United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
National Acid Deposition Control Act of 1983 - Title I: Acid Deposition Control and Assistance Program - Amends the Clean Air Act to establish new requirements for acid deposition control. Sets forth direct federally mandated emission reductions and retrofit technology for the 50 fossil fuel fired electric utility generating plants which had the largest total emissions of sulfur dioxide during the calendar year 1980. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) identify each such plant which emitted sulfur dioxide during calendar year 1980 at an annual average rate equal to or exceeding three pounds per million Btu; (2) within two months after enactment of this Act, publish a list of the 50 plants which have the largest total emissions; (3) notify the owner or operator of each of the 50 plants listed; and (4) within four months after such enactment, and after notice and opportunity for comment, publish a final list of the 50 plants with the largest total emissions. Requires the owner or operator of each plant on the final list to submit to the Administrator, by January 1, 1985, a compliance schedule, including increments of progress. Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove such schedule, within one year after submission, and after notice and opportunity for hearing. Directs the Administrator, if such schedule is not submitted by the deadline or is not approved, to promulgate a compliance schedule for such plant on January 1, 1986. Provides for modification and publication of such schedules. Requires that each compliance schedule provide that: (1) a technological system of continuous emission reduction be used for each steam generating unit in the fossil fuel fired electric utility generating plant concerned; and (2) sulfur dioxide emissions from such plant for the calendar year 1990 and each calendar year thereafter shall not exceed 1.2 pounds per million Btu heat input and ten percent of the total annual sulfur dioxide emissions during calendar year 1980 (90 percent reduction) or 0.6 pounds per million Btu and 30 percent of the total annual sulfur dioxide emissions during the calendar year 1980 (70 percent reduction). Sets forth procedures for determining plant compliance with such emission limitation. Requires that: (1) contracts be entered into for the purchase and installation of the technological systems of continuous emission reduction by January 1, 1988; (2) such systems be installed and in operation by January 1, 1990; and (3) the emission limitation be achieved for each calendar year after 1989. Directs the Administrator, from the Acid Deposition Control Fund established under this Act, to pay for 90 percent of the costs of construction and installation of the technological system of continuous emission reduction necessary for each such plant to comply with the emission limitation. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to promulgate regulations under which such payments: (1) may be made to utilities only if they will be used entirely to reduce those electric rate increases which would otherwise result from such construction and installation; and (2) shall be made at such times as will minimize rate increases. Sets forth requirements for State plans for additional emission reductions of sulfur dioxide. Directs the Administrator, within four months after the enactment of this Act, to compute a State share, for each of the 48 contiguous States, of a 10,000,000 ton reduction in annual emissions of sulfur dioxide by 1993 below that of 1980. Sets forth a formula for computation of State shares. Permits the Governors of two or more States to reallot State shares among agreeing States, if there is an equal or greater total reduction in annual emissions of sulfur dioxide through such reallotment. Sets deadlines and procedures for submission and approval of State plans for such State shares. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a State plan on January 1, 1988, if no State plan has been: (1) submitted by June 1, 1985; or (2) approved by January 1, 1988. Requires State plans for State shares to provide for emission limitations applicable to any stationary sources in the State for which the actual annual sulfur dioxide emission rates have been calculated by the Administrator for the calendar year 1980, other than a source which is one of the listed 50 electric utility plants subject to direct federally mandated emission reductions. Requires that the emission limitations for each stationary source subject to the State plan establish an allowable average annual sulfur dioxide rate at a level such that the total reduction would equal the State share, with specified credits for States in which any of the 50 listed plants are located. Permits State plans for State shares to provide for compliance with emission limitations through use of technological systems of continuous emission reduction or any other appropriate requirements. Directs the Administrator, from the Acid Deposition Control Fund (established within this Act), to pay for 90 percent of the costs of the construction and installation at an electric utility generating plant of any technological system of continuous emission reduction necessary to comply with requirements under a State plan for a State share of sulfur dioxide emission reductions. Subjects such payments to regulations relating to reduction of increases in utility rates. Establishes a trust fund in the Treasury of the United States to be known as the Acid Deposition Control Fund, consisting of amounts generated by fees imposed under this Act. Directs the Administrator to make payments from the fund first to facilities covered by direct federally mandated emission reductions and then to facilities covered by State share plan requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to be the trustee of the Fund and to report to the Congress for each fiscal year ending on or after September 30, 1984, on its financial condition and the results of its operation during such fiscal year and on its expected condition and operations during the next five fiscal years. Sets forth Fund investment duties of the Secretary. Imposes, under regulations promulgated by the Administrator, a fee of one mill for each kilowatt hour of electric energy: (1) generated in the contiguous 48 States by an electric utility; and (2) imported into the contiguous 48 States. Exempts from such fee electric energy: (1) used at the electric generating facility concerned; or (2) generated by a nuclear generating facility. Makes such fee effective with respect to electric energy generated, or imported, after December 31, 1984. Makes the fee cease to apply on the earlier of: (1) December 31, 1995; or (2) the date on which all payments required under this Act have been made. Authorizes the Administrator to terminate the fee at an earlier date upon estimation that sufficient funds have been collected to fund all such required payments. Directs the Administrator to promulgate within six months after enactment of this Act regulations setting forth the time and manner required for payment of such fee and related reporting requirements. Establishes civil penalties for: (1) electric utilities (or importers of electric energy) which fail or refuse to pay such fees or to file required reports; and (2) any person who makes false or misleading statements in such required documents. Directs the Administrator to bring civil actions in such cases. Establishes additional criminal penalties for electric utilities (or importers of electric energy) which knowingly commit such violations. Makes conforming amendments. Title II: Control of Nitrogen Oxide Emissions - Directs the Administrator to revise standards of performance for new stationary sources for emissions of nitrogen oxides from electric utility steam generating units which burn bituminous or subbituminous coal and which commence construction after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the emission of nitrogen oxides from such units at a rate which exceeds: (1) 0.30 pounds per million Btu, in the case of subbituminous coal; and (2) 0.40 pounds per million Btu, in the case of bituminous coal. Adds to provisions relating to emissions from mobile sources to set the following nitrogen oxide emission standards for model year 1986 and after truck and truck engines: (1) gross vehicle weight of 6,000 pounds or less - 1.2 grams per vehicle mile; (2) 6,000 to 8,500 pounds - 1.7 grams per vehicle mile; and (3) more than 8,500 pounds - 4.0 grams per brake horsepower-hour.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
Restricts payment of the penalty for late enrollment under part A (Hospital Insurance) or part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to a period equal to twice the number of years enrollment was delayed (currently, the penalty is assessed for the rest of a beneficiary's life).
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for the amount of contributions made to the Federal retirement system by Federal employees newly covered under the social security system after December 31, 1983. Disallows such credit for contributions made to a Federal retirement system: (1) established after the enactment of this Act; or (2) modified after the enactment of this Act for purposes of coordinating such system with the social security system. Terminates such credit after December 31, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1983
National Child Support Enforcement Act - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require that in order for any State to be eligible for payments pursuant to title IV or title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act, to have enacted and implemented a State law providing for the collection of child support through a mandatory wage withholding system satisfying the requirements of this Act. Requires a State system to: (1) apply in every case where child support has been ordered by a court or administrative process of the State; (2) provide for withholding from wages per pay period of child support payments due, plus any past-due support (to a maximum of 25 percent of gross pay); (3) require that any charges or fees imposed covering the costs of collection be paid by the individual from whom the amounts were collected; (4) utilize the services and facilities available under part D to locate individuals owing support, administer the withholding process, and distribute amounts withheld; and (5) include such other provisions as the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines necessary and appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Directs the Administrator of General Services to assign to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to the Secretary of the Interior specified lands at Fort Totten, New York. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convey a portion of such property to the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association of New York House. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the remainder of such property to the City of New York for public park and/or recreation uses.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the maximum size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: (1) a new intermediate-level adjudication process; and (2) an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1983
