards developed with the Commission's assistance. Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Sets forth provisions governing the transfer and allocation of personnel, appropriations, and other resources transferred to the Commission under this Act. Terminates the Environmental Protection Agency and positions in such Agency which were expressly authorized by law or compensated at an Executive Schedule pay rate. Declares that this Act shall have no effect on orders issued, determinations made, proceedings pending, or civil actions commenced before its enactment. Provides that statutory requirements for notice, hearings, and administrative or judicial review applicable to functions transferred by this Act shall continue to apply to such functions. Title VI: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Sets forth the effective date of this Act. Provides that funds available to any agency the functions of which are transferred by this Act may, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, be used to pay the compensation of interim officers and other expenses of establishing the Commission or transfering functions until funds for such expenses are otherwise available. Authorizes the President to designate an officer on the executive branch to act as a Commission officer for 120 days or until such office is filled, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States which adopt and implement effective child passenger safety programs. Sets forth eligibility requirements for States to receive such grants and a limitation on apportionments. Requires the Secretary to establish, by regulation, standards for such programs. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1984 through 1986. Directs the Secretary to conduct an annual evaluation of each eligible State's child passenger safety program to measure its effectiveness on child safety seat usage.
![Official portrait of Rep. Edwards, Don [D-CA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000064_200.jpg)