Water Quality Renewal Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1983 through 1988 for: (1) specified research, investigation, and training programs in water pollution control; (2) State and interstate pollution control programs; (3) undergraduate programs in water quality control; (4) grants for developing waste treatment management plans for areas with substantial water quality control problems; (5) water pollution control programs in agricultural areas; (6) agreements among Government agencies providing for maximum use of existing programs for water quality control; (7) grants to States for lake pollution control; and (8) carrying out such Act generally. Increases the authorization for grants for construction of waste treatment works for FY 1984 and 1985. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1986 through 1988. Revises the timetable for compliance of all pollutants with effluent limitations. Requires as new conditions for the modification of treatment requirements with respect to the discharge of pollutants from a publicly owned treatment works that an applicant for such modification demonstrate that: (1) in the case of a treatment works serving a population of 50,000 or more, there is in effect a specified pretreatment program for toxic pollutants introduced into such works for which there is no pretreatment requirement in effect; and (2) the effluent which is discharged from such works is receiving primary treatment and meets the criteria for water quality established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Revises the meaning of the phrase "discharge of any pollutant into marine water." Requires that a water quality standard which is revised after January 1, 1983, maintain the designated uses of the navigable waters involved in effect on such date, except that such a standard may contain a less restrictive use if the State demonstrates that: (1) the existing designated use is not attainable because of natural background or irretrievable man-induced conditions; or (2) the application of effluent limitations needed to attain the existing designated use would result in substantial and widespread adverse economic and social impact. Requires a State to revise water quality standards to preserve the quality of those waters within the State exceeding the level necessary to support the designated use contained in existing water quality standards. Requires a State to consider the need to adopt numercial criteria in addition to other water quality criteria' with respect to specified toxic pollutants whenever such State reviews a water quality standard. Requires the maintenance and protection of water the quality of which exceeds levels necessary to support the propagation of fish and wildlife and to allow recreation in and on the water, unless a State chooses, after compliance with intergovernmental coordination and public participation requirements, to allow lower water quality because of essential economic or social development for which there is no feasible alternative. Prohibits a degradation of water quality which will interfere with or injure instream water uses. Prohibits degradation in high quality waters which constitute an outstanding national resource. Requires a State to minimize the effects of development on water quality in any case where water quality degradation is permitted. Requires the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register a list of all navigable waters in each State the water quality of which is being impaired by the discharge from specific sources of toxic pollutants. Directs the Administrator to establish an individual control strategy for each listed segment of navigable waters which shall reduce the discharge of toxic pollutants from such sources so as to allow the achievement of water quality which provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the water. Increases the civil penalties for violations of requirements with respect to water quality standards under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Requires the Administrator to convene a management conference whenever the attainment or maintenance of water quality in an estuary requires the control of sources of pollution in more than one State. Provides that such a management conference shall establish and provide for the implementation of a master plan which addresses the pollution problems of the estuary involved. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States participating in such a management conference which are equal to 55 percent of a State's cost of implementing a master plan for a fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for such grants. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1984 through 1988 for: (1) administrative expenses with respect to management conferences; (2) grants for the development of master plans for estuaries; and (3) monitoring the implementation of such master plans. Prohibits the specification of a disposal site in navigable waters for the discharge of dredged or fill material unless the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, determines that the discharge of such material at such site will not have an unacceptable adverse effect on the aquatic environmental and that there is no less adverse practicable alternative to the proposed discharge. Requires that an application for a permit to discharge dredge or fill material into navigable waters at a specified disposal site be filed with the district engineer of the Corps of Engineers for the district where the discharge is to be made. Requires the district engineers to notify the Administrator, the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, and other appropriate Federal agency heads of any such application. Specifies the time periods within which such agencies may submit comments on such applications. Requires the district engineer to give full consideration to such comments in deciding whether to issue a permit. Requires the district engineer to notify the Administrator or the appropriate Secretary if a permit to which the Administrator or the Secretary is opposed is to be issued. Specifies the time periods within which the district engineer must publish a decision with respect to a permit application. Provides that a denial of a permit application shall be the final decision of the Secretary of the Army. Provides that a decision to issue a permit shall be the final decision of the Secretary of the Army unless the Administrator, the Secretary of the Interior, or the the Secretary of Commerce requests a review of such a decision in any case in which the Administrator or either Secretary opposed the issuance of a permit. Specifies the time periods within which the Secretary of the Army must issue a final decision following such a request. Requires the Administrator to study and report to Congress on the effects of the impoundment and discharge of waters by dams upon the quality of navigable waters.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1983
Fair Tax Act of 1983 - Title I: Reduction of Individual and Corporate Tax Rate-Subtitle A: Reduction of Rates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reivse individual tax rates. Imposes a flat tax rate of 14 percent on the taxable income of individuals. Imposes a surtax of between 12 and 16 percent of the amount by which adjusted gross income exceeds specified levels. Imposes a flat tax rate of 30 percent on the taxable income of estates and trusts. Imposes a flat tax rate of 30 percent on the taxable income of corporations. Subtitle B: Increase in Personal Exemption for Taxpayer and Standard Deduction - Increases the personal exemption for an individual taxpayer and spouse to $1,600 and $1,800 for an individual who is a head of a household. Raises the standard deduction to $6,000 in the case of a joint return or a surviving spouse or $3,000 in the case of an individual, or a married individual filing a separate return. Subtitle C: Repeals Related to Reduction in Rates - Repeals provisions relating to: (1) tax tables for individuals; (2) minimum tax for tax preferences; (3) personal service corporations; (4) special averaging rules for lump-sum distributions; (5) accumulated corporate surplus; (6) personal holding companies; (7) income averaging; and (8) graduated corporate tax rates. Repeals the indexing of tax rates. Applies the trust throwback rules only to amounts distributed from foreign trusts. Title II: Base Broadening-Subtitle A: Credits - Repeals the general tax credit, the investment tax credit, the possessions tax credit and the income tax credits relating to: (1) the elderly and the permanently and totally disabled; (2) contributions to candidates for public office; (3) home purchases; (4) residential energy conservation; (5) producing fuel from a nonconventional source; (6) alcohol used as fuel; (7) increasing research activities; (8) employee stock ownership; and (9) clinical testing for certain drugs. Allows an income tax deduction for household and dependent care expenses necessary for employment. (Present law allows an income tax credit for such expenses.) Subtitle B: Exclusions - Repeals the partial income tax exclusion for interest and dividends. Repeals the exclusion for: (1) qualified transportation furnished by an employer; (2) cafeteria plans furnished by an employer; (3) dependent care assistance programs; (4) dividend reinvestment in public utilities; (5) payments to encourage mining for defenses purposes; (6) earned income of citizens living abroad; (7) certain allowances; (8) income from sources within the United States; and (9) income from sources within Puerto Rico. Treats as taxable income: (1) tier two railroad retirement benefits; (2) amounts paid by an employer for group-term life insurance; (3) unemployment compensation; (4) the annual increase in the the cash surrender value of life insurance policies; (5) interest on industrial development bonds and mortgage subsidy bonds; and (6) amounts contributed by an employer to accident and health plans. Provides that the transfer of a corporation's stock in satisfaction of indebtedness will be treated as having satisfied the indebtedness with money equal to the fair market value of the stock. Provides a limited exclusion from income for scholarships and fellowships. imposes the surtax on the gain from the sale of a principal residence. Amends the Merchant Marine Act to repeal the tax exemption for deposits into, and withdrawals from, a capital construction fund. Subtitle C: Deductions - Repeals the deduction for two-earner married couples, and the deduction for adoption expenses. Limits the amount of the interest deduction for individuals. Repeals the deduction for State and local personal property and sales taxes. Restricts the charitable contribution for corporations to 50 percent of the charitable contributions during the year. Increases the floor on the deduction for medical and dental expenses from five percent to 10 percent. Subtitle D: Repeal of Special Capital Gains Treatment - Repeals the alternative tax on capital gains for corporations, and the deduction for individuals for capital gains. Limits the amount of the capital loss deduction without regard to distinctions between short term and long term capital losses. Eliminates the distinction between short-term and long-term gains and losses. Title III: Capital Cost Recovery-Subtitle A: Simplified Cost Recovery Systems - Allows individuals and corporations a deduction from gross income for a percentage of the balance in a recovery account for each year. Includes in the recovery account the cost of recovery property which is depreciable property used in a trade or business or held for the production of income which is placed in sevice after December 31, 1984. Establishes six classes of recovery property and specifies a class life for each. Assigns property to each class according to the class life of the property. Sets forth rules for the calculation of the recovery percentage on the basis of the class life of the property. Allows individuals and corporations a deduction for depletable property determined as a percentage of the balance in a recovery account for each year. Establishes six classes of depletable property and assigns a class life to each. Assigns a ten year class life for oil, gas, and geothermal wells. Subtitle B: Other Changes - Repeals the income tax deductions for: (1) intangible drilling and development costs for oil, gas, and geothermal wells; (2) depreciation; (3) amortization of pollution control facilities; (4) improvements made by a leasee on a lessor's property; (5) certain depreciable assets; (6) amortization of reforestation expenditures; (7) percentage depletion; (8) development expenditures; and (9) mining and exploration expenditures. Allows a ten-year period for the amortization of construction period interest and taxes. Allows a deduction of circulation expenses for a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical ratably over a ten-year period. Excludes amounts chargeable to a capital account from such treatment. Provides for the deduction of 50 percent of tertiary injectant expenses in the taxable year and 50 percent of such expenses in the succeeding taxable year. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Foreign Income - Requires an individual who owns stock in a corporation which is a controlled foreign corporation to include in income a pro rata share of the corporations's earnings and profits for such year. Reduces such amount by any amount required to be included in in income by reason of the amount being foreign personal holding company income. Repeals the domestic international sales corporations (DISC) provisions for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1984. Subtitle B: Other Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals the tax exemption for credit unions. Reduces the limit on benefits which may be paid to a participant under defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. Repeals the cost-of-living adjustment for defined benefit plans. Continues the cost-of-living adjustment for purposes of calculating a participant's average compensation for his high three years. Requires farmers to compute their taxable income using the accrual method of accounting with the capitalization of preproduction expenses. Exempts taxpayers who do not have gross receipts exceeding $1,000,000. Requires farming syndicates to use the accrual method of accounting without regard to gross receipts. Provides that farmers who must use the accrual method cannot expense the following: (1) soil and water conservation expenditures; (2) fertilizer; and (3) expenses for clearing land. Requires the deferral of income or loss must be taken into account in determining tax liability under completed contract method of accounting. Requires that the taxpayer with adjusted gross income in excess of $100,000 must make estimated payments equal to 90 percent of current year tax. Requires the recognition of the gain or loss on distributions of property by corporations. Eliminates the special bad debt reserves of financial institutions. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Pesticide Import and Export Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to specify the types of information a pesticide producer must submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on pesticides manufactured in and exported from the United States. Requires the Administrator of EPA to cooperate and collaborate with the Secretary of State, Secretary of Agriculture, and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration in identifying overseas pesticide use patterns on food crops exported to the United States. Requires the Administrator to prepare an annual report summarizing such information. Requires that information on pesticide exports be kept confidential except as it must be disclosed to comply with reporting requirements. Requires an official of an importing nation to be informed of: (1) the nature and severity of any unreasonable adverse effects on the environment identified by the Administrator in the course of considering the regulatory status of the pesticide; (2) the fact that a pesticide is not registered for use in the United States and may not be sold in the United States; and (3) the availability of regulatory and scientific documents on the pesticide. Requires notice to, and an acknowledgement by, a foreign purchaser of an acutely toxic pesticide and appropriate officials in an importing nation of any acute hazards associated wtih exposure to the pesticide. Requires such acknowledgement statement to include steps to assure accessible instructions for the safe use of the pesticide. Directs the Administrator to foster the safe use of pesticides in other countries through the international exchange of information. Directs the Department of State to pursue diplomatic efforts to obtain the agreement of other exporting countries to regulate foreign pesticide sales. Prohibits the use of a temporary tolerance established as part of an experimental use permit from covering pesticide residues on imported foodstuffs, unless such tolerance was obtained in conjunction with an experimental use permit including use of a pesticide overseas. Requires the Administrator to revoke tolerances for residues associated with suspended or canceled uses of a pesticide. Authorizes the Administrator, in the case of a pesticide that is voluntarily withdrawn, to revoke a tolerance and establish a residue action level if the Administrator determines that the pesticide residue will unavoidably persist in the environment. Prohibits the Administrator from making available for public inspection any information obtained from another country or international organization if: (1) the information was obtained on conditions that it not be disclosed; (2) the information is not otherwise available; and (3) the foreign government or international organization continues to demand that the documents or information not be made available for public inspection. Authorizes the Administrator to disclose to foreign governments or international organizations certain information as long as an agreement is reached that such information will be disclosed only under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Designates the U.S. Post Office Building, 41-65 Main Street, Flushing, New York, as the Benjamin S. Rosenthal Post Office Building. Requires the Postmaster General to install an appropriate plaque indicating such designation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
National Summit Conference on Education Act of 1983 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education for conducting a National Summit Conference on Education. Sets forth provisions for appointment of participants to the Conference. Directs the Conference to develop recommendations in response to the findings of the National Commission on Excellence in Education and relating to specified areas of educational policy. Directs the Conference to transmit its recommendations to the President, the Congress, and State Governors by January 15, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that hospice care is a necessary and humane alternative to traditional health care for the terminally ill.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Child and Family Development Act - Declares that the Congress affirms the right and responsibility of parents to participate in programs involving their children and that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize any public agency or private organization or its representative to intervene in any child-rearing decision of the parents. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a complete study and assessment of child care needs in the United States. Directs the Secretary to take specified factors into consideration and to complete such study and assessment, and transmit the results to the Congress, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to prepare and promulgate a comprehensive plan and program to provide services to meet the Nation's child care needs (including day care, education, health, and nutrition). Sets forth required provisions for the plan and program. Directs the Secretary to promptly transmit the plan and program, with recommendations, to the Congress. Requires that a specified minimum period of time after transmittal to the Congress pass before the plan or program or later modifications by the Secretary become effective. Sets forth priorities in the distribution of child care funds by the plan and program. Prohibits the plan and program from affecting levels or sources of funding for the Head Start program and specified programs under the Social Security Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Requires that such plan and program provide for strengthened developmental programming for children and parent education and required certification of teachers under such Acts. Requires that the plan and program include: (1) provision of additional Federal funds to improve child care programs; and (2) incentives for development of improved child care facilities. Sets forth administrative provisions and requirements for State plans for the administration of child care programs. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report, with recommendations, to the Congress on the administration and operation of this Act and of the plan and program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
First Things First Credit Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow an income tax deduction for interest paid or incurred on any loan which is used to acquire control of a corporation which has more than $250,000,000 in gross receipts for the year preceding the year of the acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program of grants to: (1) identify women who received diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant and their children; (2) establish a voluntary registry of such women and children; (3) provide them with periodic cancer screening; and (4) provide health personnel with information respecting the health hazards of such drug.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Ethnic Affairs Broadcasting Clearinghouse Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish the Ethnic Affairs Clearinghouse. Directs the Clearinghouse to: (1) establish a clearinghouse for complaints about the portrayal of ethnic groups in radio and television broadcast programming; (2) collect and disseminate information about such portrayal; (3) conduct an annual conference to draw public attention to such portrayal; (4) submit to Congress an annual report on its activities, including a compilation of all complaints received; and (5) provide such information to the FCC for possible consideration when reviewing license applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
United States Caribbean Possessions Act - Title I: Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund - Lists countries which the President shall consider in designating beneficiary countries for purposes of this title. Prohibits the President from designating a country a beneficiary country: (1) if such country is a communist country; (2) if the country has taken certain expropriating actions against property owned by U.S. citizens; (3) if the country fails to act in good faith with respect to arbitral awards involving U.S. citizens or companies; (4) if the country affords preferential treatment to a developed country other than the United States which adversely affects U.S. commerce unless the President receives certain assurances; (5) if a government-owned entity in such country engages in the broadcast of copyrighted material belonging to U.S. copyright owners without their express consent; and (6) unless such country is party to a treaty regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens. Lists factors the President shall take into account in determining whether to designate a country a beneficiary country. Prohibits the President from terminating the designation of a country as a beneficiary country unless, at least 60 days before the termination, the President has notified the Congress and the beneficiary country of such determination. Directs the President to withdraw or suspend the designation of a country as a beneficiary country if, because of changed circumstances, the country would be barred from designation as a beneficiary country. Establishes in the Treasury the Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund the amount of money collected from: (1) the import duties on articles entered from beneficiary countries; and (2) the taxes on rum imported into the United States from beneficiary countries. Authorizes the Administrator of the Fund to allocate and distribute the moneys in the Fund to island beneficiary countries. Sets forth the method of allocation. Title II: Tax and Tariff Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that if the amount of taxes collected on rum imported into the United States from beneficiary countries exceeds the amount needed in the Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund the excess shall be covered into the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Prohibits granting duty-free treatment to bulk rum manufactured outside the United States, its territories, or possessions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Supplemental Security Income Mental Disability Determinations Reform Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the criteria under the category "Mental Disorders" in the "Listing of Impairments" in the Code of Federal Regulations, to the extent such criteria are applicable to individuals seeking or receiving benefits based on disability under the Supplemental Security Income program (title XVI of the Social Security Act). Directs the Secretary to also revise the methods of procedures used under such program for assessing the residual functional capacity of individuals having mental impairments. Requires the revised listings and residual functional capacity assessments to be designed to realistically evaluate the ability of a mentally impaired individual to engage in substantial gainful activity in a competitive workplace environment. Directs the Secretary to appoint a panel of outside experts to make recommendations with respect to such revisions. Prohibits continuing eligibility reviews with respect to mental impairment until the revisions are completed. Requires, under title XVI, that in any case in which an individual claims to be under a disability by reason of a mental impairment, the determination shall be made only after the Secretary has demonstrated that a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist has completed the medical portion of the sequential evaluation and residual functional capacity assessment. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations for SSI periodic eligibility reviews for individuals whose claims to disability benefits are based on mental impairment, except to the extent that such funds are specifically authorized for such reviews. Makes permanent provisions of title XVI which provide SSI benefits for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment. Makes permanent provisions which provide for the continued payment of SSI or disability benefits (title II of such Act) during appeal of a disability determination. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide assistance to disabled individuals in complying with requirements and procedures under titles II and XVI; and (2) assure that disabled individuals eligible for or receiving benefits under title II are informed of available SSI benefits. Requires hearings and proceedings related to a disabled individual under the SSI program to be held at an accessible location.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's and Israel's agreement on arrangements for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Calls upon other nations to work toward the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon. Emphasizes the need of all nations to recognize the sovereignty of Lebanon. Urges Syria and the Palestine Liberation Organization to agree to the arrangements for the withdrawal of their forces from Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Prohibits reviews of disability determinations pursuant to the continuing eligibility review program under titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act until Congress has specifically addressed the problems which have arisen in such program and enacted legislation to deal with such problems. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in cases where benefit termination is based upon a finding of fraud or a finding that the individual involved is engaging in substantial gainful activity. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to notify individuals whose cases are up for review under the continuing eligibility review program that such suspension is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for services necessary to determine the refractive state and visual function of an individual with a severe visual disability.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Medicare Vision Act of 1983 - Provides coverage under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for: (1) eye examinations for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses; (2) procedures performed to determine the refractive state of the eyes; and (3) services performed by a doctor of optometry. Permits payment for services under part B for services performed by an optometrist, or services performed by another doctor which could be performed by an optometrist, only if payment is made on the basis of an assignment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
National Nursing Home Standards Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 13 member National Commission on the Regulation of Nursing Homes. States that such Commission's purpose shall be to examine existing Federal and State quality, health, and safety regulations for nursing homes and intermediate care facilities and to make recommendations, including alternative approaches to regulating such facilities, to Congress and to the Secretary by September 30, 1984. Imposes a moratorium on nursing home rules changes until six months after the filing of such recommendations. Requires such Commission to be made up of members of the Institute of Medicine, nursing home residents and operators, and State officials.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
National Industrial Strategy Act - Title I: Economic Cooperation Council - Establishes the Economic Cooperation Council to collect and analyze economic data and, upon request to make recommendations to Congress, Federal departments and agencies, and the National Industrial Development Bank (established by this Act) regarding national industrial policy and sectoral strategies. Requires the Council, within one year after enactment, to report to Congress and the President its recommendations for changes in any Federal policy necessary to implement an effective national industrial strategy. Exempts the Council from the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Establishes within the Council a Bureau of Economic Information and a Bureau of Economic Analysis. Requires the Council to send annual reports to the President, Congress, and the National Industrial Development Bank about the major industrial development priorities of the United States and the policies needed to meet them. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: National Industrial Development Bank - Establishes the National Industrial Development Bank to make loans and loan guaranties and to issue debt instruments in such a way as to improve the overall economic goals of the Nation and broad public interest. Sets forth general provisions regarding the issuance of financial assistance. Directs the Bank to provide financial assistance to those mature and linkage industries which can be restructured to become competitively successful in the long term. Requires such a company to submit a plan to the Bank which demonstrates that it will be viable in the long run without additional Federal financial assistance. Authorizes financial assistance to develop and market new technologies and to aid in the growth of emerging industries. Authorizes financial assistance to regional development banks. Requires annual reports to Congress. Terminates the Bank on September 30, 1989. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Director of the National Institutes of Health should increase funding allocations for Lupus Erythematosus research.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that regulations relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be amended or altered in any manner which will lessen the comprehensive coverage of such statute in eliminating gender discrimination throughout the American educational system.
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
State and Local Fiscal Assistance Amendments of 1983 - Extends the general revenue sharing program through FY 1987. Extends through FY 1988 the provisions which allow for a State variation of local government allocations. Authorizes appropriations to the State and Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund to pay entitlement amounts to State and general local governments. Repeals the requirement that States refund categorical grant program amounts to the Federal Government before they can receive entitlement amounts. Repeals the separate law enforcement officer allocations for Louisiana. Requires a State or local government receiving a revenue sharing entitlement payment to have an audit annually (or biennially if such government operates on a biennial fiscal period). Requires such government, not later than 30 days following completion of the audit, to submit a copy to the Secretary of the Treasury for public inspection. Permits a waiver of such audit requirement if the Secretary decides that the financial statements of such government for such year cannot be audited, and the government shows substantial progress in making the statements auditable.
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
Correctional Facilities Act of 1983 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to State and local governments to construct, expand, repair, renovate, or modernize correctional facilities. Provides a distribution formula based on State population, criminal population, and corrections expenditures. Allows States to utilize the grants to fund 75 percent of their corrections construction expenditures. Provides grants for demonstration projects. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of General Services to transfer or convey to State and local governments surplus property that the Attorney General recommends to be suitable for correctional facility use.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ferraro, Geraldine A. [D-NY-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/2bc0c052b60ebd8ceb3cefa33c69e599_200.jpg